Sightseeing is often the highlight of any trip. Whether you are visiting world-famous museums, historic landmarks, or natural wonders, knowing the right vocabulary helps you get the most out of your experience. This lesson covers essential phrases for exploring tourist attractions.
From buying tickets to asking questions about exhibits, these phrases will help you navigate attractions confidently and engage with guides and staff to enrich your understanding of what you see.
At the Ticket Counter
Getting into attractions often starts at the ticket counter:
You
Hello, two adult tickets, please.
Staff
Would you like tickets for the general exhibition or the special exhibition as well?
You
What is the special exhibition about?
Staff
It is a temporary exhibit on ancient Egyptian artifacts. It ends next month.
You
That sounds interesting. We will take tickets for both, please.
Staff
That will be 32 dollars. Would you like an audio guide?
Admission
Entry fee to a place
Concession / Discount
Reduced price for certain groups
Audio guide
Recorded tour you listen to
Guided tour
Tour led by a person
Timed entry
Ticket for specific time slot
Skip-the-line
Fast track entry ticket
"Is there a student discount?"
Asking about reduced prices for students.
"What time is the last entry?"
Asking when you must enter by.
At Museums and Galleries
Museums have their own vocabulary and etiquette:
Exhibition / Exhibit
Collection of displayed items
Permanent collection
Items always on display
Temporary exhibition
Limited-time display
Gallery
Room or building for art
Artifact
Historical object
Curator
Person who manages collections
"Is photography allowed in this gallery?"
Asking about taking pictures.
"Where is the gift shop?"
Finding the museum store.
"Is there a cloakroom where I can leave my bag?"
Asking about bag storage.
Museum Tip
Many museums offer free admission on certain days or evenings. Check their website before visiting. Also, some museums have free areas alongside paid exhibitions.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Visiting castles, monuments, and historic buildings:
Monument
Structure built to remember something
Landmark
Famous or important place
Heritage site
Place of cultural importance
Ruins
Remains of old buildings
Restoration
Repairing historic buildings
Archaeological site
Place of historical excavation
"When was this building constructed?"
Asking about age of a structure.
"What was this place used for originally?"
Asking about historical purpose.
On a Guided Tour
Making the most of tours with a guide:
Guide
Welcome to the Tower of London. Our tour will last approximately 90 minutes.
You
Excuse me, will we have time to see the Crown Jewels?
Guide
Yes, that is included in our tour. We will visit them after the White Tower.
You
Is there anywhere I should not take photos?
Guide
Photography is prohibited in the jewel house, but allowed elsewhere.
"Could you speak a bit slower, please?"
Asking the guide to slow down.
"Will we have free time to explore on our own?"
Asking about independent time.
Viewpoints and Observation Decks
Enjoying panoramic views from high places:
Observation deck
Platform for viewing
Viewpoint / Lookout
Place with good views
Panoramic view
Wide, sweeping view
Skyline
Outline of buildings against sky
"What building is that tall one over there?"
Asking about something you can see.
"When is the best time to visit for sunset?"
Planning for optimal viewing.
Asking About Facilities
Finding what you need at attractions:
"Where are the restrooms?" - Finding toilets
"Is there a cafe or restaurant here?" - Finding food
"Is the site wheelchair accessible?" - Asking about accessibility
"Where is the information desk?" - Finding help
"Are there lockers available?" - Storing belongings
Describing Your Experience
Useful phrases for talking about what you see:
Impressive
Making a strong positive impact
Breathtaking
Amazingly beautiful
Fascinating
Very interesting
Well-preserved
Kept in good condition
Crowded
Full of people
Worth seeing
Deserves a visit
Visiting Tip
Popular attractions are often least crowded early morning or late afternoon. Booking tickets online in advance can save time and sometimes money. Check if combination tickets offer better value for multiple attractions.
With this sightseeing vocabulary, you can fully enjoy exploring attractions and asking questions to deepen your understanding. In our next lesson, we will cover weather vocabulary and talking about the weather.