How to Find Unique Experiences Hosted by Locals

A lot of travelers prefer experiences over things and it’s the new reality of travel. We don’t just want to see a place; we want to feel it, taste it, and connect with the people who live there. But how do you actually find those one-of-a-kind experiences that never make it onto glossy brochures? We’ve all been there—scrolling endlessly through generic city guides that only lead to crowded landmarks. The good news? With the right approach, you can uncover hidden gems guided by locals, join a cooking class in someone’s home, or spend a day exploring an artisan’s workshop. Let’s break down how to make it happen.

Why Local Experiences Matter

Local experiences add depth to your journey. They turn a trip into a story. Instead of ticking off landmarks, you’re learning recipes from a grandmother, hearing street art history from the artist himself, or walking back alleys that don’t show up on Google Maps. These moments create lasting memories and help you understand a community’s rhythm. They’re also a form of community-based tourism—your money directly supports the people who live and work there.

So, local experiences matter a lot—they might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I think everyone should go for it! Plus you learn about that community and their culture much better.

Step 1: Look Beyond Standard Tour Platforms

Booking sites are convenient, but they often list the same experiences everywhere. If you want unique local experiences, use local platforms and apps such as sites like Withlocals, EatWith, and Airbnb Experiences. They specialise in authentic cultural activities.

You can also search social media groups such as Facebook groups or Reddit threads to help you find the off-the-beaten-path experiences from locals. These groups can also help you make an informed decision about these experiences.

Other than that, you can check the city or regional tourism boards. Many of them spotlight immersive cultural experiences run by residents. So, in short:

• Use local platforms and apps like Withlocals, EatWith, and Airbnb
• Search social media groups such as Facebook groups or Reddit threads
• Check city or regional tourism boards

Always make sure to check the reviews from multiple sources to confirm the experience is reliable. You don’t want something that is trendy or Instagrammable, (you want the real experience.)

Step 2: Connect Directly With Local Guides and Hosts

One of the best ways to find authentic things to do while traveling is to reach out directly. You can hire a local guide. Independent guides often advertise through personal websites, WhatsApp groups, or community bulletin boards.

Or you can always ask hosts or hoteliers such as boutique hotel owners and Airbnb hosts who often have insider recommendations. Lastly, another reliable way is to tap into word of mouth. For instance, taxi drivers, baristas, or shopkeepers can point you to authentic local travel experiences that you won’t find online.

This way, you'll often get a more flexible, custom day trip tailored to your interests.

Step 3: Seek Out Cultural and Creative Experiences

Authenticity thrives where culture is alive. Try experiences that immerse you in local traditions. Cooking classes and food tours are a great way to learn about the dishes in a traditional family kitchen. Join a street food crawl with someone who grew up there.

You can attend workshops with artisans such as pottery, weaving, or woodcarving workshops often provide you with hands-on experience with the community.

Festivals and seasonal events are another perfect way to join in on community celebrations. These events reveal more than any guidebook can. All these activities are not only entertaining, they are a powerful way to connect with people and stories.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Tours

Skip the mainstream city tours and choose experiences that focus on hidden gems. These include Street art tours led by local artists. You can enjoy neighborhood walks that highlight overlooked districts. Niche themes like architecture, food history, or music heritage. Day trips organized by residents; for instance, a local fisherman offering a morning at sea or a farmer guiding you through harvest traditions.

These kinds of tours give you more experience than anything else—you can ask various questions and they will provide answers.

Step 5: Use Tech to Find Hidden Gems

Technology can uncover places that offline maps and glossy magazines miss. There are many ways to use tech to find hidden gems. Go to Google Maps local reviews and scroll down. Find the longest reviews with personal stories. Those often point to authentic travel experiences.

You can use hashtags on Instagram and TikTok to find local experiences. Use #localexperiences + [city name] to discover new activities. Podcasts and blog recommendations can also help you find local experiences. A lot of travelers share their firsthand accounts of immersive cultural experiences.

You can collect all this information/findings in a travel folder before your trip, so you’re not scrambling and panicking at the last minute.

Step 6: Prioritize Sustainability and Impact

Community-based tourism only works when it benefits locals. Look for small group sizes as it ensures that you don’t get overwhelmed and get a rich experience. Fair pricing is another aspect to look for—if something is suspiciously cheap, then ask yourself if the host is actually getting a fair wage.

Lastly, prioritize respectful interactions and be mindful when photographing. Because some people may not like it so be careful when entering private spaces. At the end of the day, sustainable travel is ethical and most rewarding. You'll feel connected to the community and nothing is better than this!

Examples of Incredible Experiences Hosted by Locals

To make this practical, here are examples of what’s possible:

• A dumpling cooking class in a Beijing hutong with a local grandmother.
• A neighborhood graffiti walk in Medellín led by an artist who lived through the city’s transformation.
• A day trip with a fisherman in Portugal, ending with a family-style seafood dinner.
• A weaving workshop in Oaxaca, learning techniques passed down through generations.

Each is affordable, personal, and unforgettable.

How to Evaluate Experiences Before Booking

Not all experiences are equal. Here’s a checklist:

1. Read reviews carefully: Look for mentions of authenticity, flexibility, and personal connection.
2. Check host background: Are they locals, or are they part of a commercial agency?
3. Look for uniqueness: Avoid experiences that feel copy-paste from city to city.
4. Confirm logistics: Small details—like meeting point, group size, and included amenities—make a big difference.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan a balance: Mix one or two authentic cultural experiences into each trip alongside major sights.
• Budget smartly: Many immersive experiences are surprisingly affordable, but they often require cash.
• Leave room for spontaneity: Some of the best hidden gems appear when you least expect them.