The far western mainland sims of Sistiana, Barcola, Miramare and Grignano are collectively knows as the "city sims" and represent an interesting experiment. Linden Labs have created a bunch of interconnected sims with double the normal prim allowance to facilitate the creation of a proper city style area by SL residents. LL have also built city type infrastructure into these sims - sewers, canals, roads, parks and a very elaborate tram/trolley network.

A visit to this area is a must simply because the atmosphere is so different to that of most of the rest of the SL mainland. There's no clutter, no revolving "land4sale" signs, no half-finished and long forgotten newbie houses. Rather, there's a sense of organization. And because land owners have been given twice as many prims the area is so much more sophisticated in design. Traffic noise, police sirens and random graffiti also add to the urban ambience. The realism is terrific, you can walk the streets and get a genuine sense of being in a city. The tram wires even buzz and spark if you touch them! 

Don't miss:

• The Dore to Luna trolley line. A fantastic build in its own right.
• The Space Needle in Miramare. Provides a terrific view out over the city.
• The Second Life Petroleum Organisation (SLPO). An oil refinery is totally incongruous in SL, but fun!
• The elaborate canal/sewer system.

Capitol Hill is a recreation of the United States congress building.  The simulation was reputedly built by the American Democratic Party to recognise their victory in elections which were held in the USA in 2006.  The building is built over two sims and features a meeting area with seating for 135 avatars (plus the speakers) surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Don't miss:

• The main meeting building, which is split over two simulators presumably in the hope that 135 Avatars could simulateously meet;
• The recreation of the Washington Monument, complete with table and chairs at the top;
• The avenue of policy pavillions on topics such as "National Security", "Minimum Wage" and "College Costs".  In fairness the pavillions do contain links to both Democratic Party policies and the "Republican Position" on GOP.com;
• The nice, formal landscaping complete with numerous birds gliding in the breeze; and
• Lots and lots of US flags - all at half mast on the day I visited.

Firstly, let me get this out the way - I am totally in love with Roma. It is easily my favourite place in Second Life and I am a huge fan of it's creator Torin Golding. Some time back, when I was first stumbling around in a newbie haze, I despaired of finding much in SL that truly inspired me. And then there it was: Roma. A stunning example of what a person can build and share with the rest of the SL world when they have a genuine passion. 

Be warned - you can spend many, many hours exploring Roma. And to be fair to it, if you do visit it's wise to allocate quite a bit of time. From the moment you arrive at it's customs house (a mandatory entrance point) Roma assaults your senses. A free toga is on offer, as is a useful little map HUD. Flying is prohibited in Roma so the map comes in especially handy. Magical travelling litters are also on hand, providing stylish teleportion between important locales.

The theme of the sim is of course Ancient Rome, and it is a truly wonderous place for those with an interest in the classics.  At each major site a notecard is available that provides historical information, enabling one to take a highly detailed self guided tour of Roma.

In addition to being a beautiful (and educational!) build Roma is a fun place to hang out.  Role-playing is encouraged, though not mandatory, which makes for a welcome change from say the Gorean sims. Roman celebrations and events are frequently held, many of them to stimulate more active role-playing. Roma also plays host to the SL Humanist discussion group, as well a Classics discussion group. Residential development is not currently integrated into Roma, but Torin is apparently planning to open a separate residential rental sim in the near future, should enough people express their interest.  

Don't miss:

• The Baths of Caracalla: This spot includes several baths, a massage/steam room, and a long pool. The perfect spot for an intimate chat. Don't forget to wear your free towel!
• Flavian Gladiator Arena: Fancy a bit of hand to hand combat before a vast stadium? Or perhaps you'd prefer to play the part of Emperor and do the whole thumbs up, thumbs down thing.
• The Hippodrome: Challenge a friend to a chariot race! 
• The Theatre of Dionysus