The world of Cyberpunk 2077 was promised to be a vast, open-world experience. While it turned out to not be as large as comparable games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, there is still a lot to explore. Each district in Night City has its own unique characteristics and theme and even more stylistic approaches can be found within them.
Some are more favored over others. It can be because of nostalgia for your first playthrough, your origin introduction, or simply because the people in a certain district are rather rude. The specific time of day that you first visit a district can also affect how you feel about it. Areas with sky-high buildings and neon lights look better at night, but some place way out in the country could use some sunshine.
6 Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is last on the list because it's rather boring in comparison to other areas. It's more relatable to our present world since you can find less-well-off neighborhoods and American freedom fighters drinking beer. It's nice to have a reminder of your real home, but when you play a video game you often want a different experience. Compared to neon lights and colorful buildings, Santo Domingo doesn't cut it unless you're less of a city gal and like to visit the Badlands often. It feels like less is going on unless you hit the abandon houses and find the 6th Street gang for yourself. If you're somewhat of a nomad and prefer a quiet, home life instead of becoming a star in the city then it isn't so bad.
5 Pacifica
Pacifica is beautiful in its own way. A lot of people have an indescribable love for beaches and while this one has heaps of trash on it, it's more likely that that's our future anyway. Pacifica during sunset hours, past golden hour, offers comfort and warmth like no other. The area feels less violent and you'll find yourself yawning and yearning to be near a fire or at a beach party.
The Voodoo Boys reside here and they are a touchy subject what with being complete assholes and all. If you ignore that, plus the immense violence and brutality in the area, it's a nice ol' place sometimes. Definitely not better than Watson or Westbrook, though. If you like the beach this would probably be near the top of your list. It's trashy, but somehow comfortable. A love-hate relationship.
4 City Center
The City Center is similar to Watson in it's buildings and lights except it's home to corpos. Everyone hates corpos. Even corpos hate corpos. The beauty of neon, cyberpunk life fades when you enter Corpo Plaza and all you see is money and fake trees. It's an exciting and interesting place, but nothing to reel the heart in with. You can go here to explore the politics of Cyberpunk 2077 and see the true hustle and bustle of downtown Night City. That's what puts City Center higher on the list. It may not feel like home, but it's the heart of Night City politics and money.
3 Westbrook
Westbrook is pretty diverse in that you have both Japantown and North Oak inside it. Japanese themes and culture is becoming wildly popular and loved among most North Americans so you can bet most people probably favor Japantown, putting Westbrook high on the list.
Aside from the beauty of colorful Japanese inspired architecture and food, North Oak is kind of like Night City's Hollywood. Big green hills, large block letters announcing your arrival, and high and mighty shiny houses. While we do hate the rich, North Oak is definitely more inviting than Corpo Plaza for it's natural beauty it utilizes. Especially when the sun is at its highest.
2 Heywood
Everyone loves Jackie. If you love Jackie, you love Heywood. No questions asked. This is where Jackie grew up and if you choose the Streetkid lifepath, it's where you were raised too. You can find elegant graffiti for the Valentino gang, much different from other gangs graffiti tags. There are colorful buildings and most importantly, El Coyote Cojo. Mama Welles isn't just Jackies mother, she's everyone's. Even if you don't have an affinity for Jackie you can't help but feel at home by Mama Welles. Heywood isn't the most beautiful place ever, but the people there make anyone feel at home so long as you respect it's inhabitants.
1 Watson
The best district of all is Watson. It's where you find yourself when you truly start playing Cyberpunk 2077. The first experience that will become nostalgic for you. The bustling streets, steaming fake meat from the nearby food cart, and Jackie calling your name over some noodles. It's not perfect, but it's V's home. Watson is what everyone was waiting for before the game itself was released and it's the epitome of the cyberpunk aesthetic. Everyone's first missions and experiences are had here. Watson is where you go to remember what you're here for. The big leagues.