Still Traveling

By Horn Guy Dos

June 9, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

I haven’t travelled that much, but I’ve got to put London first, although the exchange rate makes it hard for us young’uns.

Guanajuato, Mexico would be #2. An amazing colonial town down in the middle of a valley.

By Lee

June 9, 2006 1:15 PM | Link to this

My all time favorite would be New York City. I do think with the new image of ATL and trying to attract the hip-hop thug type, you’ll see ATL continue to NOT make lists and/or rate highly. I think we’re already seeing some of that now.

By JohnS

June 9, 2006 1:16 PM | Link to this

San Francisco and the bay area in late October. On a crisp clear day it’s the most beautiful city in the world. Go across the bay and take a drive up in the Berkeley hills at dusk as the sun drops over the Pacific Ocean. You can see the city, the whole bay, and the Golden Gate bridge. It’s one of the most magnificant views in the world.

By singlemom

June 9, 2006 1:17 PM | Link to this

My favorite cities - Charleston ranks as the best, only because I go every September with 15 girlfriends (no husbands or kids), and we rent a huge house on Isle of Palms, just outside Charleston. There is so much to do, and so much history there.
Next is Savannah, then I must say St. Simons Island, Ga. Oh yea, and Las Vegas…..

By Ramzz

June 9, 2006 1:18 PM | Link to this

Rio de Janeiro - Cristo Redentor, Ipanema, Copacabana, Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), and the list goes on. Yes, every city has it’s drawbacks, but the beaches and people and hospitality down there are awesome! I’m sure that’s in the top 200. Oh, and a comment on why Atlanta’s not in the top 200. Just being realistic, we have almost nothing unique in this city. Sure, we’ve got the World’s Largest Aquarium (for now), but what can you do in Atlanta that you can’t do / see in Houston, Dallas, Tampa, or any other lackluster megacity?

By RWH

June 9, 2006 1:26 PM | Link to this

The Bay Area in San Francisco! It is a unique city, unique people and all around food cooked by some great chefs. Cook nights and great days; biking, walking or just sitting high looking over into the great waters make this a very wonderful place to visit; not to stay. It is expensive in the bay area. Bring your visacards, traveler check, cash, etc., you will need it. I like this area because you meet a lot of people coming and going!

By Joey

June 9, 2006 1:27 PM | Link to this

I would have to say Rome, Italy is one of my favorite cities. Like most European cities it has a bit of grit to it that many Americans don’t care for, but I just see that as part of it’s charm. There’s so much history especially around the Forum and the other ruins. Just don’t try to drive there.

I also agree with Ramzz about Atlanta. It’s a great place to live but I wouldn’t want to visit, there’s not that much really to see here unless you are just passing through.

By max

June 9, 2006 1:29 PM | Link to this

Having traveled the world and the U.S. extensivley, I can see how Atlanta would be last, it has no culture. San Francisco Bay Area would get my vote as the most scenic and beautiful followed by Paris.

By Marco Polo

June 9, 2006 1:36 PM | Link to this

Any list that ranks New Orleans that high is worthless. The place reeks of beer, garbage and puke. No civilized person could tolerate it.

By LHK

June 9, 2006 1:44 PM | Link to this

Within the Southeast, I go back to Savannah, Key West, and Asheville and Boone, NC, again and again. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and tons to do in all four places. Love ‘em.

I go to New York at least once a year. I’d love to do the same with Boston — a place great enough to overlook its weather.

Overseas, I’d go back to Sydney a million times (though I’m curious to check out Melbourne, too). Same with Tokyo (though claustrophobics need not apply). I enjoyed Bangkok overall, but it was sweltering and smelled like fish and durian. Great shopping, though. I’d like to go back to Thailand and skip the city in favor of exploring the beaches and jungles.

By LHK

June 9, 2006 1:48 PM | Link to this

Oh, and agreed about Atlanta not being a great place to visit. I had houseguests last weekend, and have more this weekend, and I think there’s just enough tourist stuff in this city to fill up 2 - 4 days — particularly for people who have lived in or traveled to other large U.S. cities. One of our guests last weekend was from a tiny town in North Carolina, and she was wowed by Lenox Mall and the GA 400 toll booth (no joke). Someone who’s already been to malls, zoos, and aquariums will probably feel boredom creeping in after the first few days of a visit to Atlanta.

By Eric

June 9, 2006 1:49 PM | Link to this

By Just Fred

June 9, 2006 1:55 PM | Link to this

I think London should be #1 followed by New York, San Francisco, Florence and Paris. I agree with John S’s statement— San Fran in Fall is simply stunning.

By Amanda Miller

June 9, 2006 1:56 PM | Link to this

San Francisco is a beautiful town with a rich history and lots of fun to visit. Who can resist touristy cable cars or posing by the Golden Gate Bridge? My first trip there in 1980, we stopped off on our way back from a job interview in Oregon, where we soon moved. It was glorious. From Oregon, we made several forays south to the city by the bay and created many fond memories. My last trip there four years ago, it was a hopping-off point for a girlfriends’ wine country tour. It’s one of those cities you can go to again and again and still enjoy.

I like New Orleans, too, for it’s totally different vibe. But I have been on some streets there that could stand a good pressure washing, just as some of the streets in Atlanta could.

By Rutuger

June 9, 2006 2:00 PM | Link to this

Paris anytime, DC in the spring, and NYC in winter.

And the beach anytime at all!!!

By B. Killebrew

June 9, 2006 2:06 PM | Link to this

What’s unique about Atlanta?

Here we go:

*The problem with Atlanta is that it does not know how to market its very unique assets! Brand Atlanta, this what we need to focus on:

a. Trees: The City in a Forest; A center of urban forestry research

b. African-American prosperity; the center of the African Diaspora

c. Atlanta as the capital of the American South (everything “Southern” could have the potential to be found here…like everything American and international can be found in New York City; Moreover, Atlanta can be the “urban manifestation” of the American South like New York City is the “urban manifestation” of the U.S. and the world)

d. History: From the Civil War to Civil Rights

e. The soft, tranquil beauty of the American South: The rolling hills and forests (The South has a different kind of beauty…it is not majestic).

f. Unique Culture/Arts: Center of R+B/Hip-Hop; Another potential center of Country Music/Appalchain Music; Center of Urban Dance/Stepping; Potential Center of African-American/African Arts, Film, TV, etc.; The Southern Scotch-Irish

Like I said before, I have traveled extensively around the world…and there is no place like Atlanta. It is unique and beautiful and should be in the top 200…if only the world knew its true assets!

By Whiskey

June 9, 2006 2:21 PM | Link to this

1) London 2) Saltzberg 3) Edinburgh 4_ Amsterdam 5) Paris 6) Geneve 7) New York 8) Aspen, Co

Obviously Im a Europe fan. These are cities I have been to and really enjoy. However, cities that would also be on that list had I been there would be;

Prague Budapest Moscow Berlin Copenhagen Rome Olso

Atlanta is becoming known as a hip-hop thug city and I agree with the above poster that as long as it continues that slide it will never make that list of desireables. The public transportation in Atlanta is a joke too. Look at the London Underground or the Paris Metro or the New York subway and Chicago Elevated, all of them are fantastic rail systems and make atlantas look as pathetic as it truely is.

By wayne

June 9, 2006 3:01 PM | Link to this

Prague and Vienna are gorgeous, Budapest is quite a bit grimier. Atlanta (and similarly Houston) will always rank low due to a lack of culture, poor public transportation, pedestrian unfriendliness, celebration of the ‘droopy pantsed, uneducated, violent thug’ culture.

Atlanta is also a bad bicyling town. Why can’t we even have a two foot shoulder for bike riders on our streets?? It’s fine on weekends, with light traffic, but too many streets allow no room for sharing the road.

Progressive cities, like Denver and Boulder, are much better about this.

By Chad

June 9, 2006 3:11 PM | Link to this

Well the answer to this question is in the fact that the AJC has their main feature today a rich chick living at Atlantic Station in a place her Daddy bought for her. Nothing else of interest in this town? Ugh.

By Jack

June 9, 2006 4:01 PM | Link to this

Yes. Atlanta is a great city to visit if you like the bars to close early, rampant crime, looking at bums and trying to avoid pan-handlers. There is nothing to do at night, if you go out you do not feel safe at all. The hotels were told to raise their prices when a convention is in town. Such a lovely place to be if you are a black rapper with bodyguardsand lotts of cash.

By Joey

June 9, 2006 4:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with the posts about San Francisco…it’s a cool city. But I didn’t care for Los Angeles that much. The beach area is nice but I found most of LA too be a larger version of Atlanta. Everyone drives..you don’t see many people walking except from their cars into a store. The Tourist attractions are cheesy..and I didn’t see any celebrities. I did find the people there to be fairly friendly though.

By Lee

June 9, 2006 4:21 PM | Link to this

Even if I was a rapper with lots of money, I still wouldn’t want to live in ATL .. theres beautiful cities all around the world, ATL isn’t one of them … If I made lots of money and could afford the best, I’d be gone in a heartbeat.

By Tommy

June 9, 2006 4:28 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has NO nightlife….Thanks, Shirley. You took care of that for everybody.

By Amanda Miller

June 9, 2006 4:29 PM | Link to this

A couple of posts mention Charleston as a favorite city, and I’d have to agree on that, as far as cities in the South. I like it much more than Savannah, and it’s a shame Charleston didn’t make the list. Guess Savannah had “the book” (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) to help promote it.

By Swangirl

June 9, 2006 4:33 PM | Link to this

Some may laugh but I actually think St. Louis (not including East St. Louis) is a great tourist city. We were there for five days and still didn’t see it all.

Unfortunately, I can see why Atlanta isn’t a travel destination and I dearly love my city. There’s no real “tourist” area to walk around and enjoy, beyond Centennial Park and it is a ghost town at night due to panhandlers. Downtown is dead despite efforts to revive it. Underground is…well, sad. Maybe the Aquarium will be a spark that turns the tide.

I wish Atlanta had a pedestrian-only area with free trolleys with shops, movie theaters and museums like Denver. That made it a true destination. Would be nice if Atlantic Station was more like that.

I’m also not thrilled with the “ATL” marketing effort, which aims at a very distinct demographic. I don’t have anything against hip hop but there’s a lot more to this city than that. The “Put Your Dreams in Motion” campaign isn’t much better. All that money for that lame slogan?

By deegee

June 9, 2006 4:34 PM | Link to this

Brussells is a blast! Lots to do, great food and a vibrant, international nightlife.

Miami is also interesting and fun, sunsets on the beach are breathtaking.

By tater

June 9, 2006 4:45 PM | Link to this

puerto rico

By Ignatius

June 9, 2006 5:35 PM | Link to this

Atlanta New York City Memphis

I’m easy to please

By mark c

June 9, 2006 5:47 PM | Link to this

I am a native Atlantan who relocated to NYC 16 years ago for work. Some of you might be suprised to know that Atlanta has a better image than you might think. Everyone keeps ripping the hip-hop scene but to many people not living in Atlanta the thriving music scene is one of the things that makes the city cool, and theres nothing wrong with being cool!

Its hard to explain the special energy that flows through Atlanta but I feel it every time I come home. People are returning to the city in droves, new attractions and cultural institutions are popping up everywhere, not to mention all the condos going up at an incredible rate. I hear Trump is even getting in on the action.

No! I’m not running for Mayor, but Atlanta seems to be on fire again and I mean that in a good way! The energy and overall feel of Atlanta is something that won’t easily translate to a tourist brochure. I know it won’t be too much longer before the ATL makes that list.

I do love living in New York as it is the city of cities but Atlanta is a special place and I know alot of you know what I mean. I hate to sound cliche, but believe me people really are friendly, the laidback atmosphere and beautiful trees everywhere (boy do i miss the trees) make it harder to leave every time!

By kimbrandi

June 9, 2006 6:17 PM | Link to this

I have traveled some throughout the country and I would have to say Seattle is one of my favorites, and I’m not just saying that because I live here! It’s probably one of the few places where you can drive down the street and on a clear day (not that we have many) see a snow capped mountain out in the distance. It’s also a good city if you like the outdoors. Lots of parks and camping areas. We get our fair share of rain over here but it keeps everything really green all year round. It’s also home to Microsoft, Starbucks, Boeing(well, headquarters moved to Chicago but a lot of the production is still here), Amazon.com to name a few. So there are plenty places for tourists to go and see. Great place to raise kids because of the diversity. However, on the downside we have lots of traffic and rain.

I really like Atlanta also and am contemplating a move to the area in a year or so. Vegas, NYC and Maui are also tops on my list.

By user

June 9, 2006 6:26 PM | Link to this

I love Miami, but the poster who thinks it has breathtaking sunsets on the beach is either a poser or terribly mistaken.

Miami is on the East Coast.

As to Atlanta being a desireable city for a tourist to visit, only if it’s a tourist that hasn’t visited other cities.

By Michael

June 9, 2006 6:43 PM | Link to this

As a tour book once said, “New York may be the Big apple but London is the whole fruit basket!” I believe London is the greatest city. Also, any old city in Switzerland or in Bavaria are tops on my list. I now live in Seattle and it is a city with plenty of views. It does NOT rain as much as everyone says. In fact more rain falls in cities on the East coast than here. Alas, Seattle has some of the rudest people in the country. I grew up in New England so I know rude and Seattleites are worse than we are. I used to live in Atlanta and find it a great city. I love the old intown neighborhoods. The city of trees is that. My aunt from CT came to visit and commented on how many trees were in the city. Atlanta has a lot of pros and I love it! I agree that San Franscico is probably the most beautiful U.S. city along with Savannah, but I would also add D.C. on the list of best cities. D.C. has so much to offer, and they have a great public transit system—something that makes Atlanta less to be desired..

By BPJ

June 9, 2006 7:19 PM | Link to this

Yes, Paris should be number 1 on that list; and Atlanta, if it were on the list, would be around 195 or 200. That said, I’m sorry to see such mindless, ignorant comments about there being nothing to do in Atlanta, or Downtown being dead, etc. I’m a native Atlantan, my wife is a native Parisian, and we never run out of things to do here with visitors. Did you know you’re living in one of America’s best theatre cities? Yes, that’s why the national theatre conference (TCG) is here this week. Did you know the best symphony chorus on the planet is here? And one of America’s finest and most vibrant orchestras? We take our friends to the High, which is a different museum since its expansion. We go to the Carlos, one of the country’s best university museums. And we take people to smaller spots, such as the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, MOCAGA, and the galleries in Castleberry Hill. This is one of the best restaurant cities in America (hint: if you still think the Varsity and Cheesecake Factory are where to take visitors, you need to get up to date). For children, visit not just the aquarium, but the zoo, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Children’s Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For visitors interested in history, try the Atlanta History center (with its superb exhibit on the turning point in the Civil War - the Battle of Atlanta), the King Center, and the Carter Center. There’s more, but some of you really need to get to know this city!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Regularjoe

June 9, 2006 9:03 PM | Link to this

When folks visit me here in Atlanta they love it. Understanding we all hate the traffic, but they love all the trees and Stone Mountain. San Francisco is pretty from a distance, but it is one of the dirtiest cities I have ever been to in the U.S.

By John

June 12, 2006 8:26 AM | Link to this

My favorite city to visit is also the city I would move to in an instant: San Francisco. Sadly, as a native Atlantan, my wages are substantially less than those paid in that city and real estate here is substantially less than San Fran’s. It means that unless I can find a job out there paying obscenely high wages compared to mine here, I’ll not be able to move.

I’m still tempted to do it. It’s beautiful and the temperature is exceedingly mild. Earthquakes and a high cost of living are a small price to pay for living in Xanadu.

By H-Charles

June 12, 2006 8:39 AM | Link to this

Vancouver would top my list. A clean, fusion of NYC and San Francisco. Just go in the summer during dry season.

Atlanta has no place on that list. A fine place to live, but no character or soul.
Atlanta sold its soul for business prosperity, and thus there is no reason to come here to visit. Why waste hard-earned money coming here when you can get a true local flavor in a Memphis or Savannah? As an example, fill in this blank for Atlanta: “I can’t wait to visit Atlanta to see, eat, or do __.”
There is nothing to fill in unique to this city, and thus no reason to travel here. Atlanta is a wonderful example of “anytown, USA.” Prosperous, suburban, and generic.

By Jessie

June 12, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

My favorite city that I have been to has to be Amsterdam. Any time of the year it is beautiful. But for your first visit I suggest when the tulips are in bloom.

As for cities in the US. I love NYC and Las Vegas.

By NCR

June 12, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

By Dewaine

June 12, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Paris should be number one since it is the best city there is. You have the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the grand boulevards. The second city is London since I have no language barrier there. You have all the British history there and the West End too. Have not been to NYC yet but I think it would be high on the list. The European cities make it high on my list since they are more tolerant than any city in America.

By Charlie

June 12, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

My favorite city is actually an island in Hawaii called Kuaui. It is spectacular for anything and everything outdoors.

2nd favorite is Portland, Oregon. This city is small, charming and very clean. The people are the friendliest around. It almost feels like you took a step back in time to the mid-70’s. So what if it mists most of the winter, they have the best summers anywhere. They also have great fishing, mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Atlanta has nothing that can compare to either of these locations. Perhaps if the list was “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in” or “how many drive and talk on the cell phone”, then Atlanta would be at the top of that list.

By Charlie

June 12, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

My favorite city is actually an island in Hawaii called Kuaui. It is spectacular for anything and everything outdoors.

2nd favorite is Portland, Oregon. This city is small, charming and very clean. The people are the friendliest around. It almost feels like you took a step back in time to the mid-70’s. So what if it mists most of the winter, they have the best summers anywhere. They also have great fishing, mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Atlanta has nothing that can compare to either of these locations. Perhaps if the list was “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in” or “how many drive and talk on the cell phone”, then Atlanta would be at the top of that list.

By Charlie

June 12, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

My favorite city is actually an island in Hawaii called Kuaui. It is spectacular for anything and everything outdoors.

2nd favorite is Portland, Oregon. This city is small, charming and very clean. The people are the friendliest around. It almost feels like you took a step back in time to the mid-70’s. So what if it mists most of the winter, they have the best summers anywhere. They also have great fishing, mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Atlanta has nothing that can compare to either of these locations. Perhaps if the list was “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in” or “how many drive and talk on the cell phone”, then Atlanta would be at the top of that list.

By Charlie

June 12, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

My favorite city is actually an island in Hawaii called Kuaui. It is spectacular for anything and everything outdoors.

2nd favorite is Portland, Oregon. This city is small, charming and very clean. The people are the friendliest around. It almost feels like you took a step back in time to the mid-70’s. So what if it mists most of the winter, they have the best summers anywhere. They also have great fishing, mountains, waterfalls and beaches.

Atlanta has nothing that can compare to either of these locations. Perhaps if the list was “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in” or “how many drive and talk on the cell phone”, then Atlanta would be at the top of that list.

By Charlie

June 12, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

My favorite city is actually an island in Hawaii called Kuaui. It is spectacular for anything and everything outdoors.

2nd favorite is Portland, Oregon. This city is small, charming and very clean. The people are the friendliest around. It almost feels like you took a step back in time to the mid-70’s. So what if it mists most of the winter, they have the best summers anywhere. They also have great fishing, mountains, waterfalls and beaches. Also, the unwritten rule of driving is that youy NEVER use your car horn. It is merely there so you can say hello to someone on the road. Now that is truly relaxing

Atlanta has nothing that can compare to either of these locations. Perhaps if the list was “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in” or “how many drive and talk on the cell phone”, then Atlanta would be at the top of that list.

By christy

June 12, 2006 12:29 PM | Link to this

I personally love Atlanta. There’s always something to do, you just have to look for it. There’s always concerts whether its local or well-known artists. The malls, the people and simply the vibe. I’ve walked down Peachtree at 1am and just had this indescribable good feeling. Little Five Points and Atlantic Station and the few attractions are great. Atlanta is in the top ten for fastest growing cities and businesses and investors are flocking there. Atlanta is like any other REAL major city you have to live there to enjoy it I hate visiting NYC because when you’re there’s nothing exactly to do after the first two days but if you live there for a month and know the area and people its different. Also, I think one thing that’s upsetting most people is the city is not attracting older people. Atlanta is targeting those like myself in the 18-30 age range. Now do I think Atlanta should be on this list, um…yeah. Maybe not the top 10 but definitely the top 100. Atlanta not the type of city you visit its the type of city you move to. Atlanta is ever growing and its just trying to keep up, now the attractions that you “vacation” people want are coming in due time. Just be patient. I’m in the construction and development industry and only if you knew what is in store for Atlanta. Oh, yeah my favorite cities are Rome, NYC, and Atlanta.

By Stu

June 12, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

After moving here after living in San Francisco for 8 years, I must say that the Bay Area will always be my favorite city to visit. As for living space, Atlanta has proven to be a wonderful place to live and an entertaining place to visit. In fact, when friends visit from places like SF, LA, Seattle, London and NYC, their first reactions always center around the quality of life for those living in the urban center. Interestingly enough, their second reaction is surprise at the “culture” Altanta has — and in spite of the anger and outright hostility so many of the bloggers here have — they tell me that the culture is a function of the city’s rich cultural, African American heritage — from the Edgewood and Auburn avenue neigborhoods to the modern black hollywood persona embodied in clubs like the Compound. So keep in mind that its not Alpharetta or Cobb County or the cookie cutter neighborhoods of Dunwoody that visitors will ever care about (I’m not saying they aren’t nice places to raise a family). Its the trees in the highlands, the west side, the old black neighborhoods, the new clubs, the diveristy of otp (gwinnett and buford) and itp, the fact that it is one of the only cities where you see affluent people of different races enjoying the finer things in life — that will be the highlight of the city if it is ever to be highlighted.

By NJ Transplant

June 12, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this

I relocated from NJ five years ago and have found Atanta to be, for lack of a better term, C-O-R-N-Y. I was (am still am) very disappointed with it’s appearance (except for the skyline at night).I’m still trying to determine what is the attraction? The city is overrated because of the false hype.

The city and its people are very classless. They are still attempting to develop a sense of class but are failing miserably.

To paraphrase one of the earlier respondents, there isn’t much to share with a visitor. Shopping seems to be the best feature due to the bargains. What remains after that? NOT MUCH.

NY may have its crime, poverty, etc. but it is an exciting city and I miss the proximity.

By NYC

June 12, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Innsbruck and Salzberg, Austria is my favorite city in the world. NYC is my number two city (I work here). I have traveled extensively, and I have found no other place like Innsbruck. I am a big history buff so the highlight of my trip was touring Mozart’s house in Salzberg. Charleston, SC and Singer Island, FL are also on my list.

By hw

June 12, 2006 1:02 PM | Link to this

One of the great cities to visit is Chicago. It is one of the most culturally advanced cities in the country. The museum of science and industry and museum of natural history are ranked among the best in the world. Also there is an Art Museum that is second to none, The Shedd Aquarium was one of the first of its kind and is the standard the new aquarium in Atlanta is aiming for. The architecture in the city is cited as being some of the best in the world. Among those noted for its architectual design and influence is Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition there are beaches within the city limits, various toursit attractions, i.e., Navy Pier, Millennium Park and The Taste of Chicago just to name a few. Also there is revalization going on in the South Side of tbe city, making that side of the city more attractive. Nightlife is plentiful and does not end early (see Atlanta)so one does not have to come home early. I haven’t begin to mention the different types of foods one can enjoy while in the city. Much like Atlanta, Chicago enjoys a diverse ethnic background. However, unlike Atlanta, Chicago is losing its thug image while Atlanta is embracing its. I know this as I have lived and worked in both cities. I have a soft spot for both, but if I have a choice to visit one over the other, its Chicago hands down.

By christy

June 12, 2006 1:19 PM | Link to this

Yeah its me again. I just wanted to say get off the whole hip hop culture thing first of all ATL did not start with hip hop its always been a nick name of Atlanta just NYC. Hip hop start the trend of calling Atlanta, A-Town or The A. The subject of just rappers moving here and hip hop culture proves that none of you know the city or the people that move here. And Atlanta a “thug” city? Come on guys grow up. Every major city have crime it comes with the package. And entertainment makes almost city well know whether its Atlanta, NYC, New Orleans, or the entire state of California. I mean come on the main reason anyone began to care about England is because of the British Invasion and Princess Di. Also, add Berlin to my list it has became so beautiful.

By Q

June 12, 2006 1:28 PM | Link to this

Iam a native of ATLANTA,and I have never heard a friend or relative say anything negative about this city.Every city has its own little flavor,and what would this world be like if every city was alike.This city has a little something for everybody;just open your eyes and look,and stop stereotyping.Oh,and there is nothing wrong with hip-hop itself,its just the negative image that some people give it.

By Amanda Miller

June 12, 2006 1:30 PM | Link to this

Hi Charlie

I have to second you on Portland, Ore. It is a lovely city to visit and relax in. And I chuckled at your comment that Atlanta would be at the top of a list of “what cities do drivers not use turn signals in.�

Some of the positive comments about Atlanta are right on, too. It IS a very livable city, a place where a family can actually afford to buy a house (whatever the charms of San Francisco, and they’re many, affordability isn’t one of them).

And one more thing, I happen to like Chicago a lot, too, as several bloggers have mentioned. But Atlanta has it all over Chicago for weather and climate.

Amanda

By Terry

June 12, 2006 1:33 PM | Link to this

Having been in the military and stationed in some beautiful cities such as Bangkok, Thailand and Berlin, Germany plus visited many great European, Asian and Central American cities, in addition I’ve traveled through over 45 of our great states and the place I most often go back to is Jackson Hole, Wy. If you’ve been you know why it’s my favorite. You can have the museum’s and fine restaurant’s but there is no place that I know of that can match the senic beauty of that part of this great country.

By atlalien

June 12, 2006 1:38 PM | Link to this

Anywhere in Israel the entire country is beautifull

By B. Killebrew

June 12, 2006 3:14 PM | Link to this

Stu, mark c, BPJ, Regularjoe, and christy…

Right on!

By charmaine Williams

June 12, 2006 3:26 PM | Link to this

My favorite city that I have been to has to be Amsterdam. The people are friendly and the city is very clean. Any time of the year it is beautiful, but the best time is when the tulips are in bloom…. Next on my list is Freeport Bahamas. It’s not a city, but the beaches are wonderful and the coral reefs are to die for. The best drink is the Gully Wash… 2 ounces of Gin and 6-8 ounces of fresh coconut water, and you have to try the conch. Conch salad, fried conch, conch fitters,conch chowder anyway is good.I love that Island….

By BPJ

June 12, 2006 4:51 PM | Link to this

Okay, H-Charles, here is my response: “I can’t wait to visit Atlanta to see, eat, or do __.â€? To see: a world premiere play, such as “The Perfect Prayer” at Horizon Theatre, about a young woman growing up Muslim in the South (it’s a comedy, for the most part). Let Charleston or Savannah have all the Spanish Moss and old houses; plays like this have much more to do with the “soul of the South.”

Also to see: several upcoming shows at the High, including “Paper Trail: African-American Works on Paper” and “Intersections: Atlanta Collects Photography”. Also to see: the long list of exhibits here every October under the rubric of “Atlanta Celebrates Photography” - the sort of festival photography lovers in other cities envy.

To eat: Anything at Aria, Bacchanalia, Seeger’s, the Dining Room at the Ritz, or Joël - world class restaurants. If a traveler’s budget is too limited for those restaurants, try Dish, VeniVidiVici, Tamarind, Nan, Nam, or The Vortex (for a burger).

To do: depends on your interests, but here are some possibilities: attend a lecture and book signing at the Margaret Mitchell House (where the bestselling novel ever was written); walk among the orchids at the Atlanta Botanical Garden; observe the pandas and gorillas at the zoo, then take the shuttle to one of the world’s finest aquariums; stroll around Ansley Park, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland or Piedmont Park before a nearby play or concert; see the world’s largest painting-in-the-round, depicting the battle of Atlanta, at the Cyclorama; attend a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church; take your kids to play in the fountain at Centennial Olympic Park; do the CNN studio tour; see anything at the Fox; run the Peachtree, catch a game at the Ted, leave a golf tee at Bobby Jones’s grave in Oakland cemetery; listen to jazz at Churchill Grounds or blues at Blind Willie’s; look at the Nobel Prizes at the King Center and the Carter Center; see work from Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden at the High; gaze upon the bust of the Emperor Tiberius at the Carlos; be surprised at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center; have lunch at Harold’s Barbecue, Son’s Place, or Manuel’s; enjoy architecture by Richard Meier, Renzo Piano, Philip Johnson, and (in a few years) Santiago Calatrava, in a two-block area….and sure, do some shopping at Lenox & Phipps.

By Larry

June 12, 2006 4:51 PM | Link to this

Atlanta WAS my favorite city in the world until about the end of the ’70s - wonderful old brick buildings, fun funky neighborhoods, night life with a dangerous exciting edge to it. Now “gentrification” (covering everything with plastic and aluminum to appeal to the yuppies) has taken this city’s soul away and made it generic.

By Traveled

June 12, 2006 5:06 PM | Link to this

By TM Owens

June 12, 2006 5:08 PM | Link to this

Dahlonega didn’t make the list? Its genuine, historical, has maintained its original character and has multiple natural resource recreational opportunities.

By SWE fan

June 12, 2006 5:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Folks,

How about Stockholm? Haven’t been there in the winter, but in the Summer it is really spectacular. Copenhagen is very nice as well. St. Petersburg, Russia is very grand and impressive, but chaotic. Toronto is a world-class, clean version of NYC.

ATL needs about 50 to 100 more years of maturation before it reaches top 200 status. We are still very young as a major city in comparison to NYC, Tokyo, and Paris!

By Vivian Shin

June 12, 2006 7:07 PM | Link to this

I love the Cities Book! I have one at home and my guests really enjoy the read! The Lonely Planet’s Top 10 picks were right on.

By Michael Davis

June 12, 2006 7:57 PM | Link to this

As a Delta Flight Attendant for the last ten years, I have had the opportunity to travel to many cities. I must say SFO is my favorite. I have lived in Atlanta for the past 8-years and in the downtown area for 3-year of those 8-years. Downtown Atlanta is the sorriest excuse for a city that I have ever seen. My hopes fro improvement to the downtown area are quickly fading. Downtown Savvanah has more to offer.

By John Recio

June 12, 2006 8:43 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is at the bottom of the list. It doesn’t have any of the things that make it exciting. The downtown area lacks everything that makes a city exciting. Shopping, theater, resturants, etc… Downtown has too many vacant buildings and the ones that are occupied contain low end retail that primarily cater to hip hop.
Something is very wrong.

By Michael

June 13, 2006 9:23 AM | Link to this

blame the traffic problems and poor metro train systems as a big reason. My wife and I travel a lot and depend on trains/buses etc to get around. Who wants to come to Atlanta and be forced to rent a car and sit in traffic all the time? NYC;Chicago;San Francisco all have excellent systems that allow tourists to get around.

By Cane

June 13, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

How could DC not be high on the list? I lived in DC for five years and it was absolutely beautiful. Add Northern VA, the Chesepeake Bay and back in the city for a vibrant nighlife downtown, adams morgan, and georgetown, and you have a city where you would never get bored.

I live in Miami now and it is perfect for a young single man like me who loves partying, tropical atmosphere, and doesn’t mind living in a foriegn country within the Unites States. If you want to raise a family though (Fuuugeedabout it)

I am a native of Savannah and I love visiting my hometown whenever possible for an inexpensive trip to be around family. Atlanta has affordable housing compared to most large cities, but after living in DC and Miami, Atlanta is not on my just dying to get there list.

By jbmlaw

June 13, 2006 1:12 PM | Link to this

Hilo - due to its proximity to everything else on Hawaii Luzern - although the bridge burned, still beautiful DC - wouldn’t want to live there, but a superior tourist city Chicago and St. Louis - great family tourism cities, especially for baseball fans

By josh

June 13, 2006 2:17 PM | Link to this

Prague, CZ is one of the most beautiful cities that most people overlook. It is still a relatively inexpensive place to visit, and it has everything from great architecture to all night partying. Definitely should be in the top 10.

By eharr

June 13, 2006 2:32 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is truly a great city to live. There is so much to offer from it’s music scene to it’s restaurants. You can not argue about the quality of life afforded here. What amazes me is the bashing from some of the blogs. If you want New york then move to New york.(transplants). So don’t bash the city and comment on how much you hate it here, and yet live here for FIVE YEARS.

By MIchael

June 13, 2006 2:44 PM | Link to this

Time and again I’ve seen people come here and look in wonder at all the trees, especially the trees that blanket midtown. It’s the region that wows people here—not the city, but the region. And this part of the South is one of the prettiest, most lush areas in the country. It’s a shame developers and individual home owners don’t seem to have the imagination to make good use of the natural beauty here.

Atlanta’s architecture is mostly a dumbed-down version of something built someplace else. Bank of America Tower=Empire State Building withn Eiffel Tower topping. Ho-hum. Very little big architecture here makes good, thoughtful use of a sense of place. Many of our signature buildings are explicit copies of other buildings built in other places. Even the Meier building at the High is a “copy” of buildings Meier has built numerous times before in other places.

Aside from the lack of originality in the architecture, there’s the street system. The Atlanta street system is a knotted mess, with small blocks criss-crossing each other to form an irregular grid that features stop lights every few feet. Stop lights are badly timed, and the streets are in pretty bad condition, with lots of holes and very bad dips.

So, we have an architecture that has a kind of Epcot amusement-park quality to it, and a lousy 19th-century street system that is a pain to navigate. The few public spaces here that work—like Piedmont Park and the new piazzo at the High—are really sublime, and should be a model for the city, if it wants to create a sense of community. Unfortunately, what seems to be sprouting up lately is a creepy succession of fake art-deco condo towers, as if the city were building a huge backdrop for a remake of the “Wizard of Oz.”

That’s what’s really missing in Atlanta, I think: a sense of community. What makes other cities great has a lot to do with how public spaces enable people to experience community, and there’s just not a whole lot of that in Atlanta. Paris tops the list for me here—so much of life is lived comfortably in parks and on the sidewalks of grand avenues there. You can feel rich in Paris just by walking down the street. If Atlanta ever has that kind of magic, maybe it will be because we’ll find our own Baron Haussmann to tear the city up and remake it, like Paris did.

By harris

June 13, 2006 3:47 PM | Link to this

Even after hurricane Katrina there is still more do in a day in new orleans than there is in atlanta. One would be just sitting on the lazy mississippi river watching the ships pass by.

By BPJ

June 13, 2006 4:49 PM | Link to this

I’m still appalled by the mindless, ignorant Atlanta-bashing in some of the comments; they tell us there’s no theatre Downtown - don’t you know they’ve never set foot in Theatrical Outfit, The Rialto, Atlanta Shakespeare, or The Tabernacle? And to describe the Meier building at the High as a “copy” of what he has built elsewhere is so wrong-headed: it is widely considered one of his best buildings (he won the commission for the Getty based largely on the High - you could say the Getty is an expanded “copy” of our museum).

The other thing I notice in these posts is the usual difference in perception between intown residents and those who live farther out in suburbs built in the second half of the 20th century. The latter tend to decribe “Atlanta” as lacking in character, filled with derivative architecture, with terrible traffic, worse drivers, and no transit. Many of us who live intown treasure the city for its old neighborhoods close to restaurants and PLENTY of activities, its trees and parks, and courteous, creative people. When we have visitors (many of them from cities very high on the “top 200” list), we show them the Atlanta worth visiting. They always enjoy it; some of you need to get to know this place better (it isn’t just a function of how long you’ve lived here - see my previous posts for suggestions).

By jay jarrell

June 13, 2006 5:28 PM | Link to this

Kaneohe,Hawaii is fantastic,lived there for two years.Nothing like Sandles and Tee,s for the rest of your life,Please Lord let me end my days on the beach!

By MIchael

June 13, 2006 8:23 PM | Link to this

Not to start a war here, but: I’ve lived in Atlanta most of my adult life. Lived in midtown most of that time. There’s much about the city I like or I wouldn’t live here. Most of what I like resides in what I think the city could become. I think this could be a great city, but I think that there’s a lot holding us back. Having studied architecture (avocationally) for the past thirty years or so, I stand by my (widely shared) observation that Atlanta’s architecture is mostly mediocre, mostly unimaginative and mostly derivative. Meier’s High building has greatly improved since the expansion of the High, mostly because the interior has been reconfigured to allow smoother traffic and because the naive/folk art collection has been given space to breathe. The exterior of the building itself still bears the imprint of projects Meier completed numerous times elsewhere before he tried it here. It’s a nice copy, as copies go. A nice copy of a building by a guy who loves to build the same white-tiled atrium building over and over.

The rest of the new architecture I see going up is downright cheesy. Atlantic Station is a prime example. It looks cheap. So does Spire, and the plans for the other new faux-deco condo towers all look like General Hospital, circa 1930. Nothing to fall in love with there.

Isn’t it odd that, with the great abundance of land around here, Atlanta ranks as one of the poorest cities in the country in terms of park space? Why is that? The city is making progress by building museums, and that’s great. We could use a lot more such space in a city of nearly five million folks, than the High and the admittedly wonderful Carlos.

My main point is that, in relation to what other comparable cities (like Dallas, Portland and Denver) have done to enhance community life, Atlanta is lagging behind. This is a city of guarded, private interiors and flashy facades. In Atlanta, as I heard one Buckhead swain once say, you are what you drive. I hope we come to change that, and I hope the city learns how to offer more substance.

Glad you like what you see, BJP, but I don’t think I’ll give up my PhD or my MENSA card over our disagreement on this issue.

By mark c

June 13, 2006 8:26 PM | Link to this

Hey BPJ, don’t forget about the Flat Iron building as well with regard to architecture.

Your absolutely right about some of these people not knowing the city and all it has to offer! There is a great vibe in Atlanta. A lot is happening and its just too bad that some of the locals have yet to disover it.

Touche !!! mark c

By Argus

June 14, 2006 8:35 AM | Link to this

I believe the Delta Heritage Museum could be the basis of an air and perhaps transportation museum that could showcase Atlanta’s role in shaping southern aviation and transportation history.

I personally would like to see the Apollo 6 spacecraft moved from the Fernbank Science Center to the air museum. I always found it interesting that the Atlanta area got to house the Apollo 6, in light of the fact that it was launched on April 4, 1968 the same day as Martin Luther King’s assasination. I can think of no better city to host that particular spacecraft than the city of Atlanta.

The site for the air museum could be the current site of the Ford plant, with a design similar to the Udar-Hazy Center at Dulles International Airport.

By BPJ

June 14, 2006 3:34 PM | Link to this

To Michael: No “war” needed; I agree with much of what you say. I didn’t mean to lump you in with the ignorant comments (the ones saying there’s nothing to do here except shop). I wouldn’t put Atlanta in the “top 200”; it isn’t a truly great city - but it could be. The biggest things holding the city back are an inadequate transit system, insufficient support for the arts, not enough parks, and tolerance for mediocre architecture.

That said, I’m optimistic, for too many reasons to completely cover here. A few reasons: Mayor Franklin is well aware our park system is inadequate. (There was a terrific national survey on that a few years ago, and Atlanta ranked at the bottom for cities its size.) She is pushing to expand the system, and to provide adequate funding for it. The future parks at the quarry along the Beltline will, I hope, be the first of many.

I think more and more people are starting to see what the benefits of a first-rate transit system would be. Some of this is because of people moving here with expectations based on great transit. (I’m a fan of the Metro in my wife’s hometown of Paris - it is designed so that anywhere in the city limits one is within 5 minutes of a station.) The holdup has not been with the city leaders, but rather the state, and some suburban leaders. There is a hard-core anti-transit minority who have stymied several worthwhile projects. I think their days are numbered.

As for architecture, you’re right about much of what is being built. I would only argue that recent condo and apartment projects, whatever their aesthetic shortcomings, do differ from the ones built in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s in one key respect: the new ones meet the sidewalk somewhat gracefully, often with street-level retail. Contrast this with decades of buildings which gracelessly failed to meet the sidewalk, often with windowless concrete walls. This is the fundamental shift I see in the past 7 or so years, and it is so important. Several blocks of Peachtree Street are essentially different experiences for pedestrians than they were 10 years ago; as the “blank spots” get filled in, our main street can truly become something to be proud of (which was not true in 1996). Substantial credit has to go to the Midtown Alliance for this. As for Atlantic Station, even some of the developers involved with it have admitted, in the AJC, that they’re not entirely satisfied with some of their work so far (Cathy Fox had a good article about this.) But here’s the key point to keep in mind about Atlantic Station: suppose that property had been developed 15 years earlier. Two big differences: it would have been a single use - either a shopping mall, or an office park, or a suburban-style apartment complex - and it would have been essentially unfriendly to pedestrians. There would have been a massive parking lot, and no windows along sidewalks. That is key. Atlantic Station is at least 5 years away from settling in to what it will be, and yes there is a Disney-like feel to parts of it, but give it some time. For a glimpse of what Atlanta’s future could be, check out Glenwood Park, a development by a true city-lover, Charles Brewer (it has a few years to go, as well, before it is built out).

As for the arts, that’s the area I spend a lot of time working on. (I’m on the board of The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, and have served on three theatre boards.) No one wants to see improvement in that area more than I do, but I get frustrated when I read some of the posts here (not yours) saying there’s nothing to do here, no real arts scene. I attended the national theatre conference here over the past weekend, and I think a lot of Atlantans would be surprised to learn how highly regarded the Atlanta theatre community is nationally. The quality of work being done on Atlanta’s best stages equals what one will find anywhere (the quantity is greater in some cities, of course). Our museums have a lot to do to improve their collections - but there’s a lot of great work here already. I encourage people who would like to see the collections improve to join the museum(s) of their choice, get to know the curators, and (if resources allow) contribute to funds for acquisition of art. We’ve done this the past few years, and it’s very satisfying. It doesn’t take enormous amounts of money; by combining your contribution with others, a smart curator can make some excellent acquisitions. As for the Meier building, each to his own taste: Tom Wolfe thought it looked like a pesticide factory; Paul Goldberger in the New York Times described it as the finest museum structure built in a generation. I’m with Goldberger. I’m also a fan of the Renzo Piano addition - I think it functions better, in terms of lighting and flexibility, as a place to show art. Enough said!

By Johane

June 16, 2006 3:22 PM | Link to this

This is my favorite topic:Traveling!!! My favorite cities are: Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Savannah, Montreal, and of course New York city.

These are some of our world’s jewels. I can’t wait to visit some of the others mentioned in the article.

By Tami

June 16, 2006 5:15 PM | Link to this

The emerging pattern here appears to be people from Atlanta trying to sell Atlanta. However, it simply is not on par with other diverse, interesting, places as San Francisco, Paris, Florence, Rome, NYC, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Hawaii, etc. (there is a reason Atlanta didn’t make the list)

As for people being “appalled by Atlanta bashing” Hey, the article is asking people their favorite places to visit, and if they thought Atlanta should have made the list. (It didn’t ) It seems not too many people like to visit Atlanta. (I don’t) In fact, a number of people have less than favorable opinions about Atlanta. (myself included) People are entitled to say why they don’t like a place.

Also, the earlier comments about Atlanta not being “marketed” correctly also strikes me as odd and ironic (the trees of Atlanta should be marketed? ) It only seems to underscore the opinion of Atlanta being disingenuous.

I have been to Atlanta a number of times. Spent six weeks there for work two years ago. - couldn’t wait to leave. That’s the truth. I am adventurous, open-minded and willing to explore any place big or small to discover it’s charms but in my opinion Atlanta has no charm to offer.

But, everyone is entitled to my opinion.

By Rosa

June 21, 2006 3:41 PM | Link to this

I love the city of Key West. I think is a very cheery, happy place. I don’t agree with Savannah being one the most beautiful american cities, I think Savannah is a gloomy and dark place, now I don’t think you can compare anything here in the States to Paris, Zurich, Rome, Florence, there so much hystory and beautiful architecture there, but I wouln’t like to live in Europe, I love America to much, there is so much you can find here that you don’t have over there.