I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be a tourist in my own city and now that I’ve lived in four different ones, I can surely say I’ve come up with a few ways to feel and be a tourist where you’re living. I realize how easy it is when you’re new to the city, but even back home and in Lisbon, I love to play tourist, grab my camera and stroll around, visiting places I’ve been or not and just take it in like it’s a new experience.
Not that I know all of New York City but most streets in Manhattan are starting to become very familiar but I still take a few seconds to look up and around and realize how lucky I am to be living in one of the greatest cities in the world. So, I decided to share my tips and encourage you to do the same, whether you’ve been living there for long or not, because there’s nothing better than feeling grateful for the places you get to be.
Whether it’s your phone, a professional or normal camera, always take it with you so you can capture details of your stroll. You’ll always find something or somewhere new to go, see or look that will definitely inspire you to take a picture.
Buildings in SoHo.
Ever since I came to New York I’ve never used a guide. I love to just go about my own business, take a wrong turn or walk without a particular destination. When my mother was visiting we found such cute places in the East and Greenwich Village that I was baffled and amazed, as was she.
This is a personal tip but I figure I explore better alone because I don’t have a necessary purpose in doing it. Of course I love the company but there are times that I just like to go by myself and gaze at everything without having to explain.
Detail of the Egg Shop.
I follow a lot of people on Instagram for the purpose of learning about new places in New York. They can show you streets, coffee shops, brunch spots, stores and anything a big city has to offer and are always a great source of inspiration.
It’s not easy to venture somewhere new and take the time to explore a place, but just like exercising, you’ll feel so much better after that it’s crazy. I love coming home after a full day of taking pictures, uploading them to my computer and scrolling through them. The things you’ll realize are always amazing.
Let me know how it goes!