These Are the 10 Most 'Authentic' Travel Destinations in the World

"In travel, few words are as overused and debated as "authentic." For some, it means wandering far from the crowds; for others, it's about connecting with locals in meaningful ways. At its core, though, authenticity suggests experiences that feel genuine rather than manufactured-places where daily life unfolds naturally, traditions aren't staged for visitors, and commercial gloss hasn't dulled a destination's character."

"InsureandGo set out to put some debate to rest by determining the world's most authentic destinations for discerning travelers. The team looked at Google Maps reviews for over 144 popular cities, taking note of how often words like "authentic," "local," and "traditional" appeared in feedback for restaurants, markets, cultural venues, and attractions. Researchers also counted how often contrasting terms like "tourist trap" and "overpriced" were used. From there, they gave each destination an authenticity score based on the ratio of positive to negative reviews."

"When the numbers were crunched, Bogotá, Colombia, took the crown as the most authentic city in the world. The capital city, one of Travel and Leisure readers' favorites in Central and South America, scored a perfect 100 on the authenticity scale, far outpacing runner-up Lima, Peru, at 70.5. Its vibrant culinary scene, renowned abundance of street art, and connection to Indigenous civilizations leave travelers feeling immersed and enriched. The city's top attractions include riding the Cerro de Monserrate funicular to sweeping views and a 17th-century monastery, visiting the colonial La Candelaria neighborhood, and spending time in the Gold Museum, home to invaluable gold artifacts and insights on indigenous Muisca culture."

Authenticity in travel refers to experiences that feel genuine rather than manufactured, where daily life unfolds naturally, traditions aren't staged, and commercial gloss hasn't dulled a destination's character. InsureandGo analyzed Google Maps reviews across more than 144 popular cities, tracking occurrences of words like "authentic," "local," and "traditional" in feedback for restaurants, markets, cultural venues, and attractions. Researchers also counted mentions of contrasting terms such as "tourist trap" and "overpriced," then computed an authenticity score from the ratio of positive to negative reviews. Bogotá scored a perfect 100, with Lima as runner-up at 70.5. Bogotá's vibrant culinary scene, prolific street art, and ties to Indigenous civilizations contribute to strong feelings of immersion. Notable attractions include the Cerro de Monserrate funicular, the colonial La Candelaria neighborhood, and the Gold Museum, and the city serves as a base for day trips like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

Read at Travel + Leisure