Walking Tours & Why It's the Best Way To Experience A Destination
Have you ever thought about exploring new cities on foot? Walking tours are such a fun way to discover places up close and personal. Be it a solo trip or travelling with family, one of these guided strolls is a great option to learn more about a destination.
In his article we are going to give you the full lowdown on how these walking tours work and what you can expect. Then you will understand why these tours are seriously the most brilliant way to see a new city, you'll be so glad you came along.
What Does Walking Tour Mean?
Nothing beats learning about new places by exploring on foot. Credit: @michaeladamusova
Walking tours are guided explorations of an area that take place on foot. A local guide leads a small group along a planned route to share information about the location's sites, history, culture, and even all the best photo spots!
You will love how flexible the formats can be. Shorter tours (like 2 or 3 hours) let you squeeze one in over lunch. There are also all-day adventures where your group wanders all over, covering so much ground. During the tour, there will be some snacks stops, and you will discover something new everywhere you go.
How Do Walking Tours Work?
Walking tours are the best way to experience a new place. They are led by knowledgeable guides. You can start by booking through online platforms or even directly with the tour guides themselves. Walking tours can vary in length, typically lasting from a few hours to a full day.
For the meeting point, your guide thoughtfully chooses accessible spots near must-see attractions.
As the tour goes on, you walk from one place to the next as they passionately share unbelievable stories and facts. And you even get to know all the facts and insights you wouldn't have learned otherwise.
Walking tours can be a great option for people who prefer a more immersive experience. Credit: @paulinagoldschneider
You can ask anything and chat with the guide, from a tidbit about the place to a recommendation for a good diner to go to afterwards. It's the charm and passion of these people that make walking tours such a brilliant experience.
Most wrap up at a different spot from where you started, ideally, somewhere you can grab a bite or conveniently near public transportation.
As the tour concludes, it’s customary to tip the tour guide if you enjoyed the tour and found it informative. There are no hard rules about it, but typically, if it’s a free tour, you should tip at least 10-20 dollars or pounds (or the equivalent of a nice local meal). Some even give 50 or more if the tour guide is exceptional. What’s the most you have ever given a guide? Tell us about it in the comments.
Why Choosing A Walking Tour?
Just seems like the most traditional way to explore new places, so what makes walking tours so popular?
1. Immerse Deeper In The Place
Walking tours are where it's at if you really want to dive in and get to know a new place. Cruising around is so much better than getting herded around on some stuffy bus tour. When you walk, you set your own pace, and that lets you totally soak in all the amazing details you'd miss whizzing by.
2. Find Anything That Fits You
Secondly, walking tours are also great because they cater to various interests and themes. Want a quick overview of Britain’s capital? London Walks will introduce you to the grand landmarks as well as the hidden nooks of the city. Are you a foodie? A tour like Culinary Backstreets will let you taste all the best Lisbon has to offer. Into art, history, nature or even ghosts and the supernatural? There’s something for that, too.
Find anything that interests you and start from there. Credit: Hazlina H
3. Sit Back And Explore
One of the best part is the convenience—simply book and the guide or the company handles everything else. They will take care of the travel plan, tickets to certain attractions, the logistics, best times to visit sites without the crowds, etc. It’s take the guesswork out of everything.
3. Meet And Greet People
After the hostel common area, a walking tour is the next best thing to meet fellow travellers, especially if you are a solo traveller. Exploring a new town together can bring you closer without you both knowing it. Plus, you can even meet locals going about their daily lives on some tours. That's where you'll find all the insider spots they'll tell you about. Who knows, maybe they'll show you their favourite local diner or hidden park.
4. See The Place In A New Light
One of the most fantastic things about walking tours is getting a local as your guide. They keep you on track and point out the big attractions and share all the small details you'd never find in a book. Your guide will spin yarns about neighbourhood characters, family businesses that have been there for generations, or maybe changes they've seen over the years. Really, a good guide is charming and loves their city so much that they want others to appreciate it too.
5. Set Up Your Adventures
Most people sign up for a walking tour on their first day at the destination. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with all the landmarks. You have a general idea of the place, the vibe, and the attractions, and have someone giving you all you need to know where to go right from the get-go. And if you are lucky, you may find someone to travel with for the duration of the trip!
Best Tips For Walking Tours
Stay hydrated to make sure you enjoy your walking tours from start to finish. Credit: @nicholas
Thinking of exploring your next destination on foot? The following tips will help you get the most out of your self-guided walking explorations or booked guided tours.
1. Stay Hydrated
Being out and about for hours can easily lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Dehydration is no fun. So, be sure to bring plenty of water - at least a litre or two, depending on the weather and length of your tour. Hot days may require even more water. Furthermore, if you are active for a long time, especially in warm temperatures, consider packing electrolyte drinks too.
2. Choose Suitable Shoes
Regarding walking tours, we can't stress enough how important comfortable shoes are. After all, you'll be on your feet and exploring for a long time. Walking shoes or trail runners with good arch support and cushioning are a solid pick.
Also, remember to break in any new shoes before the big day. You can go for short walks in them before the event to help prevent painful blisters from forming mid-tour (a travel problem that is more common than you think).
3. Check The Weather
After a long time of preparation, you won't want to postpone your walking tours due to the weather, so checking the weather forecast is a must. Our suggestion is to always look at the predicted forecast leading up to the tour date.
If rain is in the cards, take a waterproof jacket and umbrella along for the ride. Also, bring lightweight, breathable layers and a hat on sunny days that can protect you from UV rays. And since weather can change quickly, dressing in layers allows flexibility.
4. Charge Your Phone
We all know how important it is to keep your phone alive on walking tours or a full day out. Some people also has a habit of limiting background activity and set to battery-saving mode. A compact power bank that can easily fit in your backpack is a must-have in these cases.
5. Bring A Small Backpack
One of the handiest things to bring along on any walking tours is a small, comfy backpack. It allows you to carry all your essentials without weighing down your limbs. Hands remain free, so you can easily snap photos as you explore!
It’s best to choose a breathable, padded backpack with multiple pockets to keep everything organised.
If you are considering one, then we recommend our CabinZero Classic Tech 28L. This option strikes a balance between being spacious enough for essentials while remaining compact and lightweight. It can comfortably hold a laptop, clothing, and other travel necessities without feeling bulky. The only difficulty here is picking a colour that suits your liking!
When packing your bag, don’t forget to include the basics, such as:
- Reusable water bottle
- Your favourite snacks
- A mini first aid kit (in case of any bumps or scrapes along the way)
- Extra clothes or a lightweight jacket
- A portable charger.
FAQs
1. What Is The Best Free Tour Website?
Free Tour Community and GuruWalk are your go-to websites for free or budget-friendly options. Browse their directories of cities to find hundreds of choices - everything from food walks to neighbourhood history hikes. Guides are all screened, so you know you're in good hands.
2. What Makes A Good Walking Tour?
First, having a local guide who knows the area inside and out is so valuable. They offer a unique perspective with history lessons and recommendations you'd never find on your own. Equally important is group size. Smaller numbers, say 10-12 people, will be best for personal experience where it's easy to chat and get questions answered.
Beyond sightseeing, an engaging walking tour immerses you in the local culture and environment. Things like introducing niche artisans, hidden neighbourhood gems, or flavoured tastings bring the destination alive beyond what guidebooks describe.
3. How Much Should I Give For A Free Walking Tour?
Most travellers typically tip between 10 to 15 in dollars or pounds per person, with some tipping more for exceptional experiences, ranging up to 20 or more. It's important to remember that while the tour is labelled as "free," guides rely on tips as their primary source of income, so tipping is both appreciated and encouraged. A tip is to pay for at least a price of a decent lunch or 2-3 cup of coffee in the local area.
4. How Much Do You Tip For A 2 Hour Walking Tour?
For that length of time, $10-20 per person is generally appropriate. Of course, much depends on your personal budget and how much you enjoyed the guide's knowledge and skills. If the tour really blew you away with fascinating stories and insider tips, you may want to give closer to $20. On the flip side, $10 is fine for a more average experience.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, walking tours are one of the best ways to dive into the soul of any destination. The blend of history, hidden gems, and Q&A make for an interactive experience you'll remember for years to come.
Finally, please leave a comment below if you have any other walking tour tips, favourite destinations you've visited this way, or questions for our readers. We look forward to continuing the conversation. And don’t forget to share this article too!
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