10 Ways to Find Amazing Places Near You

In this article, we’ll share some of Anna’s top tips (our director) for discovering unique and fascinating spots to explore locally—no matter where you live.

1. Use Google… but here’s how!

Chances are you’re already familiar with searching on Google, but there are clever tricks to uncover interesting places nearby. Start by looking up “interesting places near me” or similar search terms. Google usually tailors results to your location, so phrases like “fun things to do near me” will give you personalized options relevant to where you are.

Depending on your area, this will point you to useful resources—articles, blogs, and guides highlighting hidden gems close to home.

Try searching for “destination + hidden gems” or “destination + secrets”.

This will narrow your search to the most intriguing and lesser-known spots.

Search for “destination + local blog”.

Most major cities today have dedicated sites run by locals, packed with great recommendations.

2. Make the most of Google Maps

Over the years, Google Maps has become a powerful tool—it now provides loads of information, as long as you know what to look for. One useful tactic is to type a broad search like “landmarks,” which brings up a list of noteworthy spots in your area.

While many results will be familiar, you’re likely to stumble on some hidden treasures too!

3. Visit your local tourism board’s website

It may feel strange as a local, but tourism board websites are a goldmine of ideas, with detailed lists of things to do nearby.

They might not always look stylish or trendy, but these sites are often overlooked by search engines, meaning you can find valuable tips you might miss with a Google search. To track one down, just search for “your area + tourism board.” You can also check out travel magazines such as FullTravel for ideas.

4. Browse local tourism boards and influencers on Instagram

A great first step is to follow your city, regional, or national tourism board’s official Instagram profiles. These feeds highlight the best places and, because their goal is to promote the region, they often feature lesser-known sites. I love using the “Save” function on Instagram to organize these discoveries in folders for later.

5. Look for local bloggers and photographers to follow

Google “your city/state + blogger”.

The key is to find content creators who focus on specific areas or are actually locals—they’re more likely to spotlight places off the beaten path.

Check who regularly features on official tourism or local highlight accounts.

Tourism boards often collaborate with local photographers and influencers, as do other popular accounts. Find these contributors for your city, then see who is credited or tagged in captions.

6. Explore niche hashtags on Instagram

Hashtags are a great way to uncover new sites, but you need to use them wisely.

Here’s how: avoid broad tags like #munich or #germany, which are usually full of selfies and brunch photos. Focus instead on local photography hashtags that only locals and content creators tend to use.

To find these niche tags, check what your favorite creators are using!

Often, users include their hashtags in the comments, so carefully check—this could lead you to new accounts and even more hidden gems.

For example, in Munich, I found that #SimplyMunich and #MeinMünchen are great for discovering new places.

7. Find unique stays near you with Airbnb

A great tool I’ve recently used is Airbnb’s search filters—they help you pinpoint unique accommodations close to home.

Just search by area, click “More filters,” then check the “Unique stays” section.

Here you can filter for treehouses, castles, tiny houses, cabins, trains, boats, and more.

8. Pick up a book about your area

No matter where you’re from, chances are there are at least a few books dedicated to unique sites in your region—so do a quick search!

There’s something truly satisfying about flipping through a physical guidebook.

9. Get inspired by Atlas Obscura

The site is focused on weird and wonderful destinations that you won’t usually find in mainstream guides—think hidden museums, bone chapels, and many other quirky spots off the typical tourist trail.

I’m a huge fan of bizarre, lesser-known places, so I rely on their website whenever I plan a trip.

10. Get tips from Spotted by Locals

Last but certainly not least, Spotted by Locals is a fantastic website that uses local insiders to create up-to-date guides to cities, mostly in Europe and North America.

I love that they employ local writers to share their firsthand experiences, so you’ll get honest recommendations beyond the usual tourist hotspots.