Toronto’s Davenport Named 26th Coolest Neighbourhood Worldwide

A west-end Toronto neighbourhood, Davenport, has been recognized as one of the “coolest” in the world, ranking 26th in TimeOut’s annual list of the 39 coolest neighbourhoods. This accolade highlights Davenport as a vibrant area known for its culture, community, and culinary offerings.

TimeOut reached this conclusion after surveying its writers and editors globally to determine the “vibiest district” in various cities. The U.K.-based media company assessed each neighbourhood based on criteria such as culture, community, food and drink, liveability, nightlife, and a distinctive sense of “nowness.” Davenport stood out due to its lively patios, cafes, and a variety of cultural spaces, which the publication described as a “magnet” for creatives and food enthusiasts.

The report particularly praised the presence of notable establishments like General Public, recognized as the “anchor” of the area. Davenport is also home to popular breweries, including Blood Brothers and The Greater Good, both located on Geary Avenue. The underground nightlife scene further enhances the neighbourhood’s appeal, attracting a diverse crowd.

Exploring the Vibrancy of Davenport

Davenport serves as a local hub for art and design, featuring events like the Geary Art Crawl and housing creative spaces such as the Black-owned studio, All Ours Studio. TimeOut provided a detailed itinerary for an ideal day in the neighbourhood, beginning with a matcha latte at Balzac’s Powerhouse. Visitors can then explore the Cardinal Gallery to appreciate local photography.

For lunch, the report recommends a spicy eggplant sandwich from Amelia’s Market or a remarkable falafel from Parallel Brothers. The day can culminate in an engaging experience at Paradise Grapevine, known for its Space Cowboy ‘darty,’ which features a frozen rosé slushie machine and a mechanical bull. To cap off the evening, a slice of pizza from North of Brooklyn Pizza and live music at Standard Time are highly suggested.

Davenport is not the only Canadian neighbourhood to make the list; Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal also received recognition, landing at 22nd place. The inclusion of these areas underscores the vibrant and diverse culture present in Canadian cities.

Complete List of TimeOut’s Coolest Neighbourhoods

The full list of the 39 coolest neighbourhoods worldwide, according to TimeOut, includes:

1. Jimbōchō, Tokyo, Japan
2. Borgerhout, Antwerp, Belgium
3. Barra Funda, São Paulo, Brazil
4. Camberwell, London, England
5. Avondale, Chicago, U.S.
6. Mullae-dong, Seoul, Korea
7. Ménilmontant, Paris, France
8. Nakatsu, Osaka, Japan
9. Vallila, Helsinki, Finland
10. Labone, Accra, Ghana
11. Nguyen Thai Binh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
12. Anjos, Lisbon, Portugal
13. Digbeth, Birmingham, England
14. Red Hook, New York, U.S.
15. Perpetuo Socorro, Medellin, Colombia
16. Burwood, Sydney, Australia
17. Linden, Johannesburg, South Africa
18. Former French Concession, Shanghai, China
19. Quartieri Spagnoli, Naples, Italy
20. Bencoolen, Singapore
21. Endoume, Marseille, France
22. Plateau-Mont-Royal, Montreal, Canada
23. The Liberties, Dublin, Ireland
24. North Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
25. Portales, Mexico City, Mexico
26. Davenport, Toronto, Canada
27. Little River, Miami, U.S.
28. Kemang, Jakarta, Indonesia
29. Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
30. Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
31. Barranco, Lima, Peru
32. Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
33. Clarksville, Austin, U.S.
34. Margit-negyed, Budapest, Hungary
35. Glen Park, San Francisco, U.S.
36. MiZa, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
37. Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, Argentina
38. Mehrauli, Delhi, India
39. Poblacion, Metro Manila, Philippines

This recognition by TimeOut not only elevates the profile of Davenport but also highlights the growing interest in urban culture and community-driven experiences across global cities.