Landing in a new city—tired, excited, and eager to explore—always leads to the same question: What should I do first? Guidebooks and “Top 10” lists can be helpful, but they often highlight the same well-worn attractions. Some of the best travel memories come from unusual places you stumble upon when you dig a little deeper.
Whether it’s learning to make empanadas in a small Chilean kitchen, joining volunteers at an animal shelter in Belize, or finding a hidden cartoon art museum in London, every destination offers much more than its famous landmarks. You just need the right tools to uncover what’s happening beyond the obvious tourist trail.
Below are some of the most effective ways to find interesting, authentic, and unexpected things to do wherever you travel.
Meetup
Meetup is a great place to look for group activities connected to your interests. Whether you want to join a writing group, attend a board game night, practice a language, or find fellow runners, there’s often a meetup for it. It’s an easy way to connect with people who share your hobbies while exploring a new place.
Atlas Obscura
If you’re drawn to the unusual and offbeat, Atlas Obscura is a treasure trove. It highlights quirky sites, eccentric museums, forgotten historical oddities, and little-known cultural surprises. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer strange wonders over standard sightseeing.
Culture Trip
Culture Trip offers well-written, curated recommendations that go beyond typical tourist lists. You can search by destination and find unique articles about art, food, history, and local culture. It’s especially helpful if you enjoy diving into the creative side of a city.
Instagram can be unexpectedly useful for discovering places locals and travelers are excited about. Search your destination under the “Places” tab to see popular photos tagged there. If a dish, viewpoint, or hidden spot catches your eye, you can figure out where it is and add it to your list. It’s also an easy way to connect with other travelers in the area.
Facebook Events
Facebook’s event search feature lets you browse concerts, festivals, meetups, workshops, and more. Filter by category or date to find out what’s happening near you. This is especially handy in big cities where events change constantly.
Hostel Bulletin Boards
If you’re staying at a hostel, always glance at the bulletin board. They’re often packed with flyers for local events, free walking tours, community projects, and social meetups. You might even see posts from other travelers looking for companions for day trips or shared taxis.
Newcomer and Expat Groups
Most cities have Facebook groups for newcomers and expats. These communities often organize gatherings, hikes, dinners, and cultural outings. Even if you’re only visiting briefly, joining these groups can help you discover local happenings and meet new people.
Laundromat and Community Boards
It may sound odd, but laundromats, recreation centers, and university notice boards usually feature posters for workshops, local concerts, art shows, and community events. They’re a surprisingly effective window into the everyday pulse of a place.
Coffee Shops
Independent cafés often act as cultural hubs. They tend to display flyers for book readings, open mics, pop-up markets, or neighborhood happenings. Plus, baristas usually know what’s worth checking out nearby and often have great tips.
Google Maps Explore
Google Maps offers an “Explore” feature that highlights nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities. You can filter by category or distance and read reviews from others who’ve visited. It’s a simple way to find options you may not have searched for on your own.
Local Cultural Magazines
Large cities often publish free cultural magazines that highlight art exhibitions, festivals, theatre performances, food markets, and local events. You’ll usually find them in cafés, bookstores, and galleries. They’re a great way to get a sense of a city’s creative scene.
Tripadvisor
While Tripadvisor is best known for hotel and restaurant reviews, it also has a huge directory of activities and attractions. The reviews can help you decide whether something is worth your time or overpriced and overrated.
Bandsintown
If live music is your thing, Bandsintown helps you see what concerts are happening nearby. You can follow your favorite artists, receive alerts when they’re playing in your area, and check what shows locals are excited about.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite lists everything from food festivals to fitness classes to nightlife events. By linking it to your social accounts, you can also see what your friends are attending if they’re nearby.
Like a Local
Designed to mimic advice from a local friend, this app offers recommendations contributed by people who actually live in the city. You can browse by category, download maps for offline use, and find spots that don’t appear on major tourist sites.
Gravy
Gravy recommends activities based on your mood—whether you’re looking for something lively, relaxed, classy, or adventurous. It’s location-based, so the suggestions are all within reach.
Foodie Forums
If food is a priority when you travel, visit online forums where passionate locals and food lovers debate their favorite spots. You can browse recommendations or ask for suggestions tailored to your tastes.
Your Airbnb Host
Airbnb hosts often know the neighborhood better than anyone. Even if they aren’t physically present, many hosts create digital guidebooks filled with personal recommendations. In major cities, Airbnb also offers city-wide guidebooks compiled from multiple hosts.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing isn’t only about free accommodation. Local groups often host events, dinners, hikes, and social gatherings open to everyone. The app also includes a “Hangouts” feature that helps travelers in the same area connect spontaneously.
Talk to Local People
Nothing beats simply asking a local for recommendations. Whether it’s your barista, a shop owner, a tour guide, or someone you meet at a café, most people love sharing their favorite places—especially those that tourists rarely find.
Exploring beyond the obvious is one of the greatest joys of travel. With a mix of curiosity, digital tools, and human connection, you’ll uncover experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.
