Traveling is a great way to take a break from one’s daily routine and spend quality time with friends and family. One can go to any destination they like, whether in the same country or some place abroad. Regardless, the best way to explore any unfamiliar city is to travel like a local. Doing so can help one experience the location’s history, culture, traditions, and cuisine on a deeper level.
Visit the local market
Going to a local market is a fantastic way to find local experiences in new cities. This need not be a dedicated marketplace on a busy street. Local markets could also be flea markets, farmers’ markets, or any place selling local produce, small-scale business products, and handmade items. Visiting a local market allows people to explore local products and culture up close and in person. They give tourists a better understanding of the place they are visiting. One can use it as an opportunity to find out more about the place and its people.
Learn key phrases
If the visit is planned well in advance, it helps to learn as much of the local language as possible. Even memorizing a few basic phrases like “hello,” “please,” “thank you,” “how are you?” and “how much does it cost?” can help one explore new cities like a local. The basic knowledge of the local language can assist tourists in better navigating the city. It may also help them create a positive image and win the hearts of the city’s locals. One can hire a tutor, use language learning sites or applications, or find a local translator.
Book a guided tour
Individuals interested in discovering a city’s local spots can get in touch with a tour guide. A local guide can help people experience the place more deeply while learning about its rich history or culture. They can also organize visits to the city’s hidden gems or places overlooked by other tourists and share their personal experiences and stories. That said, finding a local tour guide with good ratings and reviews is important. One can also visit the city’s tourist information center to learn about popular local tours.
Participate in festivals and local events
An excellent way to embrace the local culture in a new city is to participate in its traditions, customs, events, and festivals. Individuals who readily immerse themselves in local activities may gain a deeper appreciation for the place and the lifestyle of its people. One can also visit the local museums and galleries for authentic local experiences. These establishments allow individuals to explore the city’s history first-hand and understand how it differs from their own country or city’s history.
Connect with the locals
A proven way to find unique things to do in a city is to connect with the local people. One can meet them and form connections with them by participating in local events or visiting markets. Joining a local organization or a group can also help strike up a conversation with the locals. These conversations can develop into new friendships and offer an opportunity to exchange cultural learnings and know more about the city’s local life.
Reserve a local-owned stay
Most visitors prefer hotel stays because of the surety they offer. However, living like a local is better if one wants to return home with unique travel experiences. Family-owned bread-and-breakfast spots, Airbnbs, or boutique hotels are a few options. Most of these places not only make visitors feel welcome but also provide them with local food and cultural experiences. They could also suggest places to visit, including the hidden gems one cannot find in guidebooks. Booking a homestay with a local family is also an option to experience the city’s everyday life.
Use public transport
Taking the train, subway, or bus can help people experience a new city up close. Some places have unique transport options, which one cannot afford to miss. For example, Thailand has tuk-tuk rides. Local transportation is also much more affordable than renting a private cab in a new city. Those with a busy travel schedule may get a multi-day pass for extra convenience. That said, individuals might sometimes need to switch their mode of transport a couple of times before they get to their destination.
Explore small shops
At the end of the tour, one would want to take home a souvenir as a reminder of the place. Going to a local gift store is a good idea for this purpose, as it will have unique and authentic products. One can buy anything the place is famous for, such as trinkets, artwork, or even local snacks for friends and loved ones back home. Buying local products is better than buying an overpriced fridge magnet from an airport store as a last-minute effort for gifting. One will spend less, find unique gifts, and ensure they take home memories of the trip.