How to Find the Best Local Spots That Tourists Always Miss

Tourists flock to the same attractions, eat at the same restaurants, and follow the same guidebooks. But the best experiences are often hidden away from the crowds—in local cafes, secret viewpoints, and neighborhood hangouts that most travelers overlook. If you’re tired of tourist traps and want a more authentic adventure, here’s how to find the local spots that only insiders know about. Ready to see the real side of your destination? Here’s your guide to exploring like a local.

Step 1: Ditch the Guidebook (And Use Local Resources)

Guidebooks are great for popular landmarks but terrible for finding hidden gems. Instead, use local resources and insider tips. Try these:

• Local blogs: Search for city-specific blogs written by locals for recommendations beyond the tourist hotspots.
• Social media: Use Instagram location tags, TikTok city guides, and Reddit threads for up-to-date local favorites.
• Expats and travel communities: Join Facebook groups or expat forums where residents share hidden gems.

These resources are more authentic and current than traditional guidebooks.

Step 2: Follow Locals on Social Media

Locals post about their favorite spots, and you can find them by searching location tags and city-specific hashtags. Try:

• Instagram: Search for geotags, local influencers, or neighborhood-specific hashtags.
• TikTok: Look for short videos showing hidden cafes, street art, or cultural events.
• Pinterest: Locals often pin hidden gems and offbeat places.

Social media is a visual way to discover places that aren’t in tourist guides.

Step 3: Use Local Apps and Websites

Instead of global travel sites, use apps and websites made for locals. Popular options include:

• Spotted by Locals: City guides written by locals with hidden spots and insider tips.
• Like a Local: Lists local hangouts, cafes, and events recommended by residents.
• Meetup: Find local events, clubs, and gatherings to meet people and explore non-touristy places.
• Untappd: For craft beer lovers, find local breweries and bars where locals hang out.

These apps help you explore like an insider, not just a visitor.

Step 4: Stay in Local Neighborhoods (Not Tourist Districts)

Skip the hotel in the tourist zone and book an Airbnb or boutique guesthouse in a residential neighborhood. This gives you:

• Access to local cafes and restaurants that don’t cater to tourists.
• Opportunities to chat with neighbors and get authentic recommendations.
• A chance to experience daily life, like local markets, parks, and street scenes.

Staying where locals live helps you see the city through their eyes.

Step 5: Ask Locals the Right Questions

Locals love sharing their favorite places, but you need to ask the right questions to get genuine answers. Try:

• “Where do you go to relax on weekends?” to find local parks and hangouts.
• “Where’s the best cheap lunch around here?” for authentic, budget-friendly eats.
• “What’s a hidden gem that most tourists miss?” to discover secret viewpoints or unique shops.

Specific questions lead to more personalized recommendations.

Step 6: Wander Without a Plan

Sometimes the best finds come from getting lost on purpose. Pick a neighborhood, avoid maps, and just wander. Look for:

• Local markets and street vendors selling unique foods and handmade goods.
• Independent bookstores and vintage shops with local character.
• Hidden alleys and side streets that lead to quiet cafes or street art murals.

Exploring aimlessly helps you stumble upon hidden treasures you’d never find otherwise.

Step 7: Attend Local Events and Festivals

Tourists often miss cultural events because they’re not advertised on travel sites. To find them:

• Check community boards at cafes, libraries, or bookstores.
• Follow local event calendars or cultural centers online.
• Ask locals, especially bartenders or shop owners, who always know what’s happening in the area.

Attending local events gives you a deeper cultural experience and a chance to connect with residents.

The Verdict: Hidden Gems Are Closer Than You Think

Finding local spots that tourists always miss isn’t about luck—it’s about digging deeper, asking smarter questions, and exploring with curiosity. By using local apps, following residents on social media, staying in non-touristy neighborhoods, and attending local events, you’ll uncover the true character of any destination. Ready to travel like an insider? Ditch the guidebook, get curious, and see where the locals go. That’s where the magic really happens.