Traveling is a lot of fun but sometimes a minor problem can turn into more trouble than it’s worth. One of these problems is not knowing a good place to eat.
It’s quite challenging to find the right restaurant when you’re in a place you’re unfamiliar with. But instead of having to visit the same old fast food chain and miss out on local delicacies, come prepared with a plan.
Here are a few ways you can find the best places to eat in town no matter where you are.
Book a Culinary Walking Tour
Though it may not initially sound like it, a culinary walking tour can be a great idea, especially if you’re interested in the history of food in the place you’re visiting. You’ll be able to visit various places around the city and sample tons of dishes.
Use the opportunity to get an idea of what kind of regional food you would like to try again and what places you’d want to go back to after the tour. These tours are usually tailored for people who can’t read the language, so it’s a great way to get an introduction to the local menu.
Use Social Media Apps
Social media is the ideal place to find local restaurants that truly care about customer service and that entertain their customers with good food and fun events. Apps like Instagram and Facebook can help you find restaurants that are the closest to you.
If you’re craving a specific cuisine, let’s say Chinese food, you can search on social media to find restaurants with pictures of their food to decide if you want to try it. It doesn’t hurt to be more specific like if you try High Tide Sandwiches for around $10.00, you might find a place with a great deal.
Visit a Local Business Review Website
There are plenty of food apps you can download and business review websites you can visit to determine the best food places according to people’s reviews and opinions. They also provide the menus and prices for each restaurant to make it easier to decide with your budget in mind.
TripAdvisor and Yelp are great examples where you can find restaurants based on star ratings and certified reviews. Some apps even let you set reservations and tell you the best time to go to avoid rush hour.
Ask the Local Residents
You can browse social media and food apps all day, but there’s nothing more adventurous than asking the people who live there. Get recommendations from people that move around a lot, like cab drivers and tourist spot employees.
Everyone has a favorite spot that isn’t as popular but serves delicious food. Asking people about their favorite restaurant is also a great icebreaker for you to get travel tips and knowledge about other stuff while you’re in town. Getting their suggestions and input will help you greatly and not just in looking for a place to dine.
Look Around Tourist Attractions
While typically you should avoid restaurants and shops near popular tourist attractions, as locals try to take advantage or scam unsuspecting foreigners, it can also be worth going the extra mile to find a place that’s actually local.
Rather than going to the places that are right next to big attractions, which are usually tourist traps, go for a place that’s off the main path. That ensures you get food that the locals eat and support hard-working local businesses.
Take a Peek at Local Publications
If you want to figure out what places the locals are excited about and what’s currently raving, there’s no better way than reading a local magazine or newspaper. Local publications often shine the spotlight by having sections on the best places to eat in a certain area.
If you can’t find a physical copy, there are plenty of ways you can find the same thing online. Some news agencies also have blogs on their websites about local food and travel.
Find Restaurants on Google Maps
Not only can your map application help you with directions to your destination, but it can also be used to find popular eateries and cafes along the way. If you don’t feel like going very far to get a bite, just type in “local restaurants” to get a list of the closest places.
Map applications also provide contact information, website links, social media pages, and photos of each restaurant to better help you decide where you want to go. All you need to do then is click on it and follow the directions.
Take a Chance
While it’s always good to be calculated and have a plan in mind, sometimes taking a walk to a random part of town and going with your gut feeling is the most satisfying.
Traveling is all about the experiences you have, so don’t waste all day searching for the perfect place. Instead, go find one yourself.