Every traveller ends up in boring cities eventually. The flight was cheap, the work trip sent you there, or the city just didn’t live up to the hype. I’ve had a few of these, and over time I’ve worked out how to turn a “meh” destination into a surprisingly lovely trip. It comes down to three things.
How to Do Boring Cities
1. Pack for what the city is known for
Boring cities are usually only boring if you try to do the wrong thing there. A quiet mountain town won’t give you nightlife, but it will give you incredible hikes. A sleepy spa town won’t have big museums, but it will have hot springs. Find out the one or two things the city does well, then pack for those. Hiking shoes, swimwear, a good camera, whatever it is. Show up ready to do the thing, and the city suddenly makes sense.
2. Eat the subculture
When the mainstream food scene is underwhelming, go looking for the migrant communities. Every city has them, and they’re often where the most exciting food is hiding. Some of the best Indonesian food I’ve eaten in Europe was in a city I’d written off as too quiet. Search for the Vietnamese bakery, the Turkish grill, the tiny Ethiopian place in the strip mall. You’ll eat better, and you’ll see a side of the city most visitors miss.
3. Stay in and enjoy the hotel
This is my favourite one. If the city isn’t giving, let the hotel give instead. Book somewhere with a great bath, a pool or a view, and treat it as part of the trip, not just a place to sleep. Order room service, take the long bath, read the book you’ve been carrying around for months, sleep in without guilt. Sometimes the best thing a boring city can offer is permission to do nothing.
The Boring Cities Mindset
A city is rarely boring. It’s usually just not the city you expected. Adjust the plan, follow the food, and give yourself a little rest. You might leave with a soft spot for the place.
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