There’s a difference between visiting a place and exploring it. Tourists rush through landmarks, checking boxes on an itinerary. But true exploration? That happens when you slow down, pay attention, and let a place reveal itself to you.
No doubt I’ve been guilty of checking the boxes, at least a couple of days out of the itinerary. After years of wandering with intention, I’ve learned that the most meaningful travel moments don’t come from seeing the “must-dos.” They come from noticing the small details — the rhythm of daily life, the taste of something you can’t pronounce, the conversations that happen when you’re genuinely curious.
Here are five ways to explore a place deeply, no matter where you go.
1. Eat Where the Locals Eat (and Ask What They’re Having)Skip the restaurants with menus in five languages posted outside. Instead, look for:
- Places packed with locals at lunchtime
- Hole-in-the-wall spots with old-school typewriter menus
- Markets and food trucks where people are actually eating (not just taking photos)
Tip: Don’t just order the “safe” option. Ask the server or the person next to you what they recommend. Some of my best meals have come from pointing at someone else’s plate and saying, “What are they having?”
2. Walk Aimlessly (Yes, Really)
Put away the map for an hour. Turn down side streets that look interesting. Follow the smell of fresh bread. Notice the murals, the storefronts, the way other people are strolling around.
Wandering without a destination is how you stumble upon:
- Local bookstores tucked between apartment buildings
- Social lounges and local clubs
- Parks where residents are actually relaxing along with a little Instagram posing
The Rule: If you see locals doing something — sitting in a plaza, browsing a farmer’s market, lingering at a café — join them. That’s where the real rhythm of a place reveals itself.
3. Use Public Transportation (Even If It’s Confusing)
Renting a car or taking Ubers everywhere keeps you isolated from the actual city. Buses, trains, and trolleys? That’s where life happens.
You’ll see:
- Commuters heading to work
- Students chatting on their way to class
- Elderly couples running errands together
Tip: Locals are usually happy to help, if you let them know you’re trying to find your way. Some of the best conversations I’ve had started with, “Excuse me, does this trolley go to…?”
4. Shop at Neighborhood Markets (Not Souvenir Shops or Major Chains)
Want to understand a place? Go where people buy their groceries.
- Farmers markets reveal what’s actually in season
- Corner stores show you what locals snack on
- Bakeries, butcher shops, and fish markets tell you how people cook at home
You don’t have to buy much — a piece of fruit, a fresh pastry, or a bottle of local wine. But you’ll learn more about a culture in 20 minutes in a market than an hour in a museum gift shop.
Tip: Picking up groceries, food items, coffee are almost always less expensive when you shop local.
5. Talk to People (Even If It Feels Awkward)
This is the one that changes everything. My friends and family can depend on me to ask questions and get the scoop from the locals. It’s become one of my favorite parts of traveling.
Strike up conversations with:
- Baristas making your morning coffee
- Shopkeepers who seem passionate about their craft
- Fellow diners at nearby tables
- People sitting next to you on the public transportation
Ask simple, genuine questions:
- “What’s your favorite thing about living here?”
- “Is there a spot locals go that tourists don’t?”
- “What should I definitely try while I’m here?”
Most people love sharing their city with someone who’s genuinely curious. And those spontaneous conversations are the stories you’ll remember long after you return home.
The Heart of It
Traveling like a local is about showing up with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to slow down.
You don’t have to choose. You can get the shot and still stay present. You can build the itinerary and leave room for connection. It’s about content and connection. Photos and feelings.
Because the truth is, the best parts of travel aren’t the places you go to, they’re the way those places make you feel. And that only happens when you step off the tourist track and into the actual rhythm of a place on a day-to-day basis.
So next time you travel, ask yourself: Am I just visiting, or am I actually here?
What’s your best tip for exploring like a local? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear how you explore new places.
Sharonda Shariee 
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