Adam Groffman’s travel blog, www.travelsofadam.com, offers insights to hipster cities across the globe.
Credit: Alexander Araya
Native Texan Adam Groffman started his blog in 2009 as a means to keep his creative skills honed and communicate with friends and family while he traveled abroad. But TravelsofAdam.com suddenly took off when he published a post called “Hipster Guide to Berlin,” the city that he’s now called home for two years. Ever since then, hipster travel has been his specialty. We asked Groffman to give us his picks for the world’s Top 5 hipster cities — outside of Brooklyn, of course.
Mauer Park in Berlin is a well-known hipster hangout.
Credit: Adam Groffman
Berlin
Berlin is undoubtedly Europe’s coolest city. With 24-hour nightlife, a growing culinary scene and affordable living, Berlin has attracted people from all over the world. DJs want to play Berlin’s clubs, and artists want their work shown in the hundreds of independent galleries. Berlin is beloved for its independent spirit and creative culture. There’s always something interesting happening there.
To do: Eat at Street Food Thursdays in Markthalle Neun; swim in a pool inside a river at Badeschiff (Arena Club)
A stroll through the flower markets of East London will introduce you to a mixed crowd of interesting purveyors and shoppers.
Credit: Adam Groffman
East London
Shoredtich and Hackney have turned from working-class neighborhoods to gentrified versions of their former selves. Speakeasies, food trucks and fashion shops that sell goods not just for you, but for your pets, are on every street. And with enough vintage markets to clothe a nation, the fashion in Shoreditch is a big draw. It has a quirky but cool style.
To do: Eat on the Eating London food tour in Shoreditch; shop at the Brick Lane Sunday Market; try cocktails at the speakeasy in Breakfast Club (Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town)
Austin’s (mostly) great weather is only matched by its (always) great music scene.
Credit: Adam Groffman
Austin
Austin is the new Portland. It attracts free spirits, hippies and more than a few aspiring musicians. Sometimes it feels like there are more food trucks than people. There’s a reason they want to “Keep Austin Weird.” I think the coolest part of Austin is probably the food scene – you can get everything from trendy foods at a food truck to Texas-themed sushi.
To do: Drink Mexican Margaritas at Trudy’s; swim at Barton Creek; enjoy the live music clubs on Sixth Street
This is the Honk Festival in Somerville —but it could just be any day, if you think about it.
Credit: Adam Groffman
Somerville
Somerville is where hipsters live and hang out in The Hub. It has the college town’s best coffee and some of its best restaurants. With Boston’s quirkiest street festivals, Somerville always has something exciting and interesting happening. For a fun time, just head to Davis Square and take in the ridiculousness of the locals.
To do: Drink coffee at True Grounds; brunch at Highland Cafe; visit during the Fluff Festival (every last Saturday of September)
Chinatown offers some of Toronto’s best underground eats.
Credit: Adam Groffman
Toronto
Sometimes considered a cleaner version of NYC, Toronto’s Queen Street West neighborhood is far from tame. The Ossington neighborhood is packed full of trendy bars in between dive bars, with cupcake bakeries and cute cafes scattered among them.
To do: Drink at 416 Snack Bar; eat in Toronto’s massive Chinatown (along Spadina Avenue); spot celebs during Toronto International Film Festival
