What’s the best way to explore a new city?

I like and use a few methods.

First thing is I make notes of places I see on TV or see in a guidebook, magazine or website. I look at maps and make more notes of a few places to see. These are noted in my phone Notes app for quick access and saved in my map app for directions. I do not thoroughly research an entire area; I just wander and see what there is to see. I like the surprise of the often-times unexpected.

When I go to a new city, first thing I do is try to get into my room if possible or desk-check my pack so I’m not carrying it around. You can also use apps to find a luggage storage place or a luggage check or lockers. I used one of those apps in Amsterdam last trip and it worked great.

I start out with walking the area around my hotel since I have researched the area somewhat. I really love walking around a new city and seeing what it is like. I stop at anything interesting.

After that I branch out on the local public transit. It can get you around bigger cities to other areas or neighborhoods easily and cheaply. This is how I go see the other things I noted if it is a long distance, but I will walk miles across & around a city exploring.

Riding the Hop On/Hop Off bus is a good tip from Rick Steves. He suggests riding the whole route and take notes on the things the driver talks about. After you ride the whole route you get off the bus at the interesting places you noted. The bus comes around the loop frequently and you get on the next one for your next stop.

You can always ask questions at tourist information booths but they will sometimes try to sell you tours. However, they also answer questions about local sites and transit options, which they sell passes & tickets for.

That’s how I approach visiting a new city.

See you next time.

Shawn