Where are all the locals?

European summers are hard to beat. Long sunny days, crowded terraces, late sunsets, and streets that stay lively well into the night. It’s a season that draws people in from all over the world.

Part of what makes Europe so idyllic is the contrast between places. In just a few hours, you can move between different languages, cuisines, climates, and ways of life. Many European countries are small enough to cross in a day, and with each carrying its own extremely distinct identity.

And shouts out to the European Union, who has made travel between these places easier than ever. Open borders and shared systems connect the continent. At the same time, each country - and often each city - maintains its own rhythm and character. That variety is what makes traveling here SO much fun.

But there’s something that’s becoming harder to ignore. You arrive in a European city expecting to experience local life, and instead you find streets packed and restaurants filled with tourists. Souvenir shops where family-run businesses used to be.

You start to wonder - where are all the locals?

In some places, residents feel pushed aside by these impacts: constant crowds, changes, rising prices.

So, while I am certainly not suggesting to not visit these places, I wanted to share a checklist to serve as a reminder on how to behave like a respectful visitor, and how to enjoy Europe without overwhelming the very places that make it so special!

Let's get stuck in.

Checklist #1: Look up when you are walking

Following the blue dot on Google Maps can feel essential, especially in a city you don’t know. But when you’re focused on your phone in the middle of a busy street, you’re often in someone’s way.

And then, that someone is a local resident trying to get to work, pick up their kids, or simply move through their daily routine.

Their pace is different from your leisurely walk - and understandably so.

And so when you’re aware of your surroundings, you move more naturally with the flow of the city. You’re less likely to stop abruptly, block a narrow street, or bump into someone who’s just trying to get through their day.

Checklist #2: Learn some of the local language

Learning a few local words isn’t that hard. If you’ve chosen to visit a place, taking a little interest in the language is part of respecting it.

Simple basics - hello, please, thank you, goodbye - can completely change the vibe of an interaction. It shows that you’re making an effort, even if it’s small. And that effort doesn’t go unnoticed.

It also shifts the dynamic. Instead of expecting everything to adjust to you, you meet people halfway. And beyond respect, it is fun. Picking up a few new words adds another layer to the experience and connects you more closely to the place you’re visiting.

Checklist #3: Try to avoid walking in big groups

Traveling with a big group can be sweet. But when you’re moving through narrow streets or busy neighbourhoods, a large group can easily overwhelm the space.

If you’re a group of 15, consider splitting up into teams. Walk in smaller clusters - maybe 7 and 8 - with some distance between you (just make sure you walk with the cool people).

It allows locals to pass more easily, enter shops, cross streets, and move through their own city without feeling blocked.

The same goes for walking tours. Large tour groups can take over sidewalks and small squares very quickly. I would say capping tours at around 10 people keeps things manageable and less intrusive.

Checklist #4: Support the local businesses over franchises

There’s comfort in the familiar. Walking into Starbucks, McDonald’s, or any of the global brands you recognise guarantees a predictable experience. You know what you’re getting, especially when you’re tired, hungry, and just need something easy.

But those brands don’t choose locations randomly. They move into cities strategically, following data, foot traffic, and tourist flows. They’ll be fine with or without your visit.

The small, local businesses are different. They rely far more on the people who walk through their doors. They may not have prime corner locations or big marketing budgets. But they are part of the fabric of the neighbourhood.

Yes ordering in a local café can take a little more effort. The interaction might feel less polished. That’s part of the experience. Try the coffee somewhere independent. Sit somewhere family-run. Give your money to the places that reflect the city rather than replicate something you could find anywhere in the world.

Checklist #5: smile and be curious

Instead of relying only on your phone for recommendations, ask someone local. A bartender, a shop owner, the person at the bakery counter. You’d be surprised how enthusiastic people can be when someone shows genuine interest in their city.

A quick question can turn into a real conversation. You might discover a place that doesn’t show up on search results, or get a story that adds context to what you’re seeing.

Smile at people. Be mindful of the space you’re in and the rhythm of daily life around you.

And then long after the trip is over, you’ll remember not just the landmarks but also all of those small interactions that made you feel connected.

and lastly, ENJOY!

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Why is this so important?

Some regions of Europe, it can get up to 1 in every 2 people staying in the city is a tourist.

Porto

There are no Portuguese in Porto

The cover photo of this article I took in Porto.

And more than once, I caught myself wondering: are there any Portuguese left in Porto?

Walking through the city center, I rarely heard Portuguese being spoken. The streets were full, but most of the voices around me were English, French, Spanish, German - everything except the language of the country I was in.

That changed when we crossed the Dom Luís I Bridge.

On the far side, a group of local teenagers had gathered along the bridge. They were shouting to each other in Portuguese, daring one another to jump into the water below - at least 15 meters down. Each jump was met with cheers, laughter, and louder challenges to go even higher.

That was the most Portuguese I had heard all day - not in a cafe, restaurant, bar, just among teenagers: performing for visitors.

Where are the all of the locals?

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