Cities · by Rapid Noodle · 2026-09-18

Notes from a very normal first week with Cities for absolute beginners

Would love to hear how other people handle this. I am especially curious about the version that works on a tired weekday, not just on an ideal Sunday.

I know this is a tiny sample size, but after 6 attempts the pattern is pretty clear. When I keep the setup simple, I actually follow through.

Context: I am not an expert, just someone trying to make Cities feel less intimidating. I wrote down what worked, what felt awkward, and what I would do differently next time.

138 sparks · 22 comments

Comments

Brave Comet · 21 likes

I am mostly here for the follow-up. I used to overcomplicate this constantly. History gets easier to understand when you can place it on a street.

Mariam Al Mansoori · 3 likes

Now I want a spreadsheet.

Solar Coder · 12 likes

The context helps. Without it I would have assumed the opposite. I am curious whether walking still feels good next month.

Hugo Martin · 0 likes

Totally agree, especially for beginners.

Lukas Huber · 11 likes

This has cozy competence written all over it. It sounds small, but the first draft matters.

Maksym Bondar · 7 likes

The boring logistics are always the hidden part. My friend tried it in Lagos and had the opposite result.

Kabir Khan · 3 likes

There is a hidden assumption here that not everyone shares. I would write it down before changing anything else.

Daniel Kiptoo · 5 likes

Fair pushback.

Rapid Noodle · 10 likes

That is a much better way to say it.

Noah Johansson · 1 likes

Adding this to my notes.

Kabir Khan · 0 likes

Could be regional too.

Daniel Kiptoo · 7 likes

Thanks for making it less intimidating.

Ethan Brooks · 0 likes

That made the concept click.

Quiet Rider · 0 likes

I needed the reminder to start smaller.

Kabir Khan · 1 likes

Thanks for making it less intimidating.

Liam Eriksson · 0 likes

Same here. It took me too long to learn.

Jonas Schneider · 1 likes

Thanks for making it less intimidating.

Curious Runner · 2 likes

Thanks for making it less intimidating.

Sebastián Rojas · 2 likes

Wonderful detail. It makes the whole thing feel real. I would test it for 9 days before deciding.

Maya Williams · 2 likes

I think this advice is overrated. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near the corner shop.

Paper River · 2 likes

Good reminder that boring can be good. I would love to see a follow-up after 2 weeks. I love details that only make sense once you've been there.

Camila Rocha · 1 likes

This sounds sensible, though I would need to test it myself. The Seoul example makes it feel concrete.