Going on a city break can be a wonderful, cultured experience – if you do it right. Here, you’ll find some advice that will help you to have the best time and maybe even learn a thing or two.
A Guide To Your Next Cultured City Break
Visit Museums And Galleries
One of the best things you can do when visiting a new city, is visit the museums and galleries. Museums and galleries are wonderful tools for appreciating art and learning about the area you’re in.
Take A Tour
Why not take a tour around the city you choose to visit? You could perhaps find a free walking tour or even go on a bike tour. The guide will usually be able to tell you some really interesting stuff and show you some hidden gems that you may not have found on your own.
Speak To The Locals
Don’t be afraid to speak to the locals when visiting a new place. They are usually very friendly and will be happy to give you some recommendations. Locals can often give you an idea of places to visit and see that you won’t necessarily find in guidebooks. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and start a conversation.
Enjoy A Show
Why not see a live show? Live performances like musicals, ballets, and Broadway shows can take a great experience and make it even better. Below you’ll find an infographic that can help you decide which broadway show you should see if you’re not sure:
find your west end tickets
UNESCO World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area which is chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as having cultural, historical, scientific or other form of significance, and is legally protected by international treaties. The sites are judged important to the collective interests of humanity and a perfect stopping point for discovering the culture of an area.
Attend a Festival or a Fair
There are various festivals and events held every year somewhere in the world that add image and competitive advantages to host cities. From New Orleans Mardi Gras to Rio Carnival or lesser known festivals like the Qooqqut Festival in Greenland, there are few experiences that can top a festival weekend. They provided an opportunity to submerge in another world, while meeting locals and tourists.
Stay Local
One of the best ways to gain a genuine insight into your destination is to opt for a homestay. Offering something a night in a hotel can never provide, they give you a real experience of local life, connect you with like-minded people and can provide a vital source of revenue in struggling economies.
Visit a European Capital of Culture
The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union (EU) for a period of one calendar year during which it organizes a series of cultural events with a strong pan-European dimension. The European Capitals of Culture initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe, celebrate the cultural features Europeans share, increase European citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area, and foster the contribution of culture to the development of cities. The initiative was developed in 1985 and has, to date, been awarded to more than 50 cities across the European Union including cities like Riga, Latvia in 2014 and Marseille, France in 2013. In 2020, Galway, the home of Galway International Arts Festival, will be European Capital of Culture.
