How to Be a Tourist in Your Own City (And Why You Should Try It)
We spend so much time dreaming of far-off destinations that we forget the magic right outside our front door. Being a tourist in your own city isn’t just a budget-friendly alternative to travel—it’s a way to fall back in love with where you live. Here’s how to see your hometown with fresh eyes, one adventure at a time.
Start with a Reset: Play Rookie for a Day
Ever noticed how visitors ask questions you’ve never considered? Channel that curiosity. Google “[Your city] hidden gems” or grab a local guidebook (yes, they still exist). Better yet, hop on a walking tour—those cheesy ones with umbrellas? They’re goldmines for forgotten history and quirky facts. You’ll realize you’ve walked past a 200-year-old haunted pub every day without a second glance.
The Art of the Fake Staycation
Book a night at a boutique hotel downtown. Order room service, swim in the pool, and stroll neighborhoods you usually rush through. Without the distractions of home, you’ll notice architectural details, street art, or that adorable bakery you’ve always meant to try. Pro tip: Midweek rates are often half the price, and you’ll avoid weekend crowds.
Eat Like You’re on Vacation
When was the last time you ordered the “famous” dish at that touristy restaurant by the square? Or tried the cuisine your city is known for? Make a list of iconic local eats—whether it’s deep-dish pizza, lobster rolls, or vegan tacos—and check them off like you’re on a food tour. Bonus points for sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender about their favorite off-menu item.
Photography Challenge: See Through a Stranger’s Lens
Grab your phone and pretend you’re an influencer documenting the city. Search for unusual angles—shoot upward at skyscrapers, capture reflections in puddles, or focus on textures like cobblestones or street murals. You’ll start noticing beauty in mundane places. (And yes, it’s totally fine to be that person taking a selfie in front of the historic library.)
The “Open Door” Rule
Next time you pass a museum, gallery, or historic site you’ve never entered, go in. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Locals always skip their own city’s attractions, assuming they’ll “go someday.” Spoiler: Someday rarely comes. Many museums have free admission days, and libraries often lend passes.
Nighttime Reinvention
Cities transform after dark. Take a sunset ferry ride, join a ghost tour, or simply sit at a café with a book, people-watching. Ever seen your skyline lit up from a park bench at midnight? It hits different when you’re not rushing home.
Why This Matters
Rediscovering your city isn’t just about saving money—it’s about nurturing wonder in everyday life. That barista who remembers your order, the shortcut through the flower market, the way the light hits the cathedral at golden hour… these are the details that turn a place into your place.
Your Challenge This Weekend: Pick one thing on this list and do it. No planning, no overthinking. Just go. You might finally understand why visitors rave about the place you call home.
