Hi there! Today we are going to talk about exploring a new city.

 

 

Exploring a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. Over the past 15 years, my wife Dawna and I have traveled to several cities, including New Orleans, New York City, San Francisco, Dallas, and Kansas City.

 

 

We’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on the do’s and don’ts of discovering a city. However, it’s not just about visiting famous landmarks; some of the best experiences come from venturing off the beaten path. From local farmers markets to sporting events and hidden gems, we’ve learned that with a little preparation, you can maximize your time and experience.

 

 

While we love hiking in National Parks, exploring a new city brings its own unique adventure. Here are five tips we’ve learned to help you enjoy your next urban exploration.

 

 

 

 

Without further ado, let’s jump into the article!

 

 

 

 

For more tips on traveling to new places, we have had the best luck with trip advisor. I know it may seem old to others, but this one is tried and true. Here is a link to their website.

 

 

 

 

 

Exploring a New City: Do Your Homework Before You Arrive

 

 

 

 

I’m all for a spontaneous trip. However, as I have gotten older, I have evolved into more of a strategic planner.

 

This is why.

 

When Dawna and I travel, we always start by researching the city in advance. For instance, we check out local farmers markets, shows, and top-rated restaurants. Taking a little time to plan ensures that we don’t waste hours aimlessly wandering around.

 

 

Additionally, researching helps us avoid tourist-heavy areas, saving both time and money. We’ve discovered that by looking up local events and smaller venues, we can often find unique activities that most tourists miss. Whether it’s a live music spot in New Orleans or a hidden eatery in San Francisco, doing your homework always pays off.

 

 

 

Book a Centrally Located Hotel or Airbnb

 

This isn’t always applicable, but for us, it usually helps that we are staying near the action.

 

 

 

 

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to stay as close as possible to the areas we want to explore. By choosing a centrally located hotel or Airbnb, you can cut down on transportation costs and time. Instead of wasting money on taxis or Ubers, being close to the action means you can walk or bike to most of your destinations.

 

 

For example, during our trip to New York City, we stayed near Central Park, which allowed us to visit museums, restaurants, and the park without needing transportation. However, remember to balance proximity with price—sometimes staying just a little outside the busiest tourist zones can save money while still keeping you close to the sights.

 

 

 

Seek Local Advice and Recommendations

 

In our travels, Dawna and I have learned that locals usually provide the best advice. Instead of relying solely on online reviews or travel guides, we always ask locals for their recommendations. Whether it’s a barista, a shop owner, or even someone at the hotel, locals know the spots that aren’t on most tourists’ radar.

 

On our trip to Kansas City, a hotel receptionist recommended a small BBQ joint that was far better than any of the famous places we found online. This tip alone made our trip so much more memorable. Locals have insight into hidden gems that can often give you a more authentic experience of the city.

 

 

 

 

Avoid the Tourist Traps

 

 

 

 

Instead of fighting crowds and overpaying for meals in popular areas, we seek out smaller neighborhoods, local parks, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. For example, in San Francisco, venturing away from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf to the Mission District revealed a different, more authentic side of the city. By exploring lesser-known areas, we often save money and experience the local culture in a more personal way.

 

 

 

Explore on Foot or Bike

 

 

 

 

Whenever possible, we explore new cities on foot or by bike. Additionally, many cities now offer bike or electric scooter rentals, making it easy to cover more ground quickly. On our trip to Kansas City, we rented electric scooters and visited Union Station, followed by enjoying local hand-crafted beers at a small dive bar.

 

 

It was a fun night that didn’t break the bank. Walking or biking also gives us the flexibility to stop whenever we find something interesting, whether it’s a street market or a scenic view.

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that will wrap things up for today. xploring a new city is an exciting opportunity to experience different cultures, foods, and neighborhoods. By doing some research, booking a centrally located hotel or Airbnb, and asking locals for tips, Dawna and I have been able to make the most of our travels. Avoiding tourist traps and exploring on foot or bike has given us a deeper connection to the cities we visit, allowing us to discover hidden gems that many miss. Ultimately, traveling efficiently, staying close to the action, and embracing spontaneity are the keys to making the most of every city adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

-CT