Do locals go to top tourist spots in their city?
In London, the most popular attraction for tourists is the Tower of London. For locals, that changes to Borough Market. In New York, tourists are more likely to check in to the Hard Rock Cafe. But when it comes to eating at a restaurant chain, locals in the know prefer eating at the burger joint Shake Shack.
That’s according to a breakdown by TripAdvisor, which created a chart comparing the most popular places of interest among tourists and locals in cities around the world.
For the lists, analysts looked at the number of check-ins made via smartphone GPS and motion sensors.
While differences are to be expected, the breakdown reveals that in many cases, both travellers and locals alike actually share similar interests.
In New York, for example, Madison Square Garden topped the most popular attraction category for both tourists and locals, while the Magnificent Mile is likewise tops for both groups in Chicago.
One of the hottest dining destinations in London, Dishoom Convent Garden which serves a modern Indian menu, is rated the most popular restaurant for both visitors and locals.
And in Paris, you’ll find both tourists and locals rubbing shoulders at gourmet grocery store Lafayette Gourmet and Parisian tea house and macaron purveyor Ladurée.
Here’s a look at how different cities stack up:
New York City
Attractions for tourists
1. Madison Square Garden
2. National 9/11 Memorial and Museum
3. Times Square
Attractions for locals
1.Madison Square Garden
2. Bryant Park
3. One World Observatory-World Trade Center
Paris
Top attraction for visitors
1. Musee du Louvre
2. Eiffel Tower
3. Champs-Elysees
Top attraction for locals
1. Champs-Elysees
2. Palais Garnier
3. Musee du Louvre
Los Angeles
Top attraction for travellers
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
3. The Original Farmer’s Market
Top attraction for locals
1. Staples Center
2. The Original Farmers Market
3. The Grove
London
Top attraction for visitors
1. Tower of London
2. Borough Market
3. British Museum
Top attraction for locals
1. Borough Market
2. St Paul’s Cathedral
3. Sky Garden – AFP Relaxnews