Anna Prendergast

It’s been a rough few years for the world at large – but in many ways, a fantastic one for neighbourhoods. Although we haven’t been able to travel the world as freely as we once did, billions of us have been spending more time than ever closer to home. And in many of the world’s greatest cities, the result has been a full-blown neighbourhood renaissance. It’s true that much-loved local shops, restaurants, bars and creative spaces have, sadly, shuttered for good. But there’s also been a whole wave of new businesses opening, driven not just by increased footfall outside city centres, but also by the ‘great resignation’. City-dwellers have quit their corporate jobs to finally follow their joy, whether it’s opening that corner café or much-needed local LGBTQ+ bar, or just spending more time living slowly and spending more time (and money) in their local area. At the same time, local officials the world over have been re-establishing their neighbourhoods as places for people. In some cases that’s meant overhauling street space: less driving, more walking, cycling and hanging out. In others, it’s meant tackling problems like overtourism, inequality and air pollution. All of this has led to districts looking very different than they did just a few years ago – and becoming better places for locals and travellers alike. RECOMMENDED: The 33 coolest streets in the world Every year, we canvas thousands of city-dwellers around the world in our Time Out Index survey. As always, this year

Straddling the space between both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica’s bounty of seafood – from bagre and berrugate to snapper and seabass – has long been celebrated by its fishing villages, whilst for centuries Indigenous communities inland have upheld the highest standards of seasonal, organic produce, pioneering forms of biodynamic farming before it entered mainstream lexicon. As such, fresh flavours and healthy home-grown ingredients have contributed to the Nicoya region’s ‘Blue Zone’ status, one of five places in which people live the longest, healthiest lives. Now, dynamic chefs, farmers and foodies are fine-tuning Costa Rica’s uncomplicated approach to feeding, moving the meaning of ‘costarricense’ cuisine forward, reviving lost recipes and coaxing both Ticos and travellers to their tables in droves. Check out the best restaurants in Costa Rica for proof.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Costa Rica

Strung between Nicaragua and Panama like a pendant on Central America’s isthmus chain of countries, Costa Rica has long been the region’s most popular destination for travellers from the USA. But if you’ve noticed your Instagram feed increasingly full of friends geo-tagging Costa Rica and returning home with tales of its tropical climate, endless coastlines, extraordinary encounters with wildlife and epic adventures, you’re not alone. With its abundant biodiversity, vast protected areas and emphasis on education as a damage prevention tool, it’s not just a pioneer of ecotourism but an industry leader. Here’s why it’s become the perfect antidote to pandemic-induced ennui. 1. It’s doing its bit for the planet Costa Rica works hard to protect its environment: not least because it’s why so many bird-watchers, adventure-seekers and whale-spotters visit in the first place. In 2019, the country launched plans to decarbonise its economy (with tourism alone representing 13.5 percent of GDP) by 2050. In 2021, the protected marine reserve of Cocos Island National Park grew 27 times in size. And in 2022, the suburb of Curridabat gave citizenship to bees, trees and plants. Around 98 percent of Costa Rica’s energy has come from renewable sources since 2014, and its well-rounded approach to protecting the environment has attracted tourists who want to have a positive impact as well as a positive experience. Photograph: Shutterstock 2. We’re craving a sense of adventure Getting out of your