By the People Who Call It Home
October 11, 2024
What this series lacks in imagery (there are no photos), it makes up for with insider information that would be hard to find in many other kinds of city guides. The books give off the atmosphere of having a glass of wine with a friend who just got back from a trip and is sharing their best tips and secret finds. It's hip and insider-y, but also practical, useful, and deeply engaging. City tours begin with a seasonal overview of highlights before quickly detailing key information to know, such as when restaurants begin serving, when bars open and close, and specifics of navigating the local culture (e.g., smoking policies and bike riding routes). Next are brief tours of the neighborhoods that make up each city, with details of who lives there and what might be seen. The rest of the guide is dedicated to six subjects: eating, drinking, shopping, arts and culture, the outdoors, and nightlife. Maps are provided and keyed to the same six topics. Each subject is subdivided into relevant categories for the locale, such as brunch spots, coffee houses, vintage stores, performing arts, nightclubs, and parks. VERDICT Travelers who like to feel as if they are in the know and are looking for a city's less-touristed spots will find that this series makes for a perfect final read before a trip.
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