Following The School of Life’s manifesto on how to make a city attractive, we asked you for your thoughts: which cities are most attractive, and why? What elements does a city need to attract people? There was a great discussion and lots of pictures: suggestions ranged from accessible, pedestrian-friendly places and an embrace of heritage to the presence of waterways and even just “happiness”.

But there are problems with urban beauty, too. Some pointed out that beautifying places can often result in an exclusive process of gentrification. Others explained that for places to be truly attractive, they need to achieve a lot more than merely being beautiful.

Here’s a selection of your pictures and thoughts. You can keep sharing contributions with GuardianWitness.

London is the most attractive city. My paternal Grandfather grew up in the very characterful and typically east London area of Brick Lane, and incessantly recounted that London was the only “free city”, unique because you could spend a full day enjoying the delights of museums and galleries littered on “Museum Street” and further afield, with absolutely no financial expenditure necessary.

The landmarks and the appearance of a major capital city’s skyline help us identify and characterise a city. For people like me who hold the map upside-down, these landmarks are not only attractive but also practical in the sense that they will help us to navigate our way around the city.

If a city is to please us, it needs to maintain the opposite of everything defined as “boring” although let’s hope that doesn’t entail anything too dangerous! The School of Life recommends avoiding “sameness” and I agree completely. Most major cities distinguish the nature of different parts of the city itself in terms of cardinal points (north, east, south, and west) or using other categories and it makes sense to do so.

It is important that a city cares for and protects its history and London has definitely succeeded in this case. History is everywhere in London: Victorian and Tudor architecture is everywhere for people to see as is the protected remains of the London Wall and the replica of the gate to this in Aldgate … When my grandfather reminisced on his time in London, I was young and couldn’t place the areas that he was referring to. There is such a strong focus on preserving the history of London and because of this I feel that I can trace his footsteps as he recounted rushing to a a piano performance during World War Two.

– ID2958729

It’s the second survey/list of principles I’ve seen this week (the other on what makes sustainable cities) that by default (because of the criteria used) completely cuts out cities in the developing world. It’s bizarre – to think that the model has been and still is “European cities are the model for great cities.” Surely our frames of reference should change. Or evolve. I’d love to see more relevant, inclusive critique.

– @NomfundoSarah

What makes a city attractive? Age and disability planned for and built in. Safety. Greenery. Accessibility. Toilets.

– goodynuff

Good cities need to give people spaces to meet on a regular basis to build community and belonging.

– finsalbarca

Good public transport, bike lanes and less cars. Independent shops and restaurants. Parks and open spaces. Preservation of historic buildings.

– Deanus

Living in Amsterdam, I’m sometimes pretty annoyed by this ‘prettiness’. The Java Island, which is brought up as an example, is indeed ‘attractive’ to the eye, but in reality is a fairly dead place that lacks many of the great things this video celebrates.

The whole video is rehashing a lot of Jane Jacobs. But as Sharon Zukin rightfully observed in The Architectural Review a while ago, ‘attractive’ cities also pave the way for gentrification, if the backend isn’t calibrated properly (affordable housing, inclusive facilities, etc). It also attracts hordes of tourists, creating a Venicization of places where people try to live. Overall, the oversimplification is worrying, as well as the so-called ‘objective sense of beauty’ and the disqualification of a typologically jumbled urban landscape (which is a highly conservative idea).

– Mark Minkjan

The best cities are good to live in, but not necessarily to look at. It’s not about beauty. It’s about quality of life.

– parisgazette

Attractive to whom? While Venice is really beautiful when you’re a tourist, or as a backdrop for celebrity wedding, I don’t think it’s really so great to live there. Some cities are too beautiful for their own good. Every effort is made to preserve that beauty that, in a way, it becomes an obstacle to normal life.

– anabltc