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Oude West/Westerpark, Amsterdam
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Jul 1, 2013 — Don’t judge a book by its cover. As with most cliché sayings, there’s a reason that one has stood the test of time. Take some of Europe’s less illustrious neighborhoods, for example. While it’d be easy to write these areas off, there’s certainly more to them than meets the eye.
Formerly part of West Berlin, Kreuzberg looks a little rough around the edges, yet boasts a healthy amount of culture and alternative flair. Kreuzberg is home to a slew of popular music venues, pre-party bars, original cafés, and funky clubs.
Packed with tattooed skateboarders and graffitied stone walls, Barcelona’s El Raval can also seem pretty intimidating. However, the neighborhood’s avant-garde hangouts and popular clubs make it one of the hottest spots in the city.
In London, Brixton was once home to massive riots and still has some shady scenery. But the city space now houses ethnic eateries, a diverse population, a well-known trade post, and sweet art houses and movie theaters.
Meanwhile, Pigneto in Rome looks like an outdated residential enclave in need of a facelift. Yet the hood attracts both hipsters and lawyers that head to old dives and chic eateries, respectively.
Don’t let a few cracks in the pavement fool you. These European communities are some of the world’s best-kept secrets!