London vs Paris vs Berlin

I can’t believe I’m really writing this post. I’ve had the idea before, but something kept me from writing this. Maybe the absurdity of comparing Paris with Berlin and London and vice versa… It’s like comparing apples and oranges, if you ask me! I don’t intend this blog post to be a ‘competition’ post between those 3 great cities. I simply want to tell you what I think are advantages and disadvantages of all three cities and would love to hear your opinions!

Let’s start with positive things: People in London are polite and friendly. …Don’t laugh, it’s true! I wasn’t born in Britain and haven’t been there before I was 11. I’ve spent quite some time of my childhood in Paris and Germany though and Germans, as well as the French, aren’t exactly the nicest bunch of people.

Paris has a great atmosphere. And with that I mean the charm the city has. No matter how many bad things there are about Paris, it IS the city of love, and you feel all romantic when you’re there…on the Eiffel Tower…at sunset. Sigh…

Berlin is a vibrant city, full of artists and ‘alternatives’. There is something about that city I can’t really describe. There is a reason why a Berliner loves their city!

London is very fast paced, whereas both Berlin and Paris are more laid back and relaxed. You don’t feel so pushed. In London, I always run run run…down Oxford Street, to Harrods, to the bakery around the corner. It’s as if there’s some collective urge telling people to adapt the busy lifestyle of working Londoners.

Paris is all about fashion. It’s a cliché which is true. The outfits I’ve seen in Paris! There are so many stylish people and so many fashion faux pas. I noticed other people’s outfits far more often than in any other city I’ve been to. Something I won’t forget is that granny I saw in baggy pants with a copy of ELLE in her hand.

The living costs in Paris and especially in London are way more expensive than in Berlin! One of my favourite books ‘A Year in the Merde’ is about a Londoner living in Paris and I always remember that one sentence: “You can buy a small château up in the Normandy for about the price Londoners pay for a semi-detached ants’ nest.” SO true!

The transport is good in all three cities. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn in Berlin, the tube in London and the métro in Paris. ”In short, Paris has public transport that actually transports the public rather than trying to make them give up and travel by car.” The tube in London is often unreliable though: ‘There’s no service between Edgware and…’ Yes.

The traffic in Paris is horrible. There are traffic jams everywhere and the Parisian have a crazy driving style. There are beggars in the métro and S-Bahn/U-Bahn all the time, asking you for money. I haven’t seen a single beggar yet in the tube. Another problem the métro, but also Paris in general has, are thieves. I’ve heard crazy stories about handbags that were stolen right before the door of the métro closes. I’ve even seen it in May last year!

The street vendors trying to sell you tiny Eiffel Towers (often illegal immigrants from Africa or India; huuuge problem in Paris!!) are nothing but extremely annoying.

Berlin is not a metropolis. London and Paris are. And you can feel that. Berlin is crazy, cultural, arty but parochial, and it doesn’t have the charm of a metropolitan city.

There are lots of green spaces in London. You won’t find that in Berlin or Paris. “Compared to London there’s hardly a square inch of greenery in Paris.” ~A Year in the Merde

London is very class orientated, almost snobby. I’ve found a quote on the internet which desribes it pretty good: “Actually I’ve found it’s the middle class that are the snotty ones. Generally the richer you are the nicer you are. Sometimes the stinking rich are a little mad, but nice mad!” Berlin isn’t as class orientated. The Parisians aren’t any better though..

While the architecture in Paris and London is amazing, Berlin is “grey”. When I think of Berlin, I think of grey buildings and graffiti.

The entertainment in London is the best, from the TV programme (I love BBC movies!) to musicals. Also, the supermarkets are better than in Berlin (don’t know about Paris). Waitrose, Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Budgens, Whole Foods (though that’s American). In Berlin there’s only Kaufland, Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Rewe… And the opening hours in London! Some are open 24/7!

And one other thing about Paris: “Going on strike really is the second national participation sport after pétanque.”

All three cities are amazing and hectic, vibrant and energetic; there’s always something new!

During my research I’ve found this absolutely FANTASTIC video by The Escapist about Berlin, London, Paris (and Amsterdam). You should watch it, it’s so beautiful!

http://farrellsean.blogspot.de/2011/01/london-vs-belin-vs-paris-vs-amsterdam.html

What’s your opinion? Which city do you love most? Where would you want to live?

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Sarah xx

My favourite places in London

1. Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill: They’re not very far apart and both give you a panorama of London which you’ll never forget. The Heath will always be my favourite park though, with its ponds (the Viaduct pond is très belle), Kenwood House and the Pergola. It’s perfect for picnics, long strolls alone or a walk with the dog (lots of dachshunds there!). I’d say Primrose Hill is perfect on New Year’s Eve and Bonfire night, but it’s mayhem up there. So many people, it’s crazy. However, if you’re looking for somewhere to go sledding with your children in winter, Primrose Hill is the place.

2. My friends flat in Belsize Park: It holds so many lovely memories for me, like sleeping on an air mattress under a table (don’t ask), eating a lot of cupcakes for breakfast and Tesco sushi for dinner, laughing with my friend about the weirdest jokes, watching TV or playing Wii with her, stealing her laptop for hours and the amazing view of Belsize Park I had every morning when I looked out of the bedroom or kitchen window (it’s funny to watch the people outside).

3. Camden Market: Shopping…need I say more? Camden is my shopping heaven on earth where I will always find something to buy, no matter if I need it or not. Vintage fashion is something I love and Camden basically is nothing but vintage fashion. Every time I’m there, I find about 20 new dresses I’d immediately buy if my wardrobe space allowed it. I always joke with my friend that if you live anywhere near the market, you don’t need to leave Camden your whole life, because you can get almost everything there. The food there also is great and very unusual – have you ever tried liquid nitrogen ice cream (at Chin Chin Laboratorists) for example? I spent most of last summer sitting in the grass next to the canal, eating cupcakes and ice cream.

4. Harrods: I know a lot of people who say they prefer Selfridges to Harrods – and I don’t get it. If I could choose where I’d rather go shopping, which I can, I’d definitely choose Harrods. I’ve always loved it, since the very first time I set foot in it (not that long ago, actually). The intèrieur is fantastic. Every single corner gives you that feeling of luxury. I could spend days in there; no wonder if you consider that it has over a million square feet of selling space (thank you, wikipedia). My favourite department is the Food Hall, especially the Lola’s Cupcakes counter!

5. Burlington Arcade: I can’t help it but think ‘Diagon Alley’ whenever I’m there. The Guardian described it as ‘the posh people’s equivalent of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter’ and if you ask me, this is exactly what it is: a real life Diagon Alley. Except, of course, that you can’t purchase owls, wands or potions there, but accessories, jewellery, fashion and a lot of other things. I will always get that ‘magical’ feeling though, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll find a wand in one of the Lulu Guinness handbags there…

6. Lulu Guinness Ellis Street store: I simply love the Lulu Guinness store on Ellis Street! It’s eye candy through and through. When I want to buy a Lulu Guinness bag, I always go there, because it was the store where I bought my first Lulu G. bag. I want to stare at the lips clutches and collectables for hours. The lovely Lulu team is always nice and helpful. They know exactly which bag suits me best. I’ve been to the Burlington Arcade store only once, but maybe  from what I’ve seen it has a good chance to become my new favourite Lulu store.

7. Bubbleology, Soho: I’ve tried my first Bubble Tea on a trip to Berlin last year and was delighted when I found out that there’s a Bubble Tea store in Soho. Bubble Tea became my new Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino – something I drink almost every day. The fruit juice bubbles and jelly are just so delicious with the (Caramel, Coconut, Cocoa, Apple, Strawberry etc. flavoured) tea. The store is cosy and almost always full of people.

8. Richmond: It’s not exactly in London, but still part of it – and a very beautiful one. It’s well endowed with a lot of parks, lovely houses and green spaces, located by the Thames where you can find lots of houseboats. The view from Richmond Hill is breathtaking, especially in spring and summer. It’s a really picturesque little town and even Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt seem to love Richmond.

9. Hamleys: Yes, I mean the toy shop on Regent Street. I’m a big child and it’s still a magical place for me. I know Hamleys must feel and look like wonderland to children. You can try out so many things there! My favourite part of the store is the ‘Harry Potter corner’. It looks a teeny bit like Ollivanders Wand Shop. They even sell writing quills (so cool!) and the Marauder’s Map. I’m sure the people working there absolutely love their jobs. I’d love to work there!

10. My Old Dutch Pancake House: Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes! Delicious, warm pancakes with maple syrup & butter, berries, nutella or mozzarella, italian herbs, halloumi and olives! The prices are reasonable and the pancakes are the best I’ve ever tasted. Have a look at the menu and tell me it doesn’t sound delicious. One of my favourite restaurants to eat. You have to try the Italian pancake!