The Best Ways to Find Authentic Local Spots When You Travel
Travelling is more than just checking off landmarks from a list. The real magic happens when you stumble into a place that locals love: a café that's tucked behind a market, a small bar where everybody seems to know each other, or a beach that doesn't show up on any maps. Finding those places takes a little bit of curiosity and a little bit more willingness to explore more than just the obvious. Let's have a look at more below.
Ask Locals the Right Questions
Locals are almost always the best source of real recommendations, but you need to make sure you're asking in the right way. Rather than saying, "What's the best restaurant here?" try asking, "Where do you go for dinner when you don't want tourists to be around?" That type of question changes the answer all the time. People are usually happy to share a spot that feels more personal to them, especially when they know that you're not just looking for reviews. It's also helpful to ask people outside the usual hospitality jobs; taxi drivers, shopkeepers, or bartenders often have a little bit more of an honest view on what is good and what is a little bit overhyped.
Skip the Top 10 Lists
Search results are full of things like "top 10 things to do." They are fine for giving you a quick overview, but they don't usually lead you to the kind of places that make your trip memorable. When you arrive somewhere new, take an afternoon to wander around without having a plan in place. Pay attention to where the locals seem to gather; you might see a line outside of a small bakery or a patio that is full, as these are much better signs than a five-star review. Even in big cities known for their nightlife, you'll find hidden gems that don't advertise much. If you ever head to Nevada, check out happy hour specials Las Vegas. They are some of the best deals, and you will find them tucked inside local lounges and neighbourhood spots that don't usually make it onto the tourist lists.
Follow Local Media and Small Creators
Before you travel, search for local blogs, community pages, or even small Instagram accounts that are run by the local residents. These types of creatives are the ones that often post about things that are happening during that week. It might be that there's a pop-up market, open mic nights, or even some food events that are on. It's a brilliant way for you to get an idea of what's current rather than what is currently popular. If you stay somewhere for more than just a few days, check if there is a local radio station that you can listen to. These tend to list smaller, more authentic places that travellers don't usually find.
Embrace the Unexpected
Finding local gems means accepting that not everything is going to run perfectly, so sometimes you are going to run into somewhere that might be closed, or you're going to take the wrong turn that leads you absolutely nowhere. But other times, those little detours become the highlight of your trip. The more flexible you are, the more the city opens up to you. You're going to leave with stories that you aren't going to be able to find in a guidebook. This is something that makes travel more personal rather than predictable.
