This post came about after one of my friends asked me what I do every time I visit a new city, how I navigate my way around unfamiliar streets. I love the act of just walking and exploring a new city without the need to have exciting activities booked. Especially if it’s a short trip, I just want to experience the atmosphere of a place rather than packing my time full and running around not really seeing anything.

6 Tips for Exploring a New City

1. Support Local Business

Choose to stay in small, family-run hotels and guest houses, eat and drink in small restaurants and cafes, shop in independent stores. Direct your money to the local communities rather than large chain organisations and avoid spending where it negatively impacts the local community.

How to Support the Local Economy When Travelling

2. Use Public Transport

Traveling is not just about getting to your destination, but everything you see and do along the way. Taking public transportation allows you to see more diverse parts of the area, it allows you to experience the area in a way which is more like a local and it is much cheaper than a taxi or an Uber!

A Quick Guide to Using the Train in Tokyo

3. Get Lost

Pop a map in your bag in case you need it, but why not just start walking and see where you end up and what you can find. Sticking to a set route may be efficient for checking off popular tourist spots, but you’ll find that you’re much more likely to find countless hidden gems all over the world if you just allow it.

If you are concerned about getting lost, take photos where you are staying and of local landmarks, then simply use them as breadcrumbs to help you find your way back. 

Getting Lost in the Medina of Marrakech

4. Eat The Food

If you’re determined not to eat the traditional local food then you might want to avoid visiting that particular destination. However, if you’re prepared to be a bit more adventurous then you might actually find something you’ve never heard of… and like it.

Eating Alone as a Solo Traveller

5. Walk Around

My favourite way to explore a brand new city is walking. Not only is it a really good way to get your bearings and learn your way around but you’re also bound to find some interesting places to visit, whether it’s somewhere to get coffee, a pretty street to admire, or a fantastic view.

Quick Tips for a First Time Solo Traveller

6. Take a Tour

A good way to see the sights and explore a new city is to take a tour, whether its by walking or on an open top bus, you’ll learn some interesting facts about the place you’re visiting, you’ll see some areas and attractions that may not have been on your radar otherwise and the guides are usually pretty enthusiastic which will no doubt rub off on you by the end.

A Secret Food Tour of Barcelona

What is your favourite way of exploring a new city?

Let me know in the comments.