Locals, they can tell you the real story of a destination! It is their residence. We think this is the best way to explore a new city. To find the hidden and cool spots and to skip the tourist spots. Off course, some tourist spots are also worth to visit. Take one day for the tourist sightseeing and continue your holiday with the local things. How? Read on!
Get lost!
You don’t always need a map to discover a city. Just go and walk around the city. Find the cozy small streets, the secret courtyards and the local shops, restaurants and bars. Ask the local people, in their own languages, for the best places in the residential neighborhood. If you are really get lost, ask them the way. That is how you get in contact with the local people!
Leave your map and get lost!
Hola, Gracias, De Nada
When you are in Amsterdam or London, you can easily speak English. But when you are in Spain it is hard to speak English. The locals of Spain really appreciate it if you speak some Spanish. We advise you to learn some words to get in touch. You can also ask the locals to learn you some words, they are happy to help you. In this way you also get to know more about the culture.
Start with words like: “Hello”, “please”, “thank you”, “your welcome”, “excuse me” and “cheers”.
Some Spanish for beginners
White shoes
Locals recognize tourists first on the clothes they are wearing. The zip-off pants, but especially the white sport shoes or socks are typical tourists. So leave it home, if you don’t want to be seen as a tourist! Delve into the culture and adapt your clothing to the culture. For example, don’t visit a temple or church in your hot pants!
You want to look like a local? Leave the white shoes and socks
Bye camera!
Do you know that picture? Tourists with big cameras around their necks? Sure, you want to take pictures to show them to your friends and family. But locals and thieves will recognize you as a tourist. Take your camera with you, but don’t do this too obvious. Try to be not too busy with making pictures, enjoy the surroundings! Only you can feel the atmosphere. Your friends and family don’t.
Typical picture of a tourist
Local places
Go to the local (super)markets, a local hairdresser, the local shops, the local clubs and look for local lunch bars. At this places you will meet a lot of locals and get to know to culture better. Often the local youth come together at fixed places. For example in Barcelona; in the park, on the beach or in the harbour. Join them and have a conversation, they will like it!
Good place to meet people
Your stay
Staying in an apartment is the best way to see how locals are living. Most of the time you are living in a residential neighborhood and in a building with a lot of locals. See “hi” to them, respect them with not making a lot of noise. A good opportunity to interact with locals!
Enjoy Apartments rents this kind of apartments at different locations, take a look here.
Typical Amsterdam buildings
Go by skateboard;)
Use public transport! All lot of young people in Barcelona are going everywhere on their skateboard. Well yes, this is maybe to difficult. Go by train, bus, metro, bike or just walk. The taxi is not often used by locals.
Typical transport in Barcelona
Use your smartphone
There are a lot of applications who guides you through the city. Off course, they show you the best local places and activities. Meetup is an application who shows you events where you can meet locals. Other applications are: Spotted by Locals, Vayable and Like a Local Guide.
Find these kind of spots when using apps
It is all about blogs
There are so many people, who are visiting so many places. A lot of them are writing about it on their own blogs. Search on internet for a blog about the destination you are going to visit. They probably have useful tips about local things; places, activities, culture and transport.
Travellers share their experience on blogs
Be yourself
If you want to travel like a local you can follow the tips above, but keep in mind: it is your holiday! So be yourself and feel comfortable while traveling like a local. Also locals like to meet people from other countries and other cultures.
You have to enjoy, so be yourself!
Do you have more tips to travel like a local? Please let us know in a comment below.
You are looking for an apartment? To live in a residential neighborhood and building? Enjoy Apartments will help you to find top located apartments at the most amazing destinations.
Enjoy your local stay!:)