Where the Locals Go: More than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax

In February, National Geographic offers adventurers a new book: WHERE THE LOCALS GO: More than 300 Places Around the World to Eat, Play, Shop, Celebrate, and Relax (National Geographic Books; Feb. 4, 2014; paperback; $24.95), which goes beyond overcrowded tourist destinations to share local cultures and customs from around the world for travelers seeking a rewarding and memorable experience.

Arranged by continent and compiled by the National Geographic Traveler magazine team, WHERE THE LOCALS GO suggests restaurants, markets, festivals and events beloved by residents of the featured towns and cities. Those looking for the best local specialty — the finest cowboy boots in San Antonio or the most authentic dim sum in Hong Kong — will find the go-to spots from those in the know.

Experience the world's ultimate dance-off, the Goroka sing-sing in Papua New Guinea's Eastern Highlands, where more than 100 tribes perform traditional dances in an explosion of color and sound.

“This book is a sparkling, surprising collection of off-the-beaten-track finds, ah-hahs, neighborhood secrets, and the pleasures of those who live in a place 24/7. So before you ask the concierge where to go or what to do, dive in and enjoy WHERE THE LOCALS GO,” writes Keith Bellows, editor in chief, National Geographic Travel Media, in his introduction.

Options abound for travelers looking for unusual and authentic experiences:

- On the last Friday of every month, cycle through San Francisco with Critical Mass, a good-natured, two-wheeled takeover of the streets with no official leader but with gorgeous views.

- In the heart of Arizona’s Navajo Nation, stay over with a local family in their hogan — a traditional one-room home made of juniper logs and used for sacred ceremonies.

- Discover the Mewang, a fire-blessing ceremony, at the Thangbi Mani festival celebrating the new year in Bhutan’s Chokhor Valley each autumn.

- Watch a reindeer parade during the winter market in Jokkmokk, Sweden, while browsing 500 stalls manned by the Sámi, Lapland’s indigenous reindeer herders.

- Mingle with the local crowds at sunset on Juhu Beach in Mumbai.

A bonus chapter features in-depth travel suggestions in 15 great cities, including New York; Washington, D.C.; Jerusalem; Cape Town; Tokyo; Sydney; and Paris.

Great restaurants, charming bookstores, local haunts, open-air markets and unusual sights crowd each page of WHERE THE LOCALS GO. Prominent residents and editors of international editions of Traveler magazine also share their personal favorites in “I Heart My City” sidebars. Georgetown University professor Jim Millward suggests checking out the bluegrass scene in the up-and-coming Atlas District in Northeast Washington, D.C.; Alan Kingshott, chief yeoman warder at the Tower of London, recommends theater in the West End; and Istanbul art historian, architect and author Gul Irepoglu counts taking a boat across the Bosphorus — traveling from Europe to Asia in minutes — as one of his favorite activities.