Local Travel Tips to Get Off the Beaten Path

Our community of Flytographers are not only the most talented photographers ready to capture your vacation memories, they also have amazing, local insider tips on what to see and do to get off the beaten path in their cities. Here are some of our favourite suggestions from locals around the world. 

Find a Hideaway in London’s Hyde Park

Created by Henry VIII as a private hunting ground, Hyde Park is now one of the largest public parks in the city. Surround yourself with the sculptural fountain, the colourful flower beds or swaths of green fields for a dash of English country in your London photos.

Sip Margaritas at Mexicola in Bali

Located close to the Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak, Motel Mexicola is like a psychedelic nightclub, where the likes of Frida Kahlo would have hung out had she vacationed in Bali. This courtyard-style restaurant is a must for tacos and taking in the colourful ambiance while sipping a margarita. 

Explore Saigon by Motorbike

To fully immerse yourself in the whirlwind city that is Saigon, take the leap along with millions of others and hop on the back of a motorbike. There are several tour companies who will guide you through the streets of the city – as well as farther afield – for a truly local experience.

Discover the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

Dubai is known for its progressive architecture and affluent lifestyle, but a jaunt outside the city centre will bring you to a completely different landscape. The Dubai Desert Conservation Project is protected land honouring the biodiversity of the desert, and here you can safari via camel, commune with the once-endangered Arabian Oryx, or off-road into the dunes to have dinner at a Bedouin camp.

Walk Montmartre like an Artist in Paris

Located in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre has a history steeped in the arts. It has been home to Picasso, van Gogh, Monet, Dali, and many other famous artists, and the famed Moulin Rouge still stands at the foot of the Montmartre hill. Local tip: for breathtaking views (and no tourist crowds), plan to start your stroll at sunrise atop the hill. Be sure to make a stop at the famous and lovely street, Rue de l’Abreuvoir. 

Wander Washington Mews in New York

Tucked away in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of New York City, just steps away from Washington Square, Washington Mews is a very private (and gated) cobblestone street. It is perfect for uninterrupted photos set against heritage buildings and a reprieve from the hustle of the Big Apple.  

Dip in the Thermal Baths of Budapest

Every must-see Budapest list includes its famous thermal baths, but if you really want a local experience, visit one of the smaller, under-the-radar baths. Dandár, located in Budapest’s peaceful, riverfront 9th district, was recently renovated and is frequented almost exclusively by residents. Outdoor and indoor baths, as well as saunas, make for a relaxing day soaking in Budapest’s famous waters. (Tip: the bath is located right next door to the Zwack Unicum Museum, where you can sample one of the city’s famous spirits post-soak.)

See Copenhagen by Solar-Powered Boat

Looking for a memorable way to explore Copenhagen? Pack a picnic, rent an environmentally-friendly, solar-powered GoBoat, and hit the city’s famous canals for a self-guided tour.

Swim in the Ruins of Tulum

Many people hit up this hotspot for the pristine beaches and heritage sites, and our best local tip is to bring your swimsuit when you visit the ruins. The area is full of magical cenotes with rich, turquoise water under canopies of lush jungle vines; the perfect way to cool down after a dusty tour of ruins!

Take a Ferry in Lisbon

Escape the crowds of the city in mere minutes by hopping on a ferry from Cais do Sodré to the old fishing village of Cacilhas. Stroll along the rustic riverside and take the Boca do Vento elevator to reach the top of the Almada Velha hill, where you can soak in the stunning view of Lisbon from across the Tagus.

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