Walking is one of the best ways to get to know a city, and no one understands this more than Chronicle books.  They offer a whimsical, splashy "City Walks" series.

Rather than a bulky guide book, the "City Walks" series are an informational deck of cards for each featured city.  We love cards!

"Each card in the deck outlines a self-guided walking adventure, with a detailed map on the front and information on the back filled with insider tips." 

This way you can pick a card, any card, tuck it in your pocket or purse, and get to exploring.  Even though we are, technically, grown-ups, we really loved the "City Walks with Kids" guides, because the illustrations and maps were more fun.

See how the little dude is skipping along South Something-Street?  The words are too fuzzy and we can't tell exactly where he is, but you'd be able to see it on the actual guide.

I have no idea why all guide books don't do this.  Just because we're adults, doesn't mean we can't appreciate a fun, carousel scene with helpful numbered landmarks.

And the flip side of the card, with the helpful information:

The standard guides include: Toronto, Los Angeles, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Boston, Chicago, London, Paris, Rome, San Francisco, and Washington D.C.

Check them out at Chronicle Books.