Thread: Best Cities

I don't know if this is actually thread belongs here on in "The Conversation", but for me, great cities are one of the finer things in life.

Don't get me wrong, I live in the country, and it's not bad. But over the years, I've discovered that I really like the noise, bustle, and energy of a good city. I've lived in a few, and I have visited many. Some are great and full of character, some are bland and boring. I have a few favorites, and I'm sure most of the members here do as well. Let hear what cities you love and why.

I think my favorite city in the world would be Ghent, Belgium. It's small enough to take in on foot, yet big enough to surprise you with hidden corners. The beer selection, restaurants, and people make it one of the most enjoyable places I have ever been to.

As far as living, the nicest city I've ever lived in so far has been Astoria Oregon. Yes, I know it's a small town by many standards (population <10,000), but it has a great history, a working downtown that you can live in, and the views from anywhere are great. As with Ghent, the beer selection is absolutly fabulous, and the food is good, as well. I just wish we'd get a AAA ball club here. Then life would be perfect.

I had no doubt what I think is my favorite city in the US. New Orleans, La.

They aren't back on their feet yet, but they will be. They always do. It shows in the spirit of the music. The guy practicing sax on Sunday morning with his hat awaiting my change. This is the birthplace of so much music.

The food there is so diverse. Something you just won't find many other places and certainly not in just one city. Bananas Foster with ice cream, jambalaya, oyster Po Boys, crawfish etouffee, need I go on?

It is unique for the living, but even in death, the funerals pulse with life.

what a great place!

Originally Posted by Pyment

I had no doubt what I think is my favorite city in the US. New Orleans, La. ...

It's funny, I spent a lot of time there as a kid (my mothers family are all there), but I didn't really think of it as one of my favorites because I'm afraid that they'll never get back to what they once were. My fear it that it will be sanitized and turned into some sort of fake version of it's former self. Sort of like turning it into a "Disney World" city, all facade and tourist shops, and nothing left of the real flavor.

I hope she comes back. I have to agree, NO was one of the coolest cities in the world before Katrina. Maybe she will be again.

The times I've been back to the quarter since Katrina, it doesn't smell sanitized.

Originally Posted by Pyment

The times I've been back to the quarter since Katrina, it doesn't smell sanitized.

Sorta like New York, huh?

Just kidding, well kinda. I do like New York, but is a bit oderous when it's warm out.

I can't really answer this question as I believe every city has its own special charm that is unique to it and I can't name one best city.

Among the many things I'd like to see in the US, NO would be on top of the list.

Since I live in Berlin (for 26 years) I can not quite understand people wanting to live in big cities. Well its very mixed.
When I was younger I thought I'd need it like that cause small town talk drove me crazy, but now not anymore.
Its a great spot to work and produce things though cause everything you possibly need is within short distance.
It is stressful and dirty and very anonymous.
Something around 100000 might be better.

Lisbon, the Portuguese capitol city is a great city. It's big enough for you to find anything you might need or want, yet small enough for you to know your way around quite quickly. But it treats you with surprises here and there. It is both clean and dirty, traditional and touristic... It's a city as you want one. I like it very much and I might have to move there sometime in the near future. However it doesn't strike me in awe!...
Berlin, however, from the cities I've visited as a grown man, is absolutely fantastic. Maybe, if I lived there I would think otherwise, but the feel of order, history and civilization is very appealing to me. I might be wrong.
I have a feeling that London or Wien might be cities with the power to enchant me...
The city where I currently live is nice... but there are way too many students in the Univerity here: 25 000 in the University alone; if you add the numbers of students from the other schools... you'll end up with a seasonal population of 40 000. That's too much. The city is at the service of the very stupid students that vomit around and shout obscenities when drunk (most of the time...). But the city itself is a little gem. Very pretty. But the students have ruined it... sadly, because I really love this city but it is driving me bananas!

I think NY smells great, I lived there for 40 years

Originally Posted by Moe

Sorta like New York, huh?

Just kidding, well kinda. I do like New York, but is a bit oderous when it's warm out.

A couple of my favorites:

Prague, beautifull. Lovely just to walk through. Awesome city.

Same with Brugge in Belgium. old old old, awesome buildings and the whole city just feels like something out of the dark ages.

London, went there in between christmas and newyears and loved it soo much. The sheer size of it the old buildings, the parks I thought it was awesome.