When it first came out I never used guides and I beat it without them. That was when it first came out though so I don't recall any specifics. I do remember getting stuck in the original Legend of Zelda and not even having Nintendo Power to help so I'd just go around trying anything on everything. I was probably in the same mindset for Link's Awakening.

When I replayed it a couple of years ago, though, my time was much more important to me; so anytime I'd get really stuck on something I'd check a guide online for a hint.