Through our channels, 1.4 million travelers explore 83 cities like a true local.

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 83 cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and update their tips regularly. Their recommendations are appreciated by around 1.4 million travellers each year.

This allows travellers to experience cities like locals and discover hidden gems. With insider tips from locals and a commitment to sustainable travel, our app is your guide to exploring cities off the beaten path.

We offer

Authentic, Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Contribution to Sustainable Tourism

By choosing local hotspots and lesser-known destinations, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

What's our goal?

What drives us?

Overtourism is a growing problem in many cities worldwide, causing negative impacts on local communities and the environment. At Spotted by Locals, we are committed to reducing these impacts and encouraging sustainable travel.

By providing travellers with insider knowledge and encouraging them to explore lesser-known areas, we can help distribute tourism more evenly and support local businesses and communities. How do we do that?

✓ Responsible: Our local writers (Spotters) are people who live in the city, speak the local language and love their city. Spotters cannot write about obvious tourist spots and (inter)national franchises. This increases the chance that the travel budget ends up with local businesses.

✓ Personal: Spotters are presented with their real names, social media channels, pictures, and motivation. We meet every Spotter in person (or online) to hear their motivation.