Hot Take: Be A Tourist In Your Own City! 🏙️

I strongly believe that you can be a tourist in your own city. Yeah, it might feel silly, but what if you lived there your whole life and not experienced the “tourist” areas or never fully explored your city?

That’s how I feel! I have been a homebody since high school and never explored my city to the fullest. I highly recommend to do so if you’ve moved into a new neighborhood.

So, I say, go do it! Take that selfie! Go on public transport! Drink that coffee! Go to that concert or festival!

What are your thoughts?

@letschat

#lemon8contest #hottake #AskLemon8 #letschat #Lemon8Diary

2025/7/23 Edited to

... Read moreBeing a tourist in your own city is an exciting way to rediscover familiar surroundings and gain a deeper appreciation for local culture and attractions. Many people live in the same place for years without exploring the landmarks, museums, parks, or unique neighborhoods that make their city special. Taking time to visit popular tourist sites or hidden gems nearby can enrich your experience and offer a fresh perspective. For example, in Illinois, iconic spots like The Eagle Statue attract visitors for their historical and cultural significance. Stopping by such landmarks can help residents connect with their city's heritage. Using public transportation during these explorations not only saves money but also allows you to immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of the city, meeting new people and discovering unexpected places. Additionally, local festivals and concerts provide lively experiences that showcase your city's music, art, and food scenes. These events can be great opportunities to try new cuisines, meet locals, and enjoy entertainment you might have overlooked. Don’t forget to capture your adventures with photos and selfies — they can motivate you to share your journey with friends and inspire others to explore their neighborhoods too. Ultimately, embracing the mindset of a tourist locally encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, engage more with your community, support local businesses, and create meaningful memories. Whether you’ve just moved into a new neighborhood or have lived in the city for years, taking on the challenge of seeing your home through a tourist’s eyes can refresh your daily routine and foster a stronger connection to where you live.

18 comments

Nugg 🪬's images
Nugg 🪬

I wish i could but i honestly don’t know where to start. Everything here is just downhill

Nikki!!!'s images
Nikki!!!

I live doing that!!!! I've found so many beautiful things to do and places to go that are local. It makes like so amazing to go on different adventures every week!!!! Trying to get my kids on it too!!!! To be explorers and adventurers!!!

See more comments

Related posts

Chicago class - tourist in your own city energy✨
Myself and my friend Phoebe went to a pottery class at The Pottery Loop in Ravenswood - and it was so much fun! I created (or tried to) a bowl engraved with the word "Diamond" on it since that is one of my family names! 💎 This was such a fun and unique class but also a challenge, I thoug
stef.inchicago

stef.inchicago

11 likes

How to be a tourist in your own city: Houston, tx edition
#houston #thingstodo #houstontx #houstonfood #houstonfoodie #mustsee #girlsday #funthingstodo #blogger #travelblogger #citiesandstyle
citiesandstyle

citiesandstyle

0 likes

Be a tourist in your own city ✨
#seattlelifestyle #seattletravel #seattlewashington #contentcreator
jojoebee

jojoebee

13 likes

A woman in a black and cream jacket and a Yankees cap poses on a busy street in Nashville, with neon signs like "The Valentine" and "Savannah's Candy Kitchen" in the background.
A smiling woman in a black and cream jacket and a Yankees cap poses on Broadway in Nashville, with neon signs and street activity visible behind her.
A woman in a black and cream jacket and a Yankees cap holds a lollipop while posing in front of a colorful wall of candy dispensers at Savannah's Candy Kitchen.
BEING A TOURIST IN MY OWN CITY 🌸 NASHVILLE, TN
Walked around Broadway like if I hadn’t been there a million times! I love being a tourist so I just take every opportunity I can, even if it’s local lmao 😉 #nashvillelifestyle #nashville #touristinmyowncity #outfitinspo
lali 🤍

lali 🤍

52 likes

Being a tourist in your own city 🫶
#Lemon8Diary #HelloLemon8 #fypシ #DAILY #summernails
Alexandra in Fitness

Alexandra in Fitness

2 likes

The image displays a 'Dopamine Menus' concept as an ADHD strategy, featuring a menu template, avocado toast, and a drink on a wooden table. It highlights 'Appetizers,' 'Entrees,' 'Side Dishes,' and 'Desserts' categories for dopamine-boosting activities.
This image explains 'How to create a Dopamine Menu,' defining categories: Appetizers (quick boost, 2-5 min), Entrees (joyful, 30-60 min), Side Dishes (pair with tasks), Desserts (indulgent, in moderation), and Specials (big boost).
A 'Dopamine Menu Sample' is presented, listing specific activities for each category: Appetizers (e.g., deep breathing), Entrees (e.g., YouTube workout), Side Dishes (e.g., listen to audiobook), Desserts (e.g., scroll social media), and Specials (e.g., spa day).
Create Your Own Dopamine Menu!
ADHD Strategy that works! Try creating your own Dopamine Menu! 🧠Dopamine Menu: ADHD strategy to help boost your mood and manage stress by giving you a “shot” of dopamine (the neurotransmitter most affected by ADHD) 🥟 Appetizers: quick activities for little jolt of dopamine (Under 15 min) 🍲 Entre
Rachael Rabbit

Rachael Rabbit

965 likes

A stunning view of a large, light-colored sea cave carved into a cliff, with clear turquoise water in the foreground. The image introduces Greek islands that are still flying under the radar for a hidden gem getaway.
A picturesque bay in Milos with traditional white Greek buildings and a church built into rocky cliffs. Numerous small fishing boats are moored in the calm, clear turquoise water, highlighting Milos' unique landscapes.
An aerial view of Zakynthos' famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, featuring a white sand beach, an old shipwreck, and intense turquoise water surrounded by towering, rugged cliffs. Several boats are visible in the bay.
looking to get off the tourist track in Greece?
Greece has alooooot more to offer than just Santorini and Mykonos (as dreamy as they are). If you’re craving something a little more off the mainstream path—where the beaches are just as stunning, the villages still feel authentic, and the pace is slower—these islands should be on your radar.
adison | travel advisor

adison | travel advisor

1576 likes

A vibrant street scene in Puerto Rico with numerous colorful umbrellas suspended above, featuring the title "Explore Puerto Rico Like a Local (Not a Tourist)" and a visible Puerto Rican flag.
A phone screen displaying "Quick Notes" about Loíza, highlighting its Afro-Caribbean culture, bomba, vejigante masks, local snacks, and live music, set against a cobblestone street background.
A phone screen showing "Quick Notes" for Fajardo, suggesting catamaran tours to Icacos Island, kayaking the Bioluminescent Bay, and relaxing at Seven Seas Beach, with a striped building in the background.
Explore Puerto Rico Like a Local (Not a Tourist)
#ThingsToDo #lemon8challenge Puerto Rico Puerto Rico is so much more than San Juan. If you’re ready to explore like a local (and skip the tourist traps), here are some must-do things outside the city. From bioluminescent bays to Black culture-rich towns — add these to your itinerary now.
Your Travel Homegirl ✨

Your Travel Homegirl ✨

780 likes

How to Romanticize Your Life🌸
We tend to think magic lives in faraway places. That fun, freedom, and discovery only happen when you book the flight, pack the bag, and leave your “real life” behind. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with something different—being a tourist in my own neighborhood. And honestly? It’s completely
Conway - Richer & Prettier

Conway - Richer & Prettier

11 likes

I love my city 🏙️ Chicago
Oh nothing, just being a tourist in my own city and we got a hotel in Downtown Chicago 🥰 #chicago #chicagocontentcreator #chicagocreator
✨💕Aree 💕✨

✨💕Aree 💕✨

6 likes

Websites that feel like a hot cup of coffee 🌸
Whenever I’m feeling overstimulated online, I find myself craving quiet, whimsical spaces. So I started bookmarking websites that feel… soft. No signups, no loud pop-ups — just good design and gentle vibes. These 5 sites have been such a nice break from social media: 1. howubeen.com –
Ayesha 🍋

Ayesha 🍋

292 likes

A yellow Chicago Water Taxi boat, named BRAVO, filled with passengers, cruises along the Chicago River with tall city buildings lining the banks under a bright sky.
A hand holds a Chicago Water Taxi route map showing stops at Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union Stations, and Chinatown, along with ticket prices for one-way and all-day passes, against a backdrop of the Chicago River and skyline.
A yellow Chicago Water Taxi boat, named WENDELLA LTD, is docked at a riverwalk stop on the Chicago River, with people on board and on the adjacent stairs leading to the city.
CHEAPEST way to take a boat ride in Chicago
the Cheapest way to take a boat ride on the Chicago River! Local secret: the CHEAPEST way to take a boat ride on the Chicago River is to take the Chicago water taxi!! It's only $10 and you get the same views you'd get on an architecture tour! At the end of the ride I recommend you
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

11 likes

A low-angle view of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) with its iconic red dome and intricate facade, partially covered by scaffolding, under a clear blue sky. The image is titled 'MINI TRAVEL GUIDE FLORENCE'.
The grand facade of the Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Giotto's Bell Tower, showcasing its white, green, and pink marble patterns, with many tourists in the piazza. Text highlights it as a 'must see sight'.
A rustic yellow wall features a small, arched wine window and a larger barred window above, illustrating a unique way to order drinks in Florence. The text notes its easy-to-miss nature.
Don’t miss these tourist attractions in Florence
Next time you’re wandering the historic city of Florence , be sure to check out these famous places! 1. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore also known and the Duomo! The cathedral looks like a drawing in real life due to its unique architecture design and colors. 2. Visit the BABAE wine
Sam Richard

Sam Richard

23 likes

Being a tourist in my own city
Sunny Seattle ☀️
notsomtsea

notsomtsea

13 likes

Playing tourist in my own city 💛
#touristinmyowncity #touringmycity #touringthecity #exploring
𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚

7 likes

GUIDE: be a Christmas tourist where u live!
Sometimes traveling around Christmas isn’t affordable, or you don’t have the time for it, and that’s where learning how to be a tourist in your own town comes in! Discovering how to romanticize Christmas where you live can bring lots of extra joy to the season! So here are my top ways anyone can ma
Lauren.e.albury

Lauren.e.albury

12 likes

Things i do to fill my own cup.
I take myself on trips—no travel buddy required. I explore my own city like a tourist, hitting museums and hidden gems. I indulge in my favorite meals, treat myself to ice cream on hot summer days, and get lost in a good thriller, mystery, or horror book. Concerts? I go solo and let my favorite son
Khadija | Solo Traveler

Khadija | Solo Traveler

48 likes

Go Beyond Tourist Mode with These 8 Apps ✈️
If you’re heading abroad and want more than just tourist spots and selfies—this is for you. These travel apps help you dive into local culture, meet real people, and uncover experiences most travelers miss. From local hangouts and home-cooked meals to self-guided city tours and hidden gems, these a
LifeByChels

LifeByChels

70 likes

NYC tourist traps to avoid
Traveling to New York for a first time? Avoid these tourist traps! Times Square Characters! Don’t take photos with the characters in Times Square if you’re not ready to cough up some cash! These photos are NOT free and they get quite aggressive if you try to avoid paying after taking a phot
Brooklyn Guide

Brooklyn Guide

2230 likes

Chengdu Tourist Traps You’ll Fall Into 👇🏻👀
90% of first-time visitors to Chengdu make these mistakes. Watch the full guide 🙌🏻 DM me for a free travel consultation ✨ #chengdu #sichuan #chinatravel #visitchina #hiddenchina
Ivy | China Travel 🇨🇳💕

Ivy | China Travel 🇨🇳💕

0 likes

How to be a Traveller and Not a Tourist
You might have heard that travelers and tourists are not the same, but do you know what makes these two definitions so different? There are many factors to consider when describing these two ways of travel, but we can boil it down to the meaning each seeks while traveling. Got curious? Swipe
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

32 likes

MUST SEE Hidden Neighborhood in New York City
🗽 There are many charming places in New York , but only a few that feel like hidden oases in the middle of the concrete jungle. 📌 Located in Queens , Forest Hills Gardens is a private neighborhood that was established in 1909. Its beauty lies in the Tudor-style homes, lush green spaces, and ch
Your City Gal | NYC

Your City Gal | NYC

49 likes

A park scene in Chicago featuring large white triangular structures, green lawns, trees, and picnic tables under a cloudy sky, with city buildings in the distance.
People walking on the modern, curved BP Pedestrian Bridge in Chicago, with a backdrop of towering city skyscrapers under a cloudy sky.
A curved pedestrian bridge with a wooden deck, surrounded by vibrant green trees, with Chicago's city skyline and tall skyscrapers visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Your next spot for a hot girl walk in Chicago
Have you ever heard the saying “be a tourist in your own city”? Well I fully embrace that living in Chicago and I think locals absolutely SLEEP on the BP Pedestrian Bridge in the Chicago Loop . This 925 foot long bridge connects Millennium Park with Maggie Daley Park over N Columbus Dr
chicago_forfree

chicago_forfree

12 likes

A woman stands in front of a vibrant red wall with a traditional Chinese building roof visible above, featuring the text 'Beijing Plog: Forbidden City Tour'.
An upward view captures the intricate, colorful eaves and tiled roofs of traditional Chinese architecture, with a large tree in the background.
A traditional Chinese building showcases red pillars, ornate wooden structures, and a stone pathway with decorative white railings.
Beijing Plog: Forbidden City Tour🫶🏻😍
Being a tourist in my own city is actually pretty fun. If you can, get an English-speaking tour guide. Price usually range from about $50 to $500. The more you pay, the more detailed the history tends to be. Also, try reading up on some of the dynasties beforehand, otherwise it can be a bit hard to
Kelsi_PAS

Kelsi_PAS

0 likes

Places to visit in New York City as a first timer🗽
My first time in New York was such a success. I truly fell in love with the city. Since it was my first time, I did visit a lot of tourist attractions. Unfortunately there is so much to do here that you can’t explore it all in one trip. Which is why I can’t wait to book my next trip again! I will s
Julisa ᥫ᭡

Julisa ᥫ᭡

96 likes

An aerial view of a hilly city with white buildings, green foliage, and a bridge in the distance under a bright sky. The text asks, 'How do you EXPLORE YOUR CITY like a tourist?' with the Lemon8 logo and @lemon8travel handle at the bottom left.
Do you play tourist in your city? 🌇
What are some ways you like to explore and learn about your city and its neighborhoods? Let us know in the comments ⬇️ #letschat
Lemon8 Travel

Lemon8 Travel

47 likes

A person stands in a vibrant tulip garden with various colors, including red, pink, and white, under a bright sky. A body of water and trees are visible in the background, illustrating 'Things to do in Washington DC'.
A low-angle view of the monumental stone statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, set against a bright blue sky with white clouds, emphasizing its captivating presence.
The grand Thomas Jefferson Memorial, a white domed building with columns, is seen across a body of water under a blue sky, highlighting Washington DC's memorials and cultural attractions.
BEING A TOURIST IN WASHINGTON DC? 🏛 things to do!
THERE'S SO MANY MEMORIALS AND MONUMENTS IN Washington DC SO EXPLORE THE CITY! 🏛✨️ Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is so monumental and captivating to experience first hand Thomas Jefferson Memorial is also appears so massive when we spotted it across the Tidal Basin from the MLK
✨️LEEZA🌸

✨️LEEZA🌸

11 likes

A night aerial view of the Atlanta city skyline with illuminated buildings, featuring the text 'ATLANTA CITY PASS is it worth it?' overlay, serving as the article's title image.
A close-up of a giraffe's head, with an overlay listing the attractions included in the Atlanta City Pass: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, and two choices from other venues.
A collection of vintage-style Coca-Cola signs, with an overlay stating that Atlanta City Pass tickets are $94 per person and a great deal for first-time visitors or tourists.
Atlanta City Pass- Is it Worth it?
The Atlanta City pass comes with admission to Georgia Aquarium , World of Coca-Cola , Zoo Atlanta , and 2 choices between Fernbank Science Center , College Football Hall of Fame , or National Center for Civil and Human Rights . Tickets are $94 per person, and for a person visiting ATL
CHRISTINA

CHRISTINA

167 likes

𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝓇𝒾𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝒮𝑒𝒶𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝒹𝒶𝓎.
Seattle #seattle #downtownseattle #pikeplacemarket #spaceneedle
⋆。゚☁︎。⏾ 𝓱𝓵𝓲 𝓎𝒶𝓃𝑔 ☁︎。⋆

⋆。゚☁︎。⏾ 𝓱𝓵𝓲 𝓎𝒶𝓃𝑔 ☁︎。⋆

22 likes

A landscape photo featuring rolling hills covered in dry grass, a dirt path with a puddle, and a distant city under a cloudy sky. The image has a text overlay "3 TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD" and a Lemon8 watermark.
TRAVELING IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to experience more of the world 👇🏻 Most people are missing out on plenty of new experience that are in their own backyards. It’s easy to get comfortable with the area you’re living in and forget that your own city/town is likely a tourist
Amber Mae

Amber Mae

8 likes

Moving to a new city 🌆
Thinking about relocating for work? Here are a few tips to make the move smoother: 1️⃣ Research the area: Learn about neighborhoods, commute times, and cost of living. 2️⃣ Network ahead of time: Join local groups or professional communities to connect before you arrive. 3️⃣ Budget smartly: Accou
Sheila

Sheila

10 likes

Would you like to visit New York City in 2025⁉️
#letschat Do you have any plans to visit NYC❓Have you thought about visiting New York City this year❓ 📲SAVE this 5 Day Itinerary For the Best Things to Do in NYC👇 Day 1️⃣ 📍Times Square (Free) Times Square 📍Bryant Park (Free) Bryant Park 📍Grand Central Terminal (Free) Grand Central
Marisol - Globe Traveler

Marisol - Globe Traveler

105 likes

See more