In my opinion, there is no better way to get to know a city than by walking around. Whether by yourself or with a friend, strolling through a city’s streets can give you a detailed perspective into the lives of its citizens and history. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a country’s culture right from the start and allows you to fully take in the city’s details.
The architecture! The history! The customs! The street food! The shops! The languages! The people! These are just some of the things you can see and learn about while exploring. It’s also a great way get some nice endorphins from the exercise. Next time you take a walk in a new city, see what else you can add to this list!
Tower of London
During my first stroll around London, all I knew was that I wanted to explore. I had no plan, just to see where my next step took me. I ended up walking more during that first day than any other, and I think a big part of that was because I was excited and curious about what there was to see. I explored tourist spots, museums, shops, and even found some hidden gems along the way. I think my favorite surprise during the walk was when I randomly turned down a street heading toward Tower Bridge. The street lined up perfectly so that I could see one of the bridge’s towers peeking through between the modern city skyscrapers (pictured below).
Believe it or not, all of the pictures included in this post were taken during that one walk, and the memories certainly outnumber the pictures! 🙂
So, my advice for the next time you travel? Walk around as much as you can. You won’t regret it. Always have your phone or map with you just in case you need to reorient yourself. Then, once you have considered the weather conditions (if you are going to London, bring an umbrella!), and have prepared for them accordingly, all you have to decide is what direction to turn first.
Oxford Circus’ bustling streets 
Architecture I loved 
Tower Bridge peeking through
Sunset shining on Tower Bridge 
Hardy’s Candy Shop 
All Souls Langham Place
