What’s the best way to explore a new city?

Exploring a new city should be fun and exciting.  When I visit a new place and it’s on my agenda, I might see some famous landmarks, but I really want to see how the locals live, especially in a foreign land.  

With some pre-planning and time spent searching the interwebs, it is easy to figure out which stores cater to locals and which ones cater to tourists.  I tend to visit the places that cater to locals.  I find the different foods and how those items are packaged interesting.  Local markets in a new city are also a great place for people-watching.  

Too many times I have been to a city or somewhere I don’t visit often for a work-related event, only to have the group decide dinner is at some national chain restaurant.  Me, take me to the local place, the local flavor; that’s what I want.  Part of experiencing a new city is a good local restaurant where you can try dishes from the local culture, talk to local people, and hopefully listen to the local music, live music, of course. 

Walk the neighborhoods, go to the festivals, sit in a local park, watch, listen, and ask questions… and enjoy your time there.