Transit Maps previously reviewed Blue Crow’s London Underground Architecture and Design Map back in 2017, and they’ve just released two new maps in the series celebrating Paris and New York’s transit systems (there’s also another map in the series for Moscow).

As before, the maps are simple but elegant in their execution, with a geographical map of the system on one side and the explanatory text and photos on the other. They come in handsome slip covers: I particularly like the die-cut Métro logo (based off one found at Franklin D. Roosevelt station) on the Paris cover.

Understandably, the text of each entry has to be kept brief because of space limitations (even more so for the Paris edition because of its need for English and French translation), but there’s always enough to attract the reader’s interest. One could certainly imagine a day spent in either of these cities finding the treasures described within. There’s a wide variety of architecture and art included ranging from all time periods, so there’s something for everyone!

As with the London edition, perhaps the only fault with these maps is that there’s not enough of a link between the two sides: the map and the text almost seem to exist as two disparate elements – slightly larger station labels on the map are the only indication that there’s accompanying text on the reverse side. However, it’s not a deal breaker in any way: if you’re planning a trip to New York or Paris and have any interest in the art, architecture or history of their transit systems, I’d definitely recommend picking up a copy!

Maps at Blue Crow’s website (UK pricing): New York | Paris

Maps on Amazon (affiliate links, US pricing): New York | Paris