Explore the world through people and stories — Locals Insider
DenmarkLatest story“The Institution Should Adapt to the Art, Not the Other Way Around”: Marie Laurberg on Copenhagen Contemporary and Where to See Art in the City
Marie Laurberg is the director of Copenhagen Contemporary, Copenhagen’s international art centre for installation art, housed in a former shipyard welding hall on Refshaleøen. She took up the role in 2022, after two decades as a curator and head of exhibitions at ARKEN and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Denmark
Austria“I Like Creating Something That Makes People Look Twice”: Botanical Vandalism’s Martin Ehmele on Sculptural Flowers and His Vienna
Martin Ehmele
Australia“Something About a Space Has to Make Me Stop”: Joe Vuong on How Softer Volumes Picks the World’s Best-Designed Places & His Sydney
Joe Vuong is the founder of Softer Volumes, a design and travel publication based in Australia. Softer Volumes publishes books on designer cafés, aesthetic hotels and bars, as well as a growing series of city guides. An entrepreneur who has started several businesses, he travels constantly in search of well-designed places. Instagram: @softervolumes
Australia
SwedenThe Dress Makes the Man: Fredrik Robertsson on Couture, Courage and His Stockholm
Fredrik Robertsson is a Stockholm couture collector and one of very few men who commission haute couture from the Paris houses. A former PR professional, he co-owns the Björn Axén hair salons with his husband and showed more than forty pieces from his collection in the exhibition Klänningen gör mannen. Instagram: @fredrikrobertsson
Sweden
France“Haute Couture Heals”: Julien Fournié on Leaving Medicine, Learning From the Masters and the Paris He Loves
Julien Fournié is a Parisian couturier and the founder of Maison Julien Fournié, one of the few houses in the world to hold the official Haute Couture label. He studied medicine before fashion, learned his craft alongside Jean Paul Gaultier and Claude Montana, and today dresses clients who dare to stand out from his atelier on rue de Paradis. Instagram: @julienfournie
France
Poland“We Are Unapologetically Polish”: vgtbl.pl on Taking the Vegetables Worldwide, Their Warsaw of Falafel, Karaoke and Dad Rock
vgtbl.pl is a Warsaw audiovisual duo, Franek Warzywa (visual artist Franek Drażba) and Młody Budda (jazz-trained guitarist Adam Kiepuszewski), mixing hyperpop, jazz and punk with animated visuals. Their debut album, Vegetables Worldwide, came out in 2025, and a new mixtape follows in November. Instagram: @franek_warzywa
Poland
Denmark“I Want Beauty Back”: Faroese Artist Heiðrik á Heygum on Neo-Romanticism, the Hidden People and His Faroe Islands
Heiðrik á Heygum is a Faroese artist working across painting, illustration, music and film, often described as a Neo-Romantic. Trained at Super16 in Copenhagen and the Academy of Visual Art in Iceland, he has made music videos for artists including Eivør and Brimheim, and now works from his studio in the Faroe Islands. Website: heidrik.com · Instagram: @heidrik
Denmark
Malta“Cupcakes, Coffee and Champagne: What More Do You Need?” Danish Hygge at Mettelina Café and Mette Lorenzen’s Guide to the City
Mette Lorenzen moved from Denmark to Malta for love in 2009 and spent years leading customer service teams in iGaming before opening Mettelina, her café on St Paul’s Street in Valletta. She serves cupcakes, coffee and champagne with Danish hygge, and her flavors change every week. Instagram: @mettelinacupcakes
Malta
DenmarkThey Turn Private Homes into Galleries for One Weekend: Meet Kunstsalonen
Kunstsalonen is a nomadic art salon founded in 2017 by Anne Aarsland and Mette Helena Rasmussen. Twice or three times a year they hang contemporary art in a private Copenhagen home and open it to the public for one weekend — 27 homes so far, with the works for sale.
Denmark
USA“The Image Is Given to Me”: A Pop-Surrealist Artist Tiago Azevedo on Painting, Big Eyes and Life in New York
Tiago Azevedo is a New York–based pop-surrealist painter and architect from the Azores, Portugal. His oil paintings reimagine religion, mythology and fairy tales and have been exhibited in Paris, Rome, New York, London, Cannes, Dubai and Lisbon. He is the author of Scriptures and Fairytales and the host of the Tiago's Lair podcast.
USA
DenmarkHans Christian Andersen’s Island Makes Sparkling Wine for Geranium and Le Taillevent: Helle and Jacob Stokkebye on Making Michelin-Listed Wine on Funen
Helle and Jacob Stokkebye run Stokkebye Vingård on the Danish island of Funen, where 22,000 vines produce organic sparkling wine poured at Michelin restaurants including Geranium, Jordnær and Le Taillevent. It began as a hobby in 2009 with a thousand vines in the garden. Jacob trained at Kong Hans and worked as a sommelier in Bordeaux; Helle came from the UN and the Danish Foreign Ministry
Denmark
Germany“Your Inner Self Is Hungry”: Britt Kanja, Grande Dame of Berlin Nightlife on Eclectic Vintage, the Secret Lake and Finding People With Joy in Their Hearts
Britt Kanja is a Berlin style icon and the Grande Dame of the city's nightlife. Born in West Berlin, she danced professionally across Europe before co-initiated the legendary 90 Grad club in Schöneberg in 1989, where she ran a themed party every month for sixteen years. She dresses in what she calls Eclectic Vintage, owns more hats than she can count, and is still out most nights.
Germany
HungaryThe Prince and the Barre: Vyacheslav Gnedchik of the Hungarian National Ballet on Budapest and What the Audience Never Sees
Vyacheslav Gnedchik is a ballet dancer at the Hungarian National Ballet in Budapest, known for leading roles such as the Prince in The Nutcracker. Born in Minsk and formerly a principal at the Mariinsky Theatre, he also founded Balletgigs, which connects ballet artists with producers.
Hungary
Germany“He Packed It in a Supermarket Bag and I Took It Home”: Ashley Scott Müller on Collecting Thierry Mugler, and Her Berlin
Ashley Scott Müller is a sculptor from Chicago, based in Berlin, and holds the world's largest collection of Thierry Mugler — around 800 pieces. She was the designer's friend from 2017 until his death in 2022. Her work is represented by White Square gallery.
Germany
Denmark“Denmark Built Its Own ChatGPT. It Started With a Dictionary”: Peter Revsbech of Ordbogen on Sovereign Models, Silicon Valley — and Where to Eat in Svendborg
Peter Revsbech is CEO of Ordbogen, the company behind Denmark's largest online dictionary, where he is building Mimir, a Danish language model trained and kept entirely in Denmark. He advises Danish industry on AI, and lives in Svendborg.
Denmark
CanadaDi Wu Munk of Dots & Lines on Art, Connection and Her Favorite Asian Restaurants in Calgary
Di Wu Munk is the founder of Dots & Lines, a Calgary-based social impact startup and marketplace connecting professional artists with individuals and organizations seeking hands-on creative workshops. Originally from Chongqing, she moved to Canada with her family and launched the company shortly after arriving.
Canada
United KingdomIsles of Scilly – White Sand Islands in the UK: Where to Stay and What to Do in England’s Most Westerly Archipelago
Nick Nomi writes about travel, fashion and the creative industries, for Matador Network and ASW among others, and ghostwrites for travel influencers. He studied fashion and media at the University of the Arts London and is on the road most months, usually with music on.
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City Travel Guides by Locals: Copenhagen, Tokyo, Paris & More
AarhusBest Seafood & Fish Restaurants in Aarhus for Fresh Oysters & Grill
AmsterdamAirbnb Rules by City in 2026: Where Short-Term Rentals Are Still Legal – and Where They’re Effectively Banned
BangkokBest Listening Bars in the World: Rafi Mercer of Tracks & Tales on What Makes a Room Worth Listening In
BerlinInside Berlin Vintage Corner: A Local’s Fashion Refuge in a Changing City
Buenos AiresA Local’s Favorite Restaurants, Rooftops, and Wine Bars in Buenos Aires Neighborhoods (San Telmo, Monserrat, and Puerto Madero)
CopenhagenMy Copenhagen, in Pearls and Sparkle: Cecilie de la Prada on Dudette & the City
EdinburghEurope’s Most Walkable Cities — Where Every Street Tells a Story
FlorenceNice & Cozy Hotels in Florence for First-Time Visitors, Including New Places
Ho Chi Minh CityLocal Food Tours in Vietnam Worth Booking
IstanbulHow to Survive Istanbul: Insider Tips, the Best Hotels, and the City’s European PastSee all Curated City Guides →By country
By city
USA, state by state
Featured“Art Is Training for Future Superheroes”: Andrey Bartenev on Turning Minuses into Pluses, Alternative Miss World and the Museums to Visit
Inside Alpha Hair & Beauty, Birkirkara (Malta): Miki on Blonde, Balayage and Beauty with a Character
“Born With Flowers in My Head”: French Riviera Gardens, Villas and Cafés by Maxim Languev, Florist and Decorator in Nice
The White Briefs Founder on Redefining Men’s Underwear and Guide to Sweden’s Österlen
From Renault Cars to Paris Eyewear: Dzmitry Samal of SAMAL DESIGN on Retro Futurism, Art Deco, and the Paris Boutiques He Visits
Catawiki Online Auction Review – The Best Marketplace App for Collectibles? 
Martine Rose’s Foldable Bag: Fashion’s DHL Moment
Teenage Engineering’s Wooden Choir Might Be the Coolest Gadget You Don’t Need—Until You Hear It
Best Design & Fashion Shops in Copenhagen (Local Shopping Guide)
The Best Designer Phone Cases for TravelersSee all Design →Travel Tips, Insights & Practical Guides for Every Trip
Travel InsightsTravel Magazines to Read — and What Makes Each One Different
Travel InsightsThe Best Airlines for International Travel
AustriaSeven Best of the Most Scenic River Cruises in Europe (10 Countries, 40+ Cities)
Travel InsightsSix of the Best States to Retire: Backed by the Latest Research & Data
FeaturedThe Spookiest Places in the UK: We Ranked 18 Haunted Sites — and a Wiltshire Farm Won
Robot Boxing in Shenzhen, K-pop Humanoids in Seoul: Where Travelers Can See Humanoid Robots Now
Wild Horses, Black Sand and Leopard Sharks: 15 American Beaches With a Reason to Go
Travel Magazines to Read — and What Makes Each One Different
The Best Airlines for International Travel
Seven Best of the Most Scenic River Cruises in Europe (10 Countries, 40+ Cities)
Six of the Best States to Retire: Backed by the Latest Research & Data
Capital One Lounges Review: A Rival for Amex and Chase?
The Sparkling Wine Made from Pineapples: A Weekend Discovery from French Polynesia
Winter Sun in Europe: 5 Sunny Cities to VisitSee all Travel Insights →
FeaturedOur Tora Malta Review – Champagne, Watermelon Duck Salad and the Best View of Valletta in Malta
Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Barcelona
Tallest Hotels in the World with Rooftop Bars for Drinks & Views
Best New Restaurants in the World Loved by Visitors and Critics
Marseille by the Glass: 5 Cool Wine Bars Worth Stopping For
The Food Cities in Europe (and the Contemporary Restaurants with Local Ingredients – Good for Solo Dining)
Latest Michelin Star Restaurants in Rome
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Montenegro, According to Locals: Oysters at an Old Mill and Sea Bass Fresh from the Fishermen
23 Most Beautiful and Best-Designed Bars in the WorldSee all Restaurants →
FeaturedPostcard Cabins Review & Promo Code for 20% OFF: What Marriott’s Tiny Cabins Cost, and How to Book Them With Points
5 Best New Caribbean Resorts for a Luxury Escape
How to Share Holiday Rentals With Strangers? TOP Coliving Apps and Shared Vacation Airbnbs
Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Luxury Boutique Hotel in a Historic Palazzo (Rooms, Spa, Prices)
Expedia Promo Codes & Discount Offers 2026: Get up to 30% + 3 Boutique Hotels From Us
Agoda Promo Codes & Coupons 2026: Save Up to 25%, Get $200 + 3 Designer Boutique Hotels in Europe
Airbnb Promo Codes & Discounts: How to Save 20% on Airbnb Booking + 4 Stunning European Rentals
Do Hotels.com promo codes work? Here’s what actually saves you money — OneKey, UK rewards, mobile deals
Booking.com Promo Codes & How to Save on Hotels + Our European Picks
Glamping in Europe: 11 Extraordinary Places Where Nature Is the Greatest LuxurySee all Stay →
AppsJettly Review: Can We Really Book Private Jets On-Demand?
Luxury TravelInside the Luxury Aman Nai Lert Bangkok: A Photo Story from the Suite, the Spa, and the Massage Room
Luxury Travel25 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats Worldwide
French PolynesiaTop 3 Luxury Spa Retreats in French Polynesia Listed by Locals Insider
FeaturedFlying My Samoyed on a Private Jet for Pets: Dublin to New York
The New Luxury Entry Point: 10 Fashion Brand Cafés & Restaurants Around the World (From Dior, Tiffany to LOEWE)
Portugal’s eight new spa retreats for design, slow living, and eco-luxury moment
Jettly Review: Can We Really Book Private Jets On-Demand?
Inside the Luxury Aman Nai Lert Bangkok: A Photo Story from the Suite, the Spa, and the Massage Room
25 Best Luxury Wellness Retreats Worldwide
Top 3 Luxury Spa Retreats in French Polynesia Listed by Locals Insider
The Best 5 All-Inclusive Overwater Villas in the Maldives for 2026 Vacation
Where to Find Luxury Villas in Mykonos with Private Pools? Our TOP Locations
The World’s Most Luxurious Airline Suites for 2026 — SWISS, Etihad, Qantas & MoreSee all Luxury Travel →Work from anywhere, online & legally
Visas, taxes, the eSIM that works on landing and the insurance your permit asks for.
Visa & eVisa checker→eSIM Guides & Reviews→VPN Guides & Reviews→Travel Insurance→Digital Life→Price up front, driver waits with a sign, fare unchanged if the flight is late. How the code works
Genki Native vs SafetyWing Complete: International Health Insurance When Home Keeps Changing→
“Everyone Wants Valletta at First”: Neil Gatt Coleiro of Malta’s Frank Salt Real Estate on Who Moves Here, and What They Change Their Minds About→
Best Countries for Digital Nomads in Europe by Taxes & Lifestyle (Our 2026 List)→
Cyprus for digital nomads: tax, rent, and how it compares to Malta and Andorra→
“We Built It for Nomads Like Us”: Inside Genki’s Global Coverage Model→The States, guide by guide
Curated guides to what's worth doing, seeing and eating in each state.
CaliforniaCoast, parks and wine country
New YorkThe Empire State, beyond the city
FloridaBeaches, springs and the Keys
ArizonaCanyon country and desert towns
ColoradoMountains, hot springs and trails
LouisianaMusic, food and the bayou
TexasHill country, coast and barbecue
NevadaDesert, neon and state parks
WashingtonRainforest, islands and coffeeBest Travel Gadgets, Bags & Accessories, Field-Tested
NOBL Luggage Review and Discount Codes: How to Pay $259 Instead of $785 + Rewards
Lululemon Belt Bags: Which Size to Buy, and How to Get 15% Off (Full Review)
Baboon to the Moon Promo Code and Discounts: Full Review
Top 10 Carry-On Luggage Brands to Buy Online: Our Stylish Designer Picks for 2026
Peak Design’s Bags & Camera Gear Picks + 50% Discount Promo Codes
The Best Nomatic Luggage, Bags, and Travel Gear + Promo Codes and How to Save On Your Next Order
Samsonite Promo Code 2026: Verified Discounts 30% to 50% off + Best Luggage & Travel Accessories Review
Calpak Discounts and Promo Codes + $25 Refer-a-Friend Bonus
July Luggage Picks & Promo Codes: How to Save Money on Your July Luggage Order
Bellroy’s Travel Picks and Coupon Promo Code for up to 40% OFFSee all Gadgets & Accessories →Healthy Travel: Wellness Retreats, Spas & Jet-Lag Fixes
FeaturedSPF, Heat and Pigmentation: A Malta Beautician’s Guide to Skin in the Sun
How to Fight The Jet Lag With An App Built by NASA Astronauts? Timeshifter Review
How to Breathe, Meditate, and Relax with the Calm App? Here is Our Review + 40% Off Deals
How to Find Vegan Dining Anywhere in the World? HappyCow Review
Wellness Retreat Finder: Match Yourself to the Right European Reset in 60 Seconds
Traveling With ADHD: Simple Systems That Make Every Trip Easier
How to Improve Sleep Quality When Constantly Switching Time Zones
How to Balance Alcohol, Social Dinners, and Recovery While Traveling
How to Avoid Burnout While Traveling Long-Term – 7 Real Tips
Biggest Health Mistakes People Make While Traveling Long-TermSee all Healthy Travel →Best Travel Apps, Tested and Reviewed by Our Writers
Headout Review & Discount Code for 5% Off in Every City: Skip-the-Line Tickets App
10 Best Apps for Solo Travelers to Meet People & Locals
How to Track Shared Costs Without the Awkward Math – There is an App for This Called Splitwise
How to Find Out What’s On in Any City – The Event Sites Compared
The Best 10 Flight Tracker Apps: Paid & Free Compared
The Swirl, the Vivino Alternative That Wants to Change How We Choose Wine — And Where Its Founders Send You for Wine in Sweden
How & Why to Use Miles & More for Tracking Airline Miles from Lufthansa Partners -Review
Airhub Drone App Review: Compliance, Plans & Pricing
Drone Assist Review: The UK’s Top Free Drone Planner
How to Apply for a Visa Online via the Atlys App (Review & Prices)Playing while you travel? Alongside the stories, we keep an eye on the gambling side. For readers in the UK there's our ranked overview of trusted UKGC-licensed online casinos and the best UK betting sites and apps, every one licensed by the Gambling Commission. In the US, where the rules differ state by state, we cover the best social and sweepstakes casinos and the prediction market apps now legal nationwide.
Locals Insider Travel Magazine: Authentic Places, Guides & People's Stories
Locals Insider is a travel and lifestyle magazine for globally mobile people. We are always on the move. Alongside personal, local guides to the world's best places to stay, eat and unwind — from boutique hotels and seafood spots to luxury wellness retreats — we review the apps, connectivity, insurance and money tools that make travel actually work. Curated by travel insiders and writers who've been there. Because you don't have to live somewhere to experience it like a local.
In our view, being a "local" doesn't mean living in a place or knowing everything about it. Things change so fast that we sometimes feel like strangers in our own cities. We believe you become a local for a day or a week whenever you travel with curiosity and pay attention.
And we explore the world through people, because places are people first. Behind every good thing is someone who made it. So we talk to founders, designers, artists, café owners, chefs, architects — anyone who makes the world a more beautiful place — and by learning what they do, we get to see their world: the places they love, and the places they've created.
Behind Locals Insider are Alex Copenguy & Martin Danemaq. More about us →
The world, one local at a time
Daily places, people and finds from our contributors — on Instagram as @locals_insider.
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