What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words “travel” and “vacation”? You probably think of taking a 5-hour road trip to escape to the countryside or buying a plane ticket to The Bahamas. The words may remind you of the sight of green hills and rocky mountains, the sound of the waves, the smell of moist grass, and the feel of fresh, cool winds against your skin.
With the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s normal to seek a short time away from the metro and revitalize. But what if it’s impossible to get out of your hometown? Can you still travel and have a rewarding vacation in the middle of a busy city? The answer is a hundred percent “yes”.
Need a vacation but can’t leave the concrete jungle due to commitments or budget concerns? Here are 8 ways to enjoy your city staycation.
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1. Book a local luxury hotel or serviced apartment for your staycation
Who says being stuck in your hometown means you can only sleep at home? You don’t need to stay in an oceanfront hotel in a faraway place just to fully recharge. Sometimes, anywhere but your home and office is the perfect place to relax.
Take a break from the mundane and treat yourself to a luxury hotel experience in the city. Go ahead and splurge on accommodation. If you need more room, “aparthotels”, like this serviced apartment in Ballsbridge, are also a great idea.
Just make sure you choose your accommodation wisely. Look for hotels or serviced apartments that are close to places of interest, like restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.
You should also be picky when it comes to amenities. If you have to pay a little extra for a hotel with a high-end rooftop bar and pool with a 360-degree view of the cityscape, then go for it. You saved a lot from airfare and tours anyway.
2. Visit a historic district
Going to a historic district lets you see your hometown in a different light. The well-preserved buildings and old mansions, attractions, churches and temples, cobblestone streets, and statues of prominent personalities allow you to travel back in time and revisit your roots. Just take an afternoon to stroll around and enjoy the architecture of 50 or 100 years ago.
3. Step inside the city’s famous museums
Visiting your local museums gives you a unique traveling experience no hotel accommodation or plane ticket can replicate: it gives you access to the treasured world and local history under one roof.
Museums allow you to discover historical events and national treasures that helped shape the modern world we’re living in. You’ll also see artifacts of existing and extinct species of plants and animals. The best part is they’re usually free.
4. Get your art fix
If you’re an art buff, perhaps a visit to a good art gallery can cure your burnout and replenish your creative juices. Whether you’re into classic art or contemporary works, the city is filled with art galleries that suit your fancy. You may also tap into free workshops and get hands-on.
Art isn’t always trapped in the gallery’s four walls. You can also see great artwork on the streets. You can take a stroll around street art districts or discover flea markets that give you free access to local art.
5. Try authentic international cuisines
Do you know an accessible Chinatown where you can have authentic Chinese dishes at affordable prices? Or perhaps a melting pot with a good mix of restaurants, serving different international cuisines? Skip fast-food chains and your everyday menu, and tour around the world through your palate.
6. See the city go alive at night
If your daily routine only includes waking up in the morning to prepare for work, working, and going home in the afternoon to rest, then you haven’t fully seen what the city has to offer. Have you tried breaking your routine and staying outside after dark to explore the city? Or hop on the bus or train to discover different places within the metro?
Visit gastropubs, bars, live music venues, and nightclubs. Invite a friend and enjoy a refreshing glass of cocktail or beer. Check out the city’s rooftop bars and view the skyline. Watch the buskers and street performers, or catch a gig or concert in a bar.
It doesn’t have to be a Friday — you could use a random Wednesday night to shake things up and feel alive again.
7. Hop on a bicycle
You might have seen the city on foot, or via car, train, or bus, but have you tried exploring it by bike? You can use your own bicycle or rent one for a couple of hours. Take your time pedaling around the city, going to paths you haven’t been to before. Grab snacks along the way and just enjoy every second of your journey.
8. Take pictures…lots and lots of pictures
Forget photos of sandy beaches and foggy mountains — update your IG feed and photo albums with vibrant photographs of your street adventure. Capture stunning cityscapes, artworks, quirky buildings and shops, street art, people, and of course, photos of yourself enjoying the vivid city. Put them in your journal too!
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a content writer during the weekends, and a travel and food blogger 24/7. She may be an awkward introvert but she’s got a lot to say about travel, food, and cultural appreciation. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit PREMIER SUITES Ballsbridge.
