We’re sure you know the top things to do in the iconic European capitals, but what about when you want to venture away from the touristy places? These super-cool neighbourhoods are the way to go…

What do we mean by ‘cool neighbourhood’, you ask? Exactly what you were thinking – street art-covered walls, back-alley pubs that you’d never find if you didn’t know they were there and moody lighting all over. Sound like your kind of vibe? You’ll love these then…

Nørrebro, Copenhagen

The whole of Copenhagen could be described as hip, creative and effortlessly trendy, but this vibe fully comes to life in Nørrebro. Packed with indie coffee shops, concept stores and bars that spill onto the streets, this neighbourhood is where you’ll want to be day or night. Grab Danish pastries in the morning and watch the same café transport into an uber cool bar when night falls.

El Raval, Barcelona

You’ll find immaculate, atmospheric bars all over Barcelona but when you fancy wandering off the beaten track and rubbing shoulders with the local creatives, head over to El Raval. The square next to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona is a skaters’ playground, while Mercat de la Boqueria is where gastronomic goods will stir your senses. But let’s be real, the real magic happens when you stumble into a tucked-away bar with dim lighting, excellent vermouth with some olives on the side and groovy music to fill every corner.

Psirri, Athens

Once a gritty, working-class hub, Psirri has transformed into one of Athens’ coolest neighbourhoods – without losing its rough-around-the-edges charm. By day, it's all vintage shops, indie bookstores and hole-in-the-wall cafés. Come nightfall, the streets come alive with live music spilling out of bouzouki bars, craft cocktails in hidden speakeasies and street art-covered alleyways buzzing with energy. It’s a must for anyone craving beyond-the-Acropolis Athens.

Neubau, Vienna

Vienna has a total of 23 districts, but if you’re looking for the front-row seats to the Viennese after-dark scene with a hint of culture, the only number you need to remember is seven. Neubau, AKA the seventh district of the Austrian capital, is a juxtaposition of swanky boutiques, Baroque-style buildings and dim-lit bars – and that’s exactly why it’s beloved by the younger generation. MuseumsQuartier, the heart and soul of Neubau, goes all out to impress too – maybe that’s why you’ll overhear very serious art discussions in most cafés here…

Monti, Rome

Rome may be ancient, but Monti is where the vibe is very much youthful. This boho-chic neighbourhood, just steps from the Colosseum, is a dreamy mix of tangerine-coloured boutiques, ivy-covered walls and sun-drenched piazzas filled with laidback locals sipping espresso. When you’re ready to sit down for an Aperol yourself, call into one of the cool cafés or trattorias where all in-the-know travellers gather for a bite. Oh, it’s also a top spot for shopping, especially if you like unique pieces.

Podgórze, Krakow

Less popular than its over-the-river neighbour Kazimierz, Podgórze is an up-and-coming district sharing similar history and vibe to the old Jewish Quarter. Cross the Vistula River and you’ll find ample alternative cafés, bistros and foodie spots hiding in the riverside of Krakow. If it’s the thought-provoking sights you’re here to witness, head over to the Schindler’s Factory (yep, the one from the film!) or roam the streets and squares filled with memorials.

Vinohrady and Žižkov, Prague

After you’ve explored the spired Old Town of Prague, head over to nearby Vinohrady – a residential neighbourhood with a fascinating history. This central borough was once covered in vineyards and while its art deco architecture has replaced the vines, wineries, bars and gastropubs are still the main attraction of Vinohrady. Wander further north and the graffiti-covered walls turn into lines of watering holes brimming with local youngsters – the main sign you’ve made it to Žižkov. It’s been named one of the top neighbourhoods by the number of pubs, but before you go fact-checking yourself, make sure to visit ‘the second-ugliest building’ in the world that’s caused a lot of chatter around here – the TV tower.

Józsefváros, Budapest

Like Vienna, Budapest is also divided into 23 districts, although here, we’ll focus on the number eight, AKA the Józsefváros area. In the past, this neighbourhood was referred to as one of the rougher parts of Budapest, but Józsefváros has come a long way since then. The inner section is enlightened by the National Museum, Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library and a couple of universities, meanwhile the rest of the neighbourhood is all local vintage shops, artsy cafés and mouthwatering takeaway spots away from the central buzz.

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Berlin

Merged in 2001, these two boroughs have combined their different vibes and gained the title of the coolest neighbourhood in Berlin. Once divided by the Berlin Wall, the area has long been the epicentre of counterculture, and that’s exactly how it gained its name as the hip neighbourhood of the German capital. The best things to do around here? Explore the East Side Gallery before popping into the Turkish Market for a true Berlin staple – a doner kebap. But let’s not kid ourselves, if there’s one thing you need to experience before you can consider Berlin ‘done’, it’s the anything-goes nightlife. And this is just the place to do it.