Hosting out of town friends is exciting, but it can also bring a little pressure. You want them to have a great time, see the best parts of your city, and leave with fun memories.
Luckily, entertaining visitors doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little bit of planning and a few thoughtful ideas, like catching some live music for a fun night out, you can create a visit that feels relaxed, welcoming, and unforgettable.Here’s how you can show your guests a great time.
- Start with a simple welcome. A warm welcome sets the tone for the entire visit. You don’t have to do anything huge, but small touches do make a lovely difference. Leave a few snacks, a bottle of water and a spare charger in the guest room. If they’re staying with you. Share a quick plan for the day so they know what to expect, as these are the little gestures that help your friends feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
- Show off your favorite local spots. When people travel, they want to see what makes your town special. Don’t just choose the top tourist attractions, but mix in the places that you personally enjoy. Take them to your favorite bakery, coffee shop, park or viewpoint, as these stops feel more authentic and are often the parts that visitors remember the most. Let them experience your everyday life while adding a few surprises along the way.
- Plan a standout activity. Not every minute needs to be filled with activities, but choose one highlight that fits your friends interests. A scenic hike, a local museum or gallery, a food tour, or a night at a comedy show could be excellent options. This gives a visit a fun anchor without making the schedule overwhelming. And the key is to choose something engaging, not exhausting, that everyone can look forward to.
- Leave room for relaxation. Travelling can be tiring, so it’s helpful to build downtime into the visit. Let your friend sleep in, relax at your house or take a slow afternoon break. The best moments often happen when you’re sitting together, chatting, cooking a meal or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. The pace should be relaxed, which helps everyone to stay energised and enjoy the rest of the trip.
- Go for a night exploring. Evenings are a great time to show your guests the character of your city. Night markets, rooftop lounges, cosy bars, dessert shops, and local entertainment spots can all create memorable moments. Take a night time walk through a lively neighborhood or find a place of interesting lights or street art. These smaller adventures can be just as fun as your daytime plans.
Entertaining out of town friends doesn’t have to mean packing in an itinerary or spending a lot of money. It’s about creating experiences that show your city’s charm while giving your guests time to enjoy themselves. The goal is in spending quality time together because everything else will just be a bonus.
