For the past 13 years, since #CityImages has been publishing, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities to create our definitive top two. Let’s talk about both.
There are places where safe nightlife, nice art, rich culture, and affordable food and drink can be easily found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work, and play.
The two top cities in the world are New York, USA, and Shanghai, China. The best-kept secrets and coolest neighborhoods in these cities are next.
City Island - A Slice of NYC Paradise. (A former Dutch enclave) What makes it special, what you’ll find, what you might trade off, and what to check out. If you like, I can sketch a custom map of anchor points (restaurants, views, parks) too.
Overview & Vibe
City Island is essentially an island village within New York City. It’s small, maritime in character, peaceful compared to the rest of the city, with a strong local identity. Think seafood, boatyards, views of the Long Island Sound, old houses, a few bars & shops, and a slower‑paced rhythm. NYC Tourism+3Lonely Planet+3NYC Tourism+3
It feels like a getaway, even though you’re still in NYC — more laid‑back, more scenic, more connected to water and nature. Lonely Planet+1
Areas & Highlights
Here are parts or features of City Island broken down so you can see where different vibes are:
Area / Spot
What you get there
City Island Avenue (main strip)
The heart of the action: seafood restaurants (Seafood House, The Lobster House, etc.), shops, local bars, and things to see on foot. It’s where most visitors go first. NYC Tourism+2The Exploreist+2
People who want waterfront meals, strolls, casual dining, meeting locals, and doing the “classic” City Island outing.
Waterfront & Marinas / Boatyards
There are docks, marinas, views of boats, and sometimes rentals/fishing supplies. You see boats up close, hear the water, and get scenic views. StreetEasy+2NYC Tourism+2
Great for people who like water, photography, relaxing by the sound, boating, or wanting that maritime ambiance.
Residential backstreets & historic houses
Victorian‑style homes, quieter lanes, a feeling of being somewhere outside of the city rush. CityNeighborhoods.NYC+1
If you want to live quietly, walk around, appreciate architecture, and escape noise and crowds.
Parks / Green & Nature Spots
There’s Hawkins Park, harbor views, proximity to Pelham Bay Park, etc. Mapcarta+1
For walks, relaxation, nature, maybe picnics. Especially in good weather.
Bars / Local Nightlife
Not a high‑energy nightlife scene, more low‑key pubs, local bars, casual, where people talk. Examples: The Snug (an Irish pub), Fella’s, Alehouse City Island. Thrillist+1
If you want to hang out, have a drink without pretense, and talk to locals. Not for big clubs or loud music scenes.
Things to Do
Here are some anchor places and experiences you shouldn’t miss:
- City Island Nautical Museum — great for learning the history: boat building, shipyards, local maritime heritage. City Island Museum+1
- Seafood Restaurants — City Island is famous for its seafood. Lobster House, Sammy’s Fish Box, Original Crab Shanty, Tony’s Pier, Johnny’s Reef. NYC Tourism+2The Exploreist+2
- Local Pubs & Bars — The Snug, Fella’s, Alehouse for casual, friendly drinks. Thrillist
- Boat / Fishing Supplies — Jack’s Bait & Tackle is a local icon. StreetEasy
- Views & Waterfront Walks — Along the docks, over the bridge, watching the sunset over the Sound … very relaxing. The Exploreist+1
Strengths & Trade‑offs
What’s great about City Island — and what you give up by choosing its calm over city hustle:
Pros
Trade‑offs / Things to Know
Authentic small‑town‑by‑the‑sea feel inside the city.
Access is limited: it’s an island connected by a bridge; traffic and parking issues on busy days. NYC Tourism
Scenic views, especially water and boats.
Less public transit / fewer options if you don’t drive. NYC Tourism
Seafood & casual, relaxed dining; local character.
Not a huge variety of nightlife, culture, or late‑night entertainment. Quiet after dark in many parts.
Historic architecture, quaint homes, and walkability on a small scale.
Prices for seafood sometimes reflect the “destination” status; limited shopping (mostly local / no big chains). NYC Tourism+1
Here’s a “map + vibe breakdown” for City Island (Bronx, NYC) — what makes it special, what you’ll find, what you might trade off, and what to check out. If you like, I can sketch a custom map of anchor points (restaurants, views, parks) too.
Shanghai's Former French Concession area — what makes it “cool” (in 2025 terms), what to see, & what kind of neighbourhood you’ll run into.
Core Vibes & Strengths
The Former French Concession (FFC) in Shanghai hits a lot of the boxes you outlined earlier (culture, street life, food & drink, liveability, uniqueness):
- Historical/architectural character: tree‑lined boulevards, garden‑style mansions, shikumen & villa‑style houses, a mix of colonial & Chinese architectural heritage. China Journey Guide+4Manufacturing+4Xian Tours+4
- Walkability & ambiance: Pleasant streets for strolling (bordered by plane trees, quiet back‑lanes, small alleys), cafés, bars, boutique shops in historic buildings. China Educational Tours+3China Journey Guide+3The China Guide+3
- Food, drink & small‑scale culture: A mix of old Shanghainese places + international cafés, bars, galleries. Very strong for casual & stylish options, not just high-end but accessible. China Highlights+3Manufacturing+3chinatripedia+3
- Local + expat mix: Many people live here who enjoy a calm but cultured life; also, many independent businesses. It balances tourist appeal without being purely tourist‑centric. The China Guide+2Manufacturing+2
Areas & Highlights
Here are the sub‑districts / streets within or very close to the FFC that offer different flavours:
Area / Street
What makes it special
“Feel” & best for what kind of person
Tianzifang
A maze of alleys with shikumen architecture, art studios, small boutiques, cafés, and souvenir shops. The China Guide+2China Journey Guide+2
Great if you like exploring, hidden gems, and creative shops. More foot traffic, very active.
Sinan Road / Sinan Mansions
Garden villas, quieter lanes, some upscale residences, elegant cafés. Less frenetic. Xian Tours+1
More relaxing; good for nicer brunches, slower pace, and architecture lovers.
Wukang Road + Wukang Mansion
Very photogenic; beautiful old villas, leafy trees, cafés & bars; mixes quiet streets with occasional buzz of nightlife or evening drinks. China Journey Guide+2Wikipedia+2
If you enjoy being in a “pretty street, nice ambience” type neighbourhood — little romance, charm, architectural beauty.
Huaihai Road
Larger boulevard, more high‑end shops, fashion, international brands, cafés; more commercial but elegant. China Highlights+2Manufacturing+2
Best for shopping, people watching, and combining heritage + modern style. Slightly more tourist & traffic.
Fuxing Park
A green lung in the area; French-style garden; people gathering, tai chi, dancing, mahjong, social vibe in mornings/evenings. Wikipedia+2China Educational Tours+2
Great if you want to relax outdoors, see local daily life, and enjoy open space without leaving the city centre.
Moller Villa
A heritage mansion turned hotel, lush gardens, more upscale and picturesque. Xian Tours+1
More for “splurge a little,” nice places to stay, or have a fancy afternoon tea or photoshoots.
Trade‑offs & Strengths
To get a balanced map view, there are also limitations / what to watch out for:
- Cost & exclusivity: Some streets or restaurants are more expensive (or premium), especially near Huaihai Road or in well‑restored villas.
- Foot traffic / crowds: Popular areas like Tianzifang or the most photographed streets (Wukang, Huaihai) can get busy, especially on weekends/tourist seasons.
- Nightlife range: More bars & lounges than raw clubs; for very late or underground clubbing, you may need to move further out.