Big differences between overseas tourists and locals revealed—Top most popular check-in spots announced
Last updated 2026-09-24 — The world-renowned travel planning and booking platform TripAdvisor has launched its first mobile "Check-in" Index, revealing the biggest differences in the hotels, restaurants...
Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
The world-renowned travel planning and booking platform TripAdvisor has launched its first mobile “Check-in” Index, revealing the biggest differences in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions most frequently checked into by visitors to Hong Kong and Taipei versus locals. The report also compares various popular destinations across Asia, analyzing travel preferences of overseas tourists and locals based on the highest number of check-ins. This report is derived from TripAdvisor’s massive mobile location data.
The world-renowned travel planning and booking platform TripAdvisor has launched its first mobile “Check-in” Index, revealing the biggest differences in the hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions most frequently checked into by visitors to Hong Kong and Taipei versus locals. The report also compares various popular destinations across Asia, analyzing travel preferences of overseas tourists and locals based on the highest number of check-ins. This report is derived from TripAdvisor’s massive mobile location data.
Sensoji Temple is one of the most popular check-in spots among overseas travelers. (Image source/MOOK Publishing)
TripAdvisor’s mobile “Check-in” Index tracks consumer movement and actual time spent at locations to show the most popular check-in spots. Interestingly, while in some cities both overseas tourists and locals are drawn to the same attractions or dining spots, in others their preferences vary significantly.
The Sheraton Taipei Hotel is favored by overseas visitors. (Image source/MOOK Publishing)
To collect this data, TripAdvisor uses GPS and motion sensors from smartphones to determine check-in information, predicting whether anonymous users visited or merely passed by a location.
Analysis of check-in data from the following cities reveals several interesting trends:
• Both overseas tourists and locals have great taste, often choosing highly rated hotspots
• Data from several Asian cities shows that many overseas tourists and locals dine at the same restaurants
• The most frequently visited chain restaurants in Hong Kong by both overseas tourists and locals are Tim Ho Wan and IKEA Restaurant, whereas in Taipei the top two are Din Tai Fung and Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice Cream)
• Overseas tourists are mostly drawn to major tourist attractions, while locals seek out alternative spots
Analysis of check-in data from the following cities reveals several interesting trends:
• Both overseas tourists and locals have great taste, often choosing highly rated hotspots
• Data from several Asian cities shows that many overseas tourists and locals dine at the same restaurants
• The most frequently visited chain restaurants in Hong Kong by both overseas tourists and locals are Tim Ho Wan and IKEA Restaurant, whereas in Taipei the top two are Din Tai Fung and Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice Cream)
• Overseas tourists are mostly drawn to major tourist attractions, while locals seek out alternative spots
Taipei 101 is the top check-in attraction for overseas visitors. (Image source/MOOK Publishing)
“Locals vs Tourists: Most Popular Check-in Spots”:
Taipei City, Taiwan
Taipei City, Taiwan
| Overseas Visitors | Locals | |
| Hotels |
1. Grand Hyatt Taipei 2. W Taipei 3. Sheraton Taipei Hotel |
N/A |
| Tourist Attractions |
1. Taipei 101 2. Shilin Night Market 3. Miramar Entertainment Park |
1. Taipei 101 2. Miramar Entertainment Park 3. Huashan 1914 Creative Park |
| Private Dining |
1. Ah Chung Noodles (Ximending) 2. Jiadeli Bakery 3. Yongkang Beef Noodles |
1. Jiadeli Bakery 2. Kim Fung Braised Pork Rice 3. Lin Dongfang Beef Noodles |
| Chain Restaurants |
1. Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road) 2. Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice) 3. Wheatfield Bakery |
1. Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road) 2. Ice Monster (Yongkang Ice) 3. Genki Sushi (Keihe Road) |
Australia Milk Company is a Hong Kong eatery known for its steamed milk desserts. (Image source / MOOK Moleskine Publishing)
Hong Kong
| Overseas Visitors | Locals | |
| Hotels |
1. Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong 2. Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers 3. Royal Park Hotel |
Not Applicable |
| Tourist Attractions |
1. Ladies' Market 2. Hong Kong Disneyland 3. The Peak |
1. Ladies' Market 2. Apliu Street 3. Lan Kwai Fong |
| Private Restaurants |
1. Yat Dim Sum 2. Temple Street Spicy Crab 3. Australia Dairy Company |
1. Yat Dim Sum 2. Chan Kan Kee Dai Pai Dong 3. Tung Po Kitchen |
| Chain Restaurants |
1. Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Specialist 2. Tsui Wah Restaurant in Causeway Bay 3. IKEA Restaurant |
1. IKEA Restaurant 2. Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Specialist 3. Chiu Chow Restaurant |
The Khao San Road in Bangkok, a street of just under 300 meters, serves as an information hub for backpackers visiting the city. (Image source/MOOK Moleskine Publishing)
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