Results tagged “I Heart My City” from Intelligent Travel Blog

Namaste, city-lovers! Arun Bhat writes to us from Bangalore, India, and tells us why his city is the best.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Bangalore is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is for a walk through Cubbon Park. It is a quiet place in the center of the city and it's surrounded by beautiful buildings that are more than one hundred years old. Pink and yellow Tabebuia trees loaded with flowers add colour to the park in winter.

When I crave ice cream, I always go to Corner House.

To escape the city, I head to Nandi Hills.

If I want to watch a play I go to Rangashankara. They have plays running six days a week.

For complete quiet, I can hide away Lalbagh. The park is big enough to provide solitude for everyone.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken at Vidhana Soudha (left). It is the most well-known landmark in the city.

Landmark Book Store is my one-stop shop for great collection of books, music, and videos.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go and eat in a Darshini, the quick-eat places you can see everywhere in the city.

For a huge splurge I go to Mynt restaurant in Hotel Taj West End and take a garden side table. Not to miss are the excellent Tortellini and Chocolate pudding.

Photo ops in my city include the Cubbon Park area and the Gandhi Bazaar (below). The best vantage point is Ebony Restaurant.


The most random thing about my city is the rain. Unlike the rest of India where it rains just three months, rain in Bangalore is completely unpredictable and arrives at any time of the year.

Hello, city lovers! Today we are heading to Copenhagen, where Alexandra Redisch tells us what not to miss in the Danish capital.

Copenhagen is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Tivoli Gardens (left), one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.

When I crave cake and hot chocolate in old world-settings, I always go to La Glace; the oldest confectionary in Denmark.

To escape the harsh city-life, I head to the uninhibited town of Christiania, where one makes love, not war.

If I want to be amazed by beautiful marble sculptures and a breathtaking winter garden, I go to the New Carlsberg Glyptotheke, where they also have a lovely tea room.
For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Royal Library; a vast modern building known as the "Black Diamond" (below).

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Little Mermaid (right), an iconic statue depicting the heroine from the famous fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.

If you can only order one thing off the menu from the art-nouveau-style Café Norden, it has to be the famous pancakes.

The Magasin du Nord, located in Kongens Nytorv, is my one-stop shop for great shopping.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped, I go to Rosenborg Castle (below). There is an entrance fee to step into the castle, but the gorgeous 15th-century gardens are accessible to all! For a huge splurge, I go to the main shopping street, Strøget, where they have everything from Topshop to Chanel.

 

Hello, city-lovers! Today we head over to the United Kingdom, where Rachel Cotterill tells us why she loves her city--first as a student, now as a native.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Oxford is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Pitt Rivers Museum (below), one of the most eclectic museum collections I've ever seen, where things are pretty much organized by "stuff that looks the same" rather than by culture or historical period.

When I crave late night ice-cream I always go to G&D's Ice Cream Cafe, where I had a summer job as a student. And I always choose the original branch on Little Clarendon St.

To escape the bustle of the city centre, I head north along the canal, to the area where I used to live.

If I want to celebrate Christmas in style, I go to one of the excellent college carol services (any college with a choir you've heard of is likely to be worth a visit during December).

For complete quiet, I can hide away in one of the many Bodleian library reading rooms, but you need a library card--if you're a student whose university has a reciprocal arrangement, it's well worth bringing your card along and taking the Bodleian Oath to get a temporary card.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with a student--cheesy but traditional, especially if you're around during matriculation, exams, or graduation, when the streets are swarming with students in academic dress. But don't pay them for the privilege!

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Al-Andalus it has to be the lunchtime mixed tapas plate, much better value than ordering individual items.

Greetings city-lovers! This week Zagreb-based freelance writer Neha Puntambekar--who loves the city's coffee culture--tells us why Zagreb is the best.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Zagreb is My City

The first place I take a visitor is the Upper Town, Zagreb's old town. It is home to some of the city's most prominent landmarks and museums.

When I crave something sweet I always go to Slastičarnica Vincek, a popular pastry shop. I usually have the kremšnita (vanilla custard cake) with a cup of coffee.

To escape the city I head to the mill village of Rastoke. Coffee on the waterfall and a walk around the waterside village make for the perfect city escape.
     
If I want to share a drink with friends, I go toTkalčićeva Ulica, a street full of pubs, clubs and eateries, along with a number of galleries and boutiques.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at Maksimir, Zagreb's largest park.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the "Well of Life", a sculpture by Croatian master Ivan Meštrovič in front of the National Theatre.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from the local pizzerias it has to be cevapcici - small pieces of grilled mixed meat served with traditional bread. Don't eat meat? Try burek - a pastry stuffed with cheese (it also comes with minced meat).

Dolac Market is my one-stop shop for great fresh fruits and vegetables, meat cuts, homemade delicacies and local handicrafts.

Locals know to skip worrying about food at local cafe-bars (most bars here don't serve food with drinks, save for peanuts) and check out the small pizzerias and kebab joints instead. Cafes have no problem if you bring your sandwich or slice along.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go the Sunday antiques market at Britanski Trg (British Square), close to the city's main square.

For a huge splurge I go to Takenoko for sushi.

Hello city-lovers! Today we're headed to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, where resident Petra tells us what she loves about her hometown.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Ljubljana is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Bled, about 37 miles away, but worth the trip.

When I crave a large coffee I always go to Le Petit Café.

If you come to my city, get your picture on one of the many bridges.

For a huge splurge I go to BTC. Take the bus nr. 27 from the city centre. It's only 15 mins away and you get everything there.

My favorite jogging/walking route is Pot spominov in tovarištva (The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship), a circular 18.6-mile path around Ljubljana.

Hello city lovers! Andy Hayes, author of the Edinburgh Walking Guides, takes us on a stroll through his favorite city.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Edinburgh, Scotland is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is a walk down the Royal Mile.  It's the heart of the city and where most of the popular attractions are.

When I crave fish and chips I always go to Bene's on the Royal Mile - if it's fit for royalty then it works for me.

To escape the city I head for the Water of Leith Walkway. It's 12 miles long but you can do any number of sections, or the whole thing if you feel like.

If I want to have good coffee I go to Artisan Roast.

For complete quiet, I can hide away with a stroll down the Innocent Railway Tunnel bike path. It's so easy to reach from the city centre, yet miles away from the world.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with a bagpiper. I suppose it's just what is done.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from any pub it has to be haggis! Don't ask what it is, just try it.

Locals know to skip Princes Street and check out the boutiques on Cockburn Street as well as hidden alleyways across the city.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go for a nice pub meal. Greyfriars Bobbys Bar does a mean steak and ale pie.

Photo ops in my city include anywhere in Holyrood Park and the best vantage points are anywhere near the castle.

Greetings, city-lovers! Travel writer Anne-Sophie Redisch gives her country's capital city some lovin', and tells us why this Scandinavian metropolis is simply the best.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Oslo is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Vigeland Park, taking in Gustav Vigeland's fabulous nudes amidst the scent of 14,000 roses.

When I crave coffee, cake, and cool jazz, I always go to Bare Jazz, a watering hole and well-stocked record shop.

To escape the crowds on a Saturday afternoon, I sit down under a tree by medieval Akershus Fortress and watch life as it passes by.

If I want to have a beer and people watch, I go to Aker Brygge.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Nordmarka Forest, 20 minutes by tram from the city center--except on Sundays, when everyone else is doing the same.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken next to the Angry Little Boy.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Grand Café it has to be a huge open shrimp sandwich.

Nomaden is my one-stop shop for everything travel-related, from books to bug spray.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to Fru Hagen Café in the lively Grunerløkka district.

Olá, travelers! Today Rafa Vieira writes to us from Coimbra, Portugal, and tells us why this European city is simply the best.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Coimbra is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the University of Coimbra patio so they can enjoy a view over the city and the river.

When I crave a Tentúgal pastry, I always go the small town of Tentúgal, in the outskirts of my city.

To escape the bustle and traffic I head for the beautiful spa town of Luso. It is really close to the city, and its wonderful forests and enchanting buildings are great for a walk.

If I want to relax and enjoy the trendiness of my city I go to Feito Conceito, a funky shop.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at Jardim do Penedo da Saudade, a hidden garden with a view of the city that's packed with statues and poems of poets and writers.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken in the city southbank with the river Mondego and the city at your back.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Zé Manel dos Ossos Tavern downtown it has to be Chanfana (an exquisite she-goat dish).

Greetings, city-lovers! Today Maureen Moore fills us in on her adopted city, Lisbon.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Lisbon, Portugal Is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the hilly Graça neighborhood for its amazing views of the city.

When I crave greenery and nature I always go to the Jardim da Estrela.

To escape city noise I head to the river-walk near Belém.

If I want to get lost I wander the narrow, labyrinth streets of Alfama.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the peaceful Parque das Necessidades in Alcântara.

If you come to my city, try to get your picture taken with the "waving man" who appears at Saldanha plaza nightly.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from the Cantinho de Bem Estar it has to be ameijoas de bulhão pato (clams swimming in hot olive oil, garlic, and cilantro).

Amatudo and A Vida Portuguesa are my one-stop shops for non-kitschy, cool, Portuguese design and original products.

Locals know to skip fado restaurants in Bairro Alto and check out the local spots in Graça and Mouraria instead.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to the park on Sundays in the summer for free jazz concerts.

For a huge splurge I go to a Napoleão wine shop and buy some mid-priced Portuguese wine that you can't get in the average restaurant.

Sziasztok, City Lovers!

The city that stole our heart today is Budapest, Hungary, shared with us by Carolyn Bánfalvi, a travel writer and award-winning culinary guidebook author (Food Wine Budapest and The Food and Wine Lover's Guide to Hungary are her titles), who writes about the city at Chew.hu, a Hungarian food blog. And remarkably, when she's not doing all that, she's giving culinary tours of the city with her husband.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!). You can find the entire collection of city-lovers here.

Budapest is My City

When I crave Chinese food I always go Wang Mester Konyhája.

To escape the summer heat I head to Margit Island to swim or picnic in the shade.

If I want to find hidden treasure I go to the Ecseri flea market and browse the antiques/junk/kitsch.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the beautiful Ervin Szabó Public Library in the eighth district.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Horgásztanya it has to be Halászlé (a fisherman's soup).

Bortársaság is my one-stop shop for great wine.

Hello, city-lovers! Today we're exploring to Amsterdam. Local expert Bart van Poll, founder of the fabulous blog Spotted By Locals, explains that the city is so much more than its coffee shops and red light district.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!). You can find the entire collection of city-lovers here.

Amsterdam is My City
 
The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Vondelpark - the liveliest park in the world!
 
When I crave for Surinamese food I always go to the Dappermarkt - the most multi-cultural market in Amsterdam.
 
To escape the hustle and bustle I head to Blijdorp beach.
 
For complete quiet, I can hide away at a bench at the Brouwersgrach next to the canals.

Hello, city-lovers! Today we're heading south to Rio de Janeiro, South America's second-largest city. Local expert Lucy Bryson tells us what's hot in this Brazilian metropolis.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Rio de Janeiro is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Santa Teresa. Most people think Rio is all about the beaches, but this bohemian hillside neighborhood has the most beautiful buildings in the city, fantastic views, excellent bars and restaurants in an amazing village-style environment.

When I crave decent vegetarian food I always go to New Natural. This place has a great, largely veggie, buffet, and the best pastéis (stuffed pastries) in the city.

To escape the heat I head to Parque Lage--you can seek shade in the little caves if the beating sun gets too much!

If I want to work on my tan I go to Ipanema Beach.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at Parque Catacumba. It's right by the Lagoa, but very few tourists have discovered this shady park.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with Jesus! What other city can say that?

If you have to order one thing off the menu from the ubiquitous street side snack bars it has to be pão de queijo. These little cheese bread balls are unbelievably addictive.

Hello city-lovers! Whether you call it Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon, blogger Liz Ledden shows us the best of this Vietnamese hub.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Ho Chi Minh City is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Quan An Ngonto to sample the 'best of' Vietnamese street food. The owners gathered the best food vendors and installed them around a courtyard on the grounds of a French colonial villa. The restaurant is heaving with locals and in-the-know tourists every day and night, and the food is fresh, tasty and really cheap (try the lemongrass clams!).

When I crave banh mi I always go to Banh Mi Bistro for their delicious take on the chicken baguette.

To escape the non-stop stream of motorbikes on the chaotic streets I head to La Fenetre Soleil for a ginger juice. Up a dingy stairwell on a central, busy corner,  La Fenetre Soleil is a cool cafe with a vintage French feel - think floorboards, a chandelier, high ceiling, mismatched furniture strewn with cushions and large French style windows looking out to the street below.

If I want to drink cocktails in funky surroundings I go to Q Bar or Amber Room.

For complete quiet, I can hide away inside the Hindu temple on Ton That Thiep Street - it's nearly always deserted, is adorned with colourful patterned tiles and feels like a real oasis of calm.

Greetings, city-lovers! Lindsay Welsh calls Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home, and she's got heaps of advice on what to see and do in the city.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is The Strip.

When I crave Middle Eastern cuisine I always go to Ali Baba's in Oakland.  This place has been here for years and so has the decor but the food is great and service is quick.  BYOB

To escape the hustle bustle I head for a walk in Frick Park. 

If I want to people watch I go to the Beehive in Southside or Kiva Han in Oakland.

Good day, city-lovers! Nellie Huang is a freelance travel writer who wants the world to know about the great city of Singapore.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Singapore is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Esplanade, a state-of-the-art Opera house by Marina bay, before heading right up to New Asia Bar, located on the 70th story of the Swisstôtel, for a full view of the glitzy night view of Singapore.

When I crave durians I always go to the roadside stalls along Geylang Road.

To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I head to the tranquil Marina Barrage where I can feel the wide spaces yet enjoy the city lights from afar.

If I want to relax I go to the Cliff, an elegant restaurant/bar perched on a cliff in Sentosa Island, overlooking the South China Sea.

For complete quiet, I can hide away under the Acacia trees along Changi Coast Road, where I can see planes taking off right above my head.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the famous Orangutans in the Singapore Zoo. They're notorious for their mischievous stunts and might just play a prank on you!

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, it has to be Chilli Crabs. The signature dish of Singapore is all sassy, spicy and finger-licking good. Jumbo is the best place to try it, any local would say so.

Mustafa is my one-stop shop for great bargain buys ranging from electronics to jewelry. It's a fascinating 24-hour shopping complex right in the heart of Little India. A great place to visit just for the cultural experience!

Greetings, city-lovers! Nadiah and Ming live in Kuala Lumpur, and they tell us that their city is bursting with things to do, see, and eat.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is Our City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is The KLCC Twin Towers because that is the first thing people recognize.

When I crave random tidbits and knick knacks I always go to a night market where i can get anything from kimchi to DVDs.

To escape the crowds and hot city air I head to the Genting Highlands where I can drive really fast along abandoned winding roads.

If I want to eat banana leaf rice I go to Krishna Curry House in Section 14.

For complete quiet, I can hide away by having a picnic and reading a book at the various waterfalls and rivers just outside town.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with any one of the random mat rempits (illegal motorcycle racers) that roam the streets after dark.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Werner's in Changkat Bukit Bintang it has to be the rum raisin pancake.

Low Yat Plaza is my one-stop shop for great deals on electronics.

Locals know to skip Putrajaya and check out Petaling Jaya instead.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to a kopitiam and order a white coffee and kaya toast.

For a huge splurge I go to the Spa Village KL.

Photo ops in my city include the night markets, the twin towers, and the decaying poorly maintained alleys, and the best vantage points are petaling street corner, the KL tower, and behind any mega-shopping complex.

'Ello city-lovers! Former Traveler intern Ally Burguieres is studying in Belfast, Ireland, right now, and shares some tips on what to see and do in her adopted city.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Belfast, Ireland is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the St. George's Market on Friday: It's full of food, treasures, and local goods.

To escape university students I head to the Irish countryside!

If I want to hear the Irish language I go Falls Road or the Irish mass held every Sunday in City Centre.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in The Linen Hall Library, where it smells like fresh coffee and old books.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with City Hall in the background, it's an ornate grey stone building.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Maggie May's it has to be the Ulster Fry: a breakfast of fried things including but never limited to: tomatoes, soda bread, potato bread, pancake, bacon, and eggs. People will ask if you've tried it!

When I crave banana and Nutella crepes I always go to the St. George's Market on Saturday to buy one from the French crepe man.

Hey there, city-lovers! St. Louis, Missouri, is often overshadowed by other Midwest metropolises like Chicago, but Sara Arnold tells us why the Gateway to the West is a must-visit.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

St. Louis, Missouri is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Arch! Not necessarily 'cause I would prefer it, but that's ALWAYS their preferred first stop. Don't get me wrong, I think its beautiful, but St. Louis has so much more to offer.

When I crave Vietnamese I always go to Pho Grand. This is the best pho I've ever had. Beautiful restaurant, great neighborhood, friendly service, decent prices.

To escape suburbia I head to Castlewood State Park. Only about 40 minutes from downtown this is a phenomenal park with a great hiking trail overlooking a cliff on the Meramec River. Great day-trip picnic!

If I want to people watch I go to the Delmar loop. Great shops and restaurants with sidewalk seating. Perfect to watch passersby.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Left Bank Books downtown. Fantastic selection, independently owned!

Greetings, city-lovers! Cebu City is often overlooked, but Leylander tells us why his city is a hidden gem in the Philippines.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Cebu City, Philippines is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. It is one of the oldest churches in the city. And the city, being the seat of Christianity in Asia, played a pivotal role in the Christianization of the entire Philippines.

When I crave seafood, I always go to sutukil. Sutukil is SUgba, TUwa, KILaw - grilled, cooked in a soup, and eaten raw, respectively.

To escape the fast city life, I head to the mountains of Cebu. They're gorgeous.

If I want to take a quick swim, I go Mactan Island. It's only thirty minutes from mainland Cebu and it boasts white sand beaches and top resorts.

For complete quiet, I can hide away on the SRP boardwalk. You watch the waves wash your stress away.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with a Sinulog dancer. Cebu is famous for its Sinulog Festival (above). A religious festival that honors the child Jesus - Sr. Sto. Niño.

If you have to order one thing off the menu in Cebu it has to be the roasted pig, otherwise known as lechon. It's the best in the world!

Hola, city-lovers! Buenos Aires is known for its tango but Laura Milsom insists the city has much more than that. "Everyone falls in love with something here," she says. "Be it a person, the architecture, nighlife, neighborhoods, dancers, shops, wine. It is devilishly charming despite its chaos." Read on to find out why Laura loves her city.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Buenos Aires is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is down Calle Florida to Plaza de Mayo, followed by window viewing of a parrilla restaurant with a full stack of meat cooking.

When I crave mint ice cream I always go Freddo.

To escape the sound of screaming buses I head to the ecological park.

If I want to have a great cocktail I go the bar Milion.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with tango dancers and the obelisco.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from La Cabrera it has to be the butterfly steak (which feeds a family of four).

KEL is my one-stop shop for great selections of English books.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go Plaza San Martín (bitter tea drink they have here).

For a huge splurge I go Galerias Pacifico and buy a dress to go to the Oscars in.

Greetings, city-lovers! Today we're heading north to Kingston, Ontario, a city Zoe and Don Timperon want recognized for its World Heritage status, and much much more.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Kingston, Ontario is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is World Heritage site Fort Henry and Kingston's downtown waterfront.

When I crave a delicious and refreshing margarita I always go to Margaritaville.

To escape the stresses of life I head to the waterfront and either go sailing or enjoy a ride on the Wolfe Island ferry.

If I want to relax for a couple hours I go Kingston Mills Locks and watch the boats move along the World Heritage Rideau Canal.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at Big Sandy Bay, a remote shangri-la white sandy beach on Wolfe Island away from everything.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with our town crier Chris Whyman, ambassador of Kingston.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Tir Nan Og it has to be shepherd's pie.

'Ello city-lovers! Today's city is London, England, and Louise Heal shows us the must-sees of the U.K.'s capital.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

London, England is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Waterloo Bridge. This is far and away the best view of London. Any London taxi driver will say so, and what they say goes. Just so as you know.

When I crave Indian food I always go to Brick Lane, the spiritual home of curry in London. This is the heart of London's Bangladeshi community and is also within walking distance of the City of London.

To escape Oxford Street I head to Marylebone High Street. Daunt Bookshop is a treasure trove, there are plenty of nice little boutiques and some really great coffee places. What more does a girl need?

If I want to have a really good steak and chips I go to Chez Gerard. As they say - the best steak frites this side of Paris. And the champagne list isn't bad either!

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the British Library You need a reader's card to use the Reading Rooms, but anybody can use the restaurants, public areas and the courtyard. During the summer, there are free lunchtime concerts.
 
If you come to my city, get your picture taken on a Trafalgar Square lion. Then pose with a Guard at the Horse Guards Parade. Then hover about in front of Big Ben. Then stand on Westminster Bridge with the London Eye behind you. Strike a pose, why don't you?
 
If you have to order one thing off the menu from Simpson's in the Strand, it absolutely has to be the roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. You don't eat meat? Maybe just the Yorkshire pudding then.

Stanfords is my one-stop shop for all things travel-related. There are travel books, guides, maps, nautical charts, globes and Inspiration galore. I think I actually lived here in a former life.
 
Locals know to skip Leicester Square and check out Lower Regent Street instead. There are cinemas, restaurants and bars here, without the tourists or the touts.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to the National Gallery and then walk down Whitehall to the London Eye. Depending on my mood, I'll either go to see Holbein's "Ambassadors," the Leonardo "cartoon" or Seurat's "Bathers at Asnieres." If you're feeling peckish, the Whitehall Sandwich Bar and the Lord Moon of the Mall pub opposite both serve good, cheap food and drink.

Hello, city lovers! Today's city is our own, Washington, D.C., filtered by the City Sifting local (and former IT helmsman), Emily King.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Washington D.C. is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Lincoln Memorial. Sounds cliché, but I still think it's the most magical place in the city. The other must-see is the Library of Congress.

When I crave onion soup, I always go to Café du Parc. When I crave a milkshake, I head to Good Stuff Eatery for their Toasted Marshmallow hand-spun shake.

To escape, I head to Charlottesville, VA.

If I want to feel cultured, I go to the Studio Theatre. Tom Stoppard's Rock 'n' Roll runs through June 7--buy tickets, you'll love it!

For complete quiet, I can hide away on Theodore Roosevelt Island. It's one of the few nature havens in the city.

Hello, city-lovers! Today Nick Rowlands brings us the best of Cairo, which has more to see than just the pyramids.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Cairo is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Pyramids: you've got to catch them while you can, as you never know how much longer they'll be around!

When I crave a decent shisha pipe I always go to Cedars Lebanese restaurant.

To escape the traffic fumes I head to al-Azhar Park (former rubbish dump, now Cairo's most attractive green space).

If I want to play backgammon I go to my local coffee shop and challenge the locals (and lose)!

For complete quiet, I can hide away on a felucca in al-Maadi.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Sphinx - cheesy photos of you kissing and patting him on the head are compulsory.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Aboul Sid it has to be the super-traditional rabbit and molokheiya (a slimy green soup made from a vegetable similar to spinach).

Ataba market is my one-stop shop for great junk-rummaging and people watching.

Fuhgeddaboudit, city lovers! Meg Nesterov (of the Notorious MEG blog) tells us why this New York borough deserves to be in the spotlight.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Brooklyn is My City
 
The first place I take a visitor from out of town is for a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (into Brooklyn, of course!).
 
When I crave french fries I always go Farm on Adderley in Ditmas Park.
 
To escape the flood of hipsters I head to Bensonhurst or Bay Ridge, which are (and have always been) just plain great Brooklyn neighborhoods.
 
If I want to enjoy a drink outside in the summer I go to Soda Bar on Vanderbilt for beers and kasha and bacon pierogies (bonus: it's near the Brooklyn Museum of Art and Botanical Gardens for pre-drinking culture).
 
For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza.
 
If you come to my city, get your picture taken with Marty Markowitz, our Borough President and greatest cheerleader.
 
If you have to order one thing off the menu from the dinner tapas menu at Beast it has to be fried manchego cheese bites.
 
Net Cost Market is my one-stop shop for great dumplings, smoked meats, and any and everything pickled.
 
Locals know to skip the lines at Grimaldi's Pizza and check out DiFara's on Avenue J instead (though the lines might be longer).

Hi there city-lovers! Today we're bringing you the Southern charms of Charleston, South Carolina with the help of Currie McCollough.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Charleston, South Carolina is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the Battery, also known as White Point Gardens. You can see Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

When I crave oysters I always go to Bowen's Island.

To escape the heat I head to the Charleston Aquarium.

If I want to look at old houses I go up Highway 61 to Drayton Hall, one of the finest examples of Georgian-Palladian architecture in the United States.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Unitarian Church graveyard.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with an American Revolutionary War soldier on the steps of the Old Exchange Building.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Hominy Grill it has to be the buttercream pie.

Sugar is my one-stop shop for great baked goods.

Hola, city-lovers! Today we're heading to Seville, Spain, where Shawn Hennessey shares the best the city has to offer.

Want to see your city on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're going to keep posting as long as we keep getting them (please include photos and links!).

Seville, Spain is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is out for tapas.

When I crave pringá I always go Bodeguita Romero.

To escape the HEAT in summer I head for the Cádiz coast (Costa de la Luz).

If I want to feel alive I go out in the streets. Nobody does street life quite like Sevillians.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Cartuja Monastery.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Giralda Tower behind you; best location is on the Doña Maria rooftop terrace.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Modesto it has to be the "fritura". 

El Corte Inglés is my one-stop shop for just about everything.

Hello, city-lovers! Today's city is Vancouver, British Columbia, and it comes to us courtesy of Amanda Ryan.

Want to see your hometown on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (please include photos and links!).

Vancouver is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Granville Island. The Public Market is always a bustling place to check out foods and ingredients from around the world, exotic florists, fresh seafood, West Coast artwork in all forms, and lots more. There's always something going on outside as well; no matter how bitterly cold or stifling hot it is, you'll find at least a handful of buskers playing lively music, juggling knives, performing magic tricks or simply entertaining a crowd. From Granville Island I like to take a foot ferry across False Creek to downtown, a much more leisurely and picturesque mode of transportation than the bus.

When I crave sushi I always go to Shin Ju on Broadway. We Vancouverites love our sushi. In fact, there are more sushi restaurants per block here than in Japan! Shin Ju's unpretentious atmosphere, excellent service, and affordable and consistently great food is what brings me back every week.

To escape after a busy week I head to the seawall. Winding along the coastline of the city, the seawall offers the best view of ocean, mountains, beach and great blue herons you'll get on this side of the country. It's also the best place to get lost in a crowd, and benches throughout offer top-notch people watching. Strolling the seawall with a coffee and a good friend is one of the most relaxing and refreshing things you can do here.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Steam Clock in historical Gastown. It's kind of cliché, but the clock is truly unique in that it was the first steam clock to be made by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders, who went on to build the clocks for cities around the world. Ours is fully functioning with the telltale plumes of steam, and whistles the Westminster Quarters every quarter of an hour.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to the Vancouver Public Library. Probably the most controversial piece of architecture in the city (either you love it or you hate it), it's seven stories high and filled with 180-degree views of the downtown core. I love to sit and flip through magazines, wander the levels and shelves picking up books at random, shuffle through jazz CDs or check out whichever free lecture is being given in the conference room. VPL also holds a twice-yearly used book sale, an elbow-to-elbow affair where book rats like me can walk out with an armload of discarded treasures for a meager amount of money.

Photo ops in my city include a view of English Bay, the False Creek Olympic Village, Chinatown in the summer at night, Celebration of Light fireworks in the summer, looking across the water at the downtown skyline, Stanley Park Lagoon and the best vantage points are any high-rise apartment along Beach Avenue, the Shangri-La Hotel, anywhere along the seawall, Granville Island, Charleson Park, and (my favourite) a foot ferry across False Creek.

Aloha, city-lovers! Today's city is sunny Honolulu, and it comes to us courtesy of Malia Yoshioka.

Want to see your hometown on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (include photos and links!).

Honolulu is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Pali Lookout.

When I crave the best Greek food on the island I always grab a bottle of wine (BYOB!) and head to The Olive Tree Cafe.

To escape on the weekends I head to the north shore via the windward side--such a beautiful drive!

If I want to the world's best shrimp scampi, I go to Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck in Kahuku.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at a meditation/yoga retreat in Manoa.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the beach boys down in Waikiki.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas it has to be the Chilean sea bass--to die for!

Hello, city-lovers! Today's Southern city is New Orleans, which just wrapped up its Mardi Gras celebrations a few weeks ago. Read below to find out Erin Krall's favorite picks around Crescent City.

Want to see your hometown on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (include photos and links!).

New Orleans is My City
 
The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the local bar in my neighborhood, The Avenue. It's my home away from home, and a friendly place that is a great, authentic introduction to our daily life here.

When I crave a perfect New Orleans setting with great food, history, drinks and service I always go to Napoleon House.

To escape the frustrating urban issues that come with city life I head to City Park, an oasis of tropical birds and vegetation.

If I want to relax in the heart of downtown (the CBD) I go to the Piazza D'Italia.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Crescent City Books, a used bookstore with two floors of great finds to hunt through and relax on a coach over looking Chartres Street in the French Quarter.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen (Paul Prudhomme's restaurant) it has to be the Shrimp Remoulade and Fried Green Tomatoes appetizer.

Zara's is my one-stop shop for great local groceries and over-stuffed po' boys, plate lunches, and other local dishes served at a counter in the back of this small corner grocery.

Hello city-lovers! We're heading south for today's city--Louisville, Kentucky. IT reader Michelle Ray is proud of her "mid-sized city with a small-town feel and big-city dreams." Read on (and check out her blog) for her Louisville (pronounced Lou-a-vull) picks.

Louisville is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to The Highlands for shopping, dining and nightlife.

When I crave delicious Asian cuisine, I always go to the all-vegetarian Zen Garden.

To escape stress and car exhaust fumes, I head to Bernheim Forest near Clermont, Kentucky.

If I want to go camping and hiking, Louisvillians go to the Red River Gorge.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in my apartment with a good book from one of our public libraries.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the "big bat" in front of Slugger Museum.

Namaste, city-lovers! Today's city comes to us from the opposite side of the world in the Uttar Pradesh state of India. Anisha Sharma says that Lucknow--the "Paris of the East"--is her city. Read below to find out why!

Want to see your hometown on IT? Copy and paste our list of fill-in-the-blank questions into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (include photos and links!).

Lucknow is My City

The first place I take an out-of-town visitor is Bhool Bhulaiya, built by Nawab Asif Ud Daulah to employ the people of Lucknow when a famine had struck. People preferred to work than qualify for royal charity.

When I crave a nature walk I always go to the National Botanical Research Institute, an 1857 memorial and garden.

To escape city traffic, I head to the Residency, a British stronghold from the 1857 war.

If I want to browse books I go to the East End Mall, and check out the Landmark Book Store.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with Birju Maharaj (if he is in town), the Kathak (classical dance) guru.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Chaudhary Sweet House it has to be Chola-Bhatura.

Hey there, city fans! Today's city comes to us from Nancy Brown, who tells us why we should leave our hearts in San Francisco!

Want to see your city on IT? Complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions, copy and paste the list into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (hint--it helps if you include links and photos!)

San Francisco is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Fisherman's Wharf.

When I crave dim sum I always go to Chinatown.

To escape people I head to Angel Island.

If I want to shop I go to Union Square.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hey there, city-lovers! Cynthia Farrell writes to us from chilly Minneapolis, Minnesota, and tells us why her city is much more than just a frozen tundra.

Want to see your city on IT? Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (if you include photos and links, we're likely to get the post up faster).

Minneapolis is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Minnehaha Falls.

When I crave Neapolitan-style pizza I always go Punch.

To escape the airplane noise over my house I head to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in the southwest suburbs.

If I want to take a walk in the woods, summer or winter, I go to Fort Snelling State Park, right in the city.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in a cabin up on the North Shore of Lake Superior, only a 3-4 hour drive away.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Mary Tyler Moore sculpture on Nicollet Mall.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Café Maude it has to be the house cut fries with truffle fontina fondue.

Hello city-lovers! Today's city is Stockholm, Sweden. Photographer and travel writer Lola Akinmade has been shuttling between Stockholm and the States for the last couple of years, and is still discovering the cool nooks and crannies of this gorgeous cosmopolitan Scandinavian city.

Stockholm is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is historic Gamla Stan.

When I crave the freshest pastries--especially world-class semlors--I always go to Vete-Katten.

To escape the crowds, I head for a walk around the island of Långholmen.

If I want to "fika" (take a coffee break complete with yummy baked goods), I go to Café 60.

For complete quiet, I sit on rocks along the water's edge (Lilla Värtan) on the island of Lidingö.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with a sexy Swedish guard at the Royal Palace.
If you have to order one thing off the menu inside IKEA Kungens Kurva, it has to be Gravad lax with Hovmästarsås and boiled yellow almond potatoes.

Åhléns is my one-stop shop for everything from affordable clothes to home décor and DVDs.

Locals know to skip the touristy Drottninggatan (Queen's Street) and head out to the neighborhood of Södermalm ("Söder") instead.

Today we're headed to South America with Eileen Smith, who says Santiago, Chile, is undeservedly overlooked--and we agree!

Want to see your city on IT? Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're still waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (please include photos and links!).

Santiago is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Cerro San Cristobal.

When I crave excellent coffee I always go to the neighborhood Bellas Artes.

If I want to find good books I go the bookstore Metales Pesados.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Cajón de Maipo, just south of Santiago.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with a llama in Parque Quinta Normal.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Dominó it has to be a completo, a hot dog slathered with avocado, mayonnaise and chopped tomatoes.

Hello city-lovers! This was our first entry to come in from the under-10 set, and we had to admire the remarkably well-honed tastes of Ruby (age 4) and Kiva (age 8), who were eager to share the favorite spots in their Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also, we love anyone who puts a tater tot on their fine dining list.

The Bay View Neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is Our City

The first place we take a visitor from out of town is the Farmer's Market at South Shore Park.

When we crave flavored milk, we always go Anodyne Coffee Roasters.

To escape the crowded city we head out on Lake Michigan in our kayaks.

If we want to climb on rocks we go to Cupertino Park.

For complete quiet, we can hide away in Seminary Woods.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the oldest copper beech tree in the state.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from The Palomino it has to be tater tots with Cajun cream dipping sauce.

When we launched the I Heart My City project, friend of IT Andrew Evans had a hard time figuring out which city he loved best. But he settled on Odessa, the fourth largest city in Ukraine, where he spent a good deal of time writing the Brandt Travel Guide to the country. "Imagine taking New Orleans and adding the weather of Marseilles, the people of Naples, the shop fronts of Coney Island, the grit of Baltimore, and the architecture of Paris and Rome," he writes. "It's the only place like it in the whole world."

Odessa is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Deribasovskaya Street.

When I crave Pizza I always go to Zara Pizzara.

To escape the speeding taxis I head to the waterfront.

If I want to window shop I go to Passazh.

For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Panteleimonsky Monastery.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with one of the street performers' pet monkeys.

Hello city-lovers! Today's city lover is Emma Torry, a Londoner who loves Hong Kong and all of its extravagance.

Still haven't sent in your own city suggestions? Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (hint -- it helps if you include the links!).

Hong Kong is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is for drinks at RED Bar in the International Finance Centre and then dinner at Bistro Manchu (33 Elgin Street, +852 2536 9218). RED Bar has fantastic views across Victoria Harbour and of Central's skyline, and Bistro Manchu serves some of the most delicious northeastern Chinese food in Hong Kong. I'm from London so mostly have visitors coming in from there. The flights usually arrive in the late afternoon--perfect timing for a shower, change of clothes, and then drinks and dinner.
 
When I crave dim sum I always go to Dragon-i. I admit, it's not the most authentic dim sum experience, but boy is it good!

To escape the city I head to the beautiful beaches of Shek-O and Sai Kung.

If I want to shop I go to the boutiques in Soho. I especially recommend Tiare and Mint and Lemongrass, both are on Staunton Street. For shoes go to Vicki's in the lanes (Li Yuen Street East, Central). They will tailor-make shoes to fit your feet perfectly for as much as it costs to buy a pair of nasty plastic numbers in London or New York. If there's a particular style you like you can take a picture for them to copy. They will also copy worn-out shoes that you love and can't let go of.

For complete quiet, I can hide away on Lantau. The island boasts miles of secluded hiking trails, beaches and relaxed restaurants. Ooh La La (Pui O beach, +852 2984 8710) and Stoep (Cheung Sha beach, +852 2980 2699) are both great if you feel like a low-key day of eating and sunbathing on the beach. If you're feeling energetic you can get the ferry from Central to Mui Wo and then hike to the beach, it takes about three hours. Otherwise, you can get a bus from just outside the Mui Wo ferry terminal.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the views from Victoria Peak. Don't bother waiting in the ridiculously long line for the Peak Tram to take you up the peak, just get a taxi! There's a very easy (and flat) three-kilometer walk around the peak which offers fantastic views over Central Hong Kong and across to the outlying islands. Once you're finished, get the Peak Tram down. There are never any queues on the way back.

Hello city-lovers! Today's city of choice is Cape Town, Africa's Mother City, and it comes at the hands of Laura Trisnadi.

Still haven't seen your city on IT? Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an e-mail, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (hint--it helps if you include links and photos!)

The Mother City is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Table Mountain.

When I crave ice cream I always go Marcel's.

To escape the city I head out on a drive around The Mountain to False Bay.

If I want to drink wine I go to the wine farms in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Hello city-lovers! Today's city of choice is Chicago, and it comes at the hands of Traci and Jeff Dybdahl. Jeff is an attorney, Traci a PhD student, and they love exploring their (relatively) new city together.

Still haven't sent in your own city suggestions? Easy enough. Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers, and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. And if you're waiting for us to feature yours, fear not! We're attempting to post them as fast as we can (hint -- it helps if you include the links!).

We've been loving your submissions for our I Heart My City project - and today's city comes to us via Albert Lee, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There were few people who showed as much enthusiasm for their cities as Albert, and we'll let him explain why in his own words:

I'm a proud hometown boy. Was raised in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia where our home housed three generations. I serve as the head concierge at the Independence Visitor Center (the official visitor center for Philadelphia and its surrounding counties). My overall duty is to make sure that while you're here, regardless of how long, you're going to have a good time. That is my promise even if our doors are closed. In fact, I carry maps in my bag to make sure people get to go where they need to. Want to get in a fancy restaurant at 8 p.m.? I'll take care of you...even if we are on a street corner. Philadelphia has been good to me and I see no greater reward than showing it off and getting paid for it!

Still haven't sent in your own city suggestions? Easy enough. Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like), and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org.

We've been loving your submissions for our My City project - and we're overwhelmed by how fantastic all of your picks are. We are trying to go through them as fast as we can - but we remind you that including photos and links (and a little bit about yourself) makes our lives a bit easier! That said, we're learning more about some of our favorite cities that we could have ever imagined, and we're looking forward to sharing as many as possible with you.

Today's city comes to us via Ariela Anelli, of Venice Beach, California. She argues that there's more than glitz and glamour to her town, and we think her picks demonstrate that extremely well.

Still haven't sent in your own city suggestions? Easy enough. Just complete our list of fill-in-the-blank questions then copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like), and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org.

Photographs of Orlando by David Burnett, from the March 2007 story, "Beyond Disney" in National Geographic Magazine.

To mark the release of our March issue, we're celebrating cities over the next few weeks, and we've asked our readers to share what they love most about the places they call home. Today's city-dweller is Walker Starling from Orlando, Florida, and we were taken with his tough-love approach to his town.

Still haven't submitted? Here's your chance. We've put together a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started and we'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Declare your love for that special city in your heart!

Pancake Ice forms on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin

To mark the release of our March issue (now on newsstands), we're celebrating cities over the next few weeks, and we've asked our readers to share what they love most about their towns. 

Still haven't submitted? Here's your chance. We've put together a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started and we'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Declare your love for that special city in your heart!

Today, Sonia Dubielzig, of Madison Wisconsin shares what she loves about her city. Sonia is a transportation planner currently living in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It's only an hour's drive from Madison (her hometown) but a world apart in politics, culture, and attitude. 

To mark the release of our March issue (now on newsstands), we're celebrating cities over the next few weeks, and we've asked our readers to share what they love most about their towns. We've been overwhelmed by your responses, and don't worry, we're going to try to get to them all!

Still haven't submitted? Here's your chance. We've put together a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started and we'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Declare your love for that special city in your heart!

Today's featured city-lover is photographer Susan Seubert, who has most recently captured New York, San Francisco, and Sydney for Traveler. Here's what she has to say about her favorite Northwest city.

To mark the release of our March issue (now on newsstands), we're celebrating cities over the next few weeks, and we've asked our readers to share what they love most about their towns. We've been overwhelmed by your responses, and don't worry, we're going to try to get to them all!

Still haven't submitted? Here's your chance. We've put together a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started and we'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Declare your love for that special city in your heart!

Today's featured city-lover is Pam Mandel, of Seattle, Washington. Pam is the author of the witty Nerd's Eye View blog, and when she's not riffing on the Seattle weather, she's dreaming of Hawaii over at WorldHum.
 
Seattle is My City
 
The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Alki Beach to see the view of the skyline from the waterfront.
 
When I crave milkshakes I always go to Luna Park in West Seattle.  
 
To escape the midwinter blues, I head to Pike Place Market. The buzz of activity, the bright colors, and the chatter of the market reminds me why I fell for Seattle in the first place.
 
If I want to see the salmon run I go to the Ballard Fish Ladder.
 
For complete quiet, I can hide away at the Arboretum. Bonus: In fall, the trees are spectacular!
 
If you come to my city, get your picture taken with Noguchi's Black Hole Sun in Volunteer Park.  
 
If you have to order one thing off the menu from Bakery Nouveau it has to be the almond croissant.

To mark the release of our March issue (now on newsstands), we're celebrating cities over the next few weeks, and we've asked our readers to share what they love most about their towns. Would you send Rome a bouquet of roses? Did you get Miami a box of chocolates? Is it Rio you're snuggling with in the back of the movie theater? Declare your love for that special city in your heart!

We've put together a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started. We'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org.

Today's city-lover is Anne Ditmeyer, of Baltimore, Maryland, who writes the lovely Prêt à Voyager blog. 

Baltimore is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is the American Visionary Art Museum.

When I crave crabs I always go J.P. Steamers.

To escape B-more I head to D.C. on the $7 MARC train.

If I want to see a movie I go to The Charles.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Peabody Library.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the Cosmic Egg @ AVAM.

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Tapas Teatro it has to be spinach and crab.

Sideshow is my one-stop shop for great random gifts.

Locals know to skip the Inner Harbor and check out Hampden instead.

When I'm feeling cash-strapped I go to Trinacria.

For a huge splurge I go to Housewerks.

Photo ops in my city include the Kinetic Sculpture Race and the best vantage points are the water entry in Canton.

If my city were a celebrity it'd be John Waters.

The most random thing about my city are snowballs with marshmallow fluff on top (trust me, it's delicious!).

National Geographic Traveler's March issue explores the Magic of the City: Celebrating The Urban Places that Captivate Us. We sent four writers to four very different cities to sample the best shopping in Shanghai, eating in Sydney, walking in London, and playing in Montreal. Then we got 29 of our writers, photographers, and other consummate travelers to share their favorite urban places. But we're not done yet. We want to hear from you.

We want to hear what you love about your cities. Below you'll find a list of fill-in-the-blank questions that should help get you started. We'd love it if you would copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send us your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Please make sure that "I Heart My City" is in the subject line (you can fill in the city, of course).

If you like, feel free to include photos, links, videos, art, poetry, or music - anything that helps show us why you love the place you live. We'll feature our favorite lists here on IT, and we encourage you to share your own list on your blog, website, Facebook, Twitter or MySpace page, and post the link here in the comments below. Check out the questionnaire after the jump.

National Geographic Traveler's March issue explores the Magic of the City: Celebrating The Urban Places that Captivate Us. We sent four writers to four very different cities to sample the best shopping in Shanghai, eating in Sydney, walking in London, and playing in Montreal. Then we got 29 of our writers, photographers, and other consummate travelers to share their favorite urban places. But we're not done yet. We want to hear from you.

We want to hear what you love about your cities. Below you'll find a list of fill in the blank questions that should help get you started. We want you to copy and paste the list into an email, fill in your answers (as many as you like) and send us your responses to IntelligentTravel@ngs.org. Make sure that "I Heart My City" is in the subject line (you can fill in the city, of course).

If you like, feel free to include photos, links, videos, art, poetry, or music - anything that helps show us why you love the place you live. We'll feature our favorite lists here on IT, and we encourage you to share your own list on your blog, your Facebook or MySpace page, or your website, and post the link here in the comments below. Check out the list below.