When your traveling to a new city, or even a new building, how many of you go off exploring? Not quite full-on urban exploration, but certainly something in that spirit.When I'm in a new place, I like to put on a nice sweater and a pair of khakis and walk around in those little office buildings you find in industrial parks. Just walk around, get a real feel for the place from the perspective of the people that live there. Maybe get a nice view of the area from a higher view.
University and hospital parking garages are also a good way to get a good view of a new city. Just walk through the gates and up the ramps if the stairways are blocked off.