Our fine city is full of much-loved places and activities, with every local having their favourite things to do.
Here are seven things every Norwich local has done at least once during their time in the city.
1. Eaten at Zak’s
The American diner-style burger restaurant has been a city favourite for decades.
Zak's in Mousehold Heath was listed as one of the UK's top 100 restaurants in 2021 by users of the OpenTable reservation website and app. It opened here in 1979.
The Waterside branch, in Barrack Street, is a former mortuary and opened as a restaurant in 1988.
2. Visited the Castle
Many will remember school trips to Norwich Castle, with the taxidermy collection of birds, mammals, and more, staying in our memories forever.
From around 1067 the Normans demolished at least 98 Saxon homes in Norwich to build the castle. It was designed to be a royal palace rather than a fortification.
In 1894 the Norwich Museum moved to Norwich Castle.
3. Got some food from Norwich Market
From Bread Source to Bodega, there are so many great places to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime on Norwich Market.
Whether you're in the mood for noodles, pizza, or chips, there are so many options for the foodies of the city.
Sit with the pigeons at the top of the market looking over the city towards Norwich Castle as you enjoy your food.
4. Smiled at the Puppet Man
The performances of The Puppet Man, who busks near the Haymarket and Gentleman's Walk, are known and enjoyed by many.
His musical puppetry performances have been entertaining passers-by for years.
5. Shopped in the Royal Arcade
The Victorian architecture and Art Nouveau style of the Royal Arcade has made the arcade a beautiful place to visit for over one hundred years.
While there have been lots of new arrivals of late, including Yalm food hall and Gyre and Gimble, Marmalades café has been in the arcade for 22 years and signed a new 10-year lease in January 2023.
Not forgetting the much-loved somersaulting monkey in the window of Stompers shoe shop.
6. Shopped in Head in the Clouds
"Britain's oldest headshop" has been thriving for over five decades, opening in 1971.
Known for its clothes, candles, jewellery and joss sticks, the shop buys from wholesalers in India and Nepal.
"In 1971 when I started, aged 23, everyone was a hippy and I do believe there's a hippy inside all of us," said Martin Wyatt, the shop's owner.
The store is named after a line from a Beatles song and has its own chapel in the basement.
7. Looked over the city from Mousehold Heath
The view from Mousehold Heath is possibly the best view of the city and is frequented by many for picnics, walks, dates, and catch-ups with friends.
Take in the panoramic views of Norwich from above, from Norwich Castle to the Forum, City Hall, the Cathedral, and The Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
It is the perfect place to watch the sun go down over our fine city.
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