take in the sights

USAGE SUMMARY

"take in the sights" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of spending time looking at the sights around you, usually while in a new or unfamiliar place. For example: "On our trip to Europe, we took in the sights of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tourists now come to the region to take in the sights, and with any luck, some sightings too.

The New York Times

And with the heat, it wasn't necessarily a welcome way to take in the sights.

The New York Times

Neither Nero nor Redgrave is under Hellenic skies to act or take in the sights.

The Guardian

So paint the grass, take in the sights and get ready to laugh your head off.

The Guardian

It's a great way to take in the sights of the Old Town.

The Guardian - Travel

At the foot of Athens' monumental Acropolis, many languages can be heard as foreigners take in the sights.

Princeton University

All live in shelters now, enjoy constant medical attention and, on weekends, stroll into town to take in the sights.

The New York Times

Then he summoned a jeep and urged Geisel to ride on up there and take in the sights.

The New Yorker

At 1 p.m. participants will take in the sights of Hudson Square in a self-guided tour with stops at architecture and design firms.

The New York Times - Arts

On the reefs in the Florida Keys, plenty of snorkelers and scuba divers take in the sights, and others fish with spear guns for sport.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Bouchet said it is not just the oft-maligned bicycle messengers who are reckless, but the multitude of tourists who rent bikes to take in the sights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take in the sights" when you want to emphasize the act of actively observing and appreciating the visual aspects of a place or event, especially in a tourist or travel context.

Common error

Avoid using "take in the sights" when the focus is on sounds, smells, or other sensory experiences that are not primarily visual. For example, instead of saying "take in the sights of the music", use "enjoy the music" or "immerse yourself in the sounds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take in the sights" primarily functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, often serving as the main verb or part of a verb phrase. It describes the action of actively observing and appreciating the surrounding visual environment, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take in the sights" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the act of actively observing and appreciating the visual aspects of a place or event. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts and Academia, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide audience. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely understood and accepted. While alternatives like "enjoy the views" or "observe the scenery" exist, "take in the sights" specifically emphasizes the deliberate act of visual engagement. Remember to reserve its usage for contexts where the focus is indeed on visual experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

observe the scenery

Replaces "sights" with "scenery", focusing on the natural aspects of what is being viewed.

enjoy the views

Emphasizes the pleasure derived from looking at the surroundings.

soak up the atmosphere

Focuses on experiencing the overall environment, not just the visual aspects.

explore the landscape

Implies a more active engagement with the surroundings, suggesting movement and discovery.

marvel at the panorama

Suggests a sense of awe and wonder at a wide, expansive view.

appreciate the surroundings

Highlights the act of valuing and recognizing the beauty or significance of what is around you.

feast your eyes on the view

Uses a more figurative and dramatic expression to describe looking at something beautiful.

gaze at the vista

Suggests a prolonged and contemplative look at a distant view.

witness the spectacle

Implies that what is being seen is particularly impressive or noteworthy.

scan the horizon

Focuses on looking across a broad expanse, often suggesting a sense of anticipation or searching.

FAQs

How can I use "take in the sights" in a sentence?

You can use "take in the sights" to describe the act of observing and appreciating the visual aspects of a place or event. For example, "Tourists come to Rome to "take in the sights" of the Colosseum and the Vatican."

What are some alternatives to "take in the sights"?

Alternatives to "take in the sights" include "observe the scenery", "enjoy the views", or "soak up the atmosphere", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take in the sounds" instead of "take in the sights"?

While "take in the sights" refers specifically to visual experiences, if you want to refer to the act of actively listening and appreciating sounds, you can say "soak in the sounds", "enjoy the music", or "immerse yourself in the sounds" instead.

What's the difference between "take in the sights" and "see the sights"?

"Take in the sights" implies a more active and appreciative engagement with the visual surroundings, while "see the sights" simply means to visit and look at notable places or things. "Take in the sights" suggests a deeper experience.