.webp)
24 Hour Cities – What Are They and Where Are They?
It is a city that never sleeps. A thriving, vibrant metropolis that supports around the clock entertainment, transport, dining and services. Typically, when we think of a 24-hour city our minds usually jump to nightclubs, bars and casinos.
Whilst these types of establishments do benefit from a 24-hour city, they aren’t the be all and end all. The beauty of a city that never sleeps is that you can go out for a nice, sit-down meal at 3am in the morning. Or take in a show, or even just carry out some chores like doing your laundry or picking up your dry cleaning.
What are the Benefits of a 24-Hour Lifestyle?
• The economy experiences a dramatic boost. Not only are there more jobs and employment opportunities, but they are often higher paid and as such provide a pronounced economic stimulus.
• City’s that never sleep attract tourists from all over the world which further boosts the economy of not just the city, but the surrounding area.
• Transport infrastructure is upgraded and improved to match additional needs which provides long-term benefits.
What are the Drawbacks of a 24-Hour Lifestyle?
• Increased crime. Even with an increase in policing, 24-hour cities do experience more crime due to the cover of darkness and increased intoxication from liquor.
• Noise pollution and light interference can impact on urban residents who have typical daytime lifestyles.
• Increased energy usage has a detrimental impact on the local, regional and global environment.
The Cities That Never Sleep
Finding it hard to imagine what a 24-hour city would look like or how it would operate. Take a look below at a few examples from around the world to get a better idea:
New York
Situated on the USA’s Eastern Coast, New York has two nicknames – The Big Apple and The City That Never Sleeps. The latter is because it is the original modern day 24-hour city. New York’s transport system runs around the clock, its restaurants serve at all times of day and the vast majority of stores and service hubs stay open through the night.
Whilst New York does have its issues with crime, it is a whole lot safer than it once was, which is testament to what extra policing and improved infrastructure can do for the safety of a 24-hour city.
Tokyo
If you think you have experienced a thriving urban metropolis, travel to Asia and try out one of China’s sprawling cities, or even better head to the Japanese capital and bask in the sheer size and magnitude of Tokyo. Whilst there is a seedy element to Tokyo’s nightlife, its idea of a 24-hour lifestyle seems more balanced between entertainment and functionality. You’re equally as likely to find someone staggering out of a karaoke bar at 4am in the morning as you are to find someone heading down to the store to do their grocery shopping.
Cairo
In a 2011 study the Egyptian capital was found to be the most “24-hour” city on the planet, even ahead of New York and Tokyo. At the time every street corner was filled with the sound of music and people socializing over food. In recent years however natural gas crises and electricity shortages have curtailed Cairo’s night-time activities with the government imposing curfews on businesses. In the last 12 months however those curfews have been lifted, and the city appears to be regaining its title as the most 24-hour city on the planet.
Are More 24-Hour Cities Coming?
As glamorous as the idea sounds, it is still somewhat of a logistical and moral dilemma in many countries. Increased energy costs, infrastructure demands, and safety concerns are the main logistical barriers. Vancouver is exploring the possibility of becoming a 24-hour city, aiming to revitalize its nightlife, support local businesses, and enhance its global competitiveness. In recent years, the country has been making huge strides in improving their entertainment options for residents, with the gambling industry in particular seeing growth. While Parq Casino & River Rock Casino Resort in Vancouver are both open 24 hours, there aren’t many other late-night options for residents. The best Canadian online casinos listed at Casino.ca are attracting increasing numbers of players, and it looks as though the only way the land-based venues will be able to compete is there are more late-night options in the local area.
In Summary
Then, in the west, there is the moral dilemma of how officials can make a 24-hour city work without it descending into depravity and debauchery. Whilst some have cracked this code, many haven’t and that is perhaps the biggest question Montreal has to answer if it wants to become a city that never sleeps.
