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Expat Exchange - The Insider's Guide to Reading 2024
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The Insider's Guide to Reading

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: Discover the charm of Reading with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to Reading! If you're planning to move to Reading, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Reading has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Reading.

Reading is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for both tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a number of historical sites, museums, and parks, as well as a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene.

For tourists and locals looking to explore the city’s history, the Reading Museum is a great place to start. The museum houses a variety of artifacts from the city’s past, including Roman coins, Saxon jewelry, and Victorian toys. The museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as lectures and workshops.

The city is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, such as Prospect Park and Forbury Gardens. Prospect Park is a large park with a lake, a playground, and a cafe, while Forbury Gardens is a beautiful Victorian park with a bandstand, a rose garden, and a maze.

Reading is also home to a number of cultural attractions, such as the Hexagon Theatre and the Reading Abbey Ruins. The Hexagon Theatre is a popular venue for live music, comedy, and theatre performances, while the Reading Abbey Ruins are the remains of a 12th century abbey.

When it comes to dining and nightlife, Reading has plenty to offer. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include The French Horn, a French bistro, and The Giggling Squid, a Thai restaurant. For a more casual dining experience, there are also a number of pubs and bars, such as The Retreat and The Purple Turtle.

When it comes to recreational activities, Reading has plenty to offer. The city is home to a number of sports facilities, such as the Rivermead Leisure Complex, which offers a swimming pool, a gym, and a sports hall. There are also a number of golf courses, such as the Calcot Park Golf Club and the Reading Golf Club. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, there is also the Reading Climbing Centre, which offers indoor climbing walls and bouldering.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Reading: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats living in Reading can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as sports clubs, book clubs, language classes, and art classes. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and farmers markets. Additionally, expats can join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats in the area. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending church services, volunteering, or joining a local gym," said one expat living in Reading.

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"Reading is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its convenient location and excellent transport links. The city offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, from its vibrant nightlife to its historic sites and parks. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences, from the Reading Festival to the Reading Fringe Festival. The city also has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities. The cost of living in Reading is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live. Additionally, the city is home to a number of coworking spaces, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work and network," commented an expat living in Reading.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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