Airbnb launched a new product called Neighborhoods Tuesday that gives travelers in-depth guides to local neighborhoods in cities.

The new product highlights one of the best reasons for using Airbnb when traveling: the unique neighborhoods that travelers might never otherwise see. In addition, that activity from travelers provides more revenue to a variety of local businesses, according to a study the company recently released..

It also shows Airbnb’s direction in turning into a full-featured travel service, not just a site to find a place to crash for a night. It’s not hard to imagine the company adding a variety of other services and features on top of its platform, such as cleaning services, deals with small businesses and other travel services.

The new Neighborhoods product–now live in New York, Paris, London, San Francisco, Washington DC, Berlin, and Rio de Janeiro–gives travelers information about little-known neighborhoods where they will be staying. Unlike traditional hotels, which are typically concentrated in certain areas of a city, Airbnb spots are often in diverse parts of cities. Since travelers using Airbnb are often looking for unique local experiences, the new product will help them find those places.

Using the Neighborhoods product, people can search for neighborhoods in which to find a place to stay that match their specific interests. People can search by “artsy” “peace and quiet” “nightlife” “loved by San Franciscans,” “shopping” or “dining.” After selecting categories they’re interested in, people can see the neighborhoods that match and then see the Airbnb listings in those neighborhoods.

The Neighborhood guides are visually focused, giving large photos that are intended to give a real sense of what the area is like. Also included are location information, maps, transportation information and quotes from Airbnb travelers and hosts about what to do in the area.

Airbnb also Tuesday launched an offline and small business service called Local Lounges, a partnership with local cafes in San Francisco. Airbnb has selected unique cafes in different parts of the city that it will promote. The cafes will provide free WiFi and local guidebooks for Airbnb travelers.

Airbnb, now with 250,000 properties listed in 30,000 total cities worldwide, was recently reported to be in talks to raise $150 million in new venture funding.

Gallery

The Peer Economy

Launch Gallery

10 images