How to Experience a Country Like a Local

Travelling transcends a mere checklist of sights—it’s a cultural deep dive. It’s about exploring the local culture, embracing traditions, and savouring the vibrant life around you. Whether hunting for authentic adventures, valuable local insights, or ways to soak in the culture, this guide is your passport. Uncover how to wander beyond the tourist traps and feel at home in a new land.

Quick Guide: How to Experience a Country Like a Local

Stay in Local Accommodations:

Opt for homestays on platforms like Homestay.com or Airbnb for a more authentic experience.
Choose boutique hotels and guesthouses run by locals.
Try farm stays or eco-lodges to enjoy rural life and support local communities.
Stay outside tourist zones to experience everyday neighborhood life.
Ask your host for hidden gem recommendations.

Eat Where the Locals Eat:

Dine at street food stalls and local markets for fresh, traditional dishes.
Visit family-owned restaurants known for authentic recipes.
Take a cooking class with local chefs.
Use apps like EatWith to enjoy a meal in a local’s home.

Use Public Transportation:

Take buses, trains, and shared taxis to observe daily life.
Buy public transport cards for convenience and discounts.
Learn key local phrases to ask for directions.
Walk whenever possible to discover hidden spots.

Learn the Local Language Basics:

Use apps like Duolingo, Pimsleur, or Google Translate.
Carry a phrasebook for quick reference.
Learn basic greetings, ordering phrases, and directions.
Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language.

Participate in Local Festivals and Traditions:

Check event calendars for local celebrations.
Ask locals about upcoming religious or cultural events.
Visit community centers for workshops and performances.
Dress appropriately and be respectful of customs.

Shop at Local Markets:

Explore markets for fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local fashion.
Bargain respectfully where expected.
Visit early for the best selection of fresh goods.
Chat with vendors—they often share interesting stories.

Take a Cultural Walking Tour:

Join food tours, historical walks, or street art tours.
Choose independent local guides over large tour companies.
Use platforms like GuruWalk or Airbnb Experiences to find unique tours.
Try free walking tours and tip based on the experience.

Get Involved in the Community:

Volunteer with local NGOs or conservation projects.
Take workshops in traditional crafts or skills.
Stay with a host family for a fully immersive experience.
Use platforms like Workaway and WWOOF for work exchanges.

Ditch the Tourist Attractions (Sometimes):

Ask locals for their favorite hangout spots.
Visit residential neighborhoods, parks, and small towns.
Explore cafés and libraries to observe local life.
Search for “hidden gems” on travel blogs and forums.

Pro Tip:

Engage with locals by joining language exchange meetups or cultural classes—it’s a great way to build meaningful connections.

Important Tip:

Skip the checklist mentality. Instead of rushing through landmarks, take your time to observe, interact, and enjoy the local culture at a slower pace.

1. Stay in Local Accommodations

Your choice of stay can turn a trip into a treasure. Ditch the cookie-cutter international hotels and embrace lodgings connecting you to the locale’s heart. Experience the vibrant pulse of the community, and let your adventure unfold beyond the ordinary.

Best Local Accommodation Options:

Homestays: Platforms like Homestay.com and Airbnb offer stays with local hosts who can share insider tips and stories.
Boutique Hotels & Guesthouses: Small, family-run establishments provide a personal touch and local charm.
Farm Stays & Eco-Lodges: Perfect for nature lovers looking for authentic travel experiences in rural settings.

Local Travel Tips:

Choose accommodations outside the tourist zones to experience everyday neighbourhood life.
Ask your host for recommendations on hidden gems that aren’t in guidebooks.

Pro Tip: Staying with a local family enhances your experience and supports the community.

2. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Food is one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture. Skip the chain restaurants and tourist-filled eateries in favour of authentic local cuisine.

How to Find Authentic Food Experiences:

Street Food Stalls & Markets: Visit bustling local markets for fresh, homemade dishes.
Family-Owned Restaurants: These often serve the most traditional and well-loved recipes.
Cooking Classes: Learn to make local dishes with home chefs or culinary experts.

Cultural Immersion Travel Tip:

If a restaurant is full of locals and has a long queue, it’s usually a good sign of great food.
Ask a local what their favourite dish is and try it, even if it’s outside your comfort zone.

Pro Tip: Use apps like EatWith to dine in a local’s home for an unforgettable meal.

3. Use Public Transportation

One of the best ways to see a country like a local is by navigating its public transport system.

Why Public Transport Enhances Cultural Immersion:

Buses, trains, and shared taxis unveil the vibrant tapestry of daily life.
Metro and tram systems are alive with street performers and local vendors. They make your trip more vibrant.
Choosing public transport is a wallet-friendly option, leaving funds for more adventures.

Local Travel Tips:

Buy a public transport card for convenience and discounts.
Learn a few essential phrases in the local language to ask for directions.

Pro Tip: Walk whenever possible—exploring on foot helps you stumble upon hidden gems.

4. Learn the Local Language Basics

A few words in the local language can build bonds and enhance your experiences.

Easy Ways to Learn the Basics:

Download apps like Duolingo, Pimsleur, or Google Translate.
Carry a phrasebook for quick reference.
Take an introductory language class before your trip.

Cultural Immersion Travel Tip:

Practice greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions.
Locals appreciate when visitors try to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.

Pro Tip: Learning key phrases like “thank you,” “hello,” and “how much?” can make a big difference in your interactions.

5. Participate in Local Festivals and Traditions

Festivals and cultural events are the best ways to engage with a country’s heritage and customs.

How to Find Local Events:

Check event calendars on tourism websites or social media pages.
Ask locals about upcoming celebrations or religious festivals.
Visit community centres or cultural hubs for workshops and performances.

Authentic Travel Experiences Tip:

Dress appropriately if attending religious or cultural events.
Be respectful—observe local customs and traditions before participating.

Pro Tip: Volunteering at a festival lets you see behind the scenes. You’ll enjoy unique cultural experiences.

6. Shop at Local Markets

Markets offer a vibrant and sensory-filled experience that goes beyond shopping.

What You Can Find at Local Markets:

Fresh produce, spices, and handmade delicacies.
Artisan crafts and souvenirs made by local artists.
Clothing and accessories that reflect the local fashion.

Local Travel Tips for Market Shopping:

Bargaining is expected in many cultures—learn the etiquette before negotiating.
Visit early in the morning for the best selection of fresh goods.

Pro Tip: Talk to vendors. They usually have great stories about their crafts and ingredients.

7. Take a Cultural Walking Tour

Locational walking tours give you a deep look into a country’s history and traditions.

Types of Local Tours to Try:

Food Tours: Taste your way through the best-hidden eateries.
Historical Walking Tours: Learn about the history and legends of a city.
Street Art & Music Tours: Discover creative expressions of local culture.

Cultural Immersion Travel Tip:

Choose tours led by independent local guides rather than large tour companies.
Look for free walking tours where you tip based on experience.

Pro Tip: Use websites like GuruWalk or Airbnb Experiences to find unique local-led tours.

8. Get Involved in the Community

Engaging with local people through volunteering or workshops can enrich your travel experience.

Ways to Connect with Locals:

Volunteer with Local NGOs: Help with conservation projects or community initiatives.
Take a Traditional Craft Workshop: Learn pottery, weaving, or dance from local artisans.
Stay with a Host Family: Live with locals for an immersive experience.

Authentic Travel Experiences Tip:

Respect cultural norms and avoid activities that exploit local communities.
Build relationships rather than just taking photos—meaningful interactions are the best souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Websites like Workaway and WWOOF allow you to exchange work for accommodation in local communities.

9. Ditch the Tourist Attractions (Sometimes)

While major landmarks are worth visiting, dedicating time to off-the-beaten-path places will provide a more genuine experience.

How to Find Hidden Gems:

Ask locals for their favourite hangout spots.
Explore residential neighbourhoods and small towns.
Visit local parks, libraries, and cafés to see everyday life unfold.

Cultural Immersion Travel Tip:

Go where locals go—if a place is full of tourists, you may not get an authentic experience.

Pro Tip: Search for “hidden gems” or “local favourite spots” on travel blogs and forums.

FAQs: How to Experience a Country Like a Local

1. How can I find local events and festivals when travelling?
You can find local events by checking community boards, tourism websites, and social media platforms. Ask locals or your accommodation hosts for recommendations. Apps like Eventbrite or Meetup also list cultural events and gatherings.

2. Is it safe to stay in local neighbourhoods away from tourist zones?
Staying in local neighbourhoods is generally safe, but it’s important to research the area beforehand. Read reviews on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, and ask your host or other travellers for safety tips.

3. What are the best ways to connect with locals when travelling?
Join language exchange meetups, attend cultural workshops, or book tours with independent local guides. Dining with locals through platforms like EatWith or volunteering with NGOs also helps build authentic connections.

4. How do I avoid being seen as a tourist?
Blend in by dressing modestly according to local customs, learning a few basic phrases, and observing local etiquette. Avoid carrying large cameras or maps in hand, and instead, use your phone discreetly for navigation.

5. What should I do if I don’t speak the local language?
Learn key phrases like greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions. Use translation apps like Google Translate or carry a phrasebook. Most locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

Travelling like a Local

Travelling like a local requires curiosity, respect, and a desire to explore beyond your comfort zone. Embrace real travel experiences. Follow these local tips and focus on cultural immersion. You’ll appreciate the places you visit much more.

What are your favourite ways to experience a destination like a local? Share your thoughts in the comments below!