You can only learn so much about new places or cultures through books and blogs. While pictures and videos can do a far better job at giving us a little bit of exposure to the unknown, it is still a whole new experience when we visit these places in person.
However, with so much to do, observe, see and learn, it can be slightly overwhelming to tick off everything from your to-do list. This is why we have created a list of things that you should do when visiting a new place in order to make the most of the experience and opportunity.
Things to Do When Exploring a New City
Here’s a list of some of the things you can do while exploring a new city:
Local Food
Perhaps the best way to learn about the flavours and spices used in a different city is to try out their local food. You can either walk through the streets to get a little taste of what the street food scene is like, or you can ask for recommendations to try out the special food in the area.
You can also try out small diners in the area that you are staying in to expand your palette. Moreover, do not forget to indulge in the speciality food items, including desserts despite where you are.
Go Out For a Walk
Going for walks can help you gain a lot of knowledge when visiting a new place. This will give you the opportunity to notice the smallest things that can really add to the experience. You can also note down the things which amuses or surprises you the most while taking the walk.
Not to mention, you will also be able to take in the view of the place at your own pace, since you won’t be in a hurry to rush. For this, we suggest either going out for an early morning or late night walk.
Local Market Place
We would definitely recommend visiting the local marketplaces. You never know, you may end up finding some valuable pieces of clothing, artwork or jewellery that you may not find back home. It can be a good way of diversifying your wardrobe items by adding locally woven clothes to your collection.
In fact, you may even end up adopting a new sense of style when you go back!
In addition, this will give you an opportunity to also bring back souvenirs and other gift items for your friends and family. So, remember to pack in a few local spices so that you can try out different recipes after going back home.
Antique Store
Visiting an antique store is perfect if you like collectables from the past. It also gives you a chance to take a look at the intricate designs of the objects that were probably made a century ago.
You can even collect a few for decorating your space back home. Antique pieces can also make good presents for people who appreciate history.
Museum
If you like looking at artwork, then you should without a doubt visit the local museum. Chances are that you will get to take a good look at some international pieces of art that cannot be found elsewhere. You might even gain some inspiration yourself if you are into art.
Museums also contain the history of the place you are visiting. Relics, ancient scriptures, sculptures and a lot more can be found in local museums of a city. Moreover, most museums are free to visit. In case they are not, the tickets shouldn’t be too pricey either.
Go Sightseeing
When you visit a new place, the first thing that you should probably do is check out the best views of the city. Every city has a different skyline. And the views are breathtaking. So why not spend an evening seeing the skyline of the city you are in?
You can also go visit some of the most well-known spots liked by tourists. If you do not prefer crowded places, you can simply Google and look for better spots to visit. Historical monuments or buildings might also be a good place to visit.
Coffee Shop
There’s always a different vibe when you visit a coffee shop in a different city. So grab your favourite book, get yourself a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the aesthetics of the place.
Pubs
Every city has different nightlife. If you like the nightlife, you should definitely go visit the pubs near your hotel.
Beaches
In case you are visiting a place that has large bodies of water all around, you can try exciting water sports like rafting, parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, Scuba diving etc.
You can also have a little picnic at the beach if you are travelling with a friend or two.
Hiking
If beaches aren’t something that excites you, perhaps hiking up a mountain might allow you to indulge in some more fun.
Talk to Strangers
There is nothing better than making friends in a different country. Conversations with strangers can help you to learn so much about a different culture. Not to mention, your trip is going to be a lot more fun if you have made some local friends. They can be your guide for the rest of the trip and that way, you won’t feel lonely!
Also, the more friends you make, the more reasons you will have to come and visit the place again. You can also keep in touch with them through social media to keep the friendship alive.
Wrapping Up
Apart from the list given above, you can indulge in a lot more other activities to make the most of your trip. However, do remember to not make way too many plans as this can prevent you from having fun and living in the moment. Since you can never visit all the places at once, therefore, make a priority list so that you don’t miss out on the best things that the city has to offer.
Photo by GeoJango Maps on Unsplash