15 Unspoken Rules About Tourist Destinations That All The Locals Know

Voting Rules
Vote up the rules you think everyone should know.

In case you didn't know, when you are visiting a new city it's always better to know a local to guide - someone who can point you to the coolest spots in town and explain some unspoken rules to follow so as to not be treated as a regular tourist. If you don't know anyone from your next trip's destination, then we've got you covered with this list! 


  • 1
    442 VOTES

    I Need To Stretch My Legs, Sir.

    From Redditor u/05110909:

    If you decide to drive a car in America and you happen to get stopped by the police DO NOT get out of the car. In America, the expectation is that you sit still in your seat until the officer approaches and gives you further instructions. Exiting the car before that will almost certainly be seen as a sign of aggression.

    442 votes
  • 2
    250 VOTES

    From Redditor u/Gushecs:

    Brazil - Rio de Janeiro

    Stay in the center, the south zone and Barra da Tijuca, avoid going far from the beach (considering that the beach touristic hoods are safer), avoid empty streets and always keep an eye on your things.

    250 votes
  • 3
    226 VOTES

    Avoid Tourist Traps

    From Redditor u/elenifan:

    Greece. Gorgeous places to see, but avoid the most popular ones, they are too touristy. Crete has a great mix of culture, cities and beaches. The beaches in the south are best, they are more isolated.

    226 votes
  • 4
    283 VOTES

    Okay. Understood. Thanks.

    From Redditor u/racingdubber34:

    When in the Netherlands, stay off the red tarmac. That is a bike lane. You are most likely walking. So for the love of God. Stay. Out. Of. The. Bike. Lane. We will not hesitate to curse at your or run you over.

    283 votes
  • 5
    245 VOTES

    Scenes From An Empty Restaurant

    From Redditor u/Saigonauticon:

    Don't eat at empty restaurants. They're empty for a reason. I think this applies to most of Asia, and much more strictly than it does in the West.

    245 votes
  • 6
    209 VOTES

    People Do That?

    From Redditor u/geneKnockDown-101:

    Don’t ask me if I’m [an extremist]. Not even as a joke. For me, as a German, this is the most insulting thing someone could say to me. I have nothing against talking about the history of my family or country but don’t imply I sympathize with these ideas.

    209 votes