Beyond the Beaten Path: A Guide to Exploring Cities Like a Local

Tourist Traps

Amsterdam is overwhelmed by tourists. Not only do the locals suffer, but the travellers themselves face even greater inconveniences. Long lines are a common sight not just at well-known museums and hyped "secret"  bars or cafés but even at takeaways. A recent city survey showed that many travellers would be willing to pay for an app that predicts wait times at some  Amsterdam hidden gems.

But the queues are just the tip of the iceberg. The locals are shocked by the prices at tourist-favored spots. For instance, the cost of Dutch waffles at one spot is six times higher than the normal price. This has been a hot topic in the local media for several months.

The real problem, however, is that it's impossible to feel the city’s spirit in these places. Labels like "the most secret" or "the most local" often mask a mass tourism service that turns any trip into a banal visit to a theme park of attractions that has nothing to do with local traditions or culture. In the "most authentic bar" recommended by guidebooks, you won’t find a single Dutch person, and the "real Dutch cheese" at tourist shops, while of acceptable quality, is far from outstanding. Fortunately, there is a solution.

Practical Tips

Here's some surprising news: Amsterdam doesn’t have just one "the most authentic brown bar," "the most Instagrammable bridge or canal," the place with "the tastiest herring" or "the best apple pie." Rather, there are plenty of such places. Luckily for locals, not all of them aim to make it into guidebooks and travel blogs.

How do you find these truly non-touristy spots? Here are a few handy tips. Just pick two or three that you are comfortable using, and it will turn your trip into a real journey filled with unique discoveries rather than just other tourist attractions. And most importantly, your photos won’t just be duplicates of the millions of others posted on Instagram.

1. Join a tour with a local guide

Read the tour description carefully. Our goal isn't to learn the whole history of the country from the birth of Christ but to discover hidden spots and find out where the locals go today. Check reviews of the tour company or guide on various platforms, including Google and Trustpilot. During the tour, ask the guide about the places and events that interest you.

2. Explore Google Maps

Use the "Explore Nearby" feature to discover different areas. Apply filters such as "restaurants," "cafes," "parks," "live music," "markets," "clubs," and more. Check the ratings of places you like, read recent reviews written by locals, and look at photos.

3. Use local media

Online local media almost always have sections dedicated to places cherished by locals that might not catch a tourist's eye. They also provide information about local festivals and other events.

4. Talk to the locals

Interacting with local shop owners, baristas, and patrons of cafes and bars will help you discover great spots less known to outsiders. Generally, locals appreciate your interest in their city and are often happy to share information.

5. Bookstores

If you speak the local language, consider dropping by a bookstore. You'll likely find many travel guidebooks written by local authors tailored to residents. These books usually feature many hidden gems. You're almost guaranteed to avoid the tourist crowds there.

6. Walking

Walking is often the best way to explore a city. Wander down charming alleys and backstreets and explore neighborhoods with local architecture, local cafes, markets, street food, and vibrant street life. Avoid large crowds—the places that attract massive tourist groups are usually not the ones locals appreciate the most.

7. If you enjoy gaming, use Geocaching apps

Geocaching apps can help you discover interesting and hidden places through a game-like experience. They are perfect for finding secret unique places, for instance, bunkers that host free underground exhibitions and concerts or a volunteer-run vegetarian restaurant that feeds anyone for a donation starting from one euro.

8. Use social media wisely

On Instagram and Twitter, use hashtags related to the specific city. To find unique and lesser-known spots, look for posts by residents rather than tourist companies. Join local groups on Facebook and see what the locals recommend and where they are meeting up.

9. Order Your Custom Travel Itinerary

Many companies and private guides offer to create very detailed, well-thought-out travel itineraries tailored to your interests and needs. It can be an ideal option if you are short on time to plan your trip. Carefully read reviews about the guide or company**, and** don't forget to specify that you're interested in non-touristic sites.

Use These Tips in Any City Around the World

These tips are useful in Amsterdam and any city overrun by tourists worldwide. Remember, long lines and high prices often stem more from marketing than quality. The popularity of a place with tourists is usually due to its mention in guidebooks or tourist websites, not its uniqueness. Don’t waste time in queues—the world has many more worthwhile things to explore.