Checking off famous landmarks is part of any trip, but some of the best travel memories happen away from the crowds: a tiny family restaurant, a neighbourhood festival or a conversation with a local shop owner. Travelling like a local helps you experience a destination more authentically, often for less money. These 15 tips will help you discover the real character of any city.

Why Travel Like a Local?

  • Authentic experiences – see how people actually live.
  • Better food – local favourites are often better and cheaper than tourist restaurants.
  • Fewer crowds – explore peaceful neighbourhoods and hidden spots.
  • Support local businesses – your money goes directly to the community.
  • Deeper understanding – of culture, history and daily life.

15 Tips to Explore a City Like a Local

1. Stay in a Residential Neighbourhood

Instead of the tourist centre, stay in a local neighbourhood with cafés, markets and parks. Holiday rentals and guesthouses are often found in these areas.

2. Use Public Transport

Buses, metros and trams show you everyday city life and are cheaper than taxis. Get a transport card or pass on arrival.

3. Walk Everywhere You Can

Walking reveals hidden streets, street art, small shops and local life you'd miss in a car.

4. Eat Where Locals Eat

Look for busy places full of locals, especially at lunchtime. Avoid restaurants with touts outside or menus in many languages with photos. Ask your host or shopkeepers for their favourites.

5. Visit Local Markets

Food markets are the heart of many cities. Try local produce, snacks and street food, and watch daily life unfold.

6. Learn a Few Phrases

"Hello", "please", "thank you" and "excuse me" in the local language go a long way. People appreciate the effort.

7. Follow Local Rhythms

Adapt to local routines. In some countries, lunch is the main meal; in others, dinner is late at night. Shops may close for afternoon breaks or on certain days.

8. Take a Local-Led Tour

Walking tours, food tours and experiences led by residents offer insider knowledge. Free walking tours are a great first-day activity.

9. Check Local Event Listings

Look for local news websites, community boards, social media groups and event apps to find concerts, festivals, markets, sports matches and exhibitions.

10. Visit Neighbourhood Parks

Parks are where locals relax, exercise and socialise. Bring a picnic from a market.

11. Shop at Independent Businesses

Skip international chains and visit local bakeries, bookshops, boutiques and craft studios.

12. Join a Class or Workshop

Cooking classes, dance lessons, language exchanges or craft workshops help you connect with people and learn new skills.

13. Use Local Apps

Ask locals which apps they use for food delivery, transport and events. They may differ from the ones you use at home.

14. Respect Local Customs

Dress appropriately, follow etiquette and be mindful at religious sites. Locals appreciate visitors who show respect.

15. Talk to People

Chat with your host, shopkeepers, baristas and bartenders. Ask for recommendations. Some of the best tips come from casual conversations.

Staying Longer: Living Like a Local

If you have a week or more, try "slow travel": base yourself in one neighbourhood rather than rushing between cities. Shop at the same bakery each morning, find a favourite café, join a weekly class and you'll soon be greeted by name. Slow travel reduces transport costs, lowers stress and gives you a much richer sense of daily life. Many digital nomads and remote workers use this approach, staying a month or more in each place.

Research Before You Go

  • Read local blogs and city guides written by residents.
  • Join online groups for expats and locals in the city.
  • Watch videos from local creators.
  • Save recommended places on a map app so you can find them easily.

Avoiding Tourist Traps

Common signs of tourist traps:

  • restaurants right next to major landmarks with inflated prices,
  • staff aggressively inviting you in,
  • menus translated into many languages with photos,
  • souvenir shops selling mass-produced items,
  • "exclusive" tours sold by street touts.

Walk a few streets away from main attractions and prices often drop while quality rises.

Spending a Day Like a Local: Example Itinerary

  • Morning: coffee and pastry at a neighbourhood café, then browse a local market.
  • Late morning: walk through a residential area and visit a small museum or gallery.
  • Lunch: set menu at a busy local restaurant.
  • Afternoon: relax in a park or join a workshop.
  • Evening: attend a local event, followed by dinner at a restaurant recommended by your host.

Balance Local Experiences With Must-See Sights

Travelling like a local doesn't mean skipping famous landmarks. Visit them early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds, then spend the rest of your time exploring beyond the guidebook.

Travel Responsibly

Popular cities can suffer from overtourism. Be a respectful visitor:

  • follow local rules on noise and rubbish,
  • respect residents' privacy,
  • support local businesses,
  • consider visiting in off-peak seasons.

Our guide to sustainable travel explains more.

Stay Safe While Exploring

Exploring beyond tourist areas is rewarding, but use common sense: ask locals which areas to avoid, keep valuables secure and trust your instincts. Read our travel safety tips.

Final Thoughts

Exploring a city like a local turns a sightseeing trip into a genuine experience. Stay in real neighbourhoods, walk and use public transport, eat where locals eat, join community events and talk to people. You'll leave with deeper memories and a better understanding of the place. Explore more guides in our local guides section.