One of the most exciting parts of traveling is experiencing a destination like a local, not just as a tourist. From discovering hidden cafes to joining authentic cultural events, immersing yourself in local life makes your trip more unique and memorable.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best ways to find authentic local experiences while traveling on a budget.
✅ 1. Stay in Local Neighborhoods, Not Tourist Areas
Avoid tourist hotspots and choose accommodation in authentic local neighborhoods.
Where to Find Local Stays:
🏡 Airbnb (book private rooms or local apartments)
🏨 Small guesthouses or family-owned hostels
🌆 Coliving spaces for digital nomads
Benefits:
✅ Access to local cafes and markets
✅ Fewer tourist traps
✅ Opportunity to meet locals
🍽️ 2. Eat Where the Locals Eat
Food is one of the best ways to experience a culture, but avoiding touristy restaurants is key.
How to Find Authentic Local Food:
🍜 Ask locals or your Airbnb host for recommendations
🍕 Use apps like Google Maps, Yelp, or TripAdvisor (filter by “local favorites”)
🥖 Visit local food markets or street food vendors
Pro Tip:
✅ Join a local cooking class or a food tour to learn about traditional dishes.
🎶 3. Join Local Events and Festivals
Attending local festivals, concerts, or cultural events allows you to connect with the community and experience authentic traditions.
Where to Find Local Events:
🎭 Eventbrite (local experiences and workshops)
🎨 Meetup (local communities and creative groups)
🎶 Facebook Events (local concerts and festivals)
🌐 4. Use Apps to Connect with Locals
There are amazing apps designed to help travelers meet locals and explore hidden spots.
The Best Apps for Local Experiences:
👋 Couchsurfing Hangouts (meet locals for coffee or city tours)
👫 EatWith (dine at a local’s home)
🚶 WithLocals (hire local guides for private tours)
🚲 5. Take Free Walking Tours
In almost every major city, local guides offer free walking tours, where they show you hidden streets, historical sites, and local culture.
Best Platforms for Free Tours:
🌆 GuruWalk
🗺️ FreeTour.com
🏛️ Local hostel-organized tours
🏞️ 6. Explore Beyond the City Center
Most tourists stay in the main areas, but the true soul of a city is often found in its surrounding neighborhoods and villages.
How to Discover Hidden Gems:
✅ Rent a bike and explore less-touristy areas
✅ Visit small towns nearby
✅ Take local buses or trains to explore rural areas
📚 7. Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language
Speaking even a few words in the local language helps you connect with locals and opens doors to authentic experiences.
Best Apps to Learn Quickly:
📱 Duolingo
📚 Memrise
🗣️ Google Translate (for live conversations)
🛍️ 8. Support Local Artisans and Small Businesses
Instead of buying souvenirs from tourist shops, support local artists, markets, and family-owned businesses.
Where to Find Authentic Local Crafts:
🎨 Artisan markets
🛍️ Vintage stores
🍯 Local farmers’ markets
🎯 9. Join Local Classes or Workshops
Learning something new during your trip is a great way to connect with locals and dive deeper into the culture.
Ideas for Local Classes:
🍳 Cooking classes
🎨 Art or pottery workshops
🕺 Dance lessons (like salsa in Colombia or tango in Argentina)
🚶♀️ 10. Be Open and Curious
The best local experiences often come when you’re curious, respectful, and open to connecting with people.
How to Do That:
✅ Talk to locals in cafes or parks
✅ Ask for recommendations from shop owners or taxi drivers
✅ Explore without a strict schedule
🎯 Final Tip: Travel Slowly and Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Rushing through cities will only show you the tourist side. Slow travel allows you to truly connect with the locals, understand their culture, and create unforgettable memories.