When I visit a new city, I like to pretend I live there. I want to go where the locals go, eat where they eat, and shop where they shop. I might take in a major attraction or two, but for the most part I try to avoid the other tourists (or touristas as my dad calls them) and find a city’s hidden gems. As soon as I step out of my hotel, I think to myself, if I lived here where would I go?

Here are my tips for traveling like a local. 

Gasthof Goldener Greifen in Rothenburg, Germany

1. Skip the chain hotels and stay in a B&B, guest house, or local boutique hotel. I find these have much more charm than the typical chain hotel. Several years ago, my husband and I toured Bavaria and the Tirol region of Austria. We stayed in family-run guesthouses the entire trip. It was fantastic! The rooms weren’t fancy, but they were clean, cozy, and well cared for. Most included a wonderful breakfast each morning. I’m talking farm fresh eggs, homemade granola, and yogurt from the dairy down the street. Yum! Besides the food, the best part was getting to know the owners. We learned a lot about the people and region by staying local.

2. Ask the hotel staff where they like to eat or grab a cup of coffee on their break. Ask them about their favorite restaurants in the city.

3. Go to the local public library. When I visit a new city, this is one of the first stops I make. There’s just something familiar about a library no matter where it’s located. This a great place to find out about the place you’re visiting. The staff is knowledgable and usually eager to answer questions about their city.

4. Worship at a local church if you’re traveling over the weekend. Most churches welcome out-of-town guests. Check out a church’s website before you go to find out a little about the church. Most church websites provide service times, location, and directions, and tell you what to expect. If you’re traveling internationally or visiting a church of a different faith, you’ll want to do little research to find out what to wear and what is considered appropriate behavior. I’ve been blessed to worship with other believers all across the U.S. and on three other continents. And often I’ve been invited to lunch by church members.

Used books found at the Portobello Road Market

5. Skip the souvenir shops.
Personally, I’d rather shop for something I’ll use when I’m home rather than collecting a bunch of trinkets that will eventually wind up in a box in the bottom of my closet. I love to hit local antique shops and flea markets, as well as bookstores and specialty shops. I have silver teaspoons from London’s Portobello Road Market, handmade jewelry from an artist in NYC, pottery from Appalachia, a couple of headscarves and a rug from Baghdad, and a cheeseboard from Brazil.

6. Talk to the locals. I’ve found this to be fairly easy, especially overseas. In my experience, people who live outside the U.S. are more communal than Americans. It’s not uncommon to be seated at a table with other diners at some restaurants. I love this! It makes striking up a conversation more natural. One evening in Germany, we ate dinner at a small restaurant. The chef and owner told us two older women would probably come in and want to sit with us due to our desired location near the ceramic stove heating the small room. We were delighted when they showed up. We spent three hours eating and chatting with these two lovely ladies and the other locals who drifted in and out.

Me and Mario, my favorite maître d’ in Athens, Greece

7. Visit a local fresh market. These are always a smorgasbord of sights, smells, and sounds. Vendors will often offer samples. I make a beeline for the cheese case. Keep in mind that in some countries you’ll want to thoroughly wash any fruit or vegetables before eating. If you’re staying in one place for several days, this is a great place to pick up snacks to keep in your room.

Cheese, glorious cheese, at the Barcelona Market

8. Find a favorite spot to hang out. A few years ago, Keith and I spent 10 days in Kingston-Upon-Thames, England. We discovered a local coffee shop and stopped by every morning for coffee. It didn’t take long for the baristas to recognize us. We felt like regulars by the time we left.

9. Take a walk. The best way to explore a neighborhood is by foot. Soak in the atmosphere; notice the rhythm of the city. Stroll through the park or sit on a park bench and people watch. Imagine the daily lives of the people you see.

10. Be adventurous. But be smart and stay safe.

Want a really unique trip? Try exploring the everyday side of life in a particular city and discover how the locals live. What are some of your rules for traveling like a local?