Food & Culinary

75 destinations to live like a local.

Food & Culinary destinations

75 locally curated experiences.

Amsterdam skyline Netherlands

Amsterdam, North Holland

Amsterdam: Canals, Bikes, and Brutal Dutch Honesty

Bike Theft Capital: Locals use two locks minimum and expect bike stolen eventually, 70,000+ bikes stolen annually, locals buy cheap second-hand expecting loss. Drunk Canal Drownings: 15-20 people f…

Athens skyline Greece

Athens, Southern Europe

Athens: Ancient Stones Meet Modern Chaos and Mediterranean Soul

Acropolis Dominance: Ancient citadel visible from everywhere, locals barely glance at Parthenon while tourists crane necks constantly. Traffic Anarchy: Motorcycles on sidewalks, double-parking ever…

Auckland skyline New Zealand

Auckland, Oceania

Auckland: The City of Sails

Coffee Obsession: Kiwis take coffee seriously, locals know every good coffee spot in their neighborhood. Weather Mood Swings: Four seasons in one day is real, locals always carry a jacket. Beach Cu…

Austin skyline United States

Austin, Texas

Austin: Keep Austin Weird - A Dying Dream Crushed by Tech Transplants

California Invasion: Tech workers fleeing Bay Area pricing out locals, natives bitter about transplants, 'Don't California my Texas' bumper stickers everywhere. Keep Austin Weird Irony: Slogan died…

Bangkok skyline Thailand

Bangkok, Southeast Asia

Bangkok: Street Food Capital Meets Digital Nomad Paradise

Traffic Standstill Reality: 2-hour commutes for 5km distances normal, locals time their lives around traffic patterns and work remotely when possible. Street Food University: Every soi (alley) is a…

Barcelona skyline Spain

Barcelona, Western Europe

Barcelona Beyond Las Ramblas

Siesta Reality Check: Shops close 2-5 PM, but restaurants don't open for dinner until 9 PM (locals eat at 10 PM). Beach Etiquette: Topless sunbathing is normal at city beaches, but don't stare like…

Berlin skyline Germany

Berlin, Central Europe

Berlin: Germany's Creative Capital

Cash Culture: Many places only accept cash, locals always carry €50-100. Sunday Closures: Everything closes on Sundays except restaurants and bars, locals plan accordingly. Traffic Light Etiquette:…

Brisbane skyline Australia

Brisbane, Oceania

Brisbane: River City Subtropical Lifestyle Meets Laid-Back Urban Culture

Bin Chicken Obsession: Ibis birds raid bins everywhere, locals have love-hate relationship and endless memes about Brisbane's unofficial mascot. No Daylight Saving: Queensland refuses to adopt dayl…

Budapest skyline Hungary

Budapest, Central Europe

Budapest: Thermal Baths & Ruin Bars

Thermal Bath Etiquette: Locals take it seriously - no swimsuit in saunas, bring flip-flops, don't splash. Ruin Bar Reality: Szimpla Kert is tourist central, locals go to smaller ones in District VI…

Buenos Aires skyline Argentina

Buenos Aires, South America

Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America

European Complex: Porteños think they're more European than Latin American - don't call them Latino. Therapy Culture: Everyone has a psychoanalyst, Freudian psychology part of daily conversation. L…

Canggu skyline Indonesia

Canggu, Southeast Asia

Canggu: Bali's Digital Nomad Paradise

Surf Etiquette: Respect the lineup, don't drop in on waves, locals take surfing seriously. Temple Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting local temples, locals appreciate respect. Traff…

Cape Town skyline South Africa

Cape Town, Southern Africa

Cape Town: Mountain, Sea & Rainbow Nation

Load Shedding Reality: Power cuts scheduled daily, locals plan lives around electricity schedules. Mountain Weather: Table Mountain creates microclimates - sunny in Camps Bay, raining in Newlands s…

Casablanca skyline Morocco

Casablanca, North Africa

Casablanca: Morocco's Economic Heart & Cultural Melting Pot

French-Arabic Language Dance: Conversations switch between Darija Arabic, French, and Berber mid-sentence - locals code-switch without thinking, creating unique linguistic fusion. Prayer Call Coord…

Chengdu skyline China

Chengdu, East Asia

Chengdu Slow Living Panda City

Mahjong Capital: Every park has elderly playing mahjong from dawn to dusk - the clicking of tiles is the city's soundtrack. Spice Tolerance Test: Sichuan peppercorns create mouth numbness (mala), l…

Chiang Mai skyline Thailand

Chiang Mai, Southeast Asia

Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand's Cultural Heart

Temple Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), locals appreciate respect. Songkran Water Festival (April): City shuts down for 3 days of water fights - …

Coimbra skyline Portugal

Coimbra, Western Europe

Coimbra: Portugal's University City

Academic Pride: Locals are fiercely proud of their university heritage and intellectual traditions. Student Culture: Large student population, locals maintain academic and cultural traditions. Trad…

Cusco skyline Peru

Cusco, South America

Cusco: Where Inca Stones Meet Living Quechua Culture

Altitude Shock Reality: 3,400m elevation hits visitors hard, locals chew coca leaves daily and have enlarged lung capacity from birth. Inca Stone Foundations: Colonial buildings built on perfect In…

Da Nang skyline Vietnam

Da Nang, Southeast Asia

Da Nang: Vietnam's Hidden Gem

Traffic Chaos: Motorbikes rule the roads, locals navigate with confidence and patience. Coffee Culture: Strong Vietnamese coffee tradition, locals drink iced coffee all day. Beach Etiquette: Locals…

Dubai skyline UAE

Dubai, Middle East

Dubai: Beyond the Skyscrapers

Traditional Values: Locals maintain strong Emirati traditions despite modern development. Family First: Strong family bonds, locals prioritize family time and traditions. Cultural Integration: Loca…

Dubrovnik skyline Croatia

Dubrovnik, Dalmatia

Dubrovnik: Pearl of the Adriatic Drowning in Cruise Ship Tourists

Game of Thrones Curse: Locals exhausted by King's Landing tourists, streets clogged with walking tours, resentment toward HBO tourism boom. Cruise Ship Invasion: 800+ passengers disgorge simultaneo…

Ericeira skyline Portugal

Ericeira, Western Europe

Ericeira: Portugal's Surf Capital

Surf Etiquette: Locals respect the lineup - don't drop in on waves, wait your turn. Fish Market Timing: Fresh catch arrives 6-7 AM, locals buy before 9 AM for best selection. Parking Chaos: Streets…

Florianópolis skyline Brazil

Florianópolis, Santa Catarina

Florianópolis: Island Magic Meets Brazilian Tech Hub Paradise

Silicon Island Nickname: Tech startup hub of Brazil, locals (manezinhos) watch newcomers transform island, love-hate relationship with development. 42 Beaches Selection: Island offers beach for eve…

George Town skyline Malaysia

George Town, Southeast Asia

George Town, Penang: Street Food Paradise, Colonial Charm, and Digital Nomad Haven on Malaysia's Island

Ranked #4 Globally for Digital Nomads: Penangites still surprised island became top remote work destination, locals casually work from hawker centers. Three Languages Daily: Locals switch between E…

Hanoi skyline Vietnam

Hanoi, Southeast Asia

Hanoi Hustle & Hidden Lanes

Plastic Stool Culture: Locals eat meals on tiny plastic stools on sidewalks - embrace the squat, it's where the best food is. Motorbike Madness: Millions of motorbikes fill streets, cross slowly an…

Hiroshima skyline Japan

Hiroshima, East Asia

Hiroshima: Peace, Okonomiyaki & Island Hopping

Peace City Identity: Atomic bomb history everywhere, locals balance remembrance with normal life. Okonomiyaki Wars: Hiroshima-style vs Osaka-style divides the nation, locals take this food fight se…

Ho Chi Minh City skyline Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Southeast Asia

Ho Chi Minh City: Digital Nomad Hub Meets Street Food Paradise

Motorbike Madness: 8 million scooters create organized chaos, locals navigate by sound and intuition more than traffic laws. Coffee Culture Obsession: Strongest coffee culture in Asia, locals drink…

Hoi An skyline Vietnam

Hoi An, Southeast Asia

Hoi An: Ancient Town Lantern Paradise

Lantern Making Tradition: Every family has lantern-making skills passed down generations - locals craft silk lanterns by hand during monsoon season. Ancient House Rules: 800+ year-old houses still …

Hue skyline Vietnam

Hue, Southeast Asia

Hue: Imperial City & Perfume River

Imperial Etiquette Remains: Locals still bow when passing royal tombs, speak quietly in Citadel grounds - 150 years after monarchy ended, respect continues. Royal Cuisine Complexity: Hue's imperial…

Istanbul skyline Turkey

Istanbul, Eastern Europe

Istanbul Bridge Between Worlds

Call to Prayer Schedule: 5 daily prayers starting before dawn - beautiful but loud if staying near mosques. Haggling Expected: In Grand Bazaar and markets, start at 30% of asking price. Tea Culture…

Jaipur skyline India

Jaipur, South Asia

Jaipur Pink City Secrets

Pink City Origins: Built with pink sandstone in 1876 to welcome Prince of Wales - entire old city maintains pink facade by law. Autorickshaw Negotiations: Always negotiate fare before getting in, o…

Johor Bahru skyline Malaysia

Johor Bahru, Southeast Asia

Johor Bahru Food Paradise

Singapore's Cheaper Cousin: Everything costs 3x less than across the causeway - Singaporeans flood here on weekends for cheap food and shopping. Traffic Jam City: Causeway bridge creates legendary …

Krakow skyline Poland

Krakow, Central Europe

Krakow: Poland's Royal City

Historical Pride: Locals are fiercely proud of their royal history and cultural heritage. Academic Culture: Large student population, locals maintain intellectual and cultural traditions. Tradition…

Kuala Lumpur skyline Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asia

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's Melting Pot

Multi-Cultural Etiquette: Respect all three major cultures (Malay, Chinese, Indian), locals appreciate cultural sensitivity. Prayer Time Respect: Business slows during Muslim prayer times, especial…

Lahore skyline Pakistan

Lahore, South Asia

Lahore: Where Mughal Emperors Meet Street Food Kings

Food as Religion: Locals argue about paaye (trotters) and nihari (slow-cooked beef) with religious fervor, breakfast debates can last hours. Walled City Maze: 13th-century labyrinth where locals na…

Las Palmas skyline Spain

Las Palmas, Southern Europe

Gran Canaria: Island of Eternal Spring

Weather Obsession: Locals constantly talk about 'perfect weather' while complaining about wind or occasional clouds. Island Time: Everything runs slower, appointments flexible, 'ahorita' means some…

Lima skyline Peru

Lima, South America

Lima: Where Ancient Meets Modern Peru

Gray Sky Syndrome: Overcast 8 months yearly, locals call it 'eternal winter' despite no rain. Ceviche Time Rules: Only eaten at lunch, never dinner - locals will judge you for ordering it at night.…

Lisbon skyline Portugal

Lisbon, Western Europe

Lisbon: Seven Hills & Atlantic Soul

Tram 28 Survival: Historic yellow tram packed with tourists and pickpockets - locals only ride it at 7 AM or after 8 PM to avoid chaos. Earthquake Superstition: Buildings lean visibly from 1755 ear…

Ljubljana skyline Slovenia

Ljubljana, Central Europe

Ljubljana: Slovenia's Green Capital

Car-Free Center: Old town is pedestrian-only, locals walk and cycle everywhere. Slovenian Pride: Locals are fiercely proud of their independence and culture, not Yugoslavian. Coffee Culture: Strong…

London skyline United Kingdom

London, Western Europe

London: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Tube Etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left - breaking this rule causes passive-aggressive tutting. Pub Culture Rules: Order at bar, never at table, tipping not expected but appreciated. Q…

Madeira skyline Portugal

Madeira, Western Europe

Madeira: Atlantic Garden Island

Levada Walking Culture: Ancient irrigation channels turned hiking trails - locals maintain these 16th-century waterways and walk them daily for exercise. Eternal Spring Climate: Microclimates every…

Madrid skyline Spain

Madrid, Western Europe

Madrid: Capital Chaos Meets Late-Night Tapas and Royal Spanish Soul

Dinner at Midnight: Restaurant reservations for 10-11 PM normal, locals think 8 PM dinner is embarrassingly early tourist behavior. No Siesta Anymore: Modern Madrid abandoned afternoon rest, shops …

Mallorca skyline Spain

Mallorca, Southern Europe

Mallorca: Beyond the Beach Resorts

Siesta Reality: Everything closes 2-5 PM, even in tourist areas - locals take this seriously. Catalan Pride: Locals speak Mallorquí (Catalan dialect), not Spanish, and are fiercely proud of it. Tou…

Marrakech skyline Morocco

Marrakech, North Africa

Marrakech Maze Master

Haggling is Expected: Start at 30% of asking price, walk away if they won't budge - they'll often call you back. Fake Guides: Ignore anyone offering to show you around for "just tips" - they work o…

Medellín skyline Colombia

Medellín, South America

Medellín: City of Eternal Spring

Paisa Pride: Antioquia region has distinct identity, locals more proud of being Paisa than Colombian. Pablo Escobar Tourism: Locals tired of narco-tourism but understand economic necessity, complic…

Melbourne skyline Australia

Melbourne, Oceania

Melbourne: Australia's Cultural Capital

Coffee Obsession: Melburnians take coffee seriously, locals know every good coffee spot in their neighborhood. Weather Mood Swings: Four seasons in one day is real, locals always carry a jacket. Cu…

Mexico City skyline Mexico

Mexico City, North America

Mexico City: Cultural Giant & Creative Capital

Altitude Reality Check: 7,350 feet elevation means you'll get winded walking up stairs - locals carry small oxygen cans in their bags. Earthquake Drills on the 19th: Monthly citywide earthquake sim…

New Orleans skyline USA

New Orleans, North America

New Orleans: Jazz, Gumbo & Second Lines

Second Line Culture: Spontaneous parades with brass bands - locals join in, tourists watch. Drive-Thru Daiquiri: Frozen cocktails in drive-thru windows - perfectly legal, locals do it daily. Cemete…

New York City skyline USA

New York City, North America

New York City: Beyond Times Square

Neighborhood Pride: Locals identify by their neighborhood first, not just 'New Yorker'. Subway Culture: Locals navigate the subway instinctively, know every line and transfer. Food Obsession: Local…

Osaka skyline Japan

Osaka, East Asia

Osaka: Japan's Kitchen & Comedy Central

Escalator Etiquette: Stand on RIGHT side (opposite of Tokyo), locals will push past if you're wrong. Kuidaore Culture: 'Eat til you drop' - locals obsessed with food, judge restaurants by queues. K…

Perth skyline Australia

Perth, Oceania

Perth: World's Most Isolated City Meets Indian Ocean Paradise

Isolation Pride: Closest major city is Adelaide 2,700km away, locals embrace geographic remoteness as badge of honor and lifestyle advantage. Time Zone Confusion: Western Australia 2-3 hours behind…

Playa del Carmen skyline Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya's Expat Paradise Meets Tourist Invasion

Gringo-fication Complete: Locals (Mexican workers) outnumbered by tourists and expats, Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) international shopping mall not Mexican town. Expat Bubble Thick: English everywhe…

Ploiesti skyline Romania

Ploiesti, Eastern Europe

Ploiesti: Romania's Oil Capital

Oil Heritage: City built on petroleum industry, locals are proud of their industrial history. Traditional Markets: Locals shop at century-old markets, avoiding modern shopping centers. Coffee Cultu…

Pokhara skyline Nepal

Pokhara, South Asia

Pokhara: Nepal's Lake City

Mountain Spirit: Locals have deep connection to Himalayas, mountains are sacred and part of daily life. Lake Culture: Phewa Lake is central to local life, locals fish, boat, and gather here daily. …

Porto skyline Portugal

Porto, Western Europe

Porto: Wine, Tiles & Portuguese Soul

Fado vs Fado: Porto fado is different from Lisbon - more melancholic, locals prefer Coimbra-style university fado. Port Wine Rules: Never call it 'porto wine', just 'port' - locals get defensive ab…

Prague skyline Czech Republic

Prague, Central Europe

Prague: Beer Culture Meets Bohemian Soul in Heart of Europe

Beer Cheaper Than Water: Half-liter pivo (beer) costs less than bottled water in most pubs, locals drink beer daily and judge quality strictly. Tram Ticket Inspectors: Plain-clothes controllers app…

Rome skyline Italy

Rome, Southern Europe

Rome Like a Roman

Cappuccino Rules: Only drink cappuccino before 11 AM, never after meals - locals will judge. Aperitivo Culture: 6-8 PM drinks with free buffet snacks, essentially replacing dinner for many. Traffic…

San José skyline Costa Rica

San José, Central Valley

San José: Central Valley Hub Beyond Gateway Status

Gateway Reputation: Tourists rush through to beaches, locals live actual lives here, capital dismissed unfairly as dangerous layover city. No Military Legacy: National Museum in former military bar…

Sarajevo skyline Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo, Eastern Europe

Sarajevo: Where East Meets West

Coffee Culture Obsession: Bosnians drink coffee for hours - it's social ritual, not caffeine fix. Sarajevo Roses: Red resin fills mortar shell craters in sidewalks - locals call them 'roses'. Tram …

Seminyak skyline Indonesia

Seminyak, Bali

Seminyak: Bali's Upscale Beach Club Playground Where Rice Paddies Became Villas

Rice Paddies to Villas: Locals (Balinese) sold family land for development, grandparents who farmed now grandchildren work as villa staff, irreversible transformation. Aussie Bogan Capital: Seminya…

Seoul skyline South Korea

Seoul, East Asia

Seoul: K-Culture Capital & 24/7 Energy

Ppalli-ppalli Culture: 'Hurry, hurry' mentality, locals do everything at breakneck speed. Age Hierarchy Sacred: Formal language changes based on age, locals calculate birth years constantly. 24/7 L…

Singapore skyline Singapore

Singapore, Southeast Asia

Singapore: The Lion City Insider

Chewing Gum Ban: Illegal to sell or import, but not illegal to chew if you brought it from elsewhere. Death Penalty for Drugs: Signs everywhere, locals take it very seriously - don't joke about it.…

Split skyline Croatia

Split, Central Europe

Split: Diocletian's Palace Living History, Dalmatian Coast Soul, and Island Ferry Gateway

Living in Roman Palace: 3,000+ locals actually live inside Diocletian's Palace walls built 305 AD, laundry hanging from ancient stones. Ranked #162 But Rising: More popular than Prague/Krakow/Budap…

Taipei skyline Taiwan

Taipei, East Asia

Taipei: Night Markets, Tech Infrastructure, and 7-Eleven Culture in Asia's Safest Digital Nomad Haven

Ranked Top 15 Globally for Digital Nomads: Score 78/100 with 14% return rate, locals quietly proud of international recognition. 7-Eleven Social Hub: 6,000+ convenience stores serve as community ce…

Tashkent skyline Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Central Asia

Tashkent: Where Silk Road Meets Soviet Dreams

Soviet Architecture Meets Silk Road: Marble metro stations underground while bazaars operate above using 1000-year-old trading methods. Triple Language Reality: Locals switch between Uzbek, Russian…

Tbilisi skyline Georgia

Tbilisi, Central Asia

Tbilisi: Where Europe Meets Asia Over Wine & Khachapuri

8,000-Year Wine Heritage: Locals invented winemaking in clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground for fermentation. Polyphonic Singing Tradition: UNESCO-recognized Georgian polyphony, locals h…

Tirana skyline Albania

Tirana, Central Albania

Tirana: Balkan's Cheapest Capital Where Locals Dodge Scooters Through Bunker-Turned-Cafés

Scooter Anarchy: Sidewalks are scooter highways, locals dodge vehicles while walking, honking constant soundtrack, traffic rules decorative suggestions. Bunker Cafés: Communist paranoia left 750,00…

Tokyo skyline Japan

Tokyo, East Asia

Tokyo Local Secrets

Elevator Etiquette: Always stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (opposite of Osaka). Shoe Culture: Remove shoes when entering homes, some restaurants, and temples - look for shoe racks at …

Tulum skyline Mexico

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Tulum: Bohemian Chic Wellness Paradise or Performative Eco-Posturing?

Performative Eco-Consciousness: 'No shoes, no shirt, no problem' while flying private jets, locals (workers) laugh at wealthy pretending sustainability, greenwashing capital of world. Cenote Cultur…

Ubud skyline Indonesia

Ubud, Southeast Asia

Ubud: Rice Terraces, Balinese Ceremonies, and Spiritual Wellness Heart Beyond Beach Bali

Spiritual Alternative to Beach Bali: Locals chose jungle over coast maintaining Balinese Hindu traditions tourists in Canggu ignore. Daily Temple Offerings: Canang sari placed everywhere multiple t…

Valencia skyline Spain

Valencia, Southern Europe

Valencia: Where Paella Tradition Meets Mediterranean Innovation

Paella Lunch-Only Rule: Authentic paella eaten at lunchtime only, locals judge tourists ordering it for dinner as clueless foreigners. Valenciano Language: Local dialect between Catalan and Spanish…

Warsaw skyline Poland

Warsaw, Central Europe

Warsaw: Poland's Phoenix City

Cash Culture: Many places prefer cash, locals always carry złoty notes. Traffic Light Respect: Locals wait for green lights, jaywalking is frowned upon. Sunday Shopping: Most shops closed on Sunday…

Weligama skyline Sri Lanka

Weligama, Southern Province

Weligama: Surf Bay Budget Paradise Where Fishermen Still Stilt

Stilt Fishermen Reality: Iconic stilt fishing mostly tourist photo-op now, locals charge €5-10 to pose, real fishing done early dawn or dusk when tourists sleep. Budget Nomad Explosion: €300/month …

Windhoek skyline Namibia

Windhoek, Southern Africa

Windhoek: Where Desert Meets German Heritage

German-African Fusion: German street names with African pronunciation, schnitzel served with pap. Windhoek Lager Pride: Local beer is point of national pride, rivals South African brands. Himba vs …

Xi'an skyline China

Xi'an, East Asia

Xi'an Ancient Capital Secrets

Ancient Capital Pride: Former capital of 13 dynasties, locals constantly reference 3,000-year history in daily conversations. Noodle Obsession: City revolves around hand-pulled noodles, locals judg…

Zagreb skyline Croatia

Zagreb, Central Europe

Zagreb: Café Culture, Remote Work Hub, and Central European Charm Without Tourist Crowds

Europe's Fastest-Growing Remote Hub: Zagreb became #2 digital nomad city globally in 2023, locals still surprised by sudden international attention. Café Sitting Culture: Ordering single coffee and…