Need a break from daily hustle-bustle? Looking for something exciting to do this weekend without breaking the bank? Good news! You can enjoy yourself without overspending and be a tourist in your own city. 

Discover 10 awesome staycation ideas on how to be a tourist in your own city

#1 Go on a sightseeing bus (or take a water taxi!)

A water taxi in Chicago driving down the river

What better way to explore your hometown or be a tourist in your own city than to see the sights the way someone fresh to the city does? Hop on a sightseeing bus, and you might even learn something new about your city.

It’s also an adventure to rent a water taxi and see things from an entirely different angle, outside your comfort zone.

The best way to do this is to pack all your road trip essentials and hail your taxi or bus without any destination in mind. Roam around the city, hopping on and off, and pop in cozy cafés, visit cultural and culinary highlights, and art galleries. 

In short, explore the city like you’re new to it and let the vibe carry you.

#2 Take advantage of hotel day deals

A row of sunbeds in front of an infinity pool in a hotel

Being a tourist in your own city can be challenging, especially if you spend a lot of your time there. So make it exciting by making it fresh – and take advantage of a hotel day deal!

Many hotels in your town provide day passes at hotels. These passes allow you to rent cabanas and hang out at the pools or jacuzzis or use other hotel services.

Also, they offer discounts on spa deals, food, and drinks that may change your life forever… 😀

#4 Send postcards to your friends and family

Close up of postcards with the MyPosctard postcard app on the table

There’s no better way to show affection and care than sending a heartfelt notes to your loved ones.

Send postcards to your friends and write thoughtful messages that move their souls, while strolling in a nice park. There are many ways you can make a postcard a bit different. For instance, find out the poets of the town and write their poems in your postcard Alternatively, describe your feelings or how you wish they (your recipient) were there at that moment.

Use MyPostcard app to send a personalized postcard using your own photo/s anywhere in the world. We print and post for you!

#5 Eat out at a famous restaurant

A view of the Shard in London from inside a restaurant

We often pass over some places just because we don’t have a special occasion to make us ‘worthy’. Make the most of your staycation and treat yourself to that restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. 

Learn about different cuisines, eat new food, and relish the flavor.

#6 Become an antiquity adorer

A woman sits in an antique shop considering

History is beautiful and captivating. In order to explore the unseen, go to antique shops and feel the dusty scent of old wood, history books, and the essence of never-ending old stories.

You can also visit the museums and historic sites of your hometown that you’ve never actually been in to.

#7 Book a cozy Airbnb or a log cabin

A woman stands wrapped up on a balcony of her airbnb where she is being a tourist in her own city

Rent a cute Airbnb or a log cabin to spend a night or two in, stress-free, and grab your partner or a friend to take with you. 

You can go to local attractions near to the place, walk the streets looking into the stores, eat out, watch movies or go to concerts. It’s so much fun when you find a home away from home.

#8 Go farming

Enjoy the season and discover local farms near you—be it local pumpkin farms, apple farms, or even go strawberry and cherry picking. 

Many local farms also offer educational workshops that are affordable and fun. You can come back home with rich knowledge and lots of tasty treats. 

#9 Get out of your comfort zone

3 Kayaks in the turquise water

If you want to experience the true pleasure of being a tourist in your own city, step out of your comfort zone.

Take the scenic route as you head back home; try new things, let the street artist paint a portrait of you, and go roller-skating, canoeing, kayaking, or balloon fighting. Pick a beautiful spot in your town and spend some time alone. 

Ditch the conventional means of transport and ride a scooter to hit you in the touristy feels.

#10 Plan with your friends and seize the moment

A group of friends city on a high rise building playing tourist in your own city

Plan to play a tourist in your own city with your friends and break free. Do all the fun activities you’ve been planning for so long and go with the flow. An especially good way to actually do this, is to invite friends from a different country or city, to give yourself the perfect excuse to play tourist.

Go be a tourist!

While doing all of this, don’t forget to take your camera with you because trust me—you’ll cherish these moments!

Once in a while, let your city be your muse and become a tourist in your own town. It gives you a breather and a different perspective of your hometown. 

Author

Hiya, I’m Maud. I’m an English girl who's moved to Berlin - because who wouldn’t fall in love with a country which has words like ‘Kummerspeck’ hidden around every corner... I love traveling and finding out the quirks of each country - and what better way to remember them than on a postcard?

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