South America's Coolest Neighborhoods - Timeout 2025 Edition

[macdaddi]

Timeout Magazine has published their annual rankings this week. 

The coolest neighbourhoods in Latin America

1. Barra Funda, São Paulo
2. Perpetuo Socorro, Medellín
3. Portales, Mexico City
4. Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro
5. Barranco, Lima
6. Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires

[floridarob]

I lived in Perdizes, right next to Barra Funda 20 years ago.... it must've changed since then 🤷‍♂️

I like Botafogo a lot too....

[macdaddi]

Yup, things is a changing.  Several of these are revitalized since the pandemic, with new businesses and services springing up where people have relocated due to development or rapid gentrification of traditional options. 

 

[Latbear4blk]

In Buenos Aires, I still like Palermo rather than V Devoto. 

[macdaddi]

3 minutes ago, macdaddi said:

Yup, things is a changing.  Several of these are revitalized since the pandemic, with new businesses and services springing up where people have relocated due to development or rapid gentrification of traditional options. 

 

@Latbear4blk Congratulations, sounds like you have booked in Perpetuo Socorro for your next Medellin stay.  It's definitely the cool neighbourhood in Medallo to explore currently.

[Latbear4blk]

8 hours ago, macdaddi said:

@Latbear4blk Congratulations, sounds like you have booked in Perpetuo Socorro for your next Medellin stay.  It's definitely the cool neighbourhood in Medallo to explore currently.

I did not know! I just liked the Airbnb's price and amenities! Thank you for letting me know.

I will be a little bit longer than a month staying there. I am working on deciding where to settle down, as I think that the nomad life is not the best option for me. After traveling for one year, I will make a decision. And up to now, the two candidates to become my new home are Rio de Janeiro and Medellin. It is great to know that I will be in a good location in Medayork!

[floridarob]

5 hours ago, Latbear4blk said:

the two candidates to become my new home are Rio de Janeiro and Medellin

Tough choice.

[Latbear4blk]

1 hour ago, floridarob said:

Tough choice.

I know! At the moment, my heart is tending towards Rio. However, I have not yet spent my testing month in Medayork. I do not have to make my decision until mid 2026, but I would love to be at my new home for my 64th birthday. 

You had a lot to do with Rio's pole position at the moment. It always was the strongest candidate (beach city, saunas, diversity, seasons), but the group of friends you connected me with made a huge difference. The only advantage for Medellin at the moment is the language. However, as an Argentinean from Corrientes with 25 years living in the US, I feel culturally closer to Brazilians than to Colombians. Let's see. I think I want Rio to win.