Ghana Tips & articles

12 January 2010 12:11pm

Cities – so misunderstood (update)

  • Vivek Wagle
  • Lonely Planet Author

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Wow – the original version of this article, entitled ‘Cities You Really Hate’ and published on 9 October, certainly ruffled a few feathers! We published a list of cities that our travel community had discussed as disappointing. Little did we know how misunderstood our humble list would be.

In recent weeks, the media portrayed our list as being ‘Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s worst cities’ or ‘The worst cities to live in’ or ‘The most terrible places on earth’. None of this was close to the truth.

Our article was never meant to be an authoritative list of the ‘world’s worst cities’, nor was it a poll on ‘horrible places to live’. That’s why war-torn areas, for example, don’t appear: they’re pretty unlikely to be high in traveller expectations.

The article is simply a broader reflection of community members’ suggestions based on an earlier list of ‘Your least favourite cities’. Via comments on this original article, the Thorn Tree, our Facebook page and numerous emails, travellers sent in suggestions for cities they thought should make the list instead. We took these suggestions, ranked them based on number and description, and replayed the feedback as a list.

While we may not agree with everything we receive, we do value community feedback and believe that it’s important to give travellers’ opinions a strong voice.

With that said, we want make it crystal clear that the opinions below do not reflect the ‘official’ Lonely Planet opinion of the cities. Given all the interest, we’ll be featuring interviews and articles by Lonely Planet authors talking about their firsthand experiences with the cities mentioned in the next several weeks. Stay tuned.

And, for the record, here’s the list that caused the misunderstanding in the first place.

Your 9 least favourite cities

  1. Detroit, USA – Because of the crime, pollution and crumbling infrastructure.
  2. Accra, Ghana – Ugly, chaotic, sprawling and completely indifferent to its waterfront location.
  3. Seoul, South Korea – According to one traveller comment, ‘It’s an appallingly repetitive sprawl of freeways and Soviet-style concrete apartment buildings, horribly polluted, with no heart or spirit to it. So oppressively bland that the populace is driven to alcoholism.’
  4. Los Angeles, USA – A highly contentious pick, placed here because of its ‘uncontrolled sprawl, pollution, appalling traffic and ugly freeways’, according to one traveller.
  5. Wolverhampton, England – So bad that we don’t even have it on this site! Check out post 35 on this thread. Update: a lot of you have pointed out that this review is flippant, and you’re right. We should have mentioned that many travellers had colourful anecdotes regarding Wolverhampton, most of which revolved around the industrial nature of the landscape and a generally gloomy aesthetic. In contrast, Tom Hall (our UK travel editor) has mentioned that he thinks Wolverhampton is ‘a nice place’.
  6. San Salvador, El Salvador – Widely put forth by travellers as the grubbiest of the Central American capitals.
  7. Chennai, India – On our website, we describe it as lacking Mumbai’s prosperity, Delhi’s history or Bengaluru’s buzz. Even the movie stars are ‘not that hot.’ We go on to describe some of its charms, but most travellers find it disappointing.
  8. Arusha, Tanzania – A gateway to natural wonder that has more than its share of rust. One traveller urges others to ‘Get out as quickly [to the surrounding region] as you can.’
  9. Chetumal, Mexico – Combining mass tourism and outlying decay, Chetumal just doesn’t charm you.


Comments

  1. 15 10月 2009 9:49午後 globecircler Report this comment

    Los Angeles worse than Tijuana or Ciudad Juarez? Really? And where's Lagos?

    LA is not stunningly beautiful and traffic is horrendous, but there is ALOT to see and do there (great bars & ethnic cuisine, celebrity-sighting, funky neighborhoods). It's not like Paris, where you can just hop off the plane, wander around and be awed by the sights, you have to research in advance. And there ARE tourist shuttles that circulate to the most popular sites, so you don’t have to drive.

    LA is also changing...more attention is being paid to new developments, pedestrian-friendliness and densifying areas with the metro like Downtown, Pasadena & Hollywood. In Nov, voters also approved several new subway lines including the Purple Line down Wilshire Blvd to Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Westwood & Santa Monica. Stay tuned.

    What deserves to be ranked worse than LA? The 3 cities mentioned above plus Taipei, Beijing, Manila, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Caracas, Sao Paolo & Guatemala City, for starters.

  2. 16 10月 2009 2:16午前 youseehim Report this comment

    LA is at least a functioning city with beautiful beaches! I would give my vote to Medan, Indonesia, for it's complete madness.

  3. 16 10月 2009 5:28午前 carrieq Report this comment

    Has no one been to Kathmandu? It is possibly the worst city I've ever been to. The smog is one thing (you can't see the Himalayan Mountains even though they're right beside the city), but the fumes from broken down cars, the riot police everywhere, the harrassment from sellers and 'guides', the horrible food... this is what really gets me! I think I developed a black lung from my stay there. A shame, really, since the history is so amazing there, but I'll never go back.

    My second vote for worst city is Athens. Dirty, noisy, hot, loud. Poor planning, poor transportation, poor people. Disappointing to say the least (but at least the food was good!) Another shame, since the history is phenomenal there.

    I did, however, spend 3 months in Accra, and I didn't find it as bad as all that. And London as worst city? Shame!! I love that city with all my heart!

  4. 16 10月 2009 12:26午後 rose_m Report this comment

    Wow, you might want to give Kathmandu another go. Yes, it's polluted, but go in April or October and you'll see the Himalayas - it's seasonal haze. Yes, you'll get approached by a lot of touts and guides, it's a city that relies heavily on tourist dollars - but they're generally charming about being politely refused. Compared to, say, India, it's a soft sell indeed. Bad food? Try the momos! Mmmm, momos...With you on the London thing. It can be a difficult city, but if you can't find something to love in London, well, it's as Dr Johnson says - you're tired of life.

  5. 16 10月 2009 12:55午後 skybird12209 Report this comment

    I have been to about half of these places and don't agree with most of what has been written. Why is it I don't see the boringly dull Atlanta or Dallas or Houston? If you can add LA to the mix, then how can you not add Houston? At least LA has no humidity!

    And for overseas places, what can be worse than New Delhi India?? They have these guys who pop out behind the trees and squirt "monkey poop" on your shoes and then try and rip you off as they clean them for a hefty, $12 USD, fee! And they really do have bands of roving,hungry, mean monkeys!!

  6. 17 10月 2009 3:15午前 tomstar86 Report this comment

    I have to agree with Seoul - it's vile.

    I'm in Daegu, which is lovely - not too big, easy to get around, very pedestrianised, reasonable prices, and much friendlier people than Seoul.

    Seoul is too congested, dirty, ugly, and it has no heart. The Koreans you find in Seoul are horrible enough to anybody from the south of S. Korea (aka Daegu, Busan etc.) let alone to foreigners.

    The current ads running for it which call it "Soul of Asia" are a joke - guess the Korean tourism board have never heard of or been to Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai...to name a few...

    And the Korean government wonder why it isn't a booming tourist destination, surely nothing to do with how racist Koreans tend to be, the fact that they won't let budget airlines run international flights so that Korean Air and Asiana retain a monopoly, or the fact that they promote their cuisine internationally with kimchi...

  7. 17 10月 2009 5:18午前 marialopez Report this comment

    I hate Dehra Dun in North-India: dusty, noisy, lots of traffic, terrible hotels, restaurants and shops. I hate Las Vegas in USA: the climate is horrible (you get sweaty but yet there is a desert wind, so that you catch a cold) and it is SO boring!! I hate Varanasi in Northeast India: dirty river, polluted air, lots of traffic, lots of India, terrible......

  8. 17 10月 2009 5:20午前 marialopez Report this comment

    I LOVE LA: it houses wonderful collections of modern art and the climate is good, all this very much opposed to SF!

  9. 17 10月 2009 5:25午前 marialopez Report this comment

    I just LOVE Naples: art and art and art and art, lovely food for low prices, great people in the folksy old neighbourhoods in the old town, it is my type of place!

  10. 17 10月 2009 11:04午前 dingdong88 Report this comment

    I have to agree that Delhi is a nightmare in many respects, but it is so thrilling and the history so alive and so rich that the filth and hassle and noise somehow are worth it. My initial reaction was horror and sheer terror, but upon returning a few wks later I rather enjoyed it.

    But it is not exactly a "city that works" and boy is it an ugly city in parts.

  11. 17 10月 2009 6:50午後 laimac Report this comment

    Sorry but I can't agree with Accra which is a lovely city once you know it - of course, no "lie on white sand beaches" destination but one where you can truly discover the welcoming Ghanaian culture. If you're looking for a truly non-touristy place, think of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I am not criticizing the local customs (I live in Riyadh), but this is definitely one of the last places on Earth for tourism!

  12. 18 10月 2009 8:53午後 jessistar15 Report this comment

    Very interesting that Detroit is #1, has anyone been to Gary, IN? So I didn't actually stay to visit, but passed through on a bus-I did eat at a White Castle!-and was overwhelmed by the putrid odor that wafted its way onto the bus. Seems depressing and oppressed.

    The city of Adana in Turkey is a must pass. Masses of unfinished buildings that looked like construction halted many years ago, choking pollution, dull views. I was most disgusted with the opulence of the hotel I was staying as it overshadowed the crumbling homes of those that lived nearby. Seemed to be in extremely bad taste to have such sparkling digs right in the middle of all that. Here's thumbing your nose at you...

    I'll be honest, it wasn't irredeemable, there is a gorgeous Roman bridge and there was a mosque that was particularly beautiful, but Adana compared with every other place that I visited in Turkey was very dull.

  13. 19 10月 2009 12:19午前 thecuriostraveller Report this comment

    What about Toronto?

    Toronto should be the first in the list for so many reasons

    People are arrogant and unfriendly

    they critize you on the street if you don't look like them, meaning dressing in black in winter.

    There is not much to do if you are not in the club scene

    the so call entertaiment district is packed with bad and overpriced restaurants.

    all the buildings look the same (Blue) except for the CN tower wich by the way is not longer the biggest standing structure in the world.

    Overall a very angry and dull city.

  14. 19 10月 2009 4:22午前 nvarellas Report this comment

    Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, should definitely be on the list--old, Soviet-concrete buildings, almost no parks, garbage everywhere and heavy air pollution. The real kicker for me--mouse/rat poison pellets under the beds in one of the "best" hotels there--although maybe that's a good thing--what would it be like without it?

  15. 20 10月 2009 1:20午前 sraj Report this comment

    Its good to see that you have discussed about Chennai a lot.I believe the best form of Advert is that you are being talked.Even if it means to be negative. You talk abt History ...Ask Anyone of your westerners well educated guys about Madras University of Guindy College of engineering.This one of the few.I can talk a lot on this one.

    We have produced some of the best film stars in the history of Filmdom in India.

    The bolly wood as you all see is also amazed at the talent and the quality of the the stars.To name a few Rajinikanth for style Kamalhasan the king of variety. Prabhu deva Know as the Micheal jackosn of india.

    Even we have given the World most talked musician A.R Rahman.But ,Sir Ilaiya raja

    But the pathetic part is you have not kown abt it completely in order to discuss abt it.

    You talk abt wealth.The Amt of money Circulated in the CMs family Can never be measured(LOL)

    Oh My the beaches ...You guys will die to be in to beaches.

  16. 20 10月 2009 6:08午前 alygator Report this comment

    I can't say I hate any of these places because I had some memorable experiences in all of them, but my vote for least attractive/pleasurable cities would be Georgetown (Guyana), Kinshasa (DR Congo), and Luanda (Angola).

  17. 20 10月 2009 7:36午前 jmichaels Report this comment

    My brother just started to go to school in Jacksonville, FL. I was laid off recently so to get my mind off things I went down to visit him. This was my first time in Jacksonville. It is now my least favorite city. It smells, literally. The crime is pretty bad. I love traveling but thankfully I didn't pay anything for this trip. I signed up for some stuff on the site below which helped me to pay for the airline tickets and etc.

    Check this out, and don't go to Jacksonville. http://www.mediancs.com/rd_p?p=192462&t=9534&a=25081-scash&gift=25081

  18. 20 10月 2009 4:59午後 knirmal Report this comment

    I think the anti-Chennai votes probably came from Indian travelers who hate Chennai simply because it refuses to endorse Hindi. International travelers shouldn't have a problem. I live in Mumbai and love it but I acknowledge that its ugly and filthy but for those lil colonial-architecture and art-deco enclaves. Prosperity is not = lovability. B’lore’s had no buzz for the last 5 years. Delhi's history is its saving grace. Its otherwise hated because of the louts that populate it. In Chennai you won't see the wrenching poverty that’s pervasive in Mumbai and Kolkota. Its spacious and languid, has multiple beaches (not all of them beautiful though), traffic is bearable and its unique culture and cuisine are not shared by any other Indian city. And err..what do you mean by "Even the movie stars are ‘not that hot." Are you endorsing the Indian prejudice against dark skin? Are you telling me Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kissen are better looking than Jayam Ravi? That was an ugly comment Mr. Wagle.

  19. 26 10月 2009 5:26午前 hipersons Report this comment

    Can we play this game with airports we really hate. 1. CDG 2. Chicago

  20. 27 10月 2009 11:00午前 orangetuesday Report this comment

    I’m also surprised that Seoul is in the top 9. Just come back from a week in Seoul and I was surprised that it had quite a few distinct historical districts and that it’s relatively green. Also loved the food and the fish market.

    London – I can understand why travellers hate it but as a city it’s got to be one of the most interesting in the world. Perhaps, it’s a city to be travelled when you live there – there’s so much cultural diversity, history and unique places in London to keep anyone busy for a very long time.

    The worst cities that I’ve been to have been in Central America, excepting Panama City, which has many saving graces. San Juan is grey, Tegucigalpa and Gualamala are uninviting and sound pretty dangerous - from reading the newspapers, bus drivers and gang member girlfriends had a low life expectancy in G city. I’ve stayed in El Salvador but it was in a nice district and didn't ventured much into the city, so it seemed ok.

  21. 3 11月 2009 2:04午後 kumanna Report this comment

    This type of page is in very poor taste, and hurts several people's sentiments. I hope Lonely Planet works towards being a decent travel sites, rather than provide random opinions and pass them on as "general" opinion, like "Cities you really hate".

  22. 3 11月 2009 9:58午後 usmankhan Report this comment

    I am not agree with you Kumanna, It has its own taste. The taste of is actually differs in person to person. I don't like the cities but the Parks and forest and agree cultural life this is the reason, I like Lagos. And the www.lagosflights.net/

  23. 5 11月 2009 8:00午前 karthik7777 Report this comment

    I disagree with comments on Chennai. Of all major cities in India, chennai is one of the safest cities. It's less polluted than Mumbai, Banglore or Calcutta (still highly polluted when compared to western standards but far better than any other Indian city). Chennai may not have rich billionaires like Mumbai, but the average income is better. It got the world's second longest beech, Mahapalipuram, temples and many historic sites. Of course, there are bad things like very poor drainage system (you should not visit the city in rainy season - oct/nov months), bad traffic (the worst spot is taken by b'lore, delhi). And I can bet that Chennai is probably the safest city in India.

  24. 5 11月 2009 8:50午後 radhakr Report this comment

    Ranking of Chennai as one of the hated cities is grossly unfair and the reasons cited are lame. Chennai has very strong history, well evolved culture, architectures, a sophisticated movie industry - who said the stars are not hot, the last Indian Oscar winner Rahman is from Chennai - a thriving technology industry, good tourist destinations in the neighborhood and a comparatively decent economy. Weather is sultry, no doubt and the streets are crowded, signs of poverty is there - indeed these are no different from any of the cities in India. The ranking is done by overly imaginative, superficial and arm chair reviewer(s)

  25. 6 11月 2009 2:30午後 stereonation Report this comment

    I completely disagree with the reasons that was cited for Chennai. I guess, the author has either some grudge against Chennai or have no idea about Chennai. I believe he has got very less information about the city. Appreciating the unique south Indian culture of Chennai is something a person can/should experience.

  26. 6 11月 2009 11:16午後 bluegrassfire Report this comment

    Lagos, Nigeria. Read the fiction of Nigeria's most famous contemporary writer, Ben Okri, who uses the city as an extended metaphor for hell. Enough said.

    I lived in London for six months, had numerous local friends, got way out of the tourist bubble, and still agree with the traveler who called it overpriced, overrated, and grubby. Among the travel hubs, this one just underperforms. It simply lacks some magic ingredient, a sense of distinctive atmosphere, compared to Paris, Madrid, New York, Cape Town, San Francisco, Amsterdam, even Mexico City... The reason for this mystifies me, since the city has a lot to offer as far as museums, theater, restaurants, movies etc. But walk along the Seine or through Manhattan's West Village--what an adrenalin rush! Soho, Regents Park, the Thames, even Camden or Bayswater--not so much. London somehow manages to be dull even in its history, multiculturalism, and energy.

  27. 7 11月 2009 12:46午前 eclectic_odyssey Report this comment

    I love cities that are gritty and require peeling back the layers a bit to truly discover all the charms. Three cities most people hate that I love are Lima, Naples, and Brussels. At least they all have beating heart and aren't "sanitised for your protection".

    I'm going to leave out true hell-hole like Mogadishu that no one would visit from a touristic point of view.

    I don't lke artificial cities that are perfect and have had all the soul scrubbed out. Even with good natural scenery, they are boring and fake. Give me a great jazz club in Detroit any day. Ones that come to mind:

    Prague Vancouver Singapore

    These are places for people who don't really like to travel or have germ phobia. ;-)

  28. 7 11月 2009 4:36午後 agent_smith Report this comment

    I vote for Shanghai. It is polluted, dirty and crowded. The Shanghainese are rude, the traffic is horrible and the whole city smells like a sewer. But loads of places to eat and drink.

  29. 8 11月 2009 10:17午前 chrystalline Report this comment

    I chuckled when I saw Chetumal - I stayed in their version of a YMCA hostel one night to break up the long bus ride from Mexico to Belize.

    It was probably one of the most depressing places I stayed, and yes, I found nothing lovely or agreeable about the neighborhoods or city (granted, I was not there long.) Actually though I did find a decently nice place to have breakfast the next morning, but I shed no tears leaving that place!

  30. 8 11月 2009 11:06午後 papapitufo Report this comment

    I think Mr Vivek has a bit of homework to do before saying that San Salvador is in the list for being the grubbiest city in Central America...

    Please read here : http://www.bestdesi.com/desi-general/worlds-25-dirtiest-cities-india-has-2-in-the-list/

    Mercer Health and Sanitation Index Score: 46.6 You’ll find just about everything except marine life in New Delhi’s Yamuna River. Garbage and sewage flow freely, creating a rich environment for the growth of water-borne diseases contributing to extremely high rates of infant morbidity.

    And in the list the only city mentioned is Mexico City from Latin America

    Plus not to mention you just released El Salavador as Top Destination for 2010, not really consistent I must say.

    San Salvador is far from being the cleaniest but very far from being one of the most hated for its grubbiness ...

  31. 9 11月 2009 10:21午前 tina_23 Report this comment

    Chennai?! Really?! I have nothing new to add that some of the others haven't already mentioned.I'd have to agree with the author on Delhi and Mumbai, but I'd have to say that Chennai balances out culture and modernization that isn't found in the other metros in India. I am no seasoned traveller but having spent time in Asia, Europe and Africa, I can say that Chennai does have a unique feel to it. It is not for everyone and there are downsides to it (Weather for one) but its the seat to one of the most popular forms of classical dances - Bharatnatyam and classical music and not to mention the language itself (Tamil) is one of the most ancient languages in the world.

  32. 9 11月 2009 10:22午前 tina_23 Report this comment

    It houses beautiful temples and has the world's second longest beach and the famous Kanchivaram silk sarees!Its safer than most parts of India..although it has its fair share of clubs n pubs, if you are merely after 'fun', this city is definitely not for you, my friend...you are better off in Mumbai, Bangalore or Goa...

  33. 9 11月 2009 11:05午前 vivekw Report this comment

    Hi papapitufo,

    This list was based on traveller feedback, not my personal opinion.

    It's also worth noting that we classify Mexico as being part of North America, not Central America (although it is Latin American, as you point out).

    Finally, we believe that El Salvador has many drawcards outside the capital!

    vivek

  34. 9 11月 2009 12:47午後 kumanna Report this comment

    Hi vivekw!

    I'd love to know the source of your traveler feedback. Was it your website, or some other source?

    Thanks.

  35. 9 11月 2009 5:38午後 petermaggiore Report this comment

    CAIRO!

    Dirty, dirty and dirty. The pyramids are nice to look at I do admit but even they have an ugly backdrop to set your eyes upon.

  36. 9 11月 2009 5:39午後 petermaggiore Report this comment

    ps. I love Accra! It definitely doesn't deserve to be on this list.

  37. 11 11月 2009 12:54午後 charliecbc Report this comment

    I LOVE big cities, they are my favorite destinations, and I admit I am a bit weird in that way. There are a few cities in America, however, that I would not recommend traveling to. I agree with Detroit. It is by far the most dangerous place in America. I have two best friends from there, and the stories they tell are like something out of a third world country. People get murdered almost everyday and half of the murders go unsolved. On the other hand, people from Michigan and the Detroit area are known for being some of the nicest people in America. The northern midwest region is populated by very hospitable people for the most part and travelers will be amazed at how cool they are. Baltimore and Washington DC are the other most dangerous cities in the US. Both of those cities have a lot to offer tourists, but ineffective city rule and major drug problems have made them crime infested and impoverished.

  38. 15 11月 2009 4:49午後 vijaykarthik Report this comment

    Pretty Cheap list.

    And all the while, I thought LP had good guys at the deck who didnt have a bias and loved every city they travelled to regardless of what it has to offer. Afterall, its another point in a small world where people live to put things in perspective. To think of the fact that LP itself has quote unqoute *educative* posts like this speaks volumes about the people who write them.

    Initially when real travellers told me that LP should only be a start and a fair guide to one's travel and it shouldnt end in the list of places that they recommend, I wasnt very convinced. But now I cant help but agree with them.

    Grow up and take things in your stride and live with it. The only reason one travels is to experience every culture and also learn to appreciate it. I dont see anything getting done by stupid posts like these.

  39. 21 11月 2009 7:53午後 smohdnizam Report this comment

    Although the author of this biased-dreadful list lives in Melbourne, he doesn't seem to have forgotten his Marathi/Mumbaikar roots. Given the Marathi/Mumbaikar's hatred for all things Chennai, I guess that is the reason that Chennai has made it to the list.

    Chennai was not on the original list published by the author and among the comments in the original article I came across only three which had to do with Chennai - 2 were positive and 1 was negative. I would be a moron of grade-A quality to go by just one negative comment and catapult a city to the top 9 most hated list!

    I am totally game for some constructive criticism but this one smacks of narrow-mindedness which I believed was anathema to the culture of Lonely Planet. Apparently that is not the case!

    Lonely Planet has really screwed the pooch on this one!

  40. 22 11月 2009 6:57午後 soojeng Report this comment

    I would just like to say that a city is what you make of it...

  41. 23 11月 2009 11:27午後 auldharry Report this comment

    Accra is a great town ya numpties. Whoever nominated it for this list has never had a night on the Ghanaian Rum at Lizzie's Enterprises on the main drag in Osu or been to the bar that looks out over the beach and the Atlantic. You need to walk through a 55-a-side game of football to get to it admittedly. One of the best beaches in Africa is at Kokrobite anaw, and it's only about twenty minutes away.

    Dafties.

  42. 24 11月 2009 7:36午前 mari_cb Report this comment

    SAN SALVADOR DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE ON THIS LIST!!!

    Especially now that El Salvador has been rated among countries like Germany and Greece as a top 10 2010 Destination for Lonely Planet!!

  43. 25 11月 2009 2:54午前 rontayan Report this comment

    Detroit?!?!? OMFG! I'm a Detroit native born and raised. (inner-city not suburbs, NW Detroit 8 mile Greenfield area.)

    And I honestly have to say I would never visit Detroit if I wasn't going back to see my family or friends. I lived in Detroit for my 27 of my 29 years of life and have to say this place is one of the MOST DEPRESSING areas ever.

    I used to hate returning home from a vacation to this crumbling urban ghetto. Its not a racist statement to point out the facts that he city has NOT turned its self around in more years than I've been alive. (this is assuming you've stepped out of downtown.) However if you are in Detroit the people are cooler to hang out with than in Chicago, and I suggest stopping by Union Street Saloon on Woodward ave near Downtown Detroit and ordering the Dragon's eggs with a side of ranch or blue cheese. If you like VERY SPICY food. Also say Hi To Nick or Rondo who work the bar Tell'em Ron Tayan Sent or Eric sent you. (for real)

  44. 25 11月 2009 9:22午前 cloe74 Report this comment

    I have to wonder what kind of information this article is trying to provide (or trying to be helpful for travlers??). These cities are dirty and unwelcome so do not go there? or just FYI in case you "have to" visit sometime - beaware and have prejudice against the cities? In that sense, I have to agree with the poor taste comments. Have you ever found yourself not liking NYC after a passerby being rude to you even though you were surrounded by the most popular and well known buildings and landmarks ? I am not going to say NYC is ugly and unwelcome based on my random bad personal experiences ... nor about any cities for that matter. Places and people that you experience in a foreign place is how you make it to be.... Again can you elaborate what type of information this article was trying to provide?

  45. 27 11月 2009 5:50午後 quetzal Report this comment

    Doha???? Shocked by those comments. I am sitting here now! Its a beautiful day...yes the weather in summer is overwhelming but now its lovely. There is a 7km long sea front and out of the desert they have made some beautiful green areas. Ok its not a global classic but its pleasant enough and the Qataris are fine - I actually like them a lot. Yep the driving is horrible by a lot of nationalities but other crimes are very low. Eid Mubarak from the desert.

  46. 12 12月 2009 3:37午後 seripark Report this comment

    Seoul is fabulously fun if you know where to go and what to do... it's open 24 hours, and has endless activities.

    The problem is that Korea is not that touristique and the culture is pretty insular. So, you need a local if you want to really experience the place.

    You might get a flavor if you watch a few Korean dramas and films.

  47. 21 12月 2009 6:01午後 suhridk Report this comment

    Although Chennai is a vibrant metro with a lot of going for it - in terms of history, culture, temples, beaches, I am sorry to say that I side with the author on his choice of Chennai. The city has just been let down by woeful infrastructure and indifferent citizens. Terrible roads which flood with rainwater and sewage, horrible tranport, filthy overcrowded streets - come together for to make today's Chennai a nightmare. I hope these things get fixed soon, till then give the city a wide berth.

  48. 28 12月 2009 4:22午前 traveller115 Report this comment

    Agree - with most - I would put Wolverhampton at no. 1 or 2 - but I'd add Kaolack in Senegal pretty high up there as well. Seoul? What are you thinking? It's the citizens, not just the architecture (or lack of it) that make or break a city.

  49. 30 12月 2009 4:39午前 proudwulfrunian Report this comment

    How on earth can you put Wolverhampton at number 5 when the feedback does not justify this at all. Post 35 was a joke for goodness sake. Listen Vivek if you claim to be a serious travel writer then you should actually find out about a city before you start belittling it. I challenge you to do some research or actually visit us before coming to any conclusion. We are over 1000 years old and West Wolverhampton is one of the most affluent areas of England. Contact us at cityofwolverhampton.com.

  50. 30 12月 2009 2:38午後 julifers4 Report this comment

    Wow, by the looks of all these comments every city in the world sucks. I might as well stay at home...........

  51. 31 12月 2009 1:37午前 wulfrunian1960 Report this comment

    Personally I wouldn't go anywhere in the world if Vivek Wagle (editor of lonely planet) was there. His brand of gutter journalism would seriously infect anyone in his vicinity. Perhaps he should actually visit a place which he denegrates before making sneering, vacuous and puerile comments. Lonely Planet guides are alot of old crap anyway - many people living in my hometown of Wolverhampton won't wasting their money on such rubbish - they have more intelligent minds of their own !

  52. 31 12月 2009 4:52午前 joeyfh Report this comment

    To all those complaining about Wolverhampton's ranking, you are deluded. I was born there and left last year hopefully to never return. Wulfrunian1960, you mention that the folk of 'Wolvo' are intelligent, then why does the city have the highest unemployment in the UK and some of the highest levels of deprivation in Europe. Hardly affluent at all. People are proud of their awful Black Country accents, no wonder people can’t get a job. People in Wolves are losers, they look down on anyone who manages to make a success out of their lives as they know they can’t achieve anything themselves. The place has no ambition. Getting out of bed before 2pm and grabbing a pint before 5 is considered a hard days work in Wolverhampton. The place should be bulldozed. Awful city, awful people. It’s beyond repair. It should have been #1 on the list. There are no attractions in the city. Unless you call gun crime, muggings and segregated ethnic ghettos as a highlight.

  53. 31 12月 2009 11:02午前 proudwulfrunian Report this comment

    I was born in Wolvehampton and have lived here all my life, and it's the best city in the UK.

    Wolverhampton is no worse in terms of crime then other UK Cities and every city has areas with a higher percentage of various ethnic bakgrounds but this not this does not automatically make them "ghettos". There are a quarter of a million People here and certain areas such as Penn and Tettenhall have some of the most beautiful and expensive houses in the country.

    We have one of the top race courses in England, a Premiership Football Club, the current national Speedway champions, one of the biggest universitsies in the country and the location of the World's first Steam engine in 1712 which started the industrial revoloution.

    I would advise travellers to come to Wolverhampton and see the city for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

  54. 31 12月 2009 10:57午後 whirlybirdz Report this comment

    My god. They have missed the worst city on the planet bar none. Manchester. What a dump. Miserable people, easily drunk and violent, constant begging, dirty grimy center, I even heard the IRA bombed it as a favor to spruce it up. No character to the place, just drab and dour with no real history to the place, just overpriced shops, unsafe nightclubs and a couple of souless soccer stadia. my advice to anyone is to go a few miles west and visit a real city, Liverpool. Never been anywhere like it. Wolverhampton beats manchester hands down.

  55. 1 1月 2010 4:39午前 loz_dude Report this comment

    These are clearly not the worst cities in the world to visit - possibly the most disappointing, based on expectations and number of visits? Although I don't understand how anyone can have particularly high expectations of Wolverhampton, or how it can disappoint people - I haven't been there, but it doesn't promote itself as a big tourist destination, and I can't see how it can be much worse than many other medium-sized English towns! Also, Chennai is no worse than the average Indian city (I think it's better than many). It has reasonable accommodation, food, beaches, history, and a couple of very good Hash House Harriers groups who will show you a good time!

  56. 1 1月 2010 6:31午前 gould3 Report this comment

    Are you seriously joking with Wolverhampton?

    You are basing this off one comment that someone has made linking it with the way ground zero looked, which is obviously just biased and unfounded opinion from someone born in Sandwell.

    Wolverhampton is actually a pretty nice place to be for the most part and, it is definitely not a tourist city, neither does it promote itself as such. It's a fairly basic English city with nothing particularly amazing or particularly bad.

    The fact that someone would include it in such a list shows that morons still exist.

  57. 1 1月 2010 1:10午後 ghanaman Report this comment

    accra is beautifull & vibrant all of ghana is of a matter of fact were a peacefull nation so dont be put of by these o.t.t crititism of my beloved land ... kind regards j asare

  58. 1 1月 2010 6:24午後 sturawl Report this comment

    Got to say I totally disagree about Seoul. I lived there for 2 years and found it one of the most soulful and exciting cities in the World. Get yourself down to Hongdae or Shinchon on a saturday night and tell me this city has no heart! My vote for worst city would be my current abode - Shanghai. Unless you're an expat banker on a fat salary you ain't going to be having much fun. As for the nightlife it's a sterile place and I've never visited or lived in a city with so little culture - just a constant rush for money on the part of the locals and almost everyone else who comes to live here.

  59. 1 1月 2010 7:04午後 bluemev Report this comment

    I used to think that Lonely Planet was a quality travel book publisher. I've travelled a bit and I've borrowed a few copies of different publications and usually found them useful. But this list has really changed my opinion of Lonely Planet. How could such a poor list be made? I've lived in two of the cities on the list; Wolverhampton, although not worth buying a plane ticket to see is not an overly bad place and Seoul a vibrant city will wonderful people, excellent transportation and plenty of things to do. The author of this list obviously hasn't got a clue about what he's doing. Next time I'm looking for a travel book I'll be sure to consider other publications before Lonely Planet from now on.

  60. 1 1月 2010 10:27午後 thisiskaka Report this comment

    I've been fortunate enough to have travelled and lived in many of what are considered the best and worst destinations in the world and I think this list is offensive & ridiculous.

    Once upon a time I used to consider a LP guide as a pre-requisite to visiting any destination. Not so these days, unfortunately.

    Perhaps if the LP refocused it's efforts in updating their out of date and oft inaccurate guide books then people might have a better experience of these so called 'worst cities in the world'.

  61. 2 1月 2010 2:01午前 ghanaman Report this comment

    acccra gives you sense of well being & perspective towards life there so many great places to visit also has vast amount of black history for those of you who want to retrace your black history all british blacks/african americans /carribean,s africa is the mother land ...joe asare

  62. 2 1月 2010 5:22午前 missamymelissa Report this comment

    I live in wolverhampton and im shocked that its on this list! joeyfh - all i'd like to say is what on earth are you thinking?!?!!?, 'The place has no ambition. Getting out of bed before 2pm and grabbing a pint before 5 is considered a hard days work in Wolverhampton. The place should be bulldozed. Awful city, awful people.' Clearly you haven't met everyone in wolverhampton because we are not all like that, i know plenty of people who want to be successful in their lives and try hard to achieve it. Yes were not the best city in the world and i know that but we're definately not that bad! and to be honest im glad you wont return if you think like that :) And really we havent got the worst accent either, most people i met who aren't from wolverhampton quite like the accent.

    Ps im shocked LA was on this list too - always wanted to go :/

  63. 2 1月 2010 7:33午前 this_site_is_shit Report this comment

    Well, well, well, that really isn't a surprise is it now? Where are your UK offices, Lonely Planet? Oh London, you say! That's why it doesn't really surprise me that Wolverhampton is in the worst 5 cities. What an ill-educated bunch of people they must employ down there in the south of England. The idiots cannot even be bothered to check the place out and see what the town has to offer and how great it really is. OK, Wolverhampton may not be the best town in the world; let's not pretend now: all towns have room for improvement. This is something which we must all take in our stride. However, to call them one of the worst towns in the world really is a little disgraceful. The fact that the list even exists equally highlights how fickle the world population is. What a great thing Lonely Planet have done for Wolverhampton's tourism, too! I'm just glad that the Lonely Planet guides aren't the only ones out there, as their informative content is something which really needs addressing.

  64. 2 1月 2010 7:35午前 this_site_is_shit Report this comment

    @proudwulfrunian, don't forget, Wolverhampton is also famous for its traffic lights! ;-)

  65. 3 1月 2010 5:47午前 justsomegirl2010 Report this comment

    I personally love Detroit, but was not at all surprised to see it on this list. It seems as though many who have left the area feel they have been given a personal mission to tear down the city whenever possible. It's something I've never seen for any other city!

    At any rate, I would challenge Lonely Planet to publish fabulous vacation plans for each of these most-hated cities, incorporating hotels, restaurants and tourist spots that would ensure anyone who followed these suggestions the best vacation ever. Otherwise, this list seems like a waste of time.

  66. 3 1月 2010 3:15午後 sagwamun Report this comment

    Los Angeles is a paradise in terms of weather, beaches and culture. That it appears on this list is reason enough to ignore the whole thing.

    @justsomegirl2010: Amen. Usually LonelyPlanet is so positive about travel; this seems distastefully out of character.

  67. 4 1月 2010 4:45午前 jimhaycock Report this comment

    I think it's INCREDIBLY irresponsible of you to print this list just on the hearsay of a few people. I have travelled, and have lived in many areas of England and I can assure you Wolverhampton SHOULD NOT be on this list. There are many areas of Wolverhampton that are very beautiful, it has many historical places of interest, great nightlife and great places to eat. And also has easy access to a major city like Birmingham. When you glibly and ignorantly contrive these things I think you fail to comprehend the effect that your listing might have on a place like Wolverhampton. Oh and by the way Wolverhampton is not a City it is a Town!!!! Check your facts!!!!

  68. 4 1月 2010 7:32午前 faizan Report this comment

    jimhaycock, I am more appalled by your knowledge of our city than I am of it being on this list. Have you actually ever been here? Have you ever studied the local history? Wolverhampton was granted city status by the British Government in December 2000!

    As for the article; it's obviously not the worst city of the world considering how much culture it holds.

  69. 4 1月 2010 11:01午前 jiggapoke Report this comment

    I registered so I could leave a comment,being a proud Wulfrunian.Usually, I wouldn't give the time of day to a cheap&nasty site like this & I won't be back to see its trite crap again.The idiot who wrote the article has never been outside the London lights.Wolverhampton is part of the Black Country, the cradle of industry,not just in the UK,but the World.Now the furnaces have been moved to cities in E. Europe, China & India,the city has been cleaned up & revitalised.A 15 minute drive takes you to the countryside(green grass,cows,sheep)"Black Country Humour" is self deprecating,the people are not up their own backsides,making fun of others like Vivek does.He didn't get the joke,but seemed to enjoy the fun poked at ground zero.I can think of a dozen cities in the UK,worse than Wolvo & a dozen more in a dozen countries.So Vivek & joeyfh, don't bother coming to Wolvo,we don't need you or your scumbag friends polluting our now smog free air.I agree with you this_site_is_shite,it really is!

  70. 4 1月 2010 4:24午後 john_ready Report this comment

    What in the world is this list based on? A dumb writer putting up dumb posts just to get mouse clicks... This post tells how low the quality of Lonely Planet is.

  71. 5 1月 2010 4:32午前 idoneill Report this comment

    Good list.. I'd put Arusha further up.. a real $hithole.

    John_ready needs to calm down and not browse websites he finds so offensive.

    Jiggapoke: the best thing about Wolverhampton is that it used to be worse? You have got to be kidding. Most of England thinks its a joke and it is frequently used as a byword for a really crap place.. justifiably so!

  72. 5 1月 2010 9:38午前 jiggapoke Report this comment

    You have your head up your ar$e.Read the script,clown,it's not about what it used to be,it's what is now. Non-descript and bland maybe, but if you think it's a joke then let's have your home town. If you've got the guts to read how I rip it to pieces. Or are you just another sneering scumbag...?

  73. 5 1月 2010 11:35午前 drravikumar Report this comment

    Hi guys, Chennai's weather may not be all that pleasing, but I am surprised to find it in the " Worst cities list" . I mean there are surely Worser places on the face of earth. I have lived here for 9 years and although it may not be a Happening or " TOURISTY " place NOBODY can dispute that it is one of the safest places in India and most Law abiding. Power is Not problem and if you know somebody there , it is definitely a very friendly place.And except for the Auto drivers rest of the places are Honest.

  74. 5 1月 2010 7:20午後 kaleb99 Report this comment

    Dear Editor, the answer to your question at the end is absolutely NO. I looked through the original list and all the comments, and I seriously doubt you made any effort to aggregate the feedbacks to count them. For example, you put Seoul to the 3rd place nearly based on a single observation. Why did you quote the entire words of the negative comment only for this city? Looks like Seoul is the worst of all no matter where it is on the list...

    Are you proud to present? Proud? Really..?

  75. 6 1月 2010 4:50午前 idoneill Report this comment

    Jiggapoke: London. I know its clearly not as great a city as Wolverhampshire, but it suits me fine!

    Jiggapoke the Wulfrunian is a great example of Wolverhampton's worst feature: It's beligerent, inbred yokel inhabitants. I don't think I'm a scumbag for voicing my opinion, but I certainly am sneering at you, you mouth-breathing, six fingered freak!

  76. 6 1月 2010 7:54午前 traveller080 Report this comment

    I think Mr. vickyas400 has written a very offensive post. There are decent ways to address if you don't like a poll or opinion. It looks like he may not have liked Chennai to be on the list of worst cities so he created one of the worst posts. I believe radhakr has written a more mature post. As for Chennai itself lets talk about the city and not it's film stars

  77. 6 1月 2010 10:55午前 teuk Report this comment

    what? you wrote this article solely based on one person's opinion?

  78. 6 1月 2010 10:57午前 teuk Report this comment

    well at least the Seoul part of the article is very biased. i wouldn't know about other cities but i know that this article can't be trusted much.

  79. 6 1月 2010 2:54午後 ganstacha Report this comment

    Trust? Credibility? Fair? Come on guys! You are taking this too seriously.

    Every city has its good & bad sides...Don't they?

  80. 6 1月 2010 8:37午後 alana317 Report this comment

    I would like to REPORT ABUSE! Lonely Plant: you are in violation of your own terms of use. This mean spirited article defames cities and contains excessively course language. As a native of Los Angeles and a resident of Seoul, it’s true, LA has traffic, but that’s So LA; what city has a “pretty freeway” anyway? And Seoul has lots of cookie cutter apartments but label its populace alcoholics? Absurd. We do enjoy our spirits, but there are plenty that can drink us under the table! Both cities are great places whose good points far exceed the bad. Open minded travelers can find adventure in all cities. Lonely Plant, this article is wrong. Read the UNWTO’s “Global Code of Ethics for Tourism” that calls on the travel press to issue honest and balanced information that influences the flow of tourists and then, if you have any professionalism, can this article. Or does LP stand for “Lacks Professionalism”?

  81. 6 1月 2010 9:40午後 leafsie Report this comment

    How disappointing. The original list seemed to make more sense but the whole attempt at making this list looks like a pointless exercise now. I lived in Seoul for many years and although I wouldn't exactly call it a paradise but it's surely filled with its own wonders and treasures if you're clever/resourceful enough to know where to look.

  82. 7 1月 2010 2:11午前 utopiaoq Report this comment

    Oh my god. I really think this article is tremendously biased, especially about Seoul. (what!? alcoholism? ...) And it's not that i don't agree with all those opinions, but they are also applicable to all the capital cities in the world.

  83. 7 1月 2010 3:36午前 smartiearch Report this comment

    Am sorry Mr. Wagle, you are either being very naive or extremely stupid to be calling Chennai 'a worst city' just because the film stars are not hot. And its as prosperous or historically rich as much as any other metro in India. And Los Angeles has the hottest film stars the world is familiar with, why does it figure on the list???!! It is the hottest destination in the USA Sir, kindly check! You are so inconsistent with your reasoning, I really hope people don't take your crap serious.

  84. 7 1月 2010 4:59午後 mptodd Report this comment

    Travel Guide Books you really hate? "oppressively bland" Really? I’ve traveled and lived in many parts of the world and bland is the last word I would use to describe Seoul. I have chosen to live in this city is because of its never ending opportunities to explore, meet new friends and sample fantastic food. True, Seoul is not as metropolitan as Paris or New York but that’s what is so unique, interesting and fun about it. There’s something new happening every minute and it’s nearly impossible to keep up! Seoul is a enormous city with tons of events, cultural sites and nightlife. It’s amazingly safe and it is easy and cheap to get anywhere. I invite those who've never been here and those who haven't been to Seoul in while to come and check it out for yourself! Oh Lonely Planet, what happened? I used to read your travel guides and even visit your website but you are becoming out of date and inaccurate. You have now made my list of Travel Guide Books you really hate!

  85. 7 1月 2010 6:43午後 disparvulgo Report this comment

    I totally disagree with Seoul. I've stayed there several times, nice people, good food and several very interesting places to visit (culture, shopping). Seeing Seoul on this list makes me wonder about the other cities, how about areas in China like Guangdong...

  86. 8 1月 2010 11:08午前 jinjoo2 Report this comment

    I also completely disagree with Seoul being the most hated country - this is absolutely absurd & I'm not even from that country! Seoul is a modern & clean city, beautiful people, lots of wonderful places to see, lots of gorgeous & unique landscapes, shopping is great, delicious foods, safe environment and i agree with disparvulgo here, likewise, what about other cities who are far worst in my view? Why did LP made a conclusion based from just one report? How about some places in India & other countries? Seoul should not be on your list!

  87. 8 1月 2010 11:14午前 jinjoo2 Report this comment

    I'm glad i'm not the only one who disagree with the Seoul being on your list! I think this is extreme exaggeration about why that tourist whoever reported Seoul as such was dead wrong about this country! I admire this country for its rich culture, modern buildings, hi technology & for its beauty! I've heard mostly positive things about this country & I feel I should voice out my opinion about it!

  88. 8 1月 2010 10:44午後 jiggapoke Report this comment

    O'Neill: I have the requisite number of digits, although you are evidently short of a couple of chromasomes.

    And talking of inbred, you must be an expert on the subject, isn't yours a popular name amongst the travelling community? "Do ya like dags ?"

    As for London (presuming you were actually born there and not in a caravan), I might have known you were a cockney. The overwhelmingly worst thing about the place is its residents. Just like you, they sneer at anything north of Watford Gap. How dare I question the opinion of a Londoner ? I should shut my mouth and get back to my whippets. Enjoy your jellied eels, cretin.

  89. 9 1月 2010 1:23午後 mips12 Report this comment

    Seoul is #3??? That's totally ridiculous. I've been living in Seoul for 3+ years now, and I have to say that this is one of the most exciting cities I've been in. There is so much to do, and everything is very accessible. Seoul has developed a lot over the past decade, and sure, it has it's ugly side, but it also has plenty of beauty and charm to make up for that and more. Whoever thought to put Seoul on this list obviously didn't experience Seoul with an open mind.

  90. 10 1月 2010 3:16午後 johnkorin Report this comment

    Seoul is just No.3??? the ugly city should be nominated as no.1 I had lived there for 17 years, and I'd like to say that Seoul looks just ugly and people has no manner. The city is just for Korean workaholics, sex & alcohol addicts. There are no many unique pop culture for Seoul, same situation like Korea, Seoul has same culture that just has been copied from Japanese pop culture(like cheap Chinese copy). May this city is also good for foreign English teachers or American G.I. because they can get laid easily with Korean girls. p.s. Did you know that the Korean no.1 national treasure NamDaeMoon(Southern Great Gate) was burn down in Feb 11, 2008 by one Korean old man. This city even can't protect their historical cultural property from one Korean asshole :)

  91. 19 1月 2010 3:51午前 geoffpeace Report this comment

    I lived in Wolverhampton for ten years and have visited very frequently during the last thirty.

    There are many sordid places in the UK, especially England, but Wolverhampton is arguably the worst city-sized settlement. Again, there is however very strong competition and Middlesborough or some of the Outer London boroughs ( e.g. Croydon, Dagenham ) may be worse.

    All of these places feature slum poverty, industrial dereliction, lack of culture, and inhospitable populations, but Wolverhampton has special infrastructural problems including isolation from road and air links and a city center that is unapproachable on foot due to a freeway-style inner ring-road.

    Its own citizens despise it, as is reflected in the absence of civil architecture, lack of medical or leisure facilities, and the omnipresence of litter.

  92. 21 1月 2010 6:41午前 petritent Report this comment

    Just want to stick up for Seoul, my favorite city in the world! I lived there for two years and grew to love everything about it, but some of my fondest memories are of the wonderful people; the stunning historic sites; the neighborhoods of Hongdae, Daehangno, and Idae; and of course the FOOD! Don't worry, Seoul, there'll always be a place for you in my heart!

  93. 27 1月 2010 10:56午後 philipvj Report this comment

    I need to stick up for Chennai which has been my hometown from birth.

    Only a person who doesn't know the place or had an improper guide to take them around would call it boring... Chennai, also called, the Queen of the Coromandel, is India's gateway to the South and is famous for it's understated charm.

  94. 27 1月 2010 10:57午後 philipvj Report this comment

    Chennai boasts of the 2nd longest beach in the world and has the famous Universoty of Madras here. All the famous Madras curries came from Chennai, which was formerly known as Chennai.

    Chennai has a good number of temples that are more than a 1000 years old and still fully functional... The British founded Madras and St. George's Cathedral and Fort St. George, Central Station, Egmore Station, Ripon Building, Victoria Memorial, Commissioner's Bungalow on Beach Road, the Senate House at the Univ., Presidency College, Museum Theatre and many old churches and buildings are remnants of the Empire...

  95. 27 1月 2010 10:58午後 philipvj Report this comment

    Culturally, Madras / Chennai has a rich cultural heritage. The best of all South Indian cuisine is found in Chennai - with curries ranging from coconut bland to red chillie hot and spiced up... It is the seat of classical music and dance and all the sabhas and halls will be booked chocker-block with performances and recitals when the December festival is on. Come Jan, and the whole city is lit for Pongal and Sangaman (meaning Confluence in tamil) the festival that brings folk dancers and street performers / entertainers and martial art exponents from the villages of Tamil Ndau and traditional food stalls in all parks to Chennai.

  96. 27 1月 2010 10:58午後 philipvj Report this comment

    Chennai is where women wear silk sarees and are decked in gold with jasmine adorning their hair... Chennai is where men range from fishermen to highly educated engineers and doctors and business magnates. Chennai is the commercial capital of the South with revenue pouring in through IT, Call Centres, BPO's, Leather and Automobile manufactures and exporters.

    If there is ever one thing that can put you off this place, it's the weather - it's hot and humid - if you want to experience the heat, come in May - that's also the mango season... But, Dec to Jan is the best time of year to be in.

  97. 27 1月 2010 10:59午後 philipvj Report this comment

    Chennai has the largest bus terminus in Asia.

    Take a train ride on a suburban train and see the sights and sounds... Take an auto-rickshaw ride to experience a feel of the city's streets and traffic... Do your bit of street shopping in Parry's Corner or T. Nagar and bargain prices till you are exhausted - have some tender coconut water to re-vitalise yourself and start off all over again...

  98. 27 1月 2010 11:00午後 philipvj Report this comment

    You must visit any of the Co-optex shops to buy handricrafts. Cane & Bamboo, Victoria Technical Institute and the handicraft shops on Mount Road sell handloom, handicrafts and other souvenirs. You'll enjoy the food in BBQ Nation, but, book in advance... Stay at a private beach house just to relax and get pampered...

    Chennai boasts of India's oldest amateur English Theatre Group called the Madras Players who stage many plays - both Indian and foreign...

  99. 27 1月 2010 11:01午後 philipvj Report this comment

    If you haven't experienced all this, then you haven't really experienced Chennai at all - and no wonder it figures on the "worst cities to visit" list! But, you'll change your mind once you've been here and done all of this...

    Even a taxi ride in an old Ambassador will excite and prove to be an adventure...

    If you need more info on what to do in Chennai, mail me on philipvj@gmail.com...

    Cheers!

  100. 8 2月 2010 4:24午前 brighella Report this comment

    Seoul and Los Angeles might not be particularly nice to the eye, but they're lively and dynamic, and are great places to see! Of course, it's not the same kind of cities as Paris or New York where you can stay for a whole week or even a month seeing amazing things all the time, but nobody should miss the opportunity to get a look at LA and Seoul if they go through the area!

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