I think in the mid-70s "The Book of Lists" took a shot at this one, based on a lot of traveler reports. A coastal city in Colombia came out as #1, followed by Kotzebue, Alaska, followed by Doha, Qatar.

From personal experience I can't say too much for Kalibo, Philippines, Polonnawura, Sri Lanka or, sectionally, the Pettah part of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Though in a way the Chinatown section of Bangkok has a leg up because, while possibly interesting, the sidewalks are still horribly crowded and the vehicular traffic is so thick that the fumes suffocate the place. It really is a health hazard to be outside in that area for any length of time.

Colon, Panama
Camden, New Jersey

Take your pick.

I'm surprised you didn't nominate Lima, Peru:

Arrived at the airport, could already tell I made a terrible vacation choice (hint: see post #16 ;) )

Even though I live in San Francisco for the past 10 years, I'll still stand up for my old hometown of Houston. I love it there. If I wouldn't have moved across the country for love I'd still be there, but I do still visit. Best bang for your buck that I've seen anywhere in the United States.

I wasn't thrilled with Mobile, AL I'll have to say when we passed through there and stayed a night. And to be frank, I was never keen on New Orleans either, the grit in the air there made Houston seem like a fresh cool breeze wafting over you.

If we restrict it to the US, I'd go with Camden.

Or literally, there's always Hell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell,_Grand_Cayman ;)
On edit: yeah, looks like I'm not the first person to point this one out.

Hah! I have a grandmother in Houston, so I've spent some time there.

Last month, there was an article about Houston in a in-flight magazine (perhaps for SkyWest?) that stated:

"What's Houston's best kept secret? According to Burton, it's the city's magnificent outdoors. 'With the exception of a couple of hot and humid summer months, the year-round good weather makes it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise,' said Burton."

I laughed so hard, I think I may have peed a little.

both of which are cities that the cops are too scared to enter :eek:

Houston isn't hell on earth, by even my low standards. It's not the best place i've seen (in fact, i'm not sure it has many redeeming qualities) but it seems like a place that is indeed liveable.

New Orleans, after Katrina, may be the hell on earth people are talking about. Miles of abandon buildings.... and the mold, and the smell......

Then there´s always HELsinki, sometimes referred to as HellStinky. This is actually quite a nice place to live as long as you don´t end up here in November.

delete

You don't have to go that far:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell%2C_Michigan

and one I didn't know about until now:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell%2C_California

Hell
 

I don't agree that every city in Southern California could be classified as hell.
But I can say that most of the drivers here in Southern California drive like bats outta hell! :mad:


Steve :p

OT but...
 

As well as a Paradise Michigan :)

My vote for Hell on Earth goes to Karachi, Pakistan. A truly horrible place.

Perry GA

The traffic in Jakarta on a good day!