Weekends often slip away under the weight of errands, chores, or leftover work. However, many tourists treat weekends like mini city breaks, chasing moments and exploring new experiences, a mindset that locals can adopt to enliven their own weekends. The idea of booking a museum visit or a performance as if on holiday is gaining traction. According to travel enthusiasts, such as those from Wander-Lush, museum visits in London increased by 28% in 2023, driven partly by people choosing "staycations" over travel. This shift suggests that weekends, when approached with curiosity and intention, could feel as refreshing and revealing as discovering a new city, but without the hassle of travel.

The UK museum scene has been experiencing a robust resurgence post-pandemic. Government figures report that between April 2023 and March 2024, visits to DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries surged by 17% to 40.8 million, nearing pre-pandemic attendance levels. Notably, London's Natural History Museum welcomed a record 6.3 million visitors in 2024, an 11% rise from the previous year, propelled by popular new attractions such as its redesigned gardens. Alongside it, the British Museum remains the most-visited attraction with over 6.4 million visitors, also reflecting an 11% increase. This recovery is mirrored across major UK museums, with visitor numbers steadily climbing back towards pre-pandemic highs, reflecting a broader cultural re-engagement among the public.

Beyond just visiting landmarks, living like a tourist in your own city involves recreating travel experiences close to home. Cooking international cuisines with local ingredients or joining themed online events can introduce the excitement associated with foreign travel. Local historical tours, often led by knowledgeable guides who reveal hidden routes and stories, offer fresh insights even in familiar surroundings. Photography and simply changing your mode of transport—walking or taking a different bus route—can unveil unnoticed corners of the city. These practices allow residents to see their everyday environment through new eyes and deepen their connection to place.

Revisiting classic attractions as a local can also boost city pride. Despite a reputation for being "touristy," major landmarks and festivals attract increasing numbers of locals, fostering a sense of communal identity. Wander-Lush notes a 17% rise in local engagement with iconic sites, often encouraged by following travel bloggers' curated itineraries or engaging with recommendations from a diverse range of acquaintances. The infusion of fresh perspectives into routine exploration helps uncover overlooked neighbourhoods and enriches the local urban experience.

While embracing these experiences, it's important to balance curiosity with self-care. Pursuits like themed poker games or frequent outings should have boundaries to prevent exhaustion. Sometimes the most rewarding discoveries come from slowing down and appreciating what lies nearby rather than chasing constant novelty. Thoughtful engagement with local culture and spaces can reveal surprising richness, suggesting that one’s own city might hold more adventures than previously assumed.

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Source: Noah Wire Services