Whether you’ve just moved or you’re on vacation, the best experiences often come when you skip the tourist traps. Here’s how to experience a place like a local:

• Eat Where the Locals Eat: Skip the chain restaurants. Ask locals where they go on weekends — that’s where the magic is.
• Use Public Transport: It gives you a real sense of the city and its rhythms.
• Explore Side Streets: The charm of a place often lies off the main road. Wander, get a little lost, and discover gems you won’t find in guidebooks.
• Attend Local Events: Farmers’ markets, art fairs, and community concerts offer authentic culture and conversation.

Blending in brings richer stories — and better memories.