Before visiting a city, you should always take the time to scope out what its attractions are and have an idea of what you want to see. There are some things you might want to do in any city, and for the frequent traveler, repeating experiences from one place to another provides a way to compare different cities. Having a few things that you like to check out anywhere you go will also help if you find yourself with unexpected free time in a place due to schedule snafus, or if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to just get on a bus and see where it takes you. With that in mind, here are several things you can do in just about any city in the world.
– Check out a museum. Most decent-sized cities have a museum, and sometimes the smaller ones will give you the most interesting and locally relevant experiences. Museums also often have the benefit of free admission.
– Ride public transit. It may take a little courage to ride public transportation in an unfamiliar place, but if you can master it, you’ll have a chance to see a side of local life that many tourists miss. You’ll also learn the layout of the city a little better and save money over taking a taxi or renting a car.
– Check out a market. Markets are a great place to experience local culture. They often provide cheaper and healthier food than what you can find at a chain store or restaurant. In addition, you’re more likely to find authentic, locally made goods there than you would elsewhere.
– Visit a library. Like museums, libraries can offer a fascinating window into a city’s culture. Some of them are architectural wonders in and of themselves, while others have a fascinating history that you’ll never know about unless you visit them.