Imagine if you could pick and choose certain aspects from different cities and merge them together into one dream city. You could pick the beaches from Sydney, the bright lights of NYC or the tapas of Madrid. You could choose to merge the theatres from London with the carnival vibe of Rio and the markets of Marrakech.
This weekend, I wrote down what my ideal city would look like. Of course, it would be safe and have clean drinking water, but I thought of those things that add a little extra to cities:
~ Colourful homes and colourful walls
Colour makes me happy, colour makes me want to look at something for longer and colour brings vibrancy, especially when the weather might not be at its best. I love when homes are painted in different colours, creating a piece of art on the street. My dream city would be full of colour.
Lima
Cartagena
~ Multiculturalism
Having grown up in London, It was normal for me to be surrounded by people of different colours, religions and beliefs. I didn’t bat an eye lid when hearing a different language or tasting food from a different country, it was all just normal to me, it was how life was. I now realise that I was really, really lucky to grow up in such an environment and how enriching life can be in one. It’s something that I really miss about London.
~ Mountains
Living in a city surrounded by mountains is so unique. It provides both a beautiful view and also lots of opportunities for local trekking. There is nothing better than gazing out of my window at the mountains, especially when they are particularly snow-capped during winter.
Santiago
Santiago
~ A vibrant art scene
I love visiting art exhibitions, especially photography exhibitions. Art is a way of seeing the world through another person’s eyes or lens, it’s a way of learning and a way of getting creative inspiration. My dream city would have a vibrant and ever-changing art scene with a wide variety of exhibitions.
London
~ Food variety: world food and vegetarian options
Food is a perfect way to socialise. I love tasting food that I haven’t had before and dishes that would be difficult to make at home. It’s wonderful when you can travel through your taste buds by eating in restaurants from around the world. And of course, those that have lots of veggie options too 🙂
~ Street art
Similarly to colourful homes, I love street art. I love the stories that murals tell and the character they add to a place. I love when you unexpectedly stumble across a mural and it happens to make you smile. Of course, graffiti isn’t something I wish for in my dream city, but planned street art murals are.
Lima
Santiago
Valparaíso
~ Green spaces
I envision always living in a city, and a big one at that. But, in the middle of a city, there is nothing better than finding green space to have a picnic with friends, to walk for the day and to feel truly relaxed while taking in the colours of the flowers and the green grass stretching out in front of you.
What would your dream city look like?
Marcella xx
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WhatAWonderfulWorld 
Marcella, your city would be a perfect place to be! I’d just add water on the opposite side of mountains because I cannot live without sea! 😉
That would be lovely! Mountains and water are the best combination!
I like this idea! I’ve never found the city that is really “my city,” and I’m often coming up with combinations like this without thinking about it. It is a good idea to practice…to live in a dream world for a bit. 🙂
Definitely! In reality, I don’t think a dream city exists and that is why travel is so exciting 🙂 We get to see all different types of cities.
Agreed! Although sometimes I find myself always longing to be somewhere else. Although it does also help me appreciate the qualities of my most familiar places.
Agree with all of these! Especially the part of multiculturalism, food and mountains! I feel Brussels have all the things you mentioned except the mountains 😦
Yay! I realised after writing it, that I was basically describing London (asides from the mountains)… and that was totally unintentional 🙂
Between you and Lauren, I think Chile might be one of the most colorful, artistic places in the world! The street art is just amazing here and it makes me want to visit so badly! #WanderfulWednesday
It is incredible for street art, the best! Let me know if you come by, I can take you on a street art tour 🙂
Oh that would be lovely, but I think it will be many years yet before I get back to South America! Having too much fun traveling around Europe at the moment. But a change is always good. Thank you for the offer! 🙂 I’ll keep it in mind!
Sounds like a pretty perfect city! I grew up in a city set on a small harbour so I’d definately want that! And some hills to explore and nice weather.
These both sound like really great additions! 🙂
like your dream city! but I’d add a river or a sea too:)
Sounds good! There is nothing like some nice water in a city 🙂
Another one here who likes your dream city! But I would also add a sea or lake, and of course a type of climate with a lot of sunny days. 🙂 #WanderfulWednesday
That sounds great! I also just love the combination of mountains and lakes = dreamy!! 😀
Those mountain shots! Especially the one where it looks like the clouds are on fire. Wow.
My dream city would have ALL KINDS of gluten free cuisine from around the world, great beaches, pleasant weather, good walks with beautiful scenery, and all my friends and family living in it 🙂
That was a beautiful sunset view from my balcony, loved it!
Now that sounds like an amazing city. I too would love to have my family and friends living on one city – the dream!
Marcella, you always have the most creative style posts! I love this. And I’m totally not surprised that street art is on your list 😉 I think my dream city would be pretty similar, except I’d like ocean instead of mountains….preferably both?? Also thanks so much for the shout out for my post last week 🙂
Thanks so much!! That’s such a nice compliment 🙂 An ocean and mountains would be ideal!
I love all of these! And I’m definitely with you on all these items! Except I’d add fairly good weather all year long – which doesn’t exist in the UK or Canada haha
Thank you!! Haha, so true. I don’t miss the UK weather, though I miss having a cold Christmas!
Awww I love this idea! If I could create my dream city, I would take all the snow from Tromso in winter but the sunshine from Australia in summer, haha!
Thanks Van!! That’s such a fun idea. I love having sunshine too but also love the idea of a ‘real’ winter wonderland 🙂
You always have the best post ideas! I wonder if your dream city exists somewhere 🙂 I think my dream city would have mountains, ocean, and amazing snowy winters, but good sunshine, great restaurants, well-connected to the world to make travel easy…big dreams 😉
Thank you Amy! That sounds like a great city, I love the idea of being easily connected so that travel is made easy 🙂
I think my ideal city will include all the features in here plus nice markets and friendly people. I would prefer a mid sized city and I will switch mountains for beach. #wanderfulwednesday
Sounds fun! I love seasonal shopping at markets, the food is always so much better 🙂
Sounds like you have your dream of a city covered through your home city and your current city, which is great. I kind of gravitate towards cities by the coast, which have diverse cafes known for their delicious food, as well as have great live music spots and theatre offerings with green parks in their midst.
I definitely agree with multi-culturism and having food from all nations! I could not live without diversity and variety! And I would also like a pretty beach hehe, and nature activities near by.
So important, right?! Love having nature activities here in Santiago, it’s one of the best things about the city!
Marcella you are SO creative! I love reading posts like these! I may have to copy you and do a similar one! I agree with so many of these points! I loveeee street art and color! I actually went to Valpo today and took my parents to see that piece with the children playing rock paper scissors for the apple. (Such a meaningful piece). My dream city would have lots of parks, rooftop terraces and definitely a beach! Thanks for sharing some inspiration and your dream city sounds amazing 😀
Aww, thanks so much, Lauren! And yes, please use the idea; blogging is all about sharing!
You know, I can’t recall that mural, though I must have seen it! I’ve got a Valpo blog written tonne published in two weeks time, I just can’t get enough of the city!
I wouldn’t even know where to start on my perfect city…
It’s a difficult question!
beautiful street art in those pictures!
Love street art so much 🙂
It looks like a great place to live in! Lovely photos
It would be the dream 😉
I love this!! I think I’d enjoy living in your city. My city would have to include these things… and maybe a sandy beach too with fresh coconuts growing on the surrounding palm trees 😉
Oh wow, imagine unlimited fresh coconuts! I’d love at limitless supply of passion fruit too 😉
The colours in your pictures are striking, especially the one with the blue wall. I’ve been to Santiago. Couldn’t help but take endless amounts of photos of the snowcapped mountains.
Thank you so much! I feel the same about Santiago, I just love the mountains 🙂