Visiting a big city for the first time is exciting… the tall buildings, the busy streets, the endless list of things to do – it all feels like stepping into another world. But it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when you’re surrounded by people who already seem to know exactly where they’re going and what they’re doing.

That’s why travelling like a local changes everything because when you stop thinking like a tourist and start moving like someone who actually lives there, the city feels completely different. So how do you do it? Keep reading to find out. 

Stay Somewhere That Feels Like Home 

Hotels can be great, but they often feel a little disconnected from the city, so if you really want to feel like you live there, try an apartment or guesthouse instead. Having your own kitchen means you can grab fresh food from local markets and cook a simple meal, which is a surprisingly nice break from eating out all the time, and it also gives you a taste of what everyday life in the city might actually feel like.=

Choosing a neighbourhood away from the main tourist areas also makes a big difference. It’s true that staying near the big attractions is convenient, but staying in a residential area lets you see a side of the city you’d otherwise miss and that can be wonderful. 

Learn How People Actually Get Around

Every big city has its own rhythm when it comes to getting from place to place. In some places, walking is the best way to see everything, while in others you’ll need to get comfortable with public transport. That’s why it’s wise to take a little time to learn how locals get around, whether that’s a subway, tram, or bus network, and don’t be afraid to try it yourself.

Not only can this save you money and help you avoid traffic, but you’ll also get to see the city from a different perspective because when you’re sitting on a bus or train surrounded by locals it gives you a sense of what daily life is really like, and you’ll often discover little details about the city that you’d completely miss from the back of a taxi.

Keep Your Days Flexible 

It’s tempting to plan every minute of your trip, especially if you’re only in the city for a few days, but leaving some space for spontaneity is where things can be really good, so make sure you’re not totally booked up. Remember, locals don’t rush from one famous sight to the next with a checklist in hand, and neither should you.

Instead, try planning one or two big things each day, then leave the rest open. Maybe you’ll wander down an interesting side street and find a café you want to try, or stumble across a pop‑up market that wasn’t in any of the guides, and it’s those unplanned moments often turn out to be the most memorable ones.

Make Use Of Smart Services 

One of the hardest parts of being in a new city is dealing with your stuff, and carrying heavy bags when you arrive hours before hotel check‑in or dragging suitcases around on your last day can put a real damper on things. That’s where luggage storage services come in.

In London, for example, Radical Storage London offers secure places where you can leave your bags so you can explore without feeling weighed down, and being able to drop your luggage off for a few hours frees you up to enjoy the city the way locals do with both hands free for coffee and no rolling suitcase to drag behind you.

Try Shopping Where Locals Shop

Big cities are full of souvenir shops, but if you want something truly memorable, skip the overpriced trinkets and go where locals actually shop, like farmers’ markets, independent boutiques, and even supermarkets because they can all tell you a lot about the place you’re visiting.

Markets, in particular, are worth your time because they’re a chance to see the city’s culture, plus you’ll find some amazing food too. Chat with the vendors, try something new, and take home something unique that you really enjoy. 

Talk To People

It sounds obvious, but talking to locals is one of the best hacks for really getting to know a city, which is why it’s not a bad idea to ask your barista where they go for lunch or to strike up a conversation with someone in a shop about what neighbourhoods are worth exploring. People are often happy to share their favourite spots, and you’ll get recommendations that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Even if you’re shy, small interactions can make the trip feel more personal, and you might just find yourself somewhere completely off the tourist trail because someone suggested it in passing.

Eat Like You Live There

If you want to experience a city like a local, eat like one. That doesn’t mean avoiding the famous spots altogether, but it does mean mixing them with places locals actually go, like small cafés, takeaway shops, and even street food can.

Ask around or do a bit of research beforehand, but also trust your instincts, and if a place is busy with locals, that’s usually a good sign.

Don’t Try To See It All

This one might be the most important hack of all: you won’t see everything, and that’s okay. Big cities are endless; there’s always another museum, another neighbourhood, another restaurant worth trying. Instead of wearing yourself out trying to do it all, focus on making the most of what you do see.

The point isn’t to check off every attraction – it’s to enjoy yourself, and when you let go of the pressure to do everything, you’ll actually end up experiencing more.

Final Thoughts

Exploring a big city like a local isn’t about pretending you live there – that won’t even work and you’ll miss out on things. But it does mean you can slow down a bit, stop stressing out, and make sure you can just do things on the fly if that makes sense. 

When you look at a new city in that way, it stops feeling like a giant to‑do list and starts feeling like an adventure, and isn’t that what travel is meant to be?