The Kemang area in South Jakarta has been named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025 by British media Time Out.
Time Out has released a list of 39 of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, with Kemang ranking 28th. The report particularly highlights Kemang’s vibrant creative landscape, featuring numerous shops that span everything from fashion to culinary offerings.
“It might be just south of the shiny skyscrapers and designer malls of Jakarta’s CBD (SCBD), but Kemang is refreshingly chilled-out. There’s a creative, bohemian feel here, with an impressive collection of art galleries, design stores and indie boutiques. Foodies flock to Jalan Kemang Raya and Jalan Bangka, where numerous street food stalls line the pavements come sundown,” the media’s local expert, Leyla Rose, explained in the list.
Moreover, Time Out praised the casual atmosphere in Kemang.
“Neighbouring SCBD may be the city’s party hub, but Kemang’s speakeasies and casual bars offer a decidedly more down-to-earth vibe – perfect for whiling the night away,” Rose wrote as well.
Among Kemang’s many social spots, Time Out highlighted establishments such as Dia.lo.gue and 1920 Lounge & Bar.
“Start the day with a coffee at Toko Kopi Tuku before heading on an art gallery crawl along Jalan Kemang Raya. Swing by Dia.lo.gue, a contemporary art centre with exhibits, classes and a cosy cafe, before escaping the heat in the air-conditioned Lippo Mall. For more retail therapy, check out design-led stores like Cayenne Home, The Papilion and Elements Concept. Hop between the neighbourhood’s street food stalls for local dishes and wash it down with Indonesian-inspired cocktails at Barchi, before ending the night with live music at 1920 Lounge & Bar,” Rose elaborated.
The list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2025 was compiled from recommendations by Time Out editors and contributors worldwide, then ranked based on culture, community, liveability, culinary offerings, and contemporary appeal. Below is the complete list:
1. Jimbocho (Tokyo, Japan)
2. Borgerhout (Antwerp, Belgium)
3. Barra Funda (São Paulo, Brazil)
4. Camberwell (London, United Kingdom)
5. Avondale (Chicago, United States)
6. Mullae-dong (Seoul, South Korea)
7. Ménilmontant (Paris, France)
8. Nakatsu (Osaka, Japan)
9. Vallila (Helsinki, Finland)
10. Labone (Accra, Ghana)
11. Nguyen Thai Binh (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
12. Anjos (Lisbon, Portugal)
13. Digbeth (Birmingham, United Kingdom)
14. Red Hook (New York, United States)
15. Perpetuo Sucorro (Medellín, 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 (New Mexico, United States)
26. Davenport (Toronto, Canada)
27. Little River (Miami, United States)
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, United States)
34. Margit-negyed (Budapest, Hungary)
35. Glen Park (San Francisco, United States)
36. MiZa (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
37. Villa Devoto (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
38. Mehrauli (Delhi, India)
39. Población (Metro Manila, the Philippines)