If you live in a city that attracts tourists — Medellín, Santo Domingo, Buenos Aires, Bangkok, Barcelona, Lisbon — you're sitting on an economic opportunity that most people miss.
The Top Side Hustles#
1. Become a Local Friend ($25-60/hour)
The newest and fastest-growing option. Platforms like Roavi connect you with travelers who want to explore with a local. No license, no investment, no schedule requirements. You show people your city and get paid for it.
2. Airbnb Host ($500-2,000/month per room)
If you have a spare room or can afford a second apartment, short-term rentals in tourist cities generate significant income. Requires investment and management.
3. Food Tour Guide ($100-300/day)
If you know your city's food scene, organize walking food tours. Requires more structure than being a Local Friend but can be very profitable.
4. Language Exchange Partner ($15-25/hour)
Travelers want to learn your language. You want to practice English. Structured language exchanges can be monetized through tutoring platforms.
5. Airport/City Transfer ($20-50 per trip)
New arrivals need trustworthy transport from the airport. If you have a car, airport runs are easy money.
Why Local Friend Is #1#
- No investment — zero startup cost
- Flexible schedule — accept requests when it works for you
- Use what you know — your city knowledge IS the product
- Meet interesting people — travelers from around the world
- Build a reputation — reviews compound over time
Apply to become a Local Friend on Roavi at roavi.com/roavi-local-friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best side hustle if you live in a tourist city?
The ones with no startup cost and no inventory, because a tourist city gives you demand you did not have to create. Showing visitors around as a Local Friend, short-term rental hosting if you have the space, airport transfers if you have a car, and photography if you have a camera are the realistic options. The first is the only one that costs nothing to start.Do I need to speak English?
It helps significantly and it is rarely a hard requirement. Most inbound visitors to most destinations have English as a shared second language, so it widens who can hire you and usually supports a higher rate. But Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian speakers are all in demand somewhere, and being honest about your level matters far more than being fluent.How much can you earn from tourism as a side hustle?
It depends far more on your city's visitor volume and season than on the specific hustle. A busy destination in high season can produce meaningful weekly income from weekend work; the same city in low season may produce nothing for a month. Plan around the lumpiness rather than assuming an average, because the average is not how it arrives.Is it legal to show tourists around for money?
In most countries yes, without a licence, provided you are not operating as a registered tour company. Several countries that once required guiding certification have removed the exclusive-practice rule. Tax is the part people forget: income is income, and most countries have a threshold above which you must declare it. Check your own country's rule before you assume you are under it.