LONDON, May 4 — Holidaymakers, be warned: London has the worst food, Paris is the most overrated and Brussels is the most boring, according to a survey of what travellers think about European cities.
In the poll of nearly 2,400 travellers, by website TripAdvisor, the British capital was voted the dirtiest in Europe, home to the worst-dressed people and the most expensive.
Paris did not come off any better, with travellers saying it was the least friendly city and the second-most expensive.
But both popular destinations redeemed themselves in the online poll, with Paris voted as having the best cuisine and best-dressed people, while London was seen as having the best nightlife, best public parks and most free attractions.
“Europe’s capital cities all have their highs and lows, but no other continent offers travellers’ such a wealth of culture and sights within such short distances,” TripAdvisor spokesman Luke Fredberg said in a statement.
“Despite London emerging as the dirtiest and most expensive city, its fantastic free attractions prove that you don’t need to be a millionaire in order to enjoy the capital.”
Venice beat both Paris and Rome as Europe’s most romantic destination, but it was also voted the third-most expensive, after Paris and London.
Traveller seeking friendly locals should go to Dublin, while the health-conscious may prefer Denmark’s Copenhagen, voted the Europe’s cleanest city.
Prague was picked as the best bargain destination, while people seeking visual treats should head for Spain’s Barcelona, but avoid Warsaw in Poland, which were seen as the cities with the best and worst architecture respectively.
And the most boring city? Travellers voted for the Belgian capital Brussels, with Switzerland’s Zurich a close-runner up. – Reuters
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DIRTY LONDON
Being Malaysian and living in London, I agree it is one of the world's dirtiest cities (although many US cities are very dirty too!).This is especially so if you are in the poorer areas in London like Hackney and Brixton. It is a shame that British immigration policies do not include educating many immigrants from poorer Third World countries to try attain higher hygiene standards when they come to live in Britain. It is partly due to the fact that in doing so, the authorities fear they could be branded as "racists" if they speak out.
Instead, many of these areas in London with a high immigrant population, the standard of cleanliness has dropped down towards Third World levels. You can find litter almost everywhere with graffiti on walls. And there are rats and mice as well in certain places. My neighbours from Bangladesh, bless their hearts, they are nice people but they are so dirty. Their garden looks like a junk yard with rubbish, old wood, tin cans and old furniture thrown all over, there are no flowers and plants! I went into their house and their kids throw food on the floor and they just left it there to rot! And this is London in the 21st Century. Ugh!!
Of course, if you are in the West End tourist areas, or the richer areas of Belgravia, London is nice and clean. It's a different world.
TASTY LONDON
I have to disagree with the report that London has the worst food. Like in any city, you have to know where to go for great cooking at great values. Like authentic Indian food? Go for buffet lunch at the "Rooburoo Restaurant" (21 Chapel Market, Islington, London, N1 9EZ) on Tue-Fri where you can eat as much as you want lovely curries, chapatis, rice and desserts for RM25. Or try "Mem and Laz" ( 8 Theberton Street, Islington, London, N1 0QX), a mixed Turkish-Morrocan themed restaurant that serves a 2 or 3course (there's a selection of starters, main courses and desserts) really delicious lunch for about RM30 (RM35 inc. dessert) - the size of the servings is really, really generous! You can take a friend even if he has an appetite of an elephant!!
Want to eat at high class restaurants at HALF PRICE or at a DISCOUNT? Go to www.toptable.com and you will find hundreds of restaurants with really special offers. You need to book through the website (no charge to you). There are Malaysian, Chinese, Thai restaurants, if you like, they are there. You'll soon discover that London can offer some great dining experiences for you too! Enjoy!!