I've been in São Paulo for a week, and the city feels depressing. The architecture is horrible, boring, and not well-maintained, especially when compared to the architecture of old European cities where at least the buildings are aesthetically pleasing. The excessive advertising only worsens the situation. I've also visited Berlin, and unfortunately, it too felt quite dull.
For the past couple years, COVID and economic collapse took a huge toll. I grew up in São Paulo and I've never seen so many homeless people living on the streets than between 2016 and 2023. It was not always that depressing, of course. The past couple mayors also had some crazy ideas that certainly didn't improve the urban experience.
When I left there was a push for more cycle lanes everywhere, with large avenues closing off lanes for car traffic to increase space for bicycles. It was a great time.
What city doesn't feel dull? Where do you live or rather what is city that isn't dull and depressing? Without a comparison it seems strange to compare two completely different cities, in two completely different continents.
