Cities represent civilisation and human achievement: they are bubbling microcosms of virtues and vices, vanguards of technology and creative pursuits, incubators of traditions and melting-pots of diversity. More than half the world's population now lives in cities, and for travelers they hold an endless fascination.

Taking our cue from the buzz on the street, Lonely Planet has captured the flavour of the world's top 200 cities through the eyes of the typical citizen: hot conversation topics, urban myths, the best places to eat and drink and to seek out after dark.

This pictorial mixes a tempting cocktail for the urban adventurer.

The Cities Book features 427 pages of facts, statistics, maps, and lots of color photos.

So if you like to travel, or if you have a trip coming up, this book is for you. It also makes a wonderful gift for the adventurer or traveler in your life.