Airbnb has become a household name, to the point where we now use it as a verb. And while people are still Airbnb-ing when visiting the classics, like Paris, New York, and Florence, some under-the-radar neighborhoods are seeing a major surge in booking popularity. From a six-by-ten-block artists’ enclave in Minneapolis to Dublin's verdant Phoenix Park, visitors went outside their comfort zones (and the city center) to get a taste of what life is really like around the world. According to the home-sharing platform, these are the 17 neighborhoods that saw the most growth in 2016, which means they should definitely be added to your travel list in 2017.
1. Milneburg, New Orleans, Louisiana
This neighborhood, full of shotgun houses, was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But, after years of rebuilding, the area just north of the University of New Orleans is making a comeback. In fact, the area saw a 1500 percent growth in booking interest on Airbnb, likely thanks to its just-far-enough location from the French Quarter.
2. Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A mix of residential homes and skyscraper apartments, this old-fashioned Malay neighborhood sits under the shadow of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. You can credit the food for this area's 976 percent increase in interest in 2016 and the pasar malam, the weekly night market, is a can't miss if you're craving nasi lemak or chicken satay.
3. Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne's hipster paradise has seen a 770 percent growth in interest this year, likely due to the bars, music venues, vintage shops, and incredible street art that line the neighborhood's main drag, Brunswick Street. Make sure to stop by the Rose Street Market on the weekend to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir from one of the nearly 200 stallholders hawking housewares, jewelry, and more.
4. Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan
Home to Osaka's Universal Studios, and the only international Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this neighborhood has seen 609 percent growth in booking over the past year. Many of the Airbnbs in the neighborhood cater to visitors headed to the theme park, including complimentary Hogwarts robes. We're not kidding.
5. Chutes-Lavie, Marseille, France
France's second-largest city has plenty to offer, like Calanques National Park and the stunning Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. But its Chutes-Lavie neighborhood has become the real star on Airbnb, with 604 percent more bookings than last year.
6. Rockcliffe Smythe, Toronto, Canada
Greenery isn't just Pantone's color of the year for 2017, it's the main event in Toronto's Rockcliffe Smythe. The area, which saw 497 percent more bookings in 2016, is a family-friendly residential area with large green spaces, like the Black Creek Valley, featuring running and walking trails throughout.
7. Midtown, Miami, Florida
Adjacent to the famed Wynwood Walls, this neighborhood is centered mostly around the Shops at Midtown Miami, an urban outdoor mall and apartment complex, and saw an over 400 percent increase in bookings. You'll find the creativity and walkability of nearby tourist areas, without all the mural-obsessed Instagrammers.
8. Narvarte, Mexico City, Mexico
This D.F. neighborhood is quieter than most and is a good home base for exploring the Mexican capital if you're looking for the true local experience. Its food options are wonderfully diverse, thanks to the influx of Japanese, Lebanese, and German ex-pats in the mid-20th century.
9. West Seattle, Seattle, Washington
You may come to Seattle for the coffee and the food, but you'll want to stay in West Seattle for the scenery. The family-friendly residential neighborhood is actually detached from city proper, which means skyline and mountain views from many of the properties offered on Airbnb.
10. Usera, Madrid, Spain
Make Usera, Madrid's Chinatown of sorts, your base to explore and take advantage of the easy public transportation (like the Usera Metro stop) to access the rest of the city.
11. Din Daeng, Bangkok, Thailand
Head to this central Thai neighborhood to dive deep into the city's nightlife at some of the best clubs along Royal City Avenue. The area is just suburban enough that you'll be able to find some peace and quiet to sleep off a long night out.
12. Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
Located next to Sydney's Victoria Park, this gritty neighborhood is a pleasantly confusing mix of green space and industrial buildings. Expect to find art galleries and coffee connoisseurs tucked down alleys.
13. Daehangno, Seoul, South Korea
Daehangno literally means "College Street," so expect young people galore. Moonlighting as the city's theater district, you'll find plenty of street art and busking musicians. Make sure to plan a trek up nearby Mount Naksan, if you book an Airbnb in the area.
14. Lyndale, Minneapolis, Minnesota
According to Airbnb, this neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis is home to one of the largest populations of artists in the country. As such, you'll find funky design hidden inside Victorian and American Craftsman homes as well as bustling local coffee shops and art galleries.
15. Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland
Phoenix Park is so very green, you can find deer wandering through the neighborhood and its eponymous 1,750-acre park. You'll also find the Dublin Zoo and the Irish President's residence inside, making it an ideal area to bring families and history buffs alike.
16. Chacarita, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Can't find an affordable Airbnb in popular Palermo Hollywood? Check out nearby Chacarita, off the beaten path and renowned for its own cemetery, which rivals Recoleta's.
17. Žižkov, Prague, Czech Republic
Receiving an 103 percent increase in interest, this haven for artists and students is Prague's own Montmartre. Chockfull of beer-centric bars and classic Czech pubs, like Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden, this is the spot for the young traveler looking to discover a less-touristy version of Prague.