The World's 5 Best Places to Live In

3. Cihangir, Istanbul:

The past decade has seen the city turn from lovely-if-decrepit museum piece to lovely-if-decrepit museum piece with great bars, economic growth and a manageable public transport system. Though not all of the change has been for the best, spots like Cihangir make it all seem worthwhile. You'll still find woodturning workshops, button warehouses and old ice-cream parlors on the way to that dark, urban bookshop. It still looks old and ancient and un-restored and a bit shabby. But, now there are great rooftop bars with views over the Bosphorus and a good modern art gallery at the bottom of the hill.

The city has tottering, creaking tram plying along Istiklal Caddesi and across the Galata Bridge. The in between journey can be covered by foot or one can hail one of the billion yellow taxis. Susam Sokak (Sesame Street) is a laid-back cafe by day, a subtle cocktail bar by night and a must visit.