Recently in I Heart My City Category

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).