Top real-life fantasy and/or science fiction cities

At the creative writing program Shared Worlds students create fantasy and science fiction worlds that as the name implies are to be shared with others.

As a precursor to the forthcoming class (July 19-August 1 @ Wofford College), Jeff VanderMeer, Shared Worlds Assistant Director and Instructor, asked Elizabeth Hand, Nalo Hopkinson, Ursula K. LeGuin, China Miéville, and Michael Moorcock the following question: "What's your pick for the top real-life fantasy or science fiction city?"



Given this group, the answers not surprisingly encompassed a wide range of the Western world's cities-- from Reykavik to Kingston to Marrakesh and points inbetween. Some more views from the Eastern world would have been nice.

Having not traveled all that extensively (never out of North America), my pick would be Montreal with it's clash of cultures and languages. And hell, it's got a biosphere! Don't get much more sf geeky than that.



What would be your top real-life fantasy and/or science fiction city?