What makes a place cool? According to Time Out’s journalists and local experts, it’s the culture, the community spirit, the nightlife and the gastronomy – all mixed together in one place that you can explore on foot. These are spaces that reflect the best of the city right now.
In partnership with thousands of readers and residents, the ranking of the 38 coolest neighborhoods in the world has just been released: while Notre-Dame-du-Mont, in Marseille, takes the gold medal, Rio de Janeiro is once again on the famous list, this time in ninth place, with the Glória neighborhood.
The profound process of revitalization of the neighbourhood close to the city center has not gone unnoticed by locals and tourists alike. Local events have been elevated to tourist destinations, real estate developments are popping up in several streets and the supply of new establishments is increasing all the time.
There is life in Glória, from morning until night. Between visitors and recent residents, a new group has been changing the face of the neighborhood, which now has Flamengo Beach suitable for swimming and even a speakeasy to call its own. It’s true that this movement makes Feira da Glória more crowded with each passing Sunday, but it has also brought more safety and fun to the neighborhood.
A tour of the neighborhood
For the 2024 list, a revival of the history of Glória, which has been known for many years for its monuments, was requested. A curiosity: this is one of the neighborhoods in Rio with the highest density of listed and preserved properties per square meter. This includes the Museum of Modern Art and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro. “But now, in the midst of this makeover, there are many reasons to visit this area, which has been forgotten for a while,” says the article, even citing the resumption of work on the iconic Hotel Glória, which will be a luxury residential building.
Flamengo Beach, now suitable for swimming, the arrival of new bars and restaurants and the consolidation of older businesses were also mentioned – including the bars on Rua Santo Amaro, for cheaper beer, and the emblematic Bar do Zé, on Rua Barão de Guaratiba. “You can’t say you know Glória if you haven’t been scolded by the owner” (Sorry, Seu Zé, but I couldn’t let that pass).
A perfect day
An unforgettable day in Glória starts with a walk or bike ride on the Aterro do Flamengo, refreshed with a coconut water and a swim in the sea at Praia do Flamengo – which has one of the best views in the city, right under the Sugar Loaf (you can call me a parochialist). For lunch, Braseirinho da Glória and Labuta Mar are good options. In the afternoon, you can catch an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art and have a drink at Birosca, a little bar inside a cultural center with a delightful terrace. Finally, head to Fatchia, a mix of pizzeria and listening bar with a speakeasy vibe, run by DJ Facchinetti. It has just opened and is the latest buzz.
The fair, always there
It’s impossible to talk about the neighborhood without mentioning the Glória Fair, already listed here as one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro. Every Sunday, the city’s largest open-air fair welcomes more than 150 exhibitors and presents a variety of goods that can only be found there.
The event is no longer restricted to the neighborhood and has entered the city’s circuit with options to enjoy from morning until night. Yes, it’s quite crowded, so the tip is to arrive early to make the most of it. But be sure to stay until late afternoon to enjoy a lively roda de samba and round off the weekend in the best way.
Around the world in 38 neighborhoods
For the seventh year running, Time Out has chosen the best neighborhoods to walk around in. The last time Rio made the list was in 2021, when Saúde, in the Port Zone, stood out.
In 2024, Notre-Dame-du-Mont – once known as the “artists’ quarter” of Marseille, with a “rebellious spirit”, “colorful alleys, graffiti-covered streets” and “avenues lined with plane trees” – is joined on the podium by Mers Sultan, in Casablanca (Morocco), and Pererenan, in Bali (Indonesia).
The top 10 also includes neighborhoods in Seoul (South Korea), Portland (USA), Bristol (UK) and Sydney (Australia). The full list, as well as an itinerary for perfect days out in each neighborhood, can be found on the Time Out Global website.
Credits: Time Out Magazine
