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.
The bustling city also makes the perfect home base for a host of fascinating day trips. Visitors marvel at the nearby Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a massive underground architectural feat. Sacred Lake Guatavita, famous for its role in the El Dorado legend, is also not to be missed.
One of the best times to visit Bogotá is in August, when the annual Festival de Verano brings the city together for free concerts, sports, and cultural activities.
As for the rest of the most authentic destinations in the world, it’s no surprise eclectic Lima rose to a respectable second-place finish. Endless gastronomic delights, diverse architecture, and neighborhoods packed with character ensure visitors have everything but a boring trip to the large coastal metropolis.
Another melting pot on the other side of the world, Taipei, nabbed the third place spot on InsureandGo’s list. Taiwan’s capital has one of Asia’s best food market scenes on top of an electric nightlife and well-preserved temples.
Here is the full top 10 list:
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Lima, Peru
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Muscat, Oman
- Quito, Ecuador
- Valparaíso, Chile
- Medellín, Colombia
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Cairo, Egypt