Visiting a new city is an adventure full of excitement and anticipation. But if you only have one day to pack it all in, you might think you cannot enjoy your destination. Think again. By being strategic about your intentions and having fun along the way, you will enjoy yourself, no matter how much time you have to spend.

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Safely stow your luggage.

Travelling around a city with your bags in tow is nobody’s idea of a good time. Even if you have the most efficient packing system, luggage is not conducive to easy movement around a city when you have one day to see everything. Instead, use the option for left luggage Charing Cross as soon as you arrive in London, for example. Your bags will be safe and secure, leaving you free to explore the city without worry. 

Regarding luggage, it is always helpful to pack well to have room for unexpected purchases. Watch this video to learn how to fold and roll clothing to save space.

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Find the official tourism site.

Nearly every city of a certain size will have a guidebook, tourism office, or website dedicated to the must-see sites. Do your research in advance so you do not waste precious time trying to find out what to do. Once your luggage is stowed, visit the tourism office. This is the perfect place to pick up a local map (they are fun to collect) and a few postcards. While you are there, ask the staff for their off-the-beaten-path recommendations on what to do and see beyond the usual list.

Find out where the locals eat.

Another thing to ask the staff at the tourism office is where you can find the best food in the city. Ask for information on where the locals like to go. You will often find underrepresented dishes and local fare that will be much better and less crowded than any food establishment near popular tourist sites. These cafes and pubs will also allow you to sit down and converse with the locals. You never know when you might find your new favourite foods and a friend or two along the way.

Visit the iconic sites.

The iconic sites are considered that for a reason. They might have great historical or religious significance, are works of wonder, or are what you think of when you envision a particular city, so you must go and check them out. Even though these places will likely have many tourists vying to see the same thing as you, they are iconic and sought-after sites for a reason. Don’t eschew them just because everyone else is there. Take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see something amazing or historical because you are there, too. 

However, if you only have one day to visit a city, consider seeing only one or two famous places so you have enough time for everything else on your list. Alternatively, hop onto a local tourism bus for a relatively quick drive-by of everything you want to see. Do this when your feet are tired, the sun is too hot, or it begins to rain.

Rethink your purchases.

If you are someone who likes to purchase something from every city you visit and display it at home to enjoy, great! If you only feel obligated to buy something, make a change on your next day trip. You will save time and money by modifying your travel habits. No longer will you waste precious time in a souvenir shop looking for the right knick-knack for you, your office mates, family and friends when all you want to do is explore the great city you are in for only one day. Leaving empty-handed does not mean leaving without memories – you will have more time to make them. And you will be taking photos and videos of everything anyway.

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Having only one day to see the sites in a new city might leave you worried or anxious about not being able to do the city justice. Reframe your approach to travel and see what you can while maximising the fun. Use safe and secure left luggage services in your destination city so you can wander and explore without the bulk of a suitcase or worrying about leaving it behind. Drop it off when you arrive and pick it up when you are ready to go. Make a plan to check out the unmissable sites and visit the lesser-known ones while making memories that will last a lifetime.