5 things you should never do when visiting a new city
Touching down in a new city can at times feel like a sensory overload. But if you’re not careful there’s a risk you’ll miss some of the best things the city has to offer.
We’re going to take a look at five mistakes to avoid when visiting a new city. Taking care to miss these mistakes ensures you’ll have an infinitely more meaningful trip.
1. Primarily use taxis to get around
Taxis are undeniably convenient, but there also where meticulously-planned budgets blow out. And you lose a sense of experiencing a city as the locals do. When you’re in a new city, try to use public transport as much as possible. Whether you’re on the New York Subway, Paris Metro or London Tube, public transport gives you an authentic experience.
2. Forget to book certain activities in advance
When it comes to the most popular tourist traps it pays to be prepared. Especially if you’re only going to be in town for a short period. Whether it’s the Alcatraz tour in San Francisco or the Borghese Gallery in Rome, booking in advance will make sure you avoid the crowds and don’t miss the attractions that make the city so incredible and unique.
3. Neglect to bring a map
Don’t rely on the GPS in your smartphone. It pays to familiarise yourself with your surroundings (particularly if you find yourself in a hairy situation) and sometimes a good old-fashioned map is the best way to do so. Just be careful about opening it in busy thoroughfares or areas where a sprawled map will make you the target of pickpockets and thieves.
4. Forget to visit the outlying areas
Sure, everyone who goes to the Big Apple has to visit Times Square, but can you really say you’ve seen New York if you’ve missed Brooklyn, Harlem and Queens? Visiting outlying areas of a city opens you up to richer, more diverse experiences where you can really get a sense of how the locals live, without the 20-foot neon signs and various tourist traps.
5. Eating near tourist sites
Just because you can get a pizza right next to the Coliseum, doesn’t mean you should. Food outlets that are stationed near tourist sites are notorious for jacking up prices which will have you paying through the nose for a meal the locals would never eat. Instead, keep your ear to the ground, do some research and figure out the best, local restaurants to try.
Do you agree with these travel tips? What measures would you suggest other people visiting a new city should take? Let us know in the comments.
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