SINGAPORE — Want a guide who won’t take you to cheesy spots? Who really knows a city from the inside out like a local would? Or how about one who’s unequivocally well-versed in the very attraction you’re looking at? From locals to history professors with a PhD, there’s always a tour guide to give you that in-depth experience of a city. SERENE LIM

1.CONTEXT

Like its name suggests, Context (www.contexttravel.com) is all about gaining background and perspective during your tour. Hence the tour company hires “scholars” — architects, historians, museum curators — to enlighten intellectually-curious visitors about a city’s character and quirks through walking seminars with no more than five other travellers. From tea tastings in Hangzhou to a lesson on the belle epoque era of Budapest at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it’s a cultural experience like no other. If you’ve kids, the company also organises immersive tours for them.

2.VAYABLE

Here’s a clever site (www.vayable.com) that combines what travellers hope to achieve during a trip and locals want. Think of this as a platform for hooking up — but, no, not that kind. Travellers simply enter the destination they heading for, book an experience they’re interested in — up to 2,500 choices — like an underground food tour, and connects them to a pre-screened local expert conducting that tour.

3.SPOTTED BY LOCALS

Who says your guide actually has to be human? This useful app covers 51 cities and is easily available 24/7 at a tap of your finger. Specially selected “spotters” or locals contribute all the tips and keep them regularly updated. Best of all, you don’t need an Internet connection to use it.