Traveling has become more than admiring jaw-dropping natural scenery and historically-significant architecture, especially for the tech geeks amongst us. While we’ll never bore of a beautiful view, today’s modern cities have something ‘smarter’ to offer. We’re talking about cities that have a forward-thinking approach to technology, architecture and the environment. Innovation is key, delivering new ideas that push traditional boundaries and wow visitors. Read on for some of the most advanced cities in the world, take a trip to one of these models of modernity and have your mind blown.
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7 Advanced Cities To Visit In 2020:
1. San Francisco, USA
Home to the world-renowned Silicon Valley, San Francisco has long been home to technology. What’s more, it has developed a forward-thinking transportation network. It’s International Airport, Bay Area Rapid Transport rail and subway system and municipal railway make it one of the most accessible cities you could hope to visit. The railway serves the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week and not just with conventional commuter trains, we’re talking about alternative-fuel vehicles, electric trolley coaches, and cable cars. Public infrastructure projects are rare in the US these days, with little investment. However, San Francisco is paving the way for change with its Transbay Terminal. The terminal is set to serve the California High-Speed Rail, and with a 5.4-acre publicly accessible rooftop park, the project demonstrates the link between transport, public space, and the environment. Home to world-leading start-up companies, incentives to encourage car sharing and investment in automated electric vehicles, you’ll definitely want to leave your car at home. Make sure to find somewhere to park before you head off, and enjoy the ride.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is synonymous with towering skyscrapers, modern architecture and flashing neon signs, it’s no wonder that it ranks as one of the most advanced cities in the world. Delve deeper and you’ll find streets filled with all the newest technology. Whether you’re looking for the most advanced smartphone technology or AI-powered automobiles, Tokyo has it all. If you want to get a new look on your vacation, use the savvy salon booking system to find the ideal place based on your needs. In fact, almost every service is Gen Z-focused. And, if all the tech-fuelled excitement helps you build up a thirst, pop for a drink and chances are you’ll be served by a robot barista.
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3. Seoul, South Korea
From the poverty-stricken city of the Korean War, Seoul has emerged as the technological city of the future. Winning the ‘World Design Capital’ title in 2010, urban planners have thrown themselves into creating a thriving hub. Innovation is key to its design; you have to look no further than its metro system for proof with smartphone entry, protective platform screen doors and Wifi throughout. Most of the city’s citizens work in the tech industry, and it’s no surprise with the likes of Samsung, LG and Hyundai calling it their home. With more patents filed each year than almost anywhere else in the world, you’ll find no shortage of newly developed ideas. And, it’s 24/7 with shops and restaurants staying up all night long.
4. Singapore, Southeast Asia
Leading technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, and Google have their research centers in Singapore, and it’s no surprise as to why. Singapore is, without a doubt, one of the most hi-tech cities in Asia. Modern architectures such as the iconic Marina Bay Sands create epic viewpoints over the high-rise city skyline. Citizens and visitors can enjoy unrivalled free high-speed internet, mobile payments are common currency and toll technology charges you to use roads based on your usage. Even nature is infused with technology, the leafy Gardens by the Bay is home to wild otters, the famous ‘Supertree’ sculptures and climate-controlled domes.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is up there with the most advanced cities in the world, but like many of its Scandanavian counterparts, it does it with the environment in mind. The city has plans to sever its dependence on fossil fuels by 2025. To meet its goal, not only is the city committed to harnessing wind power, it also has a full-scale smart energy laboratory. District heating, energy-efficient buildings and electric transport are being integrated into a single intelligent optimized energy system. With more than its fair share of industrial designers, architecture firms and urban planners, the city is a model of future sustainability. Get on your bike and take a look at how digital and environmental revolutions meet, it’s a beautiful sight.
6. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, the autonomous region of China, ticks almost every box when it comes to advanced cities. Famous for its high-rise skyline, the city is the financial hub of Asia. An immense amount of money is devoted to research and development. Innovation is rife, and high-tech products account for over 50% of its exports. Visit and you’ll experience some of the highest internet speeds going, and for those who call it their home online services are commonplace. All that not forgetting its outstanding public transport system. With the whole city covered by its network of trains, buses, trams and ferries, you’ll have no need to use a car. Park up and enjoy letting someone else do the driving for a change.
7. New York City, USA
No list of advanced cities would be complete without New York. Home to world-famous buildings, world-class infrastructure and world-renowned events such as New Year’s at Times Square, the city lives and breathes modernity. Walking the streets, the people of New York are armed with the leading smartphones and gadgets, and operate in a connected world. While its infrastructure is somewhat dated, the city is progressive in every other way. Free Wifi is publically available, high-tech companies can be found on every corner, and new startups never end. A great way to see New York City is by using a local JFK limo service. This way, you can avoid the hassle of public transportation and getting around the city. A limo service will pick you up from the airport or your hotel and take you to all the major attractions in NYC. ‘In fact, the city is giving San Francisco a run for its money; home-grown tech talent is growing by the day.
