Waterfront Cities of the World

The political, economic and cultural capital of Taiwan is growing and modernizing at an exorbitant rate. But it's the small traditional neighborhoods that reveal more about the soul of the city. Surrounded by forests, Taipei is also a very green city committed to fiercely protecting its natural beauty.

The capital of Senegal is known as the metropolis of West Africa. And with good reason! Dakar is a lively city and a magnet for youth from all over the African continent. In order to truly appreciate the city, you have to unlock its various codes. Whether you're talking about urban planning, the local economy or public transportation ...

Rome is undeniably charming, but it's also a city that has developed very quickly into what some would call dizzying disorganization. However traveling through Rome's underground makes one realize that this chaotic city was built on an exceptional past. Tourism is everywhere but you can still find quaint little neighbourhoods located off the beaten path that will make you want to stay!

Founded on precarious ledges of land on Chile's west coast, Valpo's urban life revolves largely around its 42 hills facing the Pacific Ocean. For many years a compulsory stop for passing marine traffic, the city suffered greatly with the opening of the Panama Canal. But for the past few years, Valpo has been experiencing an urban renewal, a liveliness that can be felt all over the city.

Straddling both sides of the Danube River, the elegant Hungarian capital is an architectural paradise. What's more, Budapest is one of the most important capitals of Jewish culture in the world. It's also an eclectic metropolis where thermal baths can be found throughout the city and play an integral part of daily life.

A large industrial port city located between two rivers, Philadelphia has developed in the shadow of its neighbouring cities, Washington, DC and New York. In fact, some say that Philly is the 6th borough of New York City! However its one hundred diverse neighbourhoods easily prove that Philadelphia isn't just a simple manufacturing town.

The Clyde River is a character unto itself separate from this Scottish metropolis. Its riverside has flowed throughout the different periods of prosperity of the city leaving vestiges that have been completely integrated into the renewal of the riverfront. Glasgow defies its reputation as an obscure down-and-out city. Its transition into a modern city has had an un expected effect.

The industrial, cultural and financial heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was built at the confluence of two muddy rivers which is how the city got its name. This culturally rich urban centre has experienced incredible growth allowing it to foster an original and innovative array of architecture. In spite of an excellent public transit system, the city continues to deal with traffic.

A well-kept secret located a few 225 km across the bay from its sister city Buenos Aires, the capital of Uruguay is both discreet and bustling. Its Rambla on the Rio de Plata is teeming with people and yet still manages not to be overwhelming. Even though Montevideo remains divided between the haves and the have-nots, the city is united by its progressive vision about the future.

The decline of its naval base could have meant the demise of this small city on the Loire River. However in some ways, this is exactly why Nantes was able to bounce back and reinvent itself as a creative capital. By revamping 3 urban forests, 100 family gardens and a handful of islands on the Loire, the city's young residents (2/3 are under 40 years old!).

With 46 km of lakefront along Lake Ontario (138 km if you count its many bays and islands), the biggest city in Canada is more of a waterfront city than most people give it credit for. Toronto is often thought of as the main economic engine of the country but it's also fast becoming a vibrant cultural capital. This mega- city whose suburbs reach as far as the eye can see.

The birthplace of Western philosophy and the Olympic Games, Athens is an ancient city that has always been at the heart of the action. Partly due to its strategic entry point into Europe, the city is a revolving door for immigration. And thanks to the legacy of its 7000 years of history, the city has been able to hold its head above water in spite of the financial crisis.

Portland never set out to be a flashy fast-growing city. Instead, this city in the state of Oregon, USA has managed to cultivate and maintain an exceptional quality of life. Here residents protect their natural surroundings (and they get out and enjoy them!), they get around on bikes and they buy locally grown products making Portland a unique livable city.