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travel like a local

How to Explore a New City Like a Local (Without Touristy Overload)

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Mason Reed

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travel like a local

You know that feeling when you roll into a new city, ready to soak up the vibe—only to find yourself in a sea of selfie sticks, overpriced restaurants, and souvenir shops selling the same three trinkets? Yeah, let’s not do that.

If you want to experience a city like a local—not just tick off the top five TripAdvisor spots—stick with me. Here’s how to blend in, find the good stuff, and actually experience a place instead of just skimming the surface.

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1. Ditch the Main Tourist Drag (but Don’t Skip It Completely)

Look, some tourist spots are famous for a reason. If you’re in Paris, you probably do want to see the Eiffel Tower. But here’s the trick: don’t let it define your trip.

  • Visit those big landmarks at off-peak hours (early mornings or late at night).
  • Snap your pic, take in the view, and then get out of there.
  • Instead of eating or shopping nearby (hello, overpriced mediocrity), wander a few streets away where locals actually hang out.
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2. Walk Until You’re Lost (Then Find Your Way Back)

Want to really get to know a city? Walk it. No set itinerary—just good shoes, a sense of adventure, and maybe a Google Maps pin dropped at your hotel (so you don’t get too lost).

  • Follow streets that look interesting.
  • Peek into local grocery stores, bookstores, or corner cafés.
  • Notice the details: street art, architecture, how people interact.
  • When you’re ready to return, find a public transport stop and hop on like a regular.
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3. Talk to Actual Locals (Without Being Weird About It)

Locals hold the key to all the best stuff—hidden gems, secret spots, and places that don’t show up in every “best of” list.

  • Strike up a casual convo with a bartender, barista, or shop owner. Ask where they like to eat.
  • Use Reddit or Facebook groups to get real-time recommendations (search for “[city name] locals” or “expats in [city name]”).
  • Stay in a guesthouse, B&B, or small boutique hotel where hosts are more likely to chat with you.
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4. Eat Like You Live There

Food is everything when it comes to experiencing a city properly. The goal? Find where locals eat, not just where tourists go.

  • Skip chain restaurants and anything with a “Tourist Menu.”
  • Find hole-in-the-wall spots with no English menu (Google Translate is your friend).
  • Visit local markets, bakeries, and street vendors.
  • If there’s a long line of locals (not just Instagrammers), it’s probably worth the wait.
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5. Master Public Transportation (or Get a Bike)

Nothing screams “I don’t live here” like struggling with a city’s transit system while looking panicked. Do a little homework before you go:

  • Download local transit apps (Citymapper, Google Maps Offline).
  • Figure out how to get from the airport/train station before you land.
  • Get a transport pass if available—it’s usually cheaper and easier.
  • Or rent a bike or scooter to explore neighborhoods at your own pace.
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6. Find the Events Locals Actually Care About

Tourists go to museums. Locals go to events. Big difference.

  • Check event listings on Facebook Events, Meetup, or Eventbrite for concerts, markets, comedy shows, or even trivia nights.
  • Look for seasonal events—food festivals, open-air movie nights, or neighborhood celebrations.
  • Follow local influencers on Instagram or TikTok for real-time recommendations.
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7. Explore a City’s Subcultures

Every city has its own underground scenes—whether it’s jazz bars in New Orleans, indie bookstores in London, or speakeasies in Tokyo.

  • Look up niche interests that match your vibe (vinyl shops, vintage clothing, underground art galleries).
  • Search for local blogs or podcasts about the city (they often share the best, low-key spots).
  • Say yes to weird, unexpected things—a random basement jazz show or a late-night dumpling spot locals swear by.
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8. Blend In (Without Overdoing It)

You don’t need to pretend to be a local (they’ll probably spot you anyway), but you can at least not scream tourist.

  • Dress like the locals do. If everyone’s in muted tones and comfy sneakers, maybe don’t wear a giant backpack and a neon fanny pack.
  • Learn a few basic phrases in the local language if you’re abroad. Even a “hello” and “thank you” can go a long way.
  • Act like you belong. Walk with confidence, don’t stand in the middle of the sidewalk looking lost, and try not to block doorways taking selfies.
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9. Have One “Routine” Spot

Nothing makes you feel more at home in a city than having a spot—a café, a bar, a bakery—where you go more than once.

  • Find a coffee shop near your stay and make it your morning ritual.
  • Chat with the barista, order like a regular, and soak in the atmosphere.
  • Even if you’re there for a short time, it’s a small way to feel like you belong.
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10. Go With the Flow

The best experiences in a city often aren’t planned—they happen when you’re open to spontaneity.

  • Say yes to last-minute invites.
  • Let yourself linger somewhere if it feels right.
  • Be okay with missing “the must-sees” if it means you had a real experience instead.

Final Thought: Don’t Just Visit—Experience It

If you’re going to a new city, make it count. Anyone can follow a guidebook, but if you want to really experience a place, slow down, observe, and let the city show you its secrets.

Ever had an unexpectedly amazing local experience while traveling? Drop it in the comments—I want to hear your best “this wasn’t in the guidebook” moment!

Posted by

Mason Reed

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