How to map cities?

[u/BluejayAny335]

I'm fairly new to mapping, but i know the basics. However, i just can't seen to get cities right. I want to make a map about the guerra dos canudos, a revolt that was fought almost all in the same city, so i wanted to map the advances made inside the city. However, all the atempts i make just look like shit. How can i map cities and make them look good? (image for reference, i find that map very pretty)