You’re planning a trip to an unfamiliar city. How can you find the best local spots to visit?

1 Use online resources

Before you go, do some research online to get a general idea of what the city has to offer. You can use websites like TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, or Culture Trip to find recommendations for attractions, restaurants, museums, and more. You can also check out blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels by locals or travelers who share their insights and tips on the city. You can also use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest to search for hashtags, keywords, or locations related to the city and see what people are posting and liking.

3 Explore on foot or by public transport

One of the best ways to find the best local spots to visit is to explore the city on foot or by public transport. You can wander around the neighborhoods, alleys, and markets, and see what catches your eye. You might stumble upon a cozy café, a quirky bookstore, a street art mural, or a local festival that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. You can also use public transport like buses, trains, or metro to get around the city and see how the locals live and commute. You can also hop off at random stops and see what’s there. You might be surprised by what you find.

4 Try local food and drinks

Another way to find the best local spots to visit is to try the local food and drinks. You can avoid the chain restaurants and fast food joints, and look for places where the locals eat. You can follow your nose, your eyes, or your stomach, and look for signs of quality and popularity, such as long lines, crowded tables, or mouthwatering smells. You can also ask the locals for their recommendations, or join a food tour or a cooking class to learn more about the local cuisine and culture. You can also try the local drinks, whether it’s coffee, tea, beer, wine, or something else, and look for places where the locals drink and socialize.

5 Be flexible and adventurous

Finally, to find the best local spots to visit, you need to be flexible and adventurous. You don’t have to stick to your itinerary or follow the crowds. You can be spontaneous and open-minded, and try new things that you might not have planned or expected. You can also go off the beaten path and venture into areas that are less touristy and more authentic. You can also embrace the unexpected and the serendipitous, and see where the city takes you. You might end up having the best experiences and memories of your trip.