Dirty, dull – and hardly any free toilets. Why I hate living in cities
Phil Daoust
Loving the urban life would make me happier and more at peace with myself – but God, it’s hard. In the city everyone is in your face, all the time, demanding something. There are no chuggers in the countryside ...
Tolerant, generous – and a little bit lawless. Why I love living in cities
Tom Campbell
Cities at their best are an expression of humans at their best. Racism and bigotry may be infecting national politics but at an urban level, optimism, diversity and tenacity are values we should all applaud
War, persecution and ego: how do cities get their names?
On World Cities Day, Deyan Sudjic explores the stories behind cities’ names – from Soweto to Milton Keynes – in an extract from his new book
The 2014 Guardian World Cities Day Challenge – live
To celebrate World Cities Day, we’re putting 36 terrified contestants from around the world in the ‘hot seat’ to tell us their city’s best idea – and why other cities should adopt it. Cheer them on!