How To Travel

How To Find Things To Do When Traveling

By Feral Travel

Sep 23, 2026

You can find plenty of 'things to do' lists, but it’s tougher to discover ideas that go beyond the usual attractions you see everywhere.

Try looking at a few different sources. Notice which ideas show up often, follow anything that interests you, and save ideas you might want to try later.

Begin with a wide search, then focus on what catches your interest

A general city guide helps you get a sense of the place. Check a few different sources instead of just one top-ten list. Publications like Lonely Planet and Time Out include things-to-do articles for each of their destinations.

Local publications are great for finding current events, exhibitions, food spots, neighbourhoods, and what’s happening now, along with the main sights. Once you know what interests you, social media, blogs, YouTube, Reddit, and Google Maps can help you dig deeper.

You don’t need to search everywhere. The idea is to use different sources so you don’t keep seeing the same recommendations.

Ask locals for their suggestions

Sometimes, it’s easier to get good ideas from people than from search results.

Try asking hotel or hostel staff, guides, restaurant workers, or people you meet what they would do with a free afternoon. Local blogs and destination-specific communities can also reveal places and experiences that big travel sites might miss.

You can also find ways to explore with locals. Platforms like WithLocals, ToursByLocals, City Unscripted, Like A Local, and Spotted by Locals all offer this kind of experience.

Let yourself discover things by walking around

You don’t need to research every interesting spot before you get there.

Walking lets you notice markets, shops, parks, cafés, street art, small museums, and neighbourhoods you might not have searched for. Sometimes, the best part is what you find between the places you planned to visit.

A walking tour offers a similar experience but with more structure. Free or tip-based tours are common in many cities and can give you ideas for places you might want to revisit later.

Use activity platforms when you want something organized

Booking platforms do more than just sell tickets. They’re also a simple way to see what tours, classes, day trips, and activities are available in a place.

GetYourGuide is the one we usually start with. Browse by category, look beyond the first few results, and use the reviews to get a real sense of the experience.

Other platforms like Viator are worth checking too, particularly if you want to compare options or one platform has more choices in the place you’re visiting.

Food tours are a great way to start exploring a new city. Besides trying local dishes, you often get some background on the area and ideas for places or neighbourhoods to visit on your own.

Keep a few easy ideas for when plans change

Sometimes you might find yourself with a free afternoon, wake up to rainy weather, want to save money, or just feel like doing something easier than you planned.

It helps to have a few low-effort possibilities saved. Free museums, markets, parks, beaches, neighbourhood walks, cafés, indoor activities, and local events can all fill in when you need a quick plan.

When you’re already at your destination, Atlas Obscura is helpful for finding unusual spots nearby. GuideGeek can also suggest ideas based on your location, mood, and the weather.

Want to read more bite-size insights? Check out our How To Travel Collection.

Want to see all our resources in one place? Sign up free to access the How To Travel Hub.