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Most people want to avoid tourist traps when they go on vacation. Now, you might be really surprised to hear this, but sometimes, tourist traps are sneaky! But these should be obvious, though, right?
Well, on the surface, they look like part of the experience. For example, maybe you see the neon lights, big themed décor, menus with ten pages of food photos, and a line of vacationers waiting out front. Or maybe it was recommended by an influencer on Instagram or TikTok. It looks like THE place to be.
But once you sit down, well, that’s when reality hits. The food’s average at best (well, if you’re lucky, that is), the bill’s ridiculous, and you realize you’ve just paid a premium for the atmosphere. At that rate, you’re honestly better off forking over that money for a food tour of the city, right?
It happens to almost everyone at some point. Like I just mentioned, sometimes tourist traps can actually be sneaky and hiding in plain sight, but usually, there are some red flags you can spot.
Here are some great tips for how to avoid tourist traps and actually find local food spots when you travel!
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Location Can Give It Away
The location can sometimes be a clue that it’s a tourist trap. Not always, but for the most part, it definitely can. So, one of the easiest ways to avoid tourist traps is to pay attention to where they’re located.
If it’s right in the middle of the busiest, most tourist-heavy part of town, that’s your first clue. Big chains love these spots because they know people will stumble in without thinking twice. Some good examples of tourist traps in the US would be places like TGI Fridays, Joe’s Crab Shack, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., or Dick’s Last Resort.
They all scream “tourist” because they’re built around a gimmick and thrive on foot traffic from people who just want something familiar or convenient. In other countries, they might not be chain restaurants, but they can still be tourist traps that try to lure you in with something “extra” other than the food.
Besides, locals rarely eat there, and that should tell you everything! Pay attention to who’s eating there and waiting in line to get in.
The Menu Test
A menu can say a lot without even trying. If it’s plastered with photos of every dish, that’s most likely a red flag. How so? Well, locals don’t need pictures of a burger or a plate of pasta to know what they’re ordering, but tourists might. Especially in places where most tourists don’t speak the local language. The exception to this test is food trucks and other fast food places.
The bigger the menu, the more cautious you should be, too. Restaurants that serve everything from sushi to pizza to barbecue usually aren’t doing any of it particularly well. There are exceptions to this rule, of course, but for the most part, you should avoid these if you want to avoid tourist traps.
Ask the People Who Know
The best way to find local food spots is so simple, and yet so underrated. A lot of times, bartenders, baristas, shop owners, and Uber or taxi drivers love sharing their favourite places, and they’re rarely sending you to a tourist trap.
Even people who work with tourists, like hotel staff, are going to be more than happy to recommend local places they enjoy. My favorite thing to do is to book a food tour my first night somewhere and ask my local guide where else I should eat on my trip. They’ll tell you about the hidden spots, the family-owned restaurants, and the places they spend their own money at.
Actually, that’s how travelers find gems like the best Italian restaurant on the square in the area you’re at. You’ll know for a fact it’s somewhere the locals are enjoying, and that the food is going to be great. Overall, always ask locals; whether it’s food or activities, they’re going to be more than happy to give personal recommendations!
Just Look Around You
The last tip is to just look around you! That sounds easy, right? Well, sure, this is definitely an “obvious” tip, but it still helps. And it’s easy to forget to do this if you’re feeling overwhelmed with options or tired from a day of activities.
So, if everyone looks like they’re holding maps, wearing souvenir T-shirts, or dragging roller suitcases, you’ve probably found yourself in tourist trap territory. Or if there’s someone standing outside every restaurant on the street trying to entice people inside, you might want to avoid those spots.
But if you spot families, couples, or groups of people who look like they just got off work, that’s a sign you’ve found the real local food spots. Locals don’t usually waste time or money on mediocre food, so if they’re there, it’s worth trying!
Don’t Waste a Good Meal - Avoid Tourist Traps!
Now you know how to avoid tourist traps on your next trip! It isn’t as hard as you would think, once you know what to look out for.
And sometimes, even if you do everything “right,” you can still end up at a touristy or mediocre place. Taste is subjective, after all, and not everyone is going to enjoy the same things. And if you do enjoy the touristy spots, there’s nothing wrong with that!
Once you find local food spots you love, be sure to recommend them to others, too! Let me know your favorite places in the comments below.
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