Six Cities Where Getting Lost Reveals Hidden Urban Logic

A travel feature in Quartz explores the concept of getting lost in six cities worldwide, drawing on the Situationists' idea of the dérive and Italo Calvino's 'Invisible Cities'. The article argues that wandering without a fixed itinerary can reveal invisible maps beyond official ones, though it acknowledges that safety and belonging shape who can surrender control. The featured cities are Fez, Tokyo, Venice, Varanasi, Hong Kong, and Naples, each offering unique sensory and navigational experiences. In Fez, the ancient medina is navigated through smell, sound, and texture rather than signage. Tokyo's orientation relies on daily neighborhood habits and repeated exposure to small areas. Venice's movement is shaped by bridges and canals, with directions given by landmarks. Varanasi's daily rhythms are organized around river rituals and food. Hong Kong's vertical urbanism requires attention to height and multiple levels. Naples rewards unstructured time and spontaneous encounters. The article emphasizes that preparation for getting lost involves learning phrases, carrying cash, and understanding local rhythms.