A little while ago we wrote a post about the scariest places to be a taxi driver. But to prove it’s not all just traffic jams and danger out there, this time we thought we’d take a look at what we believe are the five most scenic places in the world to be a taxi driver.
1. Washington DC – Some cities seem distinctly familiar even if you haven’t been there. From the classical architecture of Capitol Hill and the iconic White House to the towering Washington Monument, DC has an effortless sense of style and grace behind it. And for cabbies with a cultural bent, downtime can be spent in world-class museums on the National Mall, like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum.
2. Rio de Janeiro – While few British cabbies would envy their Brazilian counterparts who make daily pick-ups in the gritty favelas of Rio, there’s no denying that the city is beautifully located. Situated on Brazil’s Atlantic coast, Rio sits within the wonderful Guanabara Bay in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain and under the watchful gaze of the iconic statue of Cristo Redentor.
3. Venice, Italy – The only catch here is that you need to learn how to drive a boat. Venice and its many canals need little introduction, and though there are no roads to speak of, people here still need to get about. Enter the Water Taxi – small fast boats that can be booked in much the same way as regular taxis in the UK. If you fancy trading your wheels for a rudder then the renaissance-inspired waterways of Italy’s romance capital are a fine choice.
4. Bled, Slovenia – Bled is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia and it’s easy to see why. From its fairytale castle to its alpine surroundings, Bled offers a uniquely beautiful setting for any cabbie tired of miles of concrete and asphalt. The adjacent lake with which it shares its name is particularly beautiful and, surprise surprise, is a popular drop off point for the many tourists in the area. With Ljubljana Airport just 20 miles away, there’s also plenty of scope for airport runs through forested countryside.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland – You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to find an inspiring backdrop to drive a taxi. Whether it’s the iconic splendour of Edinburgh Castle, the medieval architecture of the Old Town, the natural majesty of Arthur’s Seat or the eclectic mix of modern and neo-classical architecture, there’s no denying that Edinburgh is a fine sight for the eyes. And with world-renowned events throughout the year, such as the Edinburgh Festival and Hogmanay, the next fare is never far away.
Where do you think would be the most picturesque and scenic place to be a taxi driver? Do you already work there? Let us know in the comments below.