10 most advanced cities in the world

By 2050, two in three people are expected to live in cities. As populations grow and urban areas become better connected, tourists will flock to these places and make them more crowded than ever: According to the latest report from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached more than 1.3 billion in 2017, highlighting the importance of building sustainable solutions for the future of cities.

Smart cities are taking on these challenges and are constantly responding by improving roads, increasing access to technology, supporting heritage and diverse communities, and protecting the environment.

And here is a list of 10 such cities:

1. Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia's capital has evolved from a Soviet state into a high-tech hub. It was the first country in the world to declare internet access a basic human right, the first to move to online voting and one of the first to offer fast 5G networks to locals and visitors alike.

2. AARHUS, Denmark

Mention Denmark and the capital Copenhagen may come to mind, but Aarhus, just 100 miles northwest, is also worth a look. This creative and vibrant city has been designated as the European Capital of Culture. New food markets, a light rail system, a futuristic library and innovative hotels have energized this city, which is aiming to be climate neutral or carbon neutral by 2030.

3. Santiago, Chile

The Chilean capital has not only restricted cars to the center, but has also developed a network of dedicated bike lanes. Santiago’s metro system, one of the largest in South America, connects towns that once relied on diesel buses. Developments like Paseo Bandera in the city center have created colorful pedestrian zones to foster a sense of community, while new award-winning hotels tower among the Andean mountains.

4. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Texas’ oldest major city has maintained its rich heritage while embracing necessary change. The iconic Alamo, for example, has been brought back to life so visitors can witness the famous battle on their smartphones using augmented reality technology. Named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, San Antonio has talented chefs constantly creating new versions of local Texan, Mexican, German, French, and Spanish dishes. Additionally, the expanding River Walk and the renovation of Hemisfair Park, the site of the 1968 World’s Fair, have helped fuel the city’s continued growth.

5. Helsinki, Finland

Not only is Finland the safest place in the world, it’s also one of the happiest, according to the World Happiness Report. Now, the Nordic country’s capital, Helsinki, is working with charities and investors to develop self-driving vehicles, while innovation incubators are working to develop sustainable food, protect the environment, and increase walkability in the city.

6. SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

To protect the desert ecosystem from overdevelopment, one-third of Scottsdale has been turned into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which offers more than 180 miles of hiking and biking trails. Here, people can admire Native American masterpieces at the Museum of the West; take tours of Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home, Taliesin West; and enjoy works by emerging artists on Main Street and Marshall Way.

7. DETROIT, MICHIGAN

The Motor City, or Detroit, is the birthplace of the auto industry, and it continues to grow with automakers testing self-driving cars; Tiny Homes Detroit building affordable homes for low-income residents; and the arts scene is thriving with a new theater, a new jazz center, and an expanded Motown Museum. The aging power plant is now the Detroit International Riverwalk, a 5-mile stretch of new shops, skyscrapers, and public spaces.

8. MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA

Through its Parques del Río initiative, Medellín has installed green spaces and new highway trails. Colombia’s second-largest city has also won international acclaim and admiration for its sophisticated bus, rail and cable car systems that serve its remote mountain areas.

9. Singapore

Singapore is one of the happiest places on Earth. Calling itself the “City in a Garden,” Singapore lives up to its name by protecting its water resources and green spaces through strict environmental policies, while its social programs continue to preserve the heritage of its multicultural society.

10. LIMA, PERU

Once considered simply a stopover en route to sites like Machu Picchu or Lake Titicaca, this city of 10 million (one of the largest in Latin America) has now become a must-see destination in Peru. Lima has an internationally renowned food culture and unique neighborhoods that highlight the diverse regional and cultural influences of this vibrant ancient civilization.

Hai Anh