If Waterdeep had an equivalent in our real world, what city would it be?

(For me, it’s maybe the New York from GANGS OF NEW YORK… that’s my best guess) I try never to do real-world equivalents for the Realms.
If I did, I'd say Stuart- into Georgian-era London, England might be closest.
New York as of Gangs of NY is too crowded and too-large-share-immigrant a population to really fit, but if you're stretching for a US equivalent.

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 4, 2021

That might work, except for the climate. The Big Easy is WAY too hot for Waterdeep, most of the time. ;}
But perhaps I was wearing too many beads.

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 4, 2021

I didn’t mean the heat, but more the esoteric magic that seems to perfume the air the bones of the land, and the beautiful cultural mix from the port trade. 🙌👑💜🍩🫖💕💖🎉🎶💜 Okay, that I'll buy. :}
And big hugs!!!!

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) October 4, 2021