Authentic Encounters
We curate tours and tips that lead you directly to the people, stories, and places that truly define a city – off the beaten path.
You experience the city not as a tourist, but as a guest.We curate tours and tips that lead you directly to the people, stories, and places that truly define a city – off the beaten path.
You experience the city not as a tourist, but as a guest.Every route and recommendation is checked for its ecological and social compatibility. We promote local businesses, public transport, and respectful interaction with culture and nature.
Your footprint stays light, your experience deep.Whether street art, traditional crafts, Fado, or market cuisine – we weave cultural highlights into the city's everyday life. This turns every walk into a journey of discovery.
You understand why a city is the way it is.Our Drive The longing for real stories and the conviction that travel enriches when you open yourself up – to the imperfect, the authentic, the local.
How We Work We research on-site, talk to residents, test routes ourselves, and filter by quality, atmosphere, and sustainability. Every recommendation is handpicked.
What You Gain A new feeling for the city: You don't just walk through streets, but through stories. You return with the feeling of having truly understood something.
Our Profile
Every route is created with local people. We collaborate with city guides, artists, and small shops to offer insights that no travel guide reveals.
Real stories, no standard toursWe rely on public transport, regional accommodations, and conscious consumption. Our goal: to explore cities in a way that keeps them worth living in tomorrow.
Climate-friendly travel without compromiseWhether it's a street art workshop in Berlin, a Fado evening in Lisbon, or a market visit in Palermo – we provide experiences that get under your skin and stay in your memory.
More than just sightseeingMilestones
It all began in 2019 with a simple question: How do you get behind the facade of a city without relying on standardized tours? This curiosity gave rise to UrbanExplore – initially as a small blog with handpicked routes through Berlin neighborhoods. The response was overwhelming: within a few months, we received inquiries from all over Europe. 2021 marked the first major step: the development of a map app that bundles local stories, hidden shops, and authentic meeting points. To date, we have documented over 120 neighborhoods in 18 countries – always with the aim of capturing the pulse of the places, not just their postcard motifs.
The turning point came in 2023 when we organized our first community event in Lisbon. Instead of guided groups, we focused on open walks with residents, artists, and chefs. The format struck a chord: over 400 people took part, and the local press reported on it. Since then, we have been collaborating with city museums, cultural initiatives, and sustainable hostels. Our goal is not rapid growth, but a reliable bridge between travelers and the people who truly live their city. The numbers confirm this path – but more important are the feedback from those who have found new perspectives through us.
Founder & City Explorer
For over ten years, Peer has been mapping the hidden corners of European cities. His expertise in urban geography and local history turns every tour into a journey of discovery beyond the guidebooks.
Culture Expert & Route Planner
Detlef combines his passion for street art and sustainable architecture with practical tour planning. He knows the best spots for authentic encounters and ensures unforgettable moments away from the crowds.
Sustainability Advisor & Editor
Lena researches eco-friendly accommodations and local initiatives. Her articles about eco-villages in the Alps and green urban oases help travelers enjoy more consciously.
Photographer & Local Guide
Born in Lisbon, Tomás leads through the alleys of Alfama and shows the real Fado taverns. His images capture the soul of the city – raw, honest, and full of life.