5 Fun Ways to Stay Active While Exploring a New City

5 Fun Ways to Stay Active While Exploring a New City

Exploring a new city is exciting, but it often involves long walks, museum visits, and indulging in delicious but not always healthy local food. What if you could combine sightseeing with staying active? The good news is, you don’t need a gym to keep moving adventure itself can be your workout!

Here are five fun and easy ways to stay active while soaking in the sights of a new destination.

1. Walk or Run Your Way Through the City

Walking is the simplest way to explore and stay active. Instead of hopping on a bus or subway, opt for walking between attractions. Many cities are pedestrian-friendly, and you’ll discover hidden gems you’d miss otherwise.

Tips to Make It Fun:

• Use a step-tracking app to turn sightseeing into a step challenge.
• Join a running tour some cities offer guided jogs past famous landmarks.
• Take the scenic route parks, riverside paths, and historic streets make walking more enjoyable.

Pro Tip: If you’re not used to long walks, wear comfortable shoes and take breaks at cafés or scenic spots.

2. Rent a Bike and Pedal Around

Biking is a fantastic way to cover more ground while keeping your heart rate up. Many cities have bike-sharing programs or rental shops where you can grab a bike for a few hours.

Why Biking Works:

• It’s faster than walking but still lets you enjoy the surroundings.
• You can stop whenever you want for photos or snacks.
• Some cities have dedicated bike lanes, making it safer and more convenient.

Example: Cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Portland are famous for their bike-friendly streets.

3. Try a Fitness-Focused Tour

Why not combine exercise with learning? Many cities now offer tours that incorporate fitness elements.

Unique Tour Ideas:

• Yoga in the park – Some cities host free or donation-based outdoor yoga sessions.
• Kayaking or paddleboarding – If you’re near water, rent a kayak for an arm workout with a view.
• Dance tours – Ever tried salsa in Barcelona or tango in Buenos Aires? Dancing is a fun way to burn calories!

Personal Anecdote: On a trip to Lisbon, I joined a sunset yoga class on a rooftop it was the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

4. Take the Stairs Literally

Skip the elevator and escalator opt for stairs whenever possible. It’s a simple but effective way to sneak in extra movement.

Where to Find Stair Workouts:

• Historic landmarks – Climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower or Rome’s Spanish Steps is a workout with a reward at the top.
• Hiking viewpoints – Many cities have hills or lookout points that require a climb think San Francisco’s Lombard Street.

Fun Fact: Climbing just 10 minutes of stairs daily can improve cardiovascular health!

5. Turn Sightseeing Into a Game

Make movement fun by turning exploration into a challenge.

Ideas to Stay Active & Entertained:

• Scavenger hunts – Apps like Geocaching turn the city into a treasure hunt.
• Photo challenges – Walk to different neighborhoods to snap themed pictures.
• Public transport workouts – Get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way.

Question for You: What’s your favorite way to stay active while traveling?

Final Thoughts

Staying active while traveling doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By choosing walking over taxis, biking through streets, or joining fitness-themed tours, you can explore a new city while keeping your body moving.

The best part? You’ll return home feeling energized not exhausted from your trip.

Ready to Try It?
Next time you travel, pick one or two of these ideas and see how much more vibrant your experience becomes. Happy exploring and moving!