Whether you’re moving to a new city or just visiting one, the feeling of being in an entirely new place can be dislocating. In fact, the etymological meaning of that word refers to the strange or uncomfortable feeling you get when you’re away from the locations you are more familiar with.
If you want to feel like less of a stranger when you visit a new city, you can do a few things to become acclimatized more quickly. Here are a few suggestions to try out of you’re looking to feel more at home in an unfamiliar place:
Find a New Restaurant
Whether alone, with a partner, or with a group of friends, one of the best ways to feel like less of a newcomer to a new city is to go out exploring new places to eat. The great thing about finding restaurants in a foreign city is that they
- almost always welcoming strangers
- function pretty much the same way no matter where you go
Even in a city where you don’t speak the language, a restaurant will provide you with a familiar setting to navigate. After you enjoy a successful meal at a restaurant you like, your mental map of the city will grow just enough to provide a good foothold for getting started.
Go Shopping
Shopping can provide another familiar experience in a new place. The great thing about discovering a new store is that you can have so much fun that you’ll get distracted from feelings that you’re an outsider. The only problem is that finding the types of stores you love can be tricky in a new place without some help.
Instead of wandering around aimlessly – which could put you at risk of feeling even more out of place than before – it will help to find some information on the best shopping centres in your area. If you’re visiting a Canadian city, there’s no better source than Shopping Canada for everything you need to know about what’s available for shopping in any city across the country.
Check Out an Art Gallery or Museum
Another opportunity to try out a familiar experience unique to any city you visit is to see the more prominent cultural attractions the city offers. Some of the most popular options include art galleries or museums, but if you’re more attracted to a different style of culture, you could also experience:
- Live Music
- Professional Sports Game
- Science Centre
- Zoo or Aquarium
The list is virtually endless but will partially depend upon the city specific offerings. For example, if you are in Toronto or Calgary, you might want to enjoy a meal in a revolving restaurant overlooking the city – it’s a great way to get more familiar with your surroundings.
Visiting an unfamiliar city can be exciting, but it can also be daunting. The great thing about all of these options for things to do is that they are excellent choices for having fun whether you’re alone or with company. Get started on becoming more familiar with the city you’re planning to visit by checking out Shopping Canada to find a new shopping mall you’ve never experienced before.