Like A Local: Insider Tips For The World’s Top Cities

Eiffel Tower? Check. Empire State Building? Check. Gardens by the Bay? Check. You’ve seen the sights, but have you seen the real Paris, New York or Singapore? Not to diss the world’s iconic landmarks, but sometimes you just want to get a more local feel for a city.

We asked our network of bloggers across the globe to reveal where to eat, shop, sleep, party and play like the locals do. Follow their tips, and you might discover that what separates the travellers from the tourists is is not knowing when – or if – you want to go home…

SOUTH AMERICA

BOGÓTA, COLOMBIA
Lina Maestre, writer and travel blogger. patoneando.com

The Neighbourhood Hangout…
“The La Macarena neighborhood is a hive of cultural activity in the Colombian capital, offering not only beautiful views, but also a great gastronomic variety for all tastes, plus live shows.”

My Top Tip…
“On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find what’s undoubtedly my favourite place: the salt mines of Nemocón, which offers interactive activities and a museum – and also has less tourists than other places. About an hour from the salt mines, you can visit Laguna de Guatavita, purported to be the inspiration behind the famous legend of El Dorado.”

Do As The Locals Do…
“As for unique experiences, do not leave the city without having played tejo, the national sport of Colombia; in the Zona Rosa district, you can join group activities and spend an afternoon full of fun, sport and beer.”

[Photo left: Reg Natarajan/Flickr; Photo right: Adam Cohn/Flickr]

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Floxie, Argentina-based travel blogger. floxie.com.ar

Don’t Miss…
“Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city, a fusion of European and Latin styles, where you can find a variety of gastronomy and nightlife. The diverse neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires have a lot to offer, and the best thing to do is simply get lost in them, and see what surprises you find. Enjoy a weekend touring the antique fairs of San Telmo, taking a street art circuit tour of Palermo Viejo, visiting the Japanese Garden, or exploring Belgrano’s Chinatown.”

Do As The Locals Do…
“As a local, I highly recommend that you visit the Island of Tigre for a weekend – navigate its rivers and canals, and at night visit the many bars with top-notch bartenders serving their signature drinks.”

[Photo left: Liam Quinn/Flickr; Photo right: Vladimir/Flickr]

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Mariel Rocío Galán Alvarado, Mexico-based travel, culture and food blogger. marieldeviaje.com

The Place To Explore…
“Santa María la Ribera, located in the Cuauhtémoc borough, is one of the oldest areas in Mexico City and is full of architectural highlights, urban art and delicious food. In the restaurants, you can try typical Mexican dishes and snacks, such as tlayuda, salbutes, mole, barbacoa, cochinita pibil, sopa de lima, birria, quesadillas and more. In addition, few know that this neighbourhood is home to Kolobok, the most recognised Russian restaurant in Mexico.”

If You’re Thirsty…
“If you’re looking to quench your thirst drinks, head to a cantina cantina. The Santa María area offers legendary cantinas, like Cantina Salón París, where José Alfredo Jiménez was heard singing for the first time. In the historical city centre, I recommend the famous Tenampa, a restaurant-bar with a great atmosphere, good mariachis and typical Mexican food. You must sing rancheras here while drinking tequila.”

For Something Unique…
“Go to Lucha Libre, a great wrestling show. You’ll have fun while drinking beer, buying a mask – and you can feel free to scream your heart out. What more can you ask for?”

[Photo left: katiebordner/Flickr; Photo right: Carlos Adampol Galindo/Wikimedia Commons]

LIMA, PERU
Mary Salas, photographer and Latin America travel blogger. losviajesdemary.com

Don’t Miss…
“The most beautiful neighbourhoods of Lima are Miraflores and Barranco – both have a lot to offer, with unforgettable views of the coast. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk in Miraflores, an area where locals love to walk, play sports and have fun with their pets in the various parks that offer beautiful vistas of the sea. In the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, check out the cafés, restaurants and shops with unique designs, plus the famous Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs).”

My Culinary Tips…
“As for restaurants, you can enjoy good food no matter where you are Peru: for the 6th consecutive year we’ve been named the ‘Best Culinary Destination in the World’, according to the World Travel Awards (WTA). Several Peruvian restaurants are on the list of ‘Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants’: Central, Maido, Astrid & Gastón, Osso Carnicería y Salumeria, La Mar, Isolina, Rafael, Malabar, Fiesta and Ámaz. Take your pick.”

For Something Unique…
“If you are looking for an adrenaline rush accompanied by incredible views, I recommend paragliding at the Malecón Cisneros – it’s a unique experience. Another option is to go to the Brisas del Titicaca, where you can catch shows highlighting typical Peruvian dances.”

[Photo left: Emmanuel Dyan/Flickr]

MEDELLÍN, COLOMBIA
Isabel Puerta, backpacker and travel blogger. lasrutasdeisa.com

Do As The Locals Do…
“If you visit the city of the ‘Paisas’ (people from the northwest of Colombia) and want to delve into the local culture, you can’t miss a stroll through the streets of the city centre. However, I don’t just mean the famous Plaza Botero and the Museo de Antioquia, which are part of the usual tours; I mean the places where you can live and breathe Paisa life in all its splendour. Venture beyond the tourist hubs, and you’ll find many open-air shops selling everything from TV remotes to shoelaces, lottery tickets, sugarcane juice, secondhand books and literally anything else you can think of. It’s when you wander through streets like Carabobo and Ayacucho that you begin to understand the dynamics of the city and its people, its chaos and its undeniable beauty.”

My Go-To Restaurant…
“If you want to taste delicious traditional food, go to Alambique – it captivates right from the beginning with its art gallery, in addition to the good music, soft lighting, inviting atmosphere and tasty dishes.”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Thata Monteiro, Rio-based lifestyle blogger. acaradorio.com

Don’t Miss…
“Most first-time visitors tend to skip Barra da Tijuca. However I recommend it not only because I live there, but just because it’s worth it. The neighbourhood’s most famous location is Pepê Beach, busiest between stations 1 and 3 of the boardwalk, where you’ll find the most popular kiosks: Yndu, K08 and Clássico Beach Club. The beach and the people here are beautiful, and on weekdays you’ll find more local families than tourists.”

My Top Tip…
“Near Rio’s most famous park (Jardim Botânico) is Parque Lage, a super-photogenic place with a lot of history, plus lovely trees, picnic spots and a beautiful view of Christ the Redeemer. It’s a great place to have a delicious Rio-style breakfast. Come early on weekends, because this park gets crowded quickly, especially with locals.”

Little-Known Highlight…
“In the Flamengo neighbourhood, you’ll find House Julieta de Serpa (Casa Julieta de Serpa) – a stunning, historic house that almost nobody puts on their itinerary. Built in 1920 by a rich merchant who wanted to give his beloved wife the most beautiful home in Rio de Janeiro, it was designed by a French architect, and all the finishings came from Europe. It has protected heritage status and now functions as a cultural space with exhibitions, shows, plays and other events. The on-site café offers European afternoon tea, as well as ‘musical tea’, presented by the Julieta de Serpa theatre company.”

Feel Like A Local…
“Spend an afternoon in the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa, and end the night watching a show at Circo Voador, preferably a local Rio singer or band. The place heaves with the energy of a diverse crowd from all over, singing and dancing like they’re right at home – the atmosphere is friendly, with good vibes all around.”

[Photo left: Yacine Petitprez/Flickr; Photo right: Circo Voador]

NORTH AMERICA

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
Christina Solomon, Chicago-based food and event critic. chritiques.com

My Top Tips…
“Chicago – The Windy City, The City of Broad Shoulders – is a bustling, international destination. Beyond the typical touristy sites of Michigan Avenue, The Bean and Navy Pier, the city is charming, with lakes, waterways and green spaces, and is a first-in-class food city, featuring its own Michelin Guide. Lincoln Park, situated just a few miles north of downtown Chicago, is an easy bus or taxi ride away, is the home of Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory and Oz Park – featuring statues of the characters from The Wizard of Oz – as well as wonderful shops and restaurants. The colourful Pilsen, just south of downtown, boasts some of Chicago’s best new restaurants, including Haisous and S.K.Y., along with art galleries, bold murals and Mexican-American culture. Finally, do not miss the culture: listening to jazz at The Green Mill, experiencing an opera at the Lyric, or taking the Metra to Ravinia Festival on Chicago’s North Shore for live music as you relax with a picnic on the lawn.”

[Photo left: Alan Scott Walker/Wikimedia Commons; Photo right: Adam Jones/Wikimedia Commons]

NEW YORK CITY, UNITED STATES
Melissa Kravitz, Essentials Contributor

Worth Exploring…
“Though Williamsburg has gotten more popular in recent years, its Brooklyn location tends to deter tourists. You don’t need elaborate plans to wander down Bedford Avenue and the adjacent streets, stepping into boutiques, small stores, cafés and restaurants. Further north, Greenpoint offers another slew of independent businesses to browse, all popular with locals on weekends.”

An Undiscovered Gem…
“The New York Public Library’s main branch, next to Bryant Park, is Manhattan’s best free museum. Entry is always free, and you can hop on a complimentary tour or browse the special exhibits, historic reading rooms, artefacts and more on your own.”

Do As The Locals Do…
“Feeling some mystery liquid drip on your head, accidentally kicking a pile of trash bags and seeing a family of rats run out, and getting stuck underground on the subway without cell reception for 20+ minutes are all hugely authentic New Yorker experiences, but for something a little more pleasant, head to a public park, bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery and people-watching. In Manhattan, Central Park is of course the most famous open green space, but Riverside Park on the Hudson River is a waterside alternative. And in Brooklyn, New Yorkers from all parts of the city flock to Prospect Park to eat takeout, picnic, exercise, ice skate in winter and more.”

[Photo left: Diliff/Wikimedia Commons]

TORONTO, CANADA
Ashley Allinson, Toronto-based food blogger. torontofoodblog.com

My Top Culinary Tip…
“When foodies visit Toronto for the first time, they tend to gravitate to the St. Lawrence Market. This is a pretty good play, considering the 120+ vendors and the proximity to downtown. For a truly authentic Toronto experience, however, I would recommend visiting a different market altogether. Located beside Chinatown on downtown’s west side, Kensington Market is a neighbourhood that tourists tend to skip, but warrants exploration. A known mecca for international tastes, specialty food shops and libation purveyors, Kensington is within walking distance from most downtown hotels.”

My Kensington Market Picks…
“Enjoy a fish taco at Seven Lives, a patty and coco bread at Patty King, tortas at San Cosme, empanadas at El Gordo, jerk chicken at Rasta Pasta, patio drinks at Ronnie’s Local, döner kebabs at Otto’s, fries at Moo Frites, coffee at Jimmy’s, fine dining at Grey Gardens, some mary jane at Hot Box Café (if that’s your thing), charcuterie provisions at Global Cheese, BBQ fixins at Sanagan’s Meat Locker… and the list goes on, whatever your taste! Free (for now) of commercial gentrification, try visiting Kensington Market on Pedestrian Sunday so you can walk down the middle of the street and take in all the sights, sounds and smells in a car-free, festival-like environment.”

[Photo left: Ryan/Flickr; Photo right: Will Powell/Flickr]

EUROPE

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Melissa Adams, Amsterdam blogger. uncloggedblog.com

Venture Further Afield…
“Some of Amsterdam’s most fascinating neighbourhoods lie just outside the city’s 17th-century canal belt, which tourists rarely venture beyond. In Oud-West, a turn-of-the-century tram depot has been transformed into De Hallen, a buzzing hotspot with funky shops, an arthouse cinema and an indoor food court offering everything from dim sum to artisanal pizza. In Noord (accessible via ferry, bus and a new metro line), A’DAM Lookout offers panoramic views from a revolving restaurant, and Europe’s tallest swing. Stunning vistas also can be had from three luxury suites and a rooftop jacuzzi at the Crane Hotel Faralda, set in a refurbished crane on NDSM Wharf. In multicultural De Pijp, folks line up for fare that’s as Instagrammable as it is yummy at The Avocado Show. Two blocks over, Taart Van Mijn Tante offers sensory overload in a fantasy tearoom.”

[Photo left: Franklin Heijnen/Flickr; Photo right: A’DAM Lookout]

BARCELONA, SPAIN
Suzy Taher, Barcelona food blogger. foodieinbarcelona.com

Do As The Locals Do…
“Gather a group of friends together on a Sunday and settle down for a vermouth. Traditionally the perfect time for this is after Sunday mass ends, around 11:30, with lunch another 2 hours away. Order your vermouth, a fortified wine that starts life as white wine before being infused with caramel for colour and all manner of different spices – which are usually a closely guarded secret. If they have a house vermouth, out of a barrel, go for that one. It will come with a large green olive and a wedge of orange. Sides are essential: a bag of chips fried with olive oil and doused in spicy, vinegary red sauce, boquerones (anchovies), more olives – perhaps of the Arbequinas variety. Ease into the afternoon while you decide on where to go for lunch.”

An Undiscovered Gem…
“Think ‘Barcelona’, and Gaudí is probably the first name that comes to mind. But there are other, equally important names, such as Lluís Domènech i Montaner, one of the most important architects of Catalan Art Nouveau. His work on the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau is worth a visit. Built as separate pavilions surrounded by gardens and linked by underground tunnels, the original design was for 48 buildings, of which only 27 were built. The site includes such details as therapeutic gardens and has UNESCO World Heritage status for its beauty.”

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Andrew and Emily, London-based travel bloggers. alongdustyroads.com

Venture Further Afield…
“Both Brixton and Peckham Rye are areas in London, south of the river, which locals wouldn’t have gone out of their way to visit for a while, let alone tourists. However, both are really ‘up-and-coming’ in the last few years, with interesting new restaurants, bars, cultural centres and nighttime spots. Both share an experience of London which is much closer to how locals experience it, rather than the sights, sounds, and crowds of the touristic centre.”

An Undiscovered Gem…
“We are lucky enough to live quite close to Abney Park Cemetery, and we can honestly say it is very special, but few people know about it. A sprawling expanse of unruly forest smack-bang in the middle of the city, it feels very much like you’ve been transported to the countryside. However, that’s just the start of what makes Abney so special: notable radicals and figures from the 19th and 20th centuries are buried here, whilst the thousands of graves are in higgledy-piggledy clustered assortments like we’ve never seen anywhere else. There’s also a gorgeous old church ruin right in the centre. We love walking around the park on our own, but there are also guided walks, wood carving classes and regular events there, too.”

My Go-To Restaurant…
“Going for Vietnamese food on Kingsland Road one evening is something we always do with friends when they visit. Along the stretch of road, there are about a dozen authentic Vietnamese restaurants, from the long-established to the new fusions, and they’re good for any visitor’s budget (especially as you can still bring your own booze to some of them). See which one catches your fancy, but Mien Tay is usually a good option.”

[Photo left: Geograph.org.uk; Photo right: Bob Walker/Flickr]

PARIS, FRANCE
Erica Berman, blogger and Paris insider. hipparis.com

Go Off The Beaten Track…
“I adore the Goutte D’Or district. It’s still up-and-coming, very cool and edgy, and not the neighbourhood most visitors expect when they land at Charles de Gaulle airport. A short walk from the Sacré-Coeur tourist mecca, the immigrant microcosm of African hairdressers, halal butchers and informal street stalls selling corn husks around the Barbès-Rochechouart intersection is not one that even some Parisians aspire to visit.”

A Hidden Gem…
“I really love the tiny park behind Place des Abbesses: the Square Jehan-Rictus with the ‘I love you’ wall. It’s small, peaceful and beautiful.”

My Must-Try Restaurant…
“I’m loving Mokonuts right now, a restaurant focusing on quality ingredients – locally sourced and impeccably in season.”

My Top Tip…
“I think the best thing to do in Paris is walk, walk, walk. As much as you can. That is the way to experience the real Paris.”

[Photo left: Francisco Gonzales/Flickr; Photo right: Shadowgate/Wikimedia Commons]

ROME, ITALY
Katie Parla, Rome-based cookbook author, food and travel writer. katieparla.com

Venture Further Afield…
“The list of neighbourhoods that visitors skip is endless. Most tourists stick to the Vatican, Centro Storico and Trastevere, but there are well over 100 more areas in town worthy of exploration. Because I love food, my favourite is Trionfale, a neighbourhood just north of the Vatican Museums. It is home to Rome’s largest and most authentic market (Mercato Trionfale with over 200 stalls), best pizza by the slice (baker Gabriele Bonci’s Pizzarium), most accessible gourmet deli (La Tradizione), and most legendary porchetta sandwich (Panificio Bonci). If after that you need a sweet finale, it’s just a short walk to Gelateria dei Gracchi in the adjacent Prati district.”

A Secret Highlight…
“There’s a museum near Stazione Termini, the city’s central train terminal, called Palazzo Massimo. It’s packed with frescoes, as well as marble and bronze masterpieces, from the Roman Empire. In spite of its stellar collection, it’s almost always empty, and there’s nothing I love more than strolling its halls solo and having Livia’s 1st-century BC villa frescoes and Caligula’s 1st-century bronze furniture all to myself!”

My Must-Try Meal…
“Romans know you don’t have to spend much to eat really well. Visitors can benefit from the delicious and ubiquitous ‘fast food’ like polpette di bollito (fried rice croquettes) and panino con l’allesso di bollito (simmered brisket sandwiches) at Mordi e Vai, a 6-year-old stall in the Testaccio Market. For under €10 you can eat both, washed down with a crisp beer. Open Monday to Sunday, the market itself is a worthy stop, especially if you plan to self-cater.”

ASIA & THE MIDDLE EAST

BANGKOK, THAILAND
Allan Wilson, Bangkok-based lifestyle and travel blogger. live-less-ordinary.com

My Top Tip…
“Bangkok is obviously a huge destination for tourists, yet only a dollar or two from any tourist area by taxi, and you’ll find yourself well off the tourist path – it’s a simple ratio thing for a lone traveller in a city of over 8 million. As an expat, I will always recommend exploring during the evening hours, outside of congested travel times and when the temperatures are more bearable. It’s also the time when Bangkok’s night markets come to life – like the lesser-known Huamum Night Market near Ladprao. Here I would recommend the Koong Tung (Shrimp Bucket), one of the more recent food trends at night markets, also known as a ‘seafood table’. Barbecued meats are served direct to the table top, before a hot and tangy ‘bang bang’ sauce is poured on top. You then eat with your hands, although disposable gloves and a bib are provided to make this rather unique eating experience less messy.”

[Photo: Live Less Ordinary]

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Jhoysi Caasi, Dubai-based thrift store enthusiast, lifestyle and travel blogger. thethrifttrip.com

Not To Miss…
“Bur Dubai and Old Dubai. Bur Dubai starts from Al Jafiliya Metro Station all the way down at Jumeirah Road, where you’ll spot a few of the hard-to-miss wall art installations from the local community, as well as the newly opened Union or Etihad Museum that talks about Dubai history. Old Dubai has a charm of its own, but if you’re really into history and want to know more about how trading here used to go before it became one of the world’s greatest cities, then this area is definitely for you. You’ll find hidden museums where almost no one thinks to visit, plus the Heritage House, the Women’s Museum near the Gold Souq, Naif Museum, Saruq Al-Hadid Archeological Museum and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – all of which you can explore by foot during the winter season. This area also has a lot of small businesses and local shops that are open on a daily basis, even on Fridays. Plus, try riding the Abra (Dubai Creek) back and forth to fully get the local feel.”

My Culinary Tips…
“For local cuisine, I highly recommend the Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Café as well as Al Bait Al Qadeem. However if you want something served fresh, go to the newly opened Waterfront Market, where you can buy veggies, meat and the fresh catch of the day at very affordable prices, and get them cooked in one of the restaurants by the bay.”

Do As The Locals Do…
“I personally think you haven’t travelled to Dubai if you haven’t ridden the public transport. Metros and even the abras (boats) and buses are well-organised, and it is indeed safe to travel here – even solo. Another authentic experience? Try a camel burger or, better yet, a camel milk ice cream!”

[Photos: Jhoysi Caasi]

HONG KONG
Theresa Wu and Kenze Lung, Hong Kong-based fashion bloggers and creatives. ezzentricBlog.com

The Other Hong Kong:
“Tourists usually come to Hong Kong for its iconic ‘concrete jungle’ views and the city life, but a lot of them don’t know that the local nature is worth exploring, too. Hong Kong hikes are actually very famous, and you’re definitely missing out if you don’t go on one here! From the Dragon’s Back hike to a deserted beach walk in Sai Kung, the magnificent views and nature are priceless.”

Do As The (Social Media Savvy) Locals Do…
“The ‘Instagram Pier’ in Sai Wan has been very popular among Hong Kong youngsters and photography fanatics, but I guess it’s not as popular among tourists yet. It’s gotten its name as it has an amazing harbour view, where visitors can take heaps of ‘Instagrammable’ photos. The sunset view is especially incredible!”

My Culinary Tips…
“We are big fans of Little Bao and SOHOFAMA, both in Sheng Wan. Little Bao is a unique east-meets-west Chinese burger place serving delicious ‘baos’ and their own signature fusion dishes. At SOHOFAMA, you can enjoy healthy yet yummy traditional Chinese dishes in a hip and stylish interior. All the dishes at SOHOFAMA are low-chemical and cooked with locally grown ingredients.”

[Photo left: Daniel Tam/Flickr; Photo right: Little Bao]

ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Ansel Mullins, Istanbul-based entrepreneur and culinary tour guide. culinarybackstreets.com

The Other Bazaar…
“Istanbul may be best known for the Grand Bazaar, home to rug hawkers and souvenir salesmen, but one of the city’s greatest and most overlooked treasures is the weekly Wednesday street market in the Fatih District, known as the ‘Çarşamba Pazari’. For one day a week, a swath of streets in Istanbul’s old city are closed to traffic and covered in improvised tents and structures, for the sale of everything from discount underwear to artisanal village cheeses, fresh vegetables and olive oil. This visually spectacular happening is the commercial beating heart of the city and an elaborate social occasion that is not to be missed. If you spot a roving tea vendor, follow him back to his shop and grab a perch to watch the day unfold while eating a simple fresh slice of cheese and herb börek pastry.”

[Photos: Culinary Backstreets]

SINGAPORE
Mitsueki, aka Daphy, Singapore-based food, lifestyle and travel blogger. mitsueki.sg

Don’t Miss…
“The Farrer Park area! In general, most tourists would only pop by Little India for a short visit to the temples, but I think there is more to this area. You just have to explore further up from Little India onwards to Farrer Park, and you’ll find a charming neighbourhood filled with plenty of restaurants and cafés, where you can explore the entire day to your heart’s content! I’ve even done local hotel staycations at Farrer Park.”

An Authentic Experience…
“Definitely a meal at one of our many traditional hawker centres around Singapore. Granted, it’s a little hot there since there is no air conditioning, but the food is well worth it! If you can’t take the heat during the day, have dinner there instead when it’s cooler. Order our usual mix of Singaporean favourites such as satay, stingray, BBQ chicken wings, chicken rice, hokkien mee, bak chor mee and more! There is so much variety to choose from at wallet-friendly prices – you can’t go wrong here, and you will be spoiled for choice. Hawker centres are also the best place to get a glimpse of our everyday life. My personal recommendation is Old Airport Road Food Centre if you prefer a more local vibe. I personally go there to eat. However, Lau Pat Sat is a great alternative as the location is so central.”

[Photo left: Alex Monckton/Wikimedia Commons; Photo right: Aussie Aussault/Flickr]

AUSTRALIA

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Joyce Watts, blogger and Melbourne insider. melhotornot.com

Don’t Skip…
“My neighbourhood, Footscray! It’s a multicultural hub, particularly famous for its Vietnamese and African food, trendy up-and-coming cafés, the über-cheap Footscray Market and a vibrant independent arts scene. It also offers one of the best views of the CBD!”

A Unique Experience…
“Shop at one of Melbourne’s many local markets. I particularly love visiting Preston Market, St Albans Market, South Melbourne Market, Dandenong Market and, of course, the grande dame, Queen Victoria Market. You can eat your way around the world without leaving Melbourne.”

[Photo left: brittgow/Flickr; Photo right: Kelvin Tay/Flickr]

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Fiona Brutscher, Essentials Contributor

Do As The Locals Do…
“As an inner western suburb, Newtown has none of the charms that recommend the city’s favourite tourist hotspots. No waterfront, no harbour view, no beach and no attractions that really qualify for sightseeing – is this even Sydney at all? It sure is to the local students, vintage shoppers, social diners and live music lovers, who flock to the area’s eclectic shops, lively restaurants and legendary concert venues.”

My Restaurant Tip…
“Neutral Bay is a quiet residential area located just north of Sydney Harbour Bridge, with beautiful homes on tree-lined streets, but it has little to offer tourists. This, of course, makes it the perfect spot for a midweek waterfront lunch, where you’re unlikely to be rubbing elbows with anyone other than locals. Thelma and Louise sits on the wharf, so it’s only a short ferry ride across the harbour, and the view is as fabulous as the food is tasty.”

A Truly Sydney Experience…
“You might think of surfing as the ultimate Sydney activity, but in reality, many locals don’t surf at all – or save their board for expeditions up and down the coast, where they actually stand a chance of catching a wave in peace. On the other hand, every Sydneysider is sure to have tried their hand at lawn bowls at some stage. Those of an older vintage may be members of a club, where they play competitively while sporting pristine whites, but a younger set have adopted the barefoot casual version, which most of the city’s clubs offer and which is an opportunity to socialise as much as to actually play.”

[Photo left: David Edwards/Wikimedia Commons; Photo right: Sydney Lawn Bowling Club]