How to Use Social Media to Find Local Secrets (Not Just Hashtags)

When traveling, finding authentic local experiences can be challenging. Guidebooks lead you to tourist traps, and hashtags show you what’s popular—but not necessarily what’s special. The good news? Social media has hidden layers of local knowledge if you know where to look. By going beyond hashtags and exploring lesser-known features, you can uncover secret spots, local favorites, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Ready to travel like a true insider? Here’s how to use social media to find local secrets without relying on hashtags alone.

1. Use Location Tags for Real-Time Insights

Location tags aren’t just for geotagging photos—they’re powerful tools for discovering local favorites in real-time. Here’s how to use them:

• Instagram: Search by location instead of hashtags. Look at the “Recent” tab for the most up-to-date posts.
• Facebook: Use the “Places” search to see check-ins, reviews, and local photos.
• Snapchat Snap Map: See what locals are posting in real-time by exploring the heat map in your destination.

Location tags help you see where locals actually hang out, not just touristy hotspots.

2. Check Out Local Influencers (But Not the Famous Ones)

Big influencers often promote tourist spots, but micro-influencers focus on local life. They have smaller followings but are more connected to their community. Here’s how to find them:

• Search by location on Instagram or TikTok and look for users with 1,000–10,000 followers—they’re usually locals sharing authentic experiences.
• Look for niche interests, like local food bloggers, street photographers, or community event organizers.
• Engage with their content, like commenting or asking for recommendations. They’re more likely to respond and share local tips.

Micro-influencers offer genuine, local insights without the sponsored tourist agenda.

3. Follow Local Event Pages and Groups

Tourists miss out on local events because they don’t know where to look. Social media is full of local event pages and community groups that list concerts, markets, festivals, and pop-up events. Try:

• Facebook Events: Search for events in your destination and filter by date or category.
• Meetup: Join local groups based on your interests, from hiking and street photography to food tours and cultural experiences.
• Eventbrite: Check for local workshops, live music, art exhibitions, and community events.

These platforms help you immerse yourself in the local scene and meet new people.

4. Use TikTok’s Search Feature for Local Tips

TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges—it’s a goldmine for authentic, real-time travel tips. Use it to find:

• “Hidden gems in [city]” for offbeat places locals love.
• “Underrated restaurants in [city]” for food spots that aren’t on tourist radar.
• “Local secrets [city]” for insider tips, quirky attractions, and unusual experiences.

TikTok’s short videos are great for getting a feel of the place before visiting.

5. Browse Local Forums and Subreddits

Reddit and local forums are where locals share honest, unfiltered advice. Join discussions to find hidden spots and avoid tourist traps. Here’s how:

• Reddit: Search for city-specific subreddits (e.g., r/Tokyo, r/Berlin) for local recommendations and Q&A threads.
• City-data forums: Check forums dedicated to cities or regions for detailed, local insights.
• Quora: Ask for local recommendations and get answers from residents who know the area well.

Forums are perfect for finding niche spots and getting local perspectives.

6. Check Google Maps Reviews (Look for Locals, Not Tourists)

Google Maps reviews are a treasure trove of local tips—if you know how to filter them. Here’s how:

• Sort reviews by “Newest” to see what locals are saying right now.
• Look for reviewers with local profiles, especially those with multiple reviews in the area.
• Ignore reviews in English, and read those in the local language (use Google Translate if needed) to find places loved by residents, not tourists.

This strategy gives you unbiased, local opinions on where to eat, shop, and explore.

7. Follow Local Businesses and Community Pages

Local businesses and community pages often share events, promotions, and news that tourists miss. Try:

• Following local cafes, bookstores, and boutiques on Instagram or Facebook for event announcements and specials.
• Checking city government pages for public events, cultural festivals, and community programs.
• Following neighborhood associations or cultural centers for hyper-local happenings.

Local pages keep you in the loop with the community and help you discover experiences beyond tourist attractions.

The Verdict: Social Media Is Your Local Insider

Using social media to find local secrets isn’t about scrolling hashtags—it’s about digging deeper and exploring lesser-known features. By using location tags, following micro-influencers, joining local groups, and checking real-time tips on TikTok and Reddit, you’ll see the city through a local’s eyes. Ready to discover hidden gems? Put down the guidebook, open your favorite app, and start exploring like an insider. The city’s secrets are waiting to be found.