Tourist destinations attract crowds for a reason. Paris, Rome, London, Bangkok, Tokyo… they’re all iconic cities that we’ve seen in history books, travel blogs, and on Instagram when our wanderlust gets the best of us. People flock to these cities to see and experience the architecture, culture, history, museums, and food. But unfortunately, where tourists go, tourist traps follow.

So what do you do if you still want to see these famous cities, but you want the more authentic experience of a small-town getaway? Sure, you want to tour the Colosseum, but maybe you don’t want to be ushered through the streets like cattle. We’ve got tips to help you expertly navigate away from tourist traps so that you can experience cities you’ve never seen before like a local.

Try to Fit In

Before you book your trip, do a little research. What do locals wear? Are there any cultural practices you’ll need to abide by? How do residents get around town? For example, some countries or cities are much more modest than the United States, and you’ll want to make sure that your clothing is respectful.¹ And modesty aside, skip the fanny pack, leave your selfie stick at home, and don’t walk around with your nose in a guidebook. Otherwise, you might as well wear a sign that states, “Target me, I’m a tourist!”

Ask a Local

Travel resources are helpful; they can point you in the right direction or give guidance on the major “must-see” sites. But when it comes to experiencing the small-town side of big cities, there’s no better expert than a local. Ask the bartender when you stop in for a drink or the concierge at your hotel what their favorite places are. Just exercise a bit of caution with what you disclose, you don’t necessarily want to broadcast your unfamiliarity with the area when walking down the street.

Secure Strategic Lodging

As a rule, hotels are going to be in areas that are geared toward visitors. While that likely means that they’re well located, that also means you’ll be in a tourist-friendly bubble that might not give you a very genuine feel for the area. If you want to get a more accurate experience, consider renting a house or apartment. That way, you’ll be neighbors with real residents, not just other visitors. When booking, make sure you pay attention to where your rental is located and consider proximity to public transit if you won’t be renting a car. If you play your cards right, you can end up in a cool part of town that’s walkable without being flanked on all sides by tourist traps.¹

Look for Local Fare

Don’t assume that all restaurants in Italy are authentic Italian cuisine (the same goes for any city you visit). Near the most popular tourist attractions, many restaurants are targeted to tourists, which can mean sub-par food and expensive bills. If you see a restaurant with a menu in multiple languages, keep moving. Aim for a local joint that’s got a menu in the native language. It’s much better to navigate a language barrier than to pay out of your ear for glorified fast food. In addition, avoid the temptation to stick with what you’re comfortable with. The whole point of traveling is to try something new! At least taste the local delicacies, even if they sound a little weird. Best case — you love it! Worst case? You’ll be able to say you tried it.²

Find Equal Alternatives

There are famous squares, trendy restaurants, and well-known stops that you’ve probably heard of. But keep in mind that everyone else has heard of them too. Fortunately, they aren’t the only ways to experience a city. In fact, when you only stop by the most famous areas in a new place, you’ll be too busy dodging other visitors to truly take in the view. There are usually lesser-known areas that provide equally beautiful scenery, more delicious food, and many fewer tourist traps if you know where to look. Get tips from travel bloggers or well-traveled friends before you go. You can cut down on crowds and see a part of the city that others typically pass by when you’re willing to adventure into lesser-known parts of town.

As a rule, the best way to avoid tourist traps is to limit your time close to top tourist attractions. Sure, go see the sites. But when it comes to purchasing anything, be it food, a souvenir, or coffee, travel away from the main tourist area before purchasing. In some areas it can feel like a gauntlet with street vendors or carts vying for your business, but being aware of these tourist traps before you go is half the battle.

If you land in a new city and still need a little bit of help navigating the new landscape, the concierge benefit (included in many of our plans) can help. From securing dining reservations to figuring out transportation, consider our concierge team the guidebook that’s always with you.

Related Articles

• Destination Guide: Amsterdam
• The First-Timer's Guide to Hostels
• Travel Insurance for Any Getaway