The locals don't know
Conventional travel advice often urges visitors to “do what the locals do,” but many commenters argue this idea is oversimplified or misunderstood. They note that most locals lead ordinary lives and may be jaded or forgetful about nearby attractions, yet still hold valuable knowledge about good food, less crowded sights, and non-obvious experiences—if you ask the right people and at the right times. A recurring theme is to blend classic tourist highlights with local insight, be a “tourist in your own town,” and focus less on rigid checklists or social‑media hotspots and more on talking to people, wandering, and noticing everyday life.
Meaning of “do what the locals do”
- Many commenters say the post takes the slogan too literally; it’s not about copying workdays and chores but about what locals do when they want to have fun.
- Common interpretation: ask locals for the bars, hikes, neighborhoods, and eateries they actually like, rather than defaulting to the top tourist checklist.
- Others note that locals often forget how good their city is, or draw a blank when asked, even though they do know great spots when reminded.
Locals’ knowledge and limitations
- Several argue locals absolutely know under‑the‑radar gems: quiet alleys, non‑Instagrammed viewpoints, favorite hikes, small museums, everyday restaurants.
- Counterpoint: many locals don’t know or care much; they frequent mediocre but convenient or cheap places and can give bad or outdated advice.
- Locals can also be overly conservative about safety or conditions, warning against things that are now fine.
Tourist traps and pricing
- “Tourist trap” is debated:
- One view: low quality + high price near major sights; usually avoidable by walking a few blocks.
- Another: not all “traps” are bad; sometimes it’s just locals trying to make a living, and wealthier visitors shouldn’t obsess over shaving every cent.
- Some warn against paying absurd markups (e.g., ice cream at iconic districts) that mainly enrich landlords, not workers.
Be a tourist at home
- Strong theme: locals rarely do their city’s marquee experiences (e.g., Tower of London, Eiffel Tower, Alcatraz, Broadway, Smithsonian).
- Many describe “staycations” or hosting visitors as a way to rediscover museums, landmarks, hikes, and neighborhoods they normally ignore.
- Some cities even incentivize locals (discounts, free tickets) to iconic attractions.
Travel philosophies and tactics
- Suggested approaches:
- Talk to both locals and other travelers; don’t treat either as scripts to copy.
- Embrace wandering and “getting lost,” with caveats about safety in some cities.
- Leave unplanned time on trips to follow serendipitous leads.
- Experience ordinary local life too: supermarkets, parks, commuter ferries, simple neighborhood food.
Impact of mass tourism
- Mixed feelings: tourism can improve amenities, food, and culture, but can also cause crowding, noise, rent hikes, and influencer-driven “ruination” of once‑quiet spots.