If you love to travel, you already know how frustrating it is to leave a new city without seeing the most attractive things you had hoped to see. With so much to do and so little time, getting to see and experience little in a new destination can be quite upsetting— especially because there’s so much to explore. There are several reasons why this may happen. Perhaps your travel accommodation is too far from these venues, you don’t know how to get around, you’ve wasted too much time in queues, or you’ve already spent too much time trying not to get lost. Well, no matter where you are and how short your stay may be, there are great ways to experience all you want, but you must be strategic. You can also talk to an immigration adviser to know what to expect when you get to a new city. So, are you planning a trip to a new city? Do you want to avoid missing the best sights and sounds when you get there? Then these tips can help you.
- Ditch the private cab for scooters and bicycles
You’re in a new city. You want to get around quickly without wasting time. So, understandably, you’ll want to hire a private cab service, hail a taxi, or use a ride-hailing app. But if you’re looking to explore a new city, you’re better off ditching the cars and buses sometimes and looking for bicycle or scooter rentals for two main reasons.
First, it’s easier to negotiate the nooks and crannies, especially in a smaller city. Some streets may be too narrow or crowded for cars and buses, but they are perfect for scooters and bicycles. You can avoid heavy traffic and get around quicker this way.
Secondly, you can use a scooter ride as a more effective way to enjoy the attractions of your new city.
- Use travel apps
Mobile apps are becoming an important part of the modern lifestyle and for a good reason. These maps have been great for travelers to a new city. And they can prove super important if you’re traveling to a new city. Plus, they are easy to use, convenient, and always within reach. You can find many travel apps that make it possible to explore any city in the best ways, from apps that help you find the best foods to others that can help you find local transportation easily.
Some travel apps can help with local translations if you’re visiting a new city with a foreign language. This way, communication wouldn’t be too much of a barrier anymore. You can also download apps with maps accessible offline, just in case internet connectivity isn’t stable in your travel destination.
- Go on a free walking tour
If you want to see the best of any new city, one of the first things you can do when you arrive is to search for a free walking tour. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to find a free walking tour, especially in a major city. conduct a simple online search about the best places to find free walking tours, and you’ll not be disappointed. For the uninitiated, this is how a free walking tour works. You can sign up or register for a walking tour of your choice, note down the date and venue, and show up at the meeting location as indicated. You will enjoy the company of other equally enthusiastic tourists looking to explore the city like you. You’ll also have an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide to lead you.
Taking a free walking tour offers many advantages over joining a tour bus. It’s free! Also, you’ll have a much closer view of the sights and sounds and even interact with some locals.
- Go for a night stroll
Perhaps you’d rather walk alone instead of joining a walk tour group. Or maybe you’re too busy to explore the city during the day. Why not try going for a night stroll instead? Many cities come alive in the evenings, with artificial lighting offering a different vibe. Depending on the city you are in, a night stroll will open you to amazing street food, bars, pubs, and different types of night activities. Also, experiencing the nightlife of a new city is one of the best ways to get to know the city.
So, if you’re not too tired during the day, spend your evenings strolling through the city. However, you should take some safety precautions first. Don’t stay out too late or wander too far from your accommodation. You should also avoid drinking, smoking, or engaging in activities that may impair your sense of judgment. Also, be sure about the city’s crime rate before you head out at night. And if you can, try going with a tour guide or a group you can trust.
- Get a taste of the local cuisine
Are you a huge food lover and enthusiast? Then this tip is for you. The sights and sounds are wonderful, but good taste offers an amazing experience. One of the best ways to explore any city is to go on a foodie adventure while you enjoy the sights and the sounds. There are loads of things local cuisine in a new city does for you as a tourist. The food teaches you a lot about the culture and lifestyle of a new city. You can visit local markets, try various local cuisines and delicacies, or even check out the best restaurants in the location and treat your taste buds. Additionally, moving to different places to check out various foods is a great way to explore different areas in the city.
You can ask some trusted locals, like your hotel attendant or receptionist, about the best places to get local dishes. You can also check out food blogs from others who have already visited that location to get some pointers. And if you have Google Maps, that’s another great way to find amazing restaurants and eateries in the city.
- Ask trusted people where to go
Sometimes, one of the best ways to explore a new city is to ask someone you can trust. Of course, you can always visit a travel blog, read reviews, or even ask friends and family members who have already visited that location for some tips. All those are great options, but if you’re looking for those off-the-beaten-track locations with unique experiences, it’s best to ask the locals.
While a resident may not always know everything about the city’s history, they should be able to help you find some cool places and advise you about which parts of the city to stay away from. A trusted local can also give you some helpful tips for getting around the city quickly, so you avoid wasting time. And because many tourists fall victim to overpricing, you could also pick up a thing or two from a local about buying hacks, so you don’t spend more money on purchases than you should.
- Turn off the GPS sometimes
You’re probably wearing a questionable look right now. Why should you turn off the GPS when you’re heading to a new city and need to find your surroundings without getting lost? It sounds a little counter-intuitive. But while your GPS can help you around your new city without getting lost, sometimes, wandering off is just the best way to explore a new city. It takes you to places outside your already mapped-out GPS route and opens an unexpected part of the city you didn’t know existed.
Of course, you can easily end up surprising places you’d rather not be, so it’s not a bad idea to have your GPS device on you. But try turning it off sometimes.
