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5 ways to discover your city this summer

Have you run out of plans this summer? Explore our tips on being a tourist without going abroad—in your hometown!

3 min read

This year's summer is somewhat different, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself during some much-needed time-off. You don’t have to sit at home and be miserable just because you’ve had to cancel your travel plans—after all, there are plenty of things that you can do in your own hometown to relive that holiday feeling. And, you'll save a bunch on flights and accommodation, too!

You may be living in one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, and you don't even know it. Here are five tips on how to play “tourist,” and get to know your city like never before.

1. Go on a free tour

A tour of your own city? Why not! In larger cities like Madrid or Barcelona you can find them for free, and there are usually plenty of options depending on what you’re interested in seeing. If you live in a smaller town, don't worry—there are also many things to consider. Just check out the tourism website of the city council to view the guided tours on offer, and choose one that catches your eye.

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2. Discover the wild

If you’d like to get out of town, you can. Research some nature walks and hiking trails in your area—you can usually find ones to do on foot or by bike, and can decide the difficulty. Most likely, you won’t even need to take the car or public transport to get there, and you can do it with friends or family.

3. Get a taste for the local delicacies

Have a list of favorite restaurants that you haven’t been able to visit during lockdown? Well, now’s the time to check them out again. And whether it's the new trendy spot your friends have been recommending—or the cafe on the corner that you keep walking past—the opportunity has finally arrived to try them out. Enjoy!

4. Become a photographer

When you pass through the same area every day, you often stop appreciating what you have around you. To see things from a different point of view, you just have to stop for a moment and take note of the small details—and when it comes to it, your camera is your best friend. And who knows—maybe you'll discover a hidden talent, or your new favorite area.

5. Spend a day at the museum

Even if it’s a rainy day, there are still plenty of things to do indoors. For example, when was the last time you went to a museum in your own town? Spend a few hours exploring your local museums and galleries, and learn about your town’s history and artist scene. You’ll be surprised by the number of options you can find, and you’ll be supporting your local community at the same time.

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Let the adventure begin!

These are just a few of the ideas we've come up with to help you turn around your summer plans. And don’t forget, while exploring your hometown, you’ll also be saving as much as possible by not going abroad.

If you decide to take any of our advice, or have any suggestions for others, tell us about it on social media via @N26ES. It’s time to reinvent your summer!

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