I've just started playing 3 days ago. I have no idea how to visit with other people in towns because no other town names show up on my list.
I'm a total newbie.
Hello! Welcome to the Belltree Forums, and to the Animal Crossing series as well if this is your first installment!
As far as visiting other towns or allowing others into your village goes, make sure you both have each other added on your friends list of course, and then go to the Train Station and talk to Porter. From there:
1. Ask to open the gate (or to visit another village)
2. Select between local and wifi
3. Select between looking for/opening to all your friends, or ones registered as best friends (something you can do once online and playing with a bud)
From there Porter should clear the visit and you'll be free to play! I hope that was able to help!