take in the sights
/teɪk ɪn ðə saɪts/
Meaning
To 'take in the sights' means to look at, admire, and appreciate the famous landmarks, scenery, or attractions of a place. Unlike simple 'sightseeing', 'taking in' suggests spending time to fully absorb and enjoy the visual experience without rushing. It is a common, neutral phrase used in both casual travel conversations and formal guidebooks.
Examples
-
We spent our first day in Rome just walking around and taking in the sights.
We spent our first day in Rome just walking around and taking in the sights.
-
The open-top bus tour is a great way to take in the sights of the city.
The open-top bus tour is a great way to take in the sights of the city.
-
We sat at a sidewalk cafe for hours, sipping espresso and taking in the sights.
We sat at a sidewalk cafe for hours, sipping espresso and taking in the sights.
-
Before our meeting, we had a couple of hours to wander around and take in the sights.
Before our meeting, we had a couple of hours to wander around and take in the sights.
-
He stood on the balcony of his hotel room, quietly taking in the sights of the bay.
He stood on the balcony of his hotel room, quietly taking in the sights of the bay.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ We went to make the sights of London.
✓ We went to take in the sights of London.
'Make the sights' is a literal translation error. The correct English collocation is 'take in the sights' or simply 'see the sights'.
-
✗ I want to take in the views of the museum.
✓ I want to take in the sights of the city.
'Sights' refers to multiple tourist attractions or landmarks collectively, while 'view' usually refers to a single landscape or panorama seen from a specific point.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
We rented bicycles to ride around the park and ___.
💡 To look at and appreciate the tourist attractions.
Show answer
take in the sights
-
It's best to explore the old town on foot so you can really ___ the sights.
💡 The two-word verb meaning to absorb or appreciate visually.
Show answer
take in