Cities represent civilization and human achievement: they are bubbling microcosms of virtues and vices, vanguards of technology and creative pursuits, incubators of traditions and melting pots of diversity. More than half the world's population now lives in cities, and for travelers they hold an endless fascination. Every city has its own personality, in the form of its streets and buildings and in its human architecture. Taking our cue from the buzz on the street, we have captured the flavor of each city through the eyes of the typical citizen: hot conversation topics, urban myths, the best places to eat and drink and to seek out after dark. It's a tempting cocktail for the urban adventurer.

Originally published: 2006.