How to Travel Like a Local:
Tips for Finding Hidden Gems, Local Hangouts, and Authentic Experiences
Tourist attractions are popular for a reason — they’re iconic, beautiful, and full of history. But if you want to really get to know a city, you have to go deeper. That means ditching the guidebooks from time to time and exploring a destination the way locals do.
From neighborhood tattoo shops to tucked-away bakeries, specialty boutiques to secret bars, traveling like a local can completely transform your trip. It’s about slowing down, staying curious, and finding the culture beneath the surface.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Do Local Research Before You Go
While most travel planning starts with hotel bookings and big attractions, take time to dig into neighborhood-specific info. Look up:
Independent coffee shops and cafés
Local tattoo studios with unique artists
Bakeries and family-run restaurants
Boutiques and specialty stores not found on tourist maps
Where to Look:
Reddit (check subreddits like r/travel or destination-specific threads)
Local blogs or digital magazines (e.g., Eater, Thrillist, TimeOut)
Event platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup for local happenings
2. Use Social Media Like a Local Would
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for discovering real, authentic places that may never show up on Google Maps or TripAdvisor.
Try These:
Instagram:
Search by location tags to find real photos of what people are doing and eating nearby.
Use hashtags like
#HiddenGems[City],#CoffeeShops[City], or#LocalsOnly[City].Look at the “Tagged” photos of popular local spots, not just their curated feed.
TikTok:
Search for “hidden gems [city]” or “local spots [city]” for video recommendations and secret locations.
Travel creators often share food tours, off-the-beaten-path finds, and honest reviews.
Facebook Groups:
Join local community or expat groups. These are goldmines for insider tips, neighborhood recommendations, and real-time updates.
3. Ask the Locals — Seriously
It might feel awkward at first, but striking up a conversation can lead to some of your best travel memories.
How to Do It:
Talk to your barista, bartender, or server. Ask where they go for a drink after work, where they take visiting friends, or their favorite bakery in town.
Visit local markets and start casual conversations with vendors.
Book small group tours or cooking classes where you’ll have time to chat with locals in a relaxed setting.
Don’t just ask what’s popular — ask what’s overrated. This often reveals the truly good stuff.
4. Wander Off the Main Strip
The heart of a city often beats strongest just a few blocks away from the main attractions.
Neighborhoods to Prioritize:
Arts or creative districts
Historic residential areas with independent businesses
University neighborhoods (often full of affordable, cool spots)
Markets, flea markets, and food halls
Pro tip: Spend a few hours simply walking without an agenda. Pop into shops that catch your eye, stop at cafes that look cozy, and let yourself explore without a map.
5. Support Local Businesses, Not Chains
One of the best ways to travel like a local is to shop like a local. That means skipping global chains in favor of mom-and-pop stores and neighborhood staples.
Look for:
Tattoo studios with custom portfolios and walk-in availability
Record stores, bookstores, or vintage boutiques with personality
Craft breweries or natural wine bars featuring local producers
Artisan bakeries using seasonal or regional ingredients
These spots often give a more accurate taste of local culture than souvenir stands or tourist-driven restaurants ever could.
6. Stay in a Local Neighborhood
Where you sleep can shape your entire travel experience. Instead of staying right next to the major landmarks, consider accommodations in a residential or mixed-use area.
Options:
Boutique hotels in local neighborhoods
Airbnbs or vacation rentals that allow you to live like a local
Hostels with community events or walking tours
Bed-and-breakfasts with local hosts who offer insider tips
You’ll not only find better prices but often discover hidden cafes and morning routines that are completely off most tourist radars.
7. Explore on Foot or Public Transit
Locals don’t take taxis to get across town — they walk, bike, or hop on public transit. Doing the same gives you a more grounded view of the city.
Download Google Maps, Citymapper, or a local transit app.
Walk through parks, neighborhoods, and markets.
Rent a bike or scooter if it's a bike-friendly city.
Sit in a square or on a bench and people-watch — sometimes that’s the best way to get a feel for daily life.
8. Be Respectful and Curious
Traveling like a local isn’t just about discovering hidden gems — it’s about respecting and immersing yourself in a place with openness and humility.
Learn a few key words in the local language, even if it’s just “hello” and “thank you.”
Be conscious of local customs, dress, and etiquette.
Tip and support local artists, performers, and businesses.
The goal isn’t to pretend you’re from there — it’s to experience the place with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Final Thoughts: Local Travel is About Connection
Traveling like a local doesn’t require secret knowledge or insider status — it’s about taking the time to connect with people, places, and daily life beyond the guidebooks. It’s slowing down, asking questions, and being open to the unexpected.
You may not hit every “must-see,” but you’ll gain something far richer: a real connection to the place you’re visiting.
