Travel writing & field guides.

Istanbul spans two continents (Europe + Asia) and 39 districts, but the tourist core is concentrated in 5-6 European-side neighborhoods.

First-timers should base in the Baixa (downtown, around Aliados) or atmospheric Ribeira by the river — both central and walkable.

Seoul is 25 districts (gu) but tourists concentrate in Myeongdong + Gangnam + Hongdae + Itaewon.

Marrakech is medina + Gueliz + Hivernage districts. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes converted to hotels.

Dubai is sprawling and car-centric, so neighborhood choice dictates whether you’re at the beach, near Burj Khalifa, or in old-school souk culture.

Tokyo is 23 wards spread across a metropolis of 14 million people, so neighborhood choice fundamentally shapes your trip.

Lisbon’s seven hills give each neighborhood a distinct character — medieval Alfama, hipster Principe Real, riverside Belem.

Athens centers around the Acropolis but the neighborhoods around it vary widely in character — touristy Plaka, hipster Psiri, residential Koukaki.