Asking For Directions

You’re finally ready to explore! Wait…this map doesn’t make sense. Are you sure you’re in the right place?

If you’re visiting a city, the chances are that the locals are used to tourists asking them for directions and they’ll be happy to help you. Remember to ask politely and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Look at the dialogues below to see how to politely ask for directions.

Dialogue 1:

A: Excuse me? Do you know where the National Museum is?

B: Yes. It’s on the other side of the street.

A: Ah! I see it now. Thank you for your help.

Dialogue 2:

A: I wonder if you can help me? I’m looking for the post office. Do you know where it is?

B: Yes. Keep walking along this road, then you will see the post office at the end of the road. It’s on the right.

A: Thank you very much.

Dialogue 3:

A: Excuse me? Could you tell me how to get to the botanic gardens?

B: No problem. Go straight over the square, then take the road on the left. Walk for about five minutes and you’ll see the botanic gardens.

A: Thank you!

Remember: always say ‘thank you’ when a local helps you with directions.

Now you know how to ask for directions…but what about listening to the directions the locals give you?

Here are some common words and phrases we use to give directions:

Cross the street/road

Turn left/right

Straight on/down/up (These are interchangeable!)

Next to/beside

Opposite

Across the street/road from (This is another way to say ‘opposite’.)

On the left/right

Take the first/second/third road on the left/right

Top tip: It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with these words and phrases before you go on holiday. Then, if you need to ask for directions, you’ll be able to follow them easily.

Now you know which words and phrases to use when you ask for directions…and the words you need to know to follow those directions. Let’s get some practise!