Travel Tip: High Impact, Low Cost Ways to Learn About the Local Culture

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In this post we share our high-impact, low-cost ways to see and explore a city and acquaint yourself with the local culture.

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Places to observe local culture and customs

• Libraries
• Churches and cathedrals
• Public parks, lakes, walking trails
• (Used) book stores
• Public metro center
• Grocery stores
• Museums (many offer free admission days)
• Universities – main quad

Activities

• Participate in a free, tip-based walking tour
• Rent a bike and cruise around town
• Explore local festivals and fairs
• Take a language class hosted by locals
• Attend a literature or poetry reading at a bookstore
• Go dancing
• Check in with the local tourism board to see if they offer opportunities to meet locals willing to show you around town
• Stop by iconic landmarks across the city without necessarily entering

People watching activities

• Explore the city’s best hotel lobbies across town
• Wander through public metro station stops to check out the local art
• Watch a futbol (soccer) game of the city’s local team
• Go to a live music concert
• Watch street performers
• Meander through the local flea or farmer’s market

Food & drink based activities

• Stop by the local farmer’s market, pick up a variety of picnic fixings and picnic at a local park
• Grab a coffee at a cafe and people watch
• Try local cuisine during happy hour
• Cruise by the food trucks and pick up bites from various vendors
• Grab a drink at a local watering hole or dive bar
• Try out tapas, appetizers, and other “small bites” plates and dishes to get a sense of the local flavors

Resources

1. Airbnb’s Experiences – activities hosted by locals (prices vary)
2. City’s event calendar for a “what’s on” guide
3. City’s information/tourism center
4. Your hostel/hostel/BnB front desk if they host any activities
5. Ask local shop owners for their ideas of hidden gems throughout the city