These six cities have used their forward-thinking and innovative efforts in technology, architecture, city planning, and social issues to become models of modernity. Take a look at these 6 locales, and pick out which one you’re traveling to next.
1) Tallinn, Estonia
Photo by Beau Swierstra
Estonia only gained independence from Russia in 1991, but even though it missed out on the start of the technological revolution, Estonia quickly made up for lost time. Indeed, the country jumped into innovating technology headfirst. Although the capital city Tallinn doesn’t resemble California’s Silicon Valley in looks, it has a startup scene to rival it. After all, this is the city where Skype, a current giant in video chatting, got its start. As early as 2002, the Estonian government had installed a free Wi-Fi network that covered most populated areas, and e-voting became commonplace in 2007. While 3G and 4G were slow to come to places like the U.S. and the UK, ultra-high-speed data connections were set up in Estonia in 2012.
2) Singapore
Photo by mkjr_
The city-state of Singapore has risen through the ranks to become a top modern Asian city. The former Japanese, British, and Malaysian colony finally gained independence in 1965. First prime minister Lee Kuan Yew led the country for over 30 years and is responsible for transforming Singapore into one of the richest places in the world. The gleaming state is full of glass skyscrapers and modern architecture, like the incredible SkyPark hotel, part of Singapore’s mega-resort scene. Under Lee Kuan Yew’s direction, city planners have left spaces across the island for many parks and sustainable, green areas. The so-called Lion City (singa pura’s literal definition in Malay) boasts of one of the least-corrupt governments, most business-friendly economies, a first-class education system, strict laws on crime, and a thriving arts scene.
3) Seoul, South Korea
Photo by Steven Roe
Seoul was once a city impoverished by the Korean War, but today, the city is one of the most prosperous and technologically advanced places in the world. After the Korean War, a huge number of people moved from rural areas into Seoul, leading to rapidly built buildings with no focus on aesthetics. Now with 20 percent of South Korea’s population living in the city, urban planners are working with the wealth and power in the city to create what was named the World Design Capital in 2010. The city has a thriving arts scene, great museums, and well-designed architecture. There is also a love of nightlife in Seoul. The hard workers in the city need somewhere to blow off steam, so there are many 24-hour shopping malls, pools, and restaurants.
4) London, United Kingdom
Photo by Yulia Chinato
London has always been a present force in the modern world, but recent developments are moving it to the forefront of innovation. After the decline of its empire, London reemerged as a global economy. Although a large portion of the city’s landmark architecture is historical, recent additions of shiny skyscrapers have been well incorporated into the old city. The dense population is interconnected by an extensive network of trains. According to Mercer’s quality of living survey from 2012, residents in London had the highest quality of life in the UK, and London was ranked sixth for the quality of its infrastructure, which was based on electricity supply, water availability, communication services, and public transport.
5) San Francisco, USA
Photo by Carles Rabada
San Francisco is the technological innovation hub of America and one of the most socially progressive cities in America. Thousands who work in the IT industry call the city of San Francisco home, and the famed Silicon Valley is located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area. Hundreds of tech companies, from industry leaders like Apple, Facebook, Google, and Twitter to an ever-changing array of startups, are based in this innovative community. Other technological institutions like NASA’s Ames Research Institute are also located here. The city churns out creatives and is filled with vibrant people in their 20s and 30s, and everyone is plugged into the internet.
6) Tokyo, Japan
Photo by Jezael Melgoza
Rising skyscrapers, flashing neon signs, contemporary architecture, and bustling streets filled with the newest technology set the scene in one of the world’s most modern cities. A superpower in smartphone technology, robotics, and automobiles, Tokyo is famed for being the most advanced city in the world. The city is keeping up with modern trends by investing in an emerging startup scene full of young brainiacs with big ideas. One Tokyo-based startup created a ring that, connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, can make an electronic payment at the wave of a hand. The city even has dating salons to join pairs of startup-loving singles. A walk around Tokyo could lead you to meet a robot on the street, find the world’s tallest radio tower, or wander into an electronics store that’s six floors tall.
All of these incredible cities are worth a visit and you can spend many days and weeks in each one learning about the latest and greatest innovations being produced. If you are wanting to checkout a city with the specific purpose of learning about its technological history or innovation credentials make sure you get in touch with us.