The Smartest Cities in the World

Which are the smartest cities in the world? How can cities succeed in solving problems with a high-tech infrastructure? How smart are the smartest cities? What are they planning for the future? Let`s read CNN`s smartest cities list in the world.

1-Singapore

Being the financial center of Southeast Asia, Singapore is ranked first among the smartest cities in the world by many. Thanks to the Smart Nation program launched in 2014, the city has become a place where the latest urban planning technologies are used. The basis of this program is a network of sensors spread all over the city. These sensors measure many things from traffic congestion to crowds of people. This system is planned to be used to monitor places where smoking is prohibited and to prevent waste disposal.
The data obtained is also used to create a simulation of the city. In this way, it is predictable how the changes will have an impact on the city. With this simulation, managers can change bus routes to prevent traffic jams and even see how new buildings can affect wind patterns. It is stated that this simulation will be used in scenarios of natural disasters, epidemic diseases or terrorist attacks in order to remove people from dangerous areas.

2-Barcelona

Did you know that Barcelona, known for its football team, is among the smartest cities in the world? In this city, the fiber infrastructure of the technological infrastructure reaches up to 450 km. This network provides Wi-Fi service throughout the city. There are about 700 Wi-Fi hotspots in Barcelona. The maximum distance between them is 100 meters. In addition, all of the city lights have been converted to LEDs to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the light poles were turned into Wi-Fi points. The lights with timers and motion sensors are expected to reduce energy consumption by 33%. The smart parking system in the city shows the owners of empty parking spaces through an application. Sensors placed on the asphalt notify the drivers if parking spaces are empty.

3- Oslo 

The Norwegian capital Oslo is a city focused mainly on energy resources and consumption. Considering the importance of sustainable energy consumption, Oslo obtains a significant portion of the energy it needs from garbage. It is used for all kinds of waste energy production from domestic wastes to industrial wastes. Oslo has exaggerated this issue so much that it no longer suffices to produce its own waste energy. For this reason, the city began to buy garbage from other places. Oslo is also one of the most used electric vehicles. Oslo is the city with the largest network of electric vehicle charging stations in the world. The city also has a parking system consisting of sensors placed on the asphalt. This allows drivers to be notified of empty parking spaces. In addition, all motor vehicles are planned to be banned in 2019. Instead, a 60-km bicycle path will be built into the city center. The street lights in the city detect the light of day and the weather and adjust the light intensity accordingly. Thanks to these lights, the energy spent on street lights is reduced by 62%. In many ways, Oslo is one of the smartest cities in the world.

4-New York 

New York, one of the largest cities in the United States, is among the first to act as a smart city. By 2025 it is aimed to provide high speed broadband internet connection to the whole city. For this reason, the world’s largest and fastest Wi-Fi network is designed in New York. In New York, where traffic is a major problem, a large sensor and camera network has been installed to monitor certain points that are constantly jammed. Thanks to the first studies, the time spent in traffic is reduced by 10%. The work on this will continue even further. “Acoustic weapon sound monitoring system” has been established at certain points in New York. When a weapon is fired, the system detects the sound and immediately sends a warning to the nearest police officers’ smartphones.

Dubai also ranked among the smartest cities in the world. What is your favorite smart city? 🙂

Best Things to Do in Munich

Munich is one of the most important cities of Germany; it is a city that has a lot of activity because of its historical structure, being the capital of Bavaria and also being one of the big cities of the European Union. So what are the best things to do in Munich?

1-Enter 3 doors to the city

It is possible to reach the center of Munich, or rather the old city, through one of three doors. The fourth door is unfortunately not standing today. These are Sendlinger Tor, Isartor and Karlstor. They are all at the end of the city’s important and lively streets.

2-Breathe the city at Marienplatz

Marienplatz has been the heart of Munich for hundreds of years. Here, wheat markets were established, criminals were hanged, and even in 1568, it was the home of Duke V. Wilhelm’s wedding. The fact that both the old town hall (Altes Rathaus) and the new town hall (Rathaus) are located here show that the value of the city has never decreased.

3- Chase local delicacies in city markets

If you want to try the local tastes, do what the Munich people do. You can taste Bavarian-style pastries, German pickles, different cheese, and delicatessen products. Viktualienmarkt and Elisabethmarkt are some of the places where you can try all of these tastes.

4-Visit the museums

Munich offers a wide variety of combinations for museum lovers. Deutsches Museum, the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, the Museum Mensch und Natur, The Toy Museum and the Pinakothek Museums are among the main attractions you can visit.

5-Visit the churches

Frauenkirche, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is one of the symbols of the city. St. Peter’s Church, Asamkirche, and St. Michael Church are some of the most touristic churches of the city.

6-Come to October Fest

The first thing that comes to mind related to Munich is the OctoberFest. It has a history of more than 200 years. The festival has been in the area called Theresienwiese since 1810. Here is an area where large and traditional brewers have set up tents and consumed Bretzels and beers in these tents.

7-See window displays in Maximilian Strasse

Maximilian Strasse, considered to be the most elegant, most beautiful street of Munich today, was originally planned in the period of King Ludwig. Among the important buildings on this street are the State Opera and the Parliament Building.

8-Enjoy Maelu Cafe

Maelu is one of the best cafes in Munich. The menu does not only have local desserts but also has its own recipes alongside yummy French and Italian delicacies.

Are there any other best things to do in Munich that you would like to add our list? 🙂

10 Reasons to Love New York!

1-Times Square is no doubt the most popular touristic attraction in New York. You should take pretty pictures in front of the big screens. If you’re lucky enough, you can also see yourself on one of those screens.

2- New York’s one of the most sympathetic and delightful neighborhoods is West Village. Whether it’s the small shops on the Bleecker street or the roofs in Meatpacking, it’s always possible to find something to do here. Extra Virgin, Sant Ambroeus, and Bubbybros Highline are some of the good restaurants around here. The Lower East Side is also a delightful place for those who want to hang out a little younger. This neighborhood full of young people is very hip at the moment. Here are the coolest shops and bars. Don’t turn around unless you see Ludlow Street.

3- Third generation coffee shops are independent coffee venues against chains like Starbucks. The new wave coffee shops in New York City are always full and stylish enough to fascinate you with whatever time of the day you go. Spreadhouse, Devocion, Toby Chas Estate, and Cha Cha Matcha are among the most beautiful ones. Moreover, New York has the best rooftop bars with amazing views. Do not forget enjoying the view from a rooftop bar when you drinking your cocktail.

4- Even tourists know that New York City is not just Manhattan. Yeah, New York City has five big areas and Brooklyn is also quite popular like Manhattan. Take a ride or ferry to Dumbo and explore amazing restaurants, cafes, and street life in Brooklyn.
You should definitely walk the Brooklyn Bridge if the weather is hot.

5- Central Park, which we see in most of the films in New York, and it feels like we’re playing in a movie, is one of the main attractions for many citizens, and tourists. Especially in the spring, this park is unique and glamorous. You can do ice skating in winter, watch open-air cinema, or just enjoy this amazing park by walking.

6- If you’ve never been to musical, Lion King and Mamma Mia may be one of the best ones for the first time. But if you’re looking for a different experience instead of the classics of the years, you should definitely go to the Book of Mormon, which is an adaptation of Macbeth, or Sleep No More.

7- There are a lot of comedy clubs around New York. However, the most famous are those on Macdougal Street. A lot of famous comedians have been on stage in these clubs before becoming famous. You can buy a ticket for $20 and go into these clubs. You can eat artichoke pizza in one of the famous pizzeria, Artichoke.

8- It is possible to find the works of artists waiting to be discovered as well as the pieces of famous painters in the public galleries located in the Chelsea area over several streets. David Zwirner Gallery, Gagosian Gallery, and Marianne Boesky Gallery are some of the galleries with the best exhibitions are.

9- Even if you don’t plan to take a train, you should definitely go to Grand Central Station. And what are you going to do? First, eat oysters at the famous Oyster Bar and do not forget to look at the domed ceiling.

10- And the movies and series… After watching How I Met Your Mother, Gossip Girl, Friends, Sex and the City, Breakfast at Tiffany `s, Big, Working Girl, When Harry Met Sally; who does not love New York?

Would you like to live in New York one day? 🙂