Top 10 Best Cities In The World | Windows On The World
1. London
Yes, feel free to call me biased, I dont give a ****. What makes London the best? Well, a combination of factors obviously, from the history, architecture through to the shopping, museums and restaurants. People love to make uninformed jokes about the food in England but London has far more Michelin stars than New York and just as many as Paris. Historically the seat of power for the most dominant empire ever, all things went through London and to this day it is still the center of the world. The number 1 tourist destination in the world deserves its reputation, it really sets the standard. On the negative side, it is the most expensive city in the world so be prepared to shell out big piles of cash. It isnt enough to detract from the great things about London though, London continues to attract everyone from Australian backpackers to Russian billionaires. Oh, and its the home of Chelsea Football Club
The good: Architecture, history, shopping, tradition, culture, diversity
The bad: Very expensive, traffic can be bad, it rains a lot
Conclusion: Arguably the most important city of all time, I consider it to be the best the world has to offer. A perfect mix of culture and tradition with world famous landmarks and the charm of merry old England. Did I mention its the home of Chelsea Football Club?
One of my favourite pictures, the beating heart of London
2. Tokyo
I have to contain myself here with my effusive praise for Tokyo. Its well documented that I consider Tokyo a near perfect place so I guess its more efficient to talk about why its number 2 and not number 1. The Tokyo-Yokohama metropolis is the largest urban sprawl in the world, containing some 35 million people, and at times it seems about half of them are trying to get to the same place at the same time. As amazing as the Tokyo Metro is, sometimes you just dont want to even attempt to get anywhere. Secondly, everyone knows Tokyo has amazing seafood, all of Japan does. But if youre not crazy about seafood, like me, it can sometimes be a struggle to find good food to eat. When I took my parents we found ourselves eating at McDonalds far too often. Not being able to speak Japanese is a major handicap, sometimes you cant work out what you want to eat just from the plastic food in the window . I spoke about most of the things here in my article, 10 Things I miss about Japan
The good: Spotlessly clean, efficient, great service, a world of choices, extremely safe
The bad: Can be too crowded, very expensive, small hotel rooms, tiny clothes, must like seafood
Conclusion: The only thing keeping Tokyo off the number 1 spot is the crowded nature of the city. At times you feel lost in the worlds biggest crowd. Although this is a nice novelty from time to time, after a short while it becomes annoying. Tokyo is a magnificent place though, I could go back every 6 months and be happy, Id never get bored of it
The Ginza in Tokyo, world capital of consumer culture
3. New York
The city that never sleeps, as they say. Well, maybe, but Tokyo and Hong Kong have much more going on at night. Still, New York has that intangible quality that only the top 3 possess. Just walking around you know youre somewhere unique. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the world. One of the most diverse, cosmopolitan cities in the world as well as being a financial juggernaut the locals are rightly proud of NY, NY. Not the most aesthetically pleasing of places, it makes up for it with a certain buzz. you accept the dirt and rubbish with the notion that everybody is too busy doing something more important. So why is it number 3? Well, there are two other cities that do everything New York does, but better and with more history
The good: Unique atmosphere, energy, fantastic museums, shopping and nightlife
The bad: Poor transport, quite an ugly city, abrasive locals
Conclusion: The top 3 on my list are also the 3 most important cities in the world. New York sits in third place due to a lack of historical depth, mundane architecture and poor transport network. It ranks highly in terms of culture, restaurants, nightlife and atmosphere
I have such a thing for big buildings....
4. Paris
The most romantic city in the world? Definitely, but there is so much more to Paris. Aside from being the fashion capital of the world, home to the finest art museum and stunning architecture, Paris has an atmosphere like no other. Speaking of the Louvre, its actually so massive you may need a week just to see most of it. The capital of one of historys most permeating cultures is filled with class and grandeur, just take a walk around the George V if you need further proof or stay if you can afford it. There is so much about Paris but what keeps it out of the top 3 is the populous. Parisians have an atrocious reputation, even other French people consider them rude and thats like Genghis Khan calling you up to call you a real dick
The good: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, cafe culture, romance, architecture, history
The bad: Snobby Parisians, arrogant Parisians, English hating Parisians
Conclusion: As fruity as this sounds, Paris is a magical place. Be a real Parisian and spend your day floating from cafe to cafe, drinking espresso, smoking unfiltered cigarettes and pounding the red wine, while discussing the meaning of existence in an existential manner. Then go and display your hatred of English and American tourists
Snobby, arrogant and they hate the English
5. Hong Kong
So were into the top 5, and beginning the descent towards glory is Hong Kong. The key sight in Hong Kong is arguably the most beautiful man made vista in the world, as you stand on the kowloon side of the river and gaze at the Island, particularly stunning at night. I spent about an hour here the first time I came, sat down and enjoyed a cigar while I did some people watching. The view tells you everything you need to know about Hong Kong. This isnt a place for lovers of history, this is a testament to modern civilization and capitalism. Im a big fan of both so the whole city kind of turns me on. Locals dedicate their lives to making as much money as possible, so they can shop and drink to their hearts content and boy does it show. Bars here dont really have business hours, people will be in there pretty much all day. As congested as the city is, everything runs so smoothly getting around really isnt much of a challenge. the only reason Hong Kong doesnt place higher is due to a lack of historical buildings and architecture
The good: Transport, shopping, nightlife, the attitude of the people
The bad: Lacks diversity at times, Island establishments are expensive
Conclusion: If in the future, cities all look like this I would be very pleased. Going out in Hong Kong is unique, theres always something new to do and see. If only there were more remnants of the traditional lifestyle
Is it wrong to be turned on by buildings?
1. London
Yes, feel free to call me biased, I dont give a ****. What makes London the best? Well, a combination of factors obviously, from the history, architecture through to the shopping, museums and restaurants. People love to make uninformed jokes about the food in England but London has far more Michelin stars than New York and just as many as Paris. Historically the seat of power for the most dominant empire ever, all things went through London and to this day it is still the center of the world. The number 1 tourist destination in the world deserves its reputation, it really sets the standard. On the negative side, it is the most expensive city in the world so be prepared to shell out big piles of cash. It isnt enough to detract from the great things about London though, London continues to attract everyone from Australian backpackers to Russian billionaires. Oh, and its the home of Chelsea Football Club
The good: Architecture, history, shopping, tradition, culture, diversity
The bad: Very expensive, traffic can be bad, it rains a lot
Conclusion: Arguably the most important city of all time, I consider it to be the best the world has to offer. A perfect mix of culture and tradition with world famous landmarks and the charm of merry old England. Did I mention its the home of Chelsea Football Club?
One of my favourite pictures, the beating heart of London
2. Tokyo
I have to contain myself here with my effusive praise for Tokyo. Its well documented that I consider Tokyo a near perfect place so I guess its more efficient to talk about why its number 2 and not number 1. The Tokyo-Yokohama metropolis is the largest urban sprawl in the world, containing some 35 million people, and at times it seems about half of them are trying to get to the same place at the same time. As amazing as the Tokyo Metro is, sometimes you just dont want to even attempt to get anywhere. Secondly, everyone knows Tokyo has amazing seafood, all of Japan does. But if youre not crazy about seafood, like me, it can sometimes be a struggle to find good food to eat. When I took my parents we found ourselves eating at McDonalds far too often. Not being able to speak Japanese is a major handicap, sometimes you cant work out what you want to eat just from the plastic food in the window . I spoke about most of the things here in my article, 10 Things I miss about Japan
The good: Spotlessly clean, efficient, great service, a world of choices, extremely safe
The bad: Can be too crowded, very expensive, small hotel rooms, tiny clothes, must like seafood
Conclusion: The only thing keeping Tokyo off the number 1 spot is the crowded nature of the city. At times you feel lost in the worlds biggest crowd. Although this is a nice novelty from time to time, after a short while it becomes annoying. Tokyo is a magnificent place though, I could go back every 6 months and be happy, Id never get bored of it
The Ginza in Tokyo, world capital of consumer culture
3. New York
The city that never sleeps, as they say. Well, maybe, but Tokyo and Hong Kong have much more going on at night. Still, New York has that intangible quality that only the top 3 possess. Just walking around you know youre somewhere unique. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else in the world. One of the most diverse, cosmopolitan cities in the world as well as being a financial juggernaut the locals are rightly proud of NY, NY. Not the most aesthetically pleasing of places, it makes up for it with a certain buzz. you accept the dirt and rubbish with the notion that everybody is too busy doing something more important. So why is it number 3? Well, there are two other cities that do everything New York does, but better and with more history
The good: Unique atmosphere, energy, fantastic museums, shopping and nightlife
The bad: Poor transport, quite an ugly city, abrasive locals
Conclusion: The top 3 on my list are also the 3 most important cities in the world. New York sits in third place due to a lack of historical depth, mundane architecture and poor transport network. It ranks highly in terms of culture, restaurants, nightlife and atmosphere
I have such a thing for big buildings....
4. Paris
The most romantic city in the world? Definitely, but there is so much more to Paris. Aside from being the fashion capital of the world, home to the finest art museum and stunning architecture, Paris has an atmosphere like no other. Speaking of the Louvre, its actually so massive you may need a week just to see most of it. The capital of one of historys most permeating cultures is filled with class and grandeur, just take a walk around the George V if you need further proof or stay if you can afford it. There is so much about Paris but what keeps it out of the top 3 is the populous. Parisians have an atrocious reputation, even other French people consider them rude and thats like Genghis Khan calling you up to call you a real dick
The good: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, cafe culture, romance, architecture, history
The bad: Snobby Parisians, arrogant Parisians, English hating Parisians
Conclusion: As fruity as this sounds, Paris is a magical place. Be a real Parisian and spend your day floating from cafe to cafe, drinking espresso, smoking unfiltered cigarettes and pounding the red wine, while discussing the meaning of existence in an existential manner. Then go and display your hatred of English and American tourists
Snobby, arrogant and they hate the English
5. Hong Kong
So were into the top 5, and beginning the descent towards glory is Hong Kong. The key sight in Hong Kong is arguably the most beautiful man made vista in the world, as you stand on the kowloon side of the river and gaze at the Island, particularly stunning at night. I spent about an hour here the first time I came, sat down and enjoyed a cigar while I did some people watching. The view tells you everything you need to know about Hong Kong. This isnt a place for lovers of history, this is a testament to modern civilization and capitalism. Im a big fan of both so the whole city kind of turns me on. Locals dedicate their lives to making as much money as possible, so they can shop and drink to their hearts content and boy does it show. Bars here dont really have business hours, people will be in there pretty much all day. As congested as the city is, everything runs so smoothly getting around really isnt much of a challenge. the only reason Hong Kong doesnt place higher is due to a lack of historical buildings and architecture
The good: Transport, shopping, nightlife, the attitude of the people
The bad: Lacks diversity at times, Island establishments are expensive
Conclusion: If in the future, cities all look like this I would be very pleased. Going out in Hong Kong is unique, theres always something new to do and see. If only there were more remnants of the traditional lifestyle
Is it wrong to be turned on by buildings?
sorry 
