Westminster, United Kingdom

Living in Westminster is not for the faint of heart. The Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament, sprawls across 1,210,680 sq ft (112,476 sq m) and contains over 1,100 rooms and 100 staircases. While the Gothic Revival architecture is undoubtedly impressive, the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with complex security measures and an army of officials overseeing the daily operations. And with the palace in urgent need of major repairs, residents can expect frequent disruptions and inconveniences. Westminster may be a global icon, but this bustling political epicenter is best suited for those with a high tolerance for red tape and a penchant for historic grandeur.