# Spotted by Locals City Guides — Explore 85+ Cities as a Local!

> Local-curated city guides for authentic travel experiences. (iPhone/iPad app by Spotted B.V..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spotted-by-locals-city-guides/id470967003 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Spotted B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1607306045)
- Category: Travel, Food & Drink
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 3.70/5 from 106 App Store ratings · 173 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 61 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2011-12-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spotted-by-locals-city-guides/id470967003/reviews.md

## What is Spotted by Locals City Guides?

Discover cities through the eyes of locals. Skip the tourist traps and explore authentic spots recommended by people who actually live there.

> Insider tips and hidden gems, handpicked by locals
> Support sustainable, community-driven tourism
> Find authentic cafés, bars, art, and culture beyond the guidebooks
> Travel responsibly, support local culture, and make every trip more meaningful.

Don’t just visit a city, live it. Download Spotted by Locals today.

## Key features

- Local recommendations
- Hidden gems
- Authentic cafés and bars
- Art and culture spots
- Sustainable tourism support
- Travel responsibly

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**Subscriptions**

| Subscription | Price | Period |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $4.99 | per month |

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Amsterdam travel guide | $3.99 | one-time |
| Berlin city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| Barcelona travel guide | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lisbon city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| London city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| Paris city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| Prague city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| Rome city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |
| New York city guide by locals | $3.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of Spotted by Locals City Guides?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 Authentic local recommendations from residents
- 🗺️ Offline maps functionality
- 💎 Discovers hidden gems off tourist trail
- 📱 User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- 🌍 Covers diverse cities worldwide
- 💰 Affordable pricing per city guide
- 🔄 Frequently updated content
- 🎯 Curated selections vs overwhelming crowdsourced reviews
- 📍 GPS integration with offline capability
- ✍️ Well-written, passionate descriptions from locals

**Cons**

- 💳 Pay-per-city model can be expensive for multiple cities
- 🔍 Poor categorization and filtering system
- 🌐 Limited city coverage, especially outside Europe/North America
- 📊 Inconsistent content quality across cities
- ⚠️ Incomplete coverage within major cities
- 🔐 Poor customer support and communication
- 🐛 App synchronization issues between web and mobile
- 📉 Outdated or closed locations still listed
- 🎯 Inconsistent spotter qualifications and expertise
- 💬 Lack of transparency about spotter credentials

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashes on startup
- Password reset functionality missing
- Maps fail to render without updates
- Excessive battery drain
- Forced review prompts blocking app usage
- Duplicate purchases between web and app
- Map rendering issues in some cities
- Unresponsive customer support
- Content synchronization failures
- Recurring update notifications

**Most requested features**

- Search functionality for city selection
- Route planning between multiple spots
- Ability to create and save custom itineraries
- Journal feature to record visited spots
- Better map landmarks and transit information
- More photos for each location
- Filter for new posts only
- Scheduled background updates instead of on-app prompts
- Spotter expertise and qualification information
- Free trial or preview of full content before purchase
- Unified account across web and mobile platforms

## Recent user reviews (10 of 173)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spotted-by-locals-city-guides/id470967003/reviews.md

### 2/5 — App versus website

*2026-04-12, version 7.0.33513*

Why would I pay for access on the app when I can have it for free on your website?

### 5/5 — Long time user

*2026-02-16, version 7.0.31532*

I have recently become a spotter because I believe in this user generated approach. You discover far more and in cities outside the norm
With an app like this.

### 1/5 — They are  scammers

*2025-10-09, version 7.0.30248*

I’ve just signed up for a year membership, they took 2yr subscription. No way of changing or contacting them.

### 5/5 — The Inside Scoop

*2025-08-14, version 7.0.27891*

About to make my fourth trip with Spotted by Locals in hand. Nice to have inside advice from locals for quick reference as I wonder these cities. The performance of the app seems to get better and better.

### 1/5 — Poorly Organized and Difficult to Use

*2025-06-10, version 7.0.27891*

I was super excited to find these guides, but they are a total time and money waster IMO. First of all I purchased a guide twice b:c the website and mobile app don’t seem to be synchronized. Once I finally got access, there is zero organization in the categories. Filtering on restaurant means sifting through dozens and dozens of random reviews with no organizing principle. Who has the time? Save your money.

### 1/5 — They never reply

*2024-09-06, version 7.0.24668*

I lost my password after subscribing and renewal of subscription. There is not a reset password option. I have emailed them many times via their feedback link but they have never responded. If you subscribe make sure you never lose your password.

### 3/5 — I loved the app before the update!

*2024-07-21*

I loved the option to add own restaurants and places but this is not possible anymore. Also it is the third time that all by bought cities are deleted…

### 1/5 — doesn’t have anything for Dallas

*2024-02-26, version 7.0.19423*

Dallas is a major city how is there nothing for big D. delete this trash app from the app store

### 5/5 — The best travel app!

*2023-09-27, version 7.0.2*

Spotted by locals is a must for any traveler. It enhances any trip. I have used it in several European cities and with a GPS & recommendations from local residents that are not touristy it is the best!! Also very reasonable. I’m about to go to Copenhagen and just bought my guide!

### 5/5 — Quick customer service response

*2023-08-09, version 7.0.2*

I updated the app and for a while, thought I had lost all previous purchases. Received a very prompt reply to my query. All working fine within a few hours.
My favorite way of exploring a new (or sometimes well known city) and has been for several years now.

## Frequently asked questions about Spotted by Locals City Guides

### What does Spotted by Locals do?

This app provides city guides curated by locals, helping you discover authentic spots and hidden gems. It aims to help you avoid tourist traps and experience cities through the eyes of residents.

### What kind of places can I find with this app?

You can find authentic cafés, bars, art venues, and cultural spots recommended by people who live in the city. The focus is on places that offer a genuine local experience.

### Is this app free to use?

The app is free to download and use, offering access to local recommendations. However, it does feature in-app purchases, suggesting that some content or features may require payment.

### How does this app support local communities?

By recommending local businesses and venues, the app supports sustainable, community-driven tourism. It encourages travelers to engage with and support local culture during their trips.

### What makes this app different from other travel guides?

Unlike traditional guidebooks or generic platforms, this app relies on insider tips and recommendations from actual locals. This ensures a more authentic and less tourist-centric exploration of cities.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 7.0.33513 — 2026-03-19

Spring has sprung, and we're celebrating with a gift: the Lublin guide is now free for everyone. Cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, the best pierogi you'll ever eat. One of Poland's most underrated cities, seen through local eyes. Go wander.

### 7.0.31532 — 2025-12-18

Bugfix: Fixed city guide purchase error

### 7.0.31524 — 2025-12-17

Bugfix: Fixed city guide purchase error

### 7.0.30534 — 2025-10-21

Bugfix: Fixed city guide purchase error

### 7.0.30248 — 2025-09-29

Bugfix: Fixed city guide purchase error

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## Related topics

[spotted by locals city guides](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spotted-by-locals-city-guides) · [spotted by locals](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/spotted-by-locals) · [mypaducah](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/mypaducah) · [luxe city guides](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/luxe-city-guides) · [guides city](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/guides-city) · [guide city](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/guide-city)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*
