A Google user 25
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
About a year ago I discovered Spotted by Locals before going on a trip to Portugal. My wife and I love to rent apartments rather than hotel rooms so we can get a feel for life like a local. However, trying to read a bunch of reviews for every business that shows up in a Google "near me" search is not really appealing to me. I immediately fell in love with the LOCAL CURATION that Spotted By Locals provides. The next best feature is that all of the data can be downloaded to your phone so you don't have to use mobile data when you're traveling. I even prefer to use the maps in the SBL app over Google maps. We've used it in Lisbon, Porto, Montreal, Boston, even Chicago. I love SBL's commitment to combatting overtourism in areas bombarded by it, while also promoting less-known areas in need of exposure. If SBL has the city I'm headed to, I'll download it without hesitation. It's an excellent resource for travelers eager to get an authentic sense for the place they're visiting.
Dan Ef 1
Friday, July 4, 2025
Are individually purchased guides only valid for 1 year after purchase now? Not *everything* needs to be a subscription you know? It is possible to focus on service over profits.
Spotted by Locals
Monday, July 7, 2025
Thanks for your question. Running this initiative sustainably is challenging, so we switched to a 1-year validity two years ago. Service comes first for us, always. If you’d like to reuse the guide, we’d be happy to provide you with a code. Please email us at
[email protected], and we’d love to hear from you. - Jorn
Robert Donegan 5
Saturday, October 2, 2021
I downloaded this app this morning thinking it was great, finding out cool places to eat and drink for when I go to Venice next week. I had some more time tonight to look at it again, and went to look up Florence as I will be travelling there also, only to see that I've to pay again?? Ridiculous. I wouldn't have minded paying a bit more for the app if it included everywhere, but to pay per city I think is a farce! Not very good at all.
Spotted by Locals
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Thank you for your review Robert. As almost all digital and paper travel guide publishers (like Lonely Planet) we sell individual city guides. We clearly state this, on our product page and again when you press "buy". We'd be very happy to refund you so you can try out our Venice tips free. Please contact me (Bart) on
[email protected]! Thx!
Mark B 4
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Pack this before your toothpaste! This is the best travel app ever! Seriously, I'd pay 10 times as much for it. It's way better than having your own tour guide and far less intrusive. I have discovered countless gems in multiple cities. If I was forced to find something that could be improved, it would be more coverage please. Having said that, existing coverage is amazing. Please please keep up the fantastic work. Edited
Spotted by Locals
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
🥰🥰🥰
A Google user
3
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Love this app! It's so handy. As a Spotter and as a Glasgow resident in general I've found it's super helpful and super accessible to use. The city guide provides a very useful map of all the places reviewed by local spotters, as it includes the individual reviews of the Spotters in that particular area. It filled me with warmth and pride to see my reviews sitting so nicely on the app, knowing that others could learn about the lovely venues and the scenic locations Glasgow has on offer.
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