Do you want a cheap way to see the highlights in a city? A free walking tour is a great way to do this at the start of a visit. It also reduces your carbon footprint as there is no transport involved. But how do you make sure you get the most out of the tour. Here’s why you should consider a free walking tour when you travel.
Are free tours really free?
Well, they can be. However, it’s really a budget friendly way to see the city. Tipping the guide for what you think the tour is worth, or what you can afford.
It’s worth knowing that most of the guides have to pay the company a commission, usually per person. So unless they are rubbish or you don’t enjoy the tour, it would be wrong not to give something.
The guides on free walking tours will usually know their stuff and have a lot of general knowledge about the city. They work particularly hard to make the tour interesting for all. For this reason, I personally prefer a ‘free’ tour to a similar one that is paid for in advance.
How does it work?
Usually, these tours are fairly regular, especially during peak season. They often start somewhere fairly central and will be advertised online or in hostels – just search for ‘free walking tour [name of city]’.
Normally you can just turn up. However sometimes there is an online booking system, which some of the larger companies suggest you use to guarantee the tour will go. Not really necessary in the more popular cities as there will always be interest.
The average tour is around a couple of hours. Sometimes there is a break midway. It’s best to come prepared, and expect to be ‘walking’ most of the time. However, there is usually time standing around and to stop whilst the guide shares information and/or allows you to take photos.
Is it right for you?
As the name suggests, these tours are not for those who prefer NOT to walk. It can be a long time spent on your feet. If you do not enjoy walking or have mobility problems, look at other options.
Often free tours are in large groups and are generally not suitable for young children who might get bored or restless.
The guide is unlikely to cover a lot of the detail, so a free tour is not really for history enthusiasts, but more for those that like to get an overview of a city and ideas on what to do.
Few free tours will allow time for entering any of the building. A free tour is mostly going to involve viewing places from the outside. So, you will need to plan time to go back if you want to see inside.
How to make the most of a tour
- Search online and check reviews. This way you can gage what to expect and compare options if there is more than one tour available.
- A free tour is a great way to get your bearings in a new city, so always try to take a tour at the start of your visit.
- Take a mental note or map out the places along the way, which you might want to return to later. Often museums and other sights will be recommended by the guide, and they are usually the best people to ask whether it’s worth a visit.
- Ask the guide questions about things that interest you and get some local recommendations. I particularly find food and restaurant suggestions from a local will ensure you have a few up to date recommendations to check our during your stay.
- Stay or stand nearer the front of the group as much as you can, so you don’t miss anything. This also makes it easier to ask questions.
- Check the weather forecast. Come prepared with sensible footwear for walking, an umbrella and something warm to wear, depending on the forecast. A bottle of drinking water is also a good idea.
Finally, make sure you have some small change or notes to tip the guide. They don’t generally like receiving money in another currency, but if you have only just arrived they will probably still be grateful of something rather than nothing. Finding a cash point beforehand or changing up money when buying a coffee is recommended.
I’ve done some great free tours over the years. Many of these have been better than the paid ones, but of course it’s worth considering other tours if there is a specific subject or area you want to cover. Consider a free walking tour whenever you can.
