From restaurants catering to tourists rather than locals, to attractions that feel more staged than real, it’s easy for us to wonder whether we’ve experienced the “true” version of the city we came to see, and while annual travel insurance gives peace of mind when exploring somewhere new, many travellers also want reassurance that their experiences will feel meaningful and rooted in local culture.
That’s why we’ve created The Authenticity Index; a data-driven ranking of popular cities where visitors are most likely to feel they’ve had a genuine experience. Using over 1.3 million online travel reviews, we analysed how often visitors described restaurants, attractions, shops, museums, and cultural venues as “authentic” or “traditional” in over 140 cities and compared how many times the same locations were reviewed as being ‘tourist traps’ or inauthentic. The results were combined to create an ‘Authenticity Score’ out of 100, to reveal the cities offering the most authentic experiences around the world.
Whether you’re looking for a true gastronomic experience or just looking to explore places that make you feel like a local, here are the results.
Europe’s most authentic cities
Starting off with places slightly closer to home, we crunched the numbers to find the European cities that are best at offering genuine local experiences and less tourist traps, according to real tourist reviews.
The results showcase a real mixture of European culture, from the historic city of Marseille in France, all the way to Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, which sits right at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
The top 10 most authentic cities in Europe
| Rank | City | Country | Authenticity Score / 100 |
| 1 | Marseille | France | 51.5 |
| 2 | Warsaw | Poland | 50.6 |
| 3 | Tbilisi | Georgia | 44.2 |
| 4 | Porto | Portugal | 43.6 |
| 5 | Lyon | France | 41.2 |
| 6 | Vilnius | Lithuania | 41.0 |
| 7 | Gdańsk | Poland | 39.8 |
| 8 | Naples | Italy | 36.4 |
| 9 | Frankfurt | Germany | 36.3 |
| 10 | Lake Bled | Slovenia | 34.2 |
1. Marseille, France
Authenticity Score: 51.5
Ranking first in Europe’s most authentic cities is Marseille in France. Marseille’s working-port neighbourhoods feel lived-in rather than curated for tourists, offering visitors a genuine insight into what life is like for locals in one of France’s most multicultural centres.
2. Warsaw, Poland
Authenticity Score: 50.6
In Poland, Warsaw’s blend of modern culture, due to rebuilding after World War II, and conscious preservation of tradition, helps it rank second place in Europe’s most authentic cities. Warsaw’s thoughtfully reconstructed Old Town contributes to its 50.6 score, with travellers feeling like they are getting a true sense of what it’s like to live there, as they explore its narrow, cobbled streets.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Authenticity Score: 44.2
Wrapping up the top three is Tbilisi in Georgia, with a score of 44.2 out of 100. Travellers praise Tbilisi’s wine bars, sulphur baths and distinctive architecture. The city’s centuries-old winemaking and neighbourhood bakeries serving fresh khachapuri also come together to help create experiences that feel genuinely Georgian.
4. Porto, Portugal
Authenticity Score: 43.6
Porto’s riverside neighbourhoods help cement its reputation for authenticity among other European hotspots, with the port wine lodges and azulejo-covered buildings giving visitors what they feel represents a true slice of northern Portuguese life.
5. Lyon, France
Authenticity Score: 41.2
Another French city also makes the top ten: Lyon. Known for its bouchons and historic districts, it has one of the lowest tourist trap rates in our report, at just 0.3%, making it easy to feel like you are experiencing the city in a true-to-life way.
And further afield, it’s Latin America that takes the crown, the global rankings showcasing the best of what the likes of Colombia, Peru and Ecuador have to offer – as well as standout entries from Asia and Africa too.
The world’s top 20 most authentic cities
| Rank | City | Country | Authenticity Score / 100 |
| 1 | Bogotá | Colombia | 100.0 |
| 2 | Lima | Peru | 70.5 |
| 3 | Taipei | Taiwan | 68.6 |
| 4 | Muscat | Oman | 68.3 |
| 5 | Quito | Ecuador | 63.5 |
| 6 | Valparaíso | Chile | 62.7 |
| 7 | Medellín | Colombia | 59.0 |
| 8 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | 58.8 |
| 9 | São Paulo | Brazil | 55.7 |
| 10 | Cairo | Egypt | 54.5 |
| 11 | Santiago | Chile | 52.4 |
| 12 | Marseille | France | 51.5 |
| 13 | Varanasi | India | 51.3 |
| 14 | Busan | South Korea | 51.3 |
| 15 | Chefchaouen | Morocco | 51.2 |
| 16 | Warsaw | Poland | 50.6 |
| 17 | Mumbai | India | 50.4 |
| 18 | Siem Reap | Cambodia | 50.1 |
| 19 | Siquijor | Philippines | 50.0 |
| 20 | Da Nang | Vietnam | 50.0 |
1. Bogotá, Colombia
Authenticity Score: 100
Bogotá, Colombia’s largest and capital city, offers one of the world’s most vibrant atmospheres for tourists. From its indigenous Muisca roots to the long-lasting impacts of Spanish colonial rule seen from food to the architecture, the city is well known for its impressive street art, neighbourhood food spots and historic plazas. From local arepa stalls to the historic district of La Candelaria, Bogotá gives travellers a clear sense of everyday life beyond the usual tourist sight-seeing spots.
2. Lima, Peru
Authenticity Score: 70.5
Lima, the world’s second-largest city in a desert, ranks second with an authenticity score of 70.5. The Peruvian city is well known for being a cultural melting pot, with a world-famous culinary scene and immense amounts of history, all the way from pre-Inca to colonial times. Thanks to its old-school cevicherías, historic districts like Barranco and Miraflores, and a blend of pre-Columbian heritage and colonial architecture, it’s a brilliant destination for a genuine travel experience.
3. Taipei, Taiwan
Authenticity Score: 68.6
Taipei’s food scene is a major driver behind its authenticity rating, with world-famous night markets like Shilin and Raohe well known for their traditional snacks and crafts and attracting many locals as well as tourists thanks to their electric atmospheres. The beautifully preserved temples, such as Longshan Temple and Confucian Temple, also contribute to Taipei’s high authenticity score, as does the fact that across all the reviews we analysed Taipei scored a very small tourist trap rate of just 0.3%.
4. Muscat, Oman
Authenticity Score: 68.3
In fourth place, souqs and coastal forts contribute to the genuine experiences travellers can find in Oman’s Muscat. The city’s stunning architecture, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, combine with the smells of frankincense and spices to provide travellers a window into Omani culture that feels sincere, and helps Muscat garner a very respectable authenticity score of 68.3.
5. Quito, Ecuador
Authenticity Score: 63.5
One of the oldest and highest capitals in the world, Quito, which sits among the dramatic Andes mountains, is also among the top five most authentic cities according to our analysis, much in line with the fact the city has UNESCO World Heritage status. Indigenous markets, colonial churches, and artisan crafts highlight the destination’s genuine feel, and the Old Town’s blend of Inca and Spanish colonial influence is especially great for those looking to get a real sense of Ecuadorian culture.
6. Valparaíso, Chile
Authenticity Score: 62.7
Valparaíso’s colourful hillside homes make it a standout city to visit and is the first Chilean city on our list. The port city’s artistic community and funicular railways create a sense of something organic and real, rather than feeling like something designed for visitors, and much like Bogotá it has a thriving street art scene.
7. Medellín, Colombia
Authenticity Score: 59
Colombia’s second entry in the top 10 is Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round mild climate. The city has transformed dramatically since the 1990s, whilst still managing to stay grounded in its cultural roots. While you’re there, be sure to try bandeja paisa, great for travellers seeking a hearty taste of genuine Colombian food.
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authenticity Score: 58.8
Rio de Janeiro is a traveller’s dream. Home to the world’s largest carnival and iconic beaches, Rio offers plenty to travellers who love music, food and nature. The city’s samba culture, which can be soaked up in the colourful neighbourhoods adorned with street art, also makes this city a must-see for visitors who want a taste of authentic Brazilian life.
9. São Paulo, Brazil
Authenticity Score: 55.7
One of the world’s most populated cities, each neighbourhood in São Paulo offers a distinct experience, from Japanese-influenced Liberdade to Italian heritage in Bixiga with the city itself home to residents from over 200 different countries. It is also a major hub of culture within Latin America, home to the likes of renowned institutions such as the São Paulo Museum of Art and the Pinacoteca State Gallery.
10. Cairo, Egypt
Authenticity Score: 54.5
Wrapping up the top ten, Cairo’s ancient souqs and centuries-old coffeehouses offer experiences that have remained mostly unchanged for decades. Bustling markets and authentic Egyptian souvenirs make for genuine cultural encounters which reviewers praise, helping it secure an authenticity score of 54.5. The city’s core was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 and is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world.
And while some destinations are great at providing a genuine feel for local life, others are known for leaning more towards inauthentic experiences. We analysed which cities reviewers often describe as “tourist traps”, “scams” or “overpriced” to find those who lack an authentic cultural feel.
The world’s top 15 tourist trap cities
| Rank | City | Country | Authenticity Score / 100 |
| 1 | Chicago | United States | 2.0 |
| 2 | Venice | Italy | 2.6 |
| 3 | Las Vegas | United States | 2.7 |
| 4 | Nashville | United States | 3.8 |
| 5 | Hobart | Australia | 3.9 |
| 6 | Boston | United States | 5.2 |
| 7 | London | United Kingdom | 5.3 |
| 8 | Singapore | Singapore | 5.5 |
| 9 | Sydney | Australia | 5.9 |
| 10 | Brussels | Belgium | 6.0 |
| 11 | Miami | United States | 6.1 |
| 12 | New York City | United States | 6.4 |
| 13 | Austin | United States | 6.4 |
| 14 | Bath | United Kingdom | 7.2 |
| 15 | Vancouver | Canada | 8.1 |
1. Chicago, United States
Authenticity Score: 2.0
Chicago tops the list as the city with the most tourist-trap feel. While it’s famous for deep-dish pizza, skyline architecture, and its downtown Museum Campus, many central attractions can feel heavily commercialised. Between high prices and long queues, reviews from tourists reveal it can be hard to get a sense of the city’s true neighbourhood culture.
2. Venice, Italy
Authenticity Score: 2.6
Venice’s popularity amongst travellers is both its strength and its biggest challenge. Between busy streets and crowded historic canals, plus no shortage of expensive cafés near major landmarks, visitors complain that the city now caters more to tourists rather than Venetians themselves. Despite its beauty, it’s difficult to experience “real” local life according to those who’ve wandered around the riverside hotspot.
3. Las Vegas, United States
Authenticity Score: 2.7
Las Vegas has been built around entertainment, with plenty of replicas of other countries’ famous attractions, meaning the Strip offers spectacle and sparkle, rather than authenticity. While it’s a fun destination for those visiting Nevada, it’s not one that reflects traditional or local culture in a meaningful way, hence an authenticity score of only 2.7.
4. Nashville, United States
Authenticity Score: 3.8
Known as the “Country Music Capital of the World”, Nashville has been a standout destination for those who want to get immersed in the music genre’s history for quite some time. However, the famous Broadway strip has lost a bit of its shine the more it curates for visitors. Branded bars and polished venues overshadow the more organic local music scene, contributing to its lower authenticity score according to those who’ve been there.
5. Hobart, Australia
Authenticity Score: 3.9
This Tasmanian city offers natural beauty on the banks of the River Derwent and a growing arts scene, but reviews suggested that certain attractions and waterfront areas have been (or at least feel like they are) geared toward cruise-ship tourism more than a genuine experience. Historic waterfront areas like Salamanca Place, despite featuring 19th-century Georgian buildings, have been taken over by shops and restaurants that take away from the city’s charm.
Beyond the cities themselves, we also analysed reviews for restaurants, bars, and cafes, to discover the go-to places to visit when eating like a local is your top priority.
The top 15 cities with the most authentic restaurants
| Rank | City | Country | Gastronomic Authenticity Score / 100 |
| 1 | Bogotá | Colombia | 100.0 |
| 2 | Quito | Ecuador | 79.2 |
| 3 | Taipei | Taiwan | 76.4 |
| 4 | Medellín | Colombia | 75.0 |
| 5 | São Paulo | Brazil | 71.8 |
| 6 | Varanasi | India | 69.5 |
| 7 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | 69.5 |
| 8 | Lima | Peru | 69.4 |
| 9 | Muscat | Oman | 67.2 |
| 10 | Kathmandu | Nepal | 66.4 |
| 11 | Zanzibar City | Tanzania | 66.3 |
| 12 | Shanghai | China | 64.5 |
| 13 | Da Nang | Vietnam | 61.7 |
| 14 | Phuket | Thailand | 59.3 |
| 15 | Singapore | Singapore | 58.1 |
1. Bogotá, Colombia
Gastronomic Authenticity Score: 100.0
With a perfect score of 100, Bogotá’s authentic food culture helps it rank first in the most authentic foodie cities around the world. From ajiaco (a chicken and potato soup) to empanadas sold by street vendors, Bogotá’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world to experience if you’re looking for a taste of local life, according to online tourist reviews.
2. Quito, Ecuador
Gastronomic Authenticity Score: 79.2
In second, eateries in Quito serving traditional stews and respectful of their Andean culinary roots have earned the city a foodie authenticity score of 79.2, making it a great spot for foodie visits. Dishes like locro de papas and hornado use centuries-old cooking methods, giving visitors a chance to sample and enjoy the area’s indigenous ingredients.
3. Taipei, Taiwan
Gastronomic Authenticity Score: 76.4
Taipei’s night markets and street-food stalls offer a bit of everything, from oyster omelettes to boba tea, made the same way today as when it was invented in Taiwan back in the 80s. Food is such a huge part of Taiwanese culture, in fact, that locals often say hello to each other by asking them if they’ve eaten yet.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Gastronomic Authenticity Score: 75.0
The national dish of Colombia, bandeja paisa, is a staple in Medellín – complete with ground beef, pork belly, rice, beans, avocado, a fried egg, an arepa and plantain. The city’s year-round spring climate is also said to be what contributes to the fresh and abundant produce found in the region, while the coffee-growing region around the city is equally famous for its very high-quality beans.
5. São Paulo, Brazil
Gastronomic Authenticity Score: 71.8
São Paulo wraps up the top five, offering incredible dish diversity, with authentic Italian, Japanese, and Brazilian cuisine served in neighbourhoods where immigrant communities have settled and passed down their culinary tips through generations.
Wherever your next adventure takes you, make sure you’re protected with annual travel insurance, so you can focus on discovering the real side of every destination you visit.
Methodology
To find the world’s most authentic cities, we analysed over 1.3 million Google Maps reviews for restaurants, attractions, shops, markets, and cultural venues in 144 cities popular with travellers.
We looked at how often travellers used words like “authentic,” “traditional,” or “local” in their reviews, compared with how often terms such as “tourist trap” or “overpriced” were used.
This gave us two sides of the story: where people felt they’d experienced real culture, and where things felt staged or commercial.
Each review mentioning both these ‘authentic’ and ‘inauthentic’ phrases was reviewed and weighted to give each city an Authenticity Score. The score is based on (the share of authentic reviews) – (share of tourist-trap reviews).
Scores were then normalised on a scale of 0 to 100 so they could be compared fairly across destinations.
All findings correct as of November 2025.