To live a well-balanced life, you need to engage in activities that help you to zone out and just relax.
While many city dwellers choose to travel to the outskirts like the countryside or seaside to unwind and take time from the hustle and bustle of city life, there are a lot of exciting hobbies you can take part in right in the city.
The good thing about urban dwellers is that they like to keep up with the trends.
Therefore, you are bound to find various contemporary activities that will give you a perfect escape from feeling trapped in the concrete jungle.
9. Exercise
As more people move towards a healthier life, fitness groupings have significantly increased in most urban areas.
There is definitely something for everyone. You can decide to participate in aerobics, yoga, pilates, or just a regular morning jog.
If you prefer to sweat it out in a gym, you can do different exercises like weightlifting, aerobics, or just use regular gym equipment.
Participation in marathons is another growing trend that you can be a part of if running is more up your alley.
Exercising is a hobby that you can regularly do early in the morning or after a long day at work.
Working out releases feel-good hormones called endorphins, which will help you feel happy and more relaxed for the rest of your day.
It’s also a great way to stay healthy and keep your body in shape.
Plus, it works wonders for the skin, helping you look as good as you feel.
Even if you don’t have much time to spare, a 30-minute workout is enough to give you the kick you need to start or end your day on a good note.
If you decide to exercise, take care to follow the safety precautions for each activity.
Most importantly, start slow and work your way up.
For example, start with 15-minute sessions and gradually increase them to 20, 30, 40, etc.
If you start with a 2-hour exercise on your first day, you could seriously injure your body.
8. Dance classes
Get your adrenaline pumped up while also giving your body good exercise by joining a dance class.
Because of the cultural diversity in cities, you have an unlimited choice for dance classes to attend.
It’s never too late to learn some new dance moves.
You might even be lucky enough to show off your newly discovered skills at recitals or other performances or even organize flash mobs with your dance team.
Dancing is a fun way to enjoy music and unwind. It also allows you to meet new people and learn about different cultures.
As with exercise, you need to start slow. Dancing for hours on end on your first day can make you really sore.
7. Theatre
If you are a lover of the arts and prefer a more laid-back hobby, watching theatre performances will be an ideal hobby for you.
Apart from being a spectator of the dramatic performances, you could also perform on the stage.
Even in the big cities, where competition to get a theatre spot is stiff, some smaller theatre groups can accommodate the aspiring actor.
If you really want to activate your creative flow, you can join an improv theatre class near you.
It’s a great way to interact with different people and get over shyness.
6. Food and wine tasting
Whether you are of a refined palette or simply up for an adventure in the culinary world, this is one hobby that is guaranteed never to get boring.
You can create a map around your city’s different restaurants or look up pre-planned events that celebrate culinary diversity.
One of the advantages of this hobby is that you can do it with a friend and enjoy sightseeing around the city at the same time.
You’ll get to enjoy different flavors from all over the world and experience cultures other than your own.
Just remember to be careful about allergens, and if in doubt, don’t eat.
5. Fashion
For the haute couture lovers, big cities offer a wide variety of options.
From fashion shows to high-end boutiques, vintage shops, or even chic and modern stores, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in fashion.
You can also freely express your individuality through fashion by creating your own designs and sharing them online.
If you like helping people dress better, you can start a Youtube fashion channel.
There’s no limit to the fun, expressive outlet that fashion can give you.
4. Music
Enjoy listening to music, start a band, sing on the internet, bang some drums or make your own instruments – the list is endless.
In cities, you can find many performances by singers or bands all over the town.
Pick a few music genres you like and watch the live performances.
If you are a bit more adventurous, choose a different music genre every time.
It’ll be fun exploring different types of music.
You take up a class and learn to play an instrument, get vocal lessons, try your hand on the DJ decks or join a band that performs at casual events.
Music has a way of connecting with the soul that is sure to keep you fulfilled.
3. Coloring and Scratch Art
Yes, coloring. Who would have thought that adult coloring would become a thing?
If you work in a stressful job, then this is an ideal hobby for you to take up.
Psychologists recommend coloring as a great relaxation exercise.
If you just want to spend a relaxing day indoors and help to refocus your mind, then get your book and coloring pencils out.
If you get bored with regular crayons, then add scratch art to your routine. You can buy some scratch art paper and scratch tools.
Scratch-art paper has a mystery to it that’s fun and engaging; it helps keep your brain stimulated.
2. Social media
Nowadays, you can learn absolutely anything from the internet.
There is a tutor, coach, or mentor for almost anything you can think of.
If you feel you are talented or knowledgeable about any topic and are passionate enough to want to share it with the world in your free time, then having your own social media channel will be a great idea.
One exciting thing about social media sharing is that anything goes.
From teaching how to plait hair to extraterrestrial sightings, you can do whatever tickles your fancy.
There are so many platforms that you can choose from to share your content. If you are not camera-shy, then YouTube and TikTok will do it for you.
Or you could just write your articles and post them on your blog or even only host an audio podcast.
You can do all this in your spare time and in the comfort of your home.
1. Graffiti Photography
There is always something interesting happening in the city—what better way to capture these memories than through photography. Graffiti art is very popular in inner cities and people often travel just to walk the streets taking photos of all the graffiti art.
Luckily, technology has made it easy for us with smartphones to take great quality pictures.
Because of the diversity around cities, every day can be an adventure through the lens.
From appreciating architecture to just human interactions and anything in between, you can have a pretty decent gallery of photographs only from an hour’s walk through your city.
Bonus Hobby ( My Favorite ) Parkour
An extreme hobby, that can be beneficial in enhance traits such as problem-solving, physical fitness, balance, and orientation, Parkour was initially developed for military training.
This hobby has you navigate from one point to another, usually in an urban environment, without any additional equipment or aid. You must carve a path across obstacles like buildings, stairs, and across gaps, to get to your destination as fast as possible.
As fun to observe as it is to take part in, Parkour is definitely worth investigating for those who want an accessible and exciting extreme hobby.
Read our complete Guide to starting Parkour here!
In conclusion
This list of hobbies is just the tip of the iceberg, but it does give you a starting point to help you decide how to spend those valuable free hours of your day.
Cities do have a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
To get to know other activities in and around your city, consider subscribing to your local cultural magazine and keep abreast of scheduled events, classes, or activities.
