Getting around: asking for directions (Pedir direcciones)

A tourist stops you on the street and asks, in English, «Excuse me, where is the museum?» Suddenly you are the local guide, and you need a few words to help. Giving directions is a superpower for a young English speaker, because it turns you into someone who can help the whole world visit your city.

Useful question words

Here are questions people use to find their way:

«Excuse me, is there a…?» → «Excuse me, is there a bus stop near here?» «How do I get to…?» → «How do I get to the center?» «Where is…?» → «Where is the museum?»

«Excuse me» is the polite way to start talking to a stranger. «Is there…?» uses «there is/there are» to ask if something exists nearby.

Saying the directions

Common direction words:

turn left / turn right → gira a la izquierda / derecha go straight → sigue derecho next to / beside → al lado de across from → enfrente de between → entre on the corner → en la esquina

Example: «Go straight, then turn left. It's next to the park, on the corner.» Short sentences with clear verbs work best.

Distances and time

You can add how far it is: «It's a five-minute walk.» «It's far, you should take a taxi.» «The bus station is two blocks away.» To count the blocks, use numbers: «three blocks», «five minutes».

What if you don't know?

It's okay not to know. The kind answer is: «Sorry, I'm not from here. Ask that person, please.» or «I'm not sure, but you can use a map app.» Being honest in good English is better than guessing and pointing to the wrong street. Next time someone asks you for directions, answer in English — you'll be surprised how much you already know how to say.