Astoria, NY's 'Greektown' named one of the world's "coolest neighbourhoods"

Time Out has just released its annual "50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world" list and Astoria, known as New York's 'Greektown' has come in at number eight!

Astoria is the heart of New York’s Greek community and here you will find a local Greek Orthodox church, a Greek school, social clubs, traditional Greek grocery stores and an array of Greek eateries and businesses.

And now Time Out’s editors and experts, are telling people worldwide it is one of the hippest spots around the globe, which deserves a visit!

“Looking for fun things to do in Astoria, Queens? Chock-full of cultural diversity, the home of actor Christopher Walken offers plenty of pride at its local businesses and eateries. The nabe thrives with budget-friendly restaurants, new tiki bars as well as independent boutiques and record stores that make shopping small worth it. Ride the Queens-bound N/W train to discover hidden gems such as some of the best jazz in NYC, as well as one of the best Greek restaurants in all of New York,” writes Time Out. 

The number one Greek restaurant they are referring to is Taverna Kyclades, adding “This sunny spot is one of the more authentic tavernas among Astoria’s Hellenic roster. Crisp calamari, flash-fried sardines and succulent grilled scallops are as fresh and deftly cooked as those you’d find at a seaside spot. Dessert, cinnamon-dusted galaktoboureko (custard), is on the house, a gracious touch that makes this odyssey all the more worthwhile.”

Arrois, located in Lisbon, was named the number one coolest neighbourhhod in the world, while Shimokitazawa, Tokyo came in second, Onikan, Lagos third, and Athens’ Kypseli neighbourhood took the number 16 spot, with the publication noting, “The buzzy Kypseli neighborhood holds some of the best restaurants, bars, and things to do in Athens.”