Discovering hidden gems and local favorites can turn a good trip into an unforgettable one! Here’s how to find cool, non-touristy spots like a pro:
1. Ditch Google Maps (Temporarily)
✔ Use These Apps Instead:
Atlas Obscura (weird/wonderful places)
Spotted by Locals (curated by city residents)
Foursquare (better for niche spots than Yelp)
2. Ask the Right People
✔ Baristas/Bartenders – “Where do you go after work?”
✔ Taxi/Uber Drivers – “What’s a place only locals know?”
✔ Bookstore Clerks – They often have indie recs.
3. Follow Local “Vibes”
✔ Stroll residential neighborhoods (look for cafes with lines of locals).
✔ Check bulletin boards in coffee shops or libraries (events/flyers).
✔ Follow local hashtags on Instagram (#SeattleEats, #BerlinHiddenGems).
4. Time Your Visit Right
✔ Early mornings = markets, bakeries, and quiet streets.
✔ Weekday afternoons = pop into shops when owners have time to chat.
5. Look for “Third Places”
✔ Not home, not work – Think:
Independent bookstores with cafes
Board game bars
Public parks with food trucks
