The 10 Best Cities for Free Walking Tours

Ever find yourself in a new city and have no idea what's going on? You open a map and there are 100 pins and none of them make any sense yet. This is a lovely solution to the problem with a free walking tour.

The way this works. A small group is taken on a tour by a local guide lasting one to three hours. They'll turn you into a local history buff, foodie, and tour guide to the city, offering details on the history, the best places to eat, and the stories behind the buildings you would otherwise walk right by. The final price you pay will be based on your evaluation of the tour. No ticket or entry fee, simply a tip depending on the enjoyment of the walk. This type is known as "pay-what-you-wish".

It was a concept that began in Europe in the mid-2000s and it's still the country that has the most vibrant free tour scene. But it has caught on and a few cities outside Europe do it as well. Here are 10 of the greatest cities around the world for you to try once.

1. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is certainly one of the best places in the world to take a free walking tour. It's compact enough for you to stroll from one end of the Old Town to the other in less than an hour,yet it's rich enough with history to keep you entertained with days of stories. You will be guided through the Astronomical clock, over the Charles Bridge and up to the Prague Castle, all the while hearing tales of kings and revolutions, wars and other events.

Local tip: Inquire to your guide about the Communist time period. Much of the way, there are many guides who tell of their own family memories from that era, which are often the most memorable parts of the walk.

Best time to visit:

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). Tour groups are much bigger in summer due to the heat and large crowds.

Accessibility:

Václav Havel Airport is well connected to the rest of the world. From the airport, a bus or taxi will take about 30-40 minutes to reach Oldtown.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh rises on its hills, on its old stone and on its dark legends. Its free walking tours are typically of two types: one by day, walking along the Royal Mile and up to Edinburgh Castle and another at night, which takes you through the winding streets of the Old Town and guides you through the ghosts of the city. Both are awesome and preferable to do both if you have time.

Local Tip: Don't worry if it rains, go on the ghost tour after dark. Scottish guides are great at conjuring up a spooky atmosphere, and the rain is a nice addition.

Best time to visit:

Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit as this is when the famous Fringe Festival takes place and has long daylight hours, but the streets are extremely busy. Late Spring/early Fall has less traffic and better walking conditions.

How to get there:

Edinburgh Airport is about 20 minutes from the centre of the city by tram or bus. From many European and North American cities direct flights are available.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is no typical postcard city. Rather it is a location where tremendous happenings took place on common sidewalks. It is usually part of a free walking tour that leads to the former site of the Berlin Wall, includes the Visit Checkpoint Charlie and visits monuments of both World War II and the Cold War. It's weighty, but the storytelling is very strong.

Local Tip: If possible, book a tour that visits the East Side Gallery. It's a long section of the original Berlin Wall that's been covered in painted murals, and one of the few places to touch the actual wall.

The best time to visit:

Late Spring to early Autumn (May-September) is the best time to visit. In Berlin in winter, it's cold and grey and it is far less fun to do long walks.

How to get there:

This is the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The trains run directly from the airport to the center in approximately 30 minutes.

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

It's no wonder that Buenos Aires is consistently making the list of the best free walking tours in the world. You'll be guided by the guides through large boulevards inspired by Paris to the pink presidential palace and then into the neighborhoods where the tango was born. A great overview of South American history and culture.

Local Tip: If your guide recommends doing so, ask them to show you to a local milonga (tango dance hall). It's better to watch locals dance on a random weeknight than a tourist show.

The time of year:

Argentina is situated in the Southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere. The best time to walk is spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

How to reach:

The majority of international arrivals come through Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza). It takes approximately 40 minutes to get downtown by bus or taxi.

5. Kraków, Poland

The medieval heart of Krakow is well preserved. Free tours here have a duration of around 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which you will visit the Rynek Główny (main market square) - one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, and then enter the district of Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter of the city. There is also a special, very poignant tour available in many local companies of exclusively WWII history.

Local Tip: In case you only have one additional walk, opt for the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter walk. It's not loud, not so public and explores history you may otherwise miss on the main tour.

Best time to visit:

Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) for nice weather and not being overrun by the summer crowds.

How to get there:

John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice is 30 minutes from the city center, by taxi or train.

6. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon rests on extremely steep hills and a walking tour is a walk of a lifetime. The views from the top, though, make it all the way up to the top worth it. You'll be guided by guides through the narrow, tiled streets, past the vintage yellow trams and up to the lookout points from which you can see across the water. You're on a path to getting some good food suggestions along the way that are well worth the time.

Local Tip: Use supportive, well-gripping walking shoes. The steep streets of Lisbon are cobbled with limestone tiles, which can become very slippery, even when they are dry.

Season for visiting:

March–May is ideal. It is warm enough to be outside but cool enough to not overheat when walking uphill.

Access:

Humberto Delgado Airport is very close to the centre. The main neighborhoods are within 20 minutes of reaching by metro or taxi.

7. Rome, Italy

The city of Rome is very easy to explore on foot as many major sites such as the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum are all located in close proximity. A free walking tour brings all of these ancient ruins together and brings a story to the site that will help you understand what you are seeing.

Local Tip: Book a tour that starts early in the morning. By midday, Rome's famous plazas are already stuffy! With an early start you can possibly observe the Trevi Fountain while there are only a few other people around.

Best time to visit:

April, May, September and October are good times to visit as it is not as crowded as during the summer months.

Fiumicino airport is directly connected to the city center by a train, taking about 30 minutes.

8. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a little of an unpredictable variety, so it is ideal for a guided walk. The medina is a huge labyrinth of alleys, spice markets, leather shops and the frenetic Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This walking tour is not a history lesson, but rather an experience with a friend.

Local tip: If you choose to purchase T-shirts, mugs, tippets, etc., let your guide assist you. There's no set price in the medina, and a local will tell you just how much you should pay for a rug, leather or spices.

The best time to visit:

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the times when the desert temperature is not too hot. The summer seasons are hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C).

Access:

Marrakech Menara airport is very convenient and is 15 minutes away by taxi from the medina.

9. Bangkok, Thailand

The concept of free walking tours, as seen in Bangkok, really works well outside of Europe. The Old City is explored with local guides past the golden temples, along quiet residential canals and into backstreet markets that are not visited by tourists. The city is awesomely chaotic – and with the help of a local, it becomes a huge lot easier to understand the customs and layout.

Local Tip: If you're going to be eating lunch after the tour, inquire of your guide about a particular street food stand. Simple plastic tables along the street typically with no English menu offer the best meals in Bangkok.

The best time to visit:

The coolest and driest months of the year are from November to February, when it's easiest to go for a long walk.

How to get there:

The primary international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport. The center is within 45 to 60 minutes by train or taxi.

10. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is quite huge. A walking tour is the key to a manageable, historic tour of this huge city. The typical tour includes a visit to the Zócalo (the central square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ancient ruins of the Aztec civilization which lie next to modern buildings, demonstrating how each period builds on the last.

Local tip: To eat lunch at a local market shortly after a tour. Your guide will know the best taco stands and will ask them which one they like best within a short walking distance from the end of the tour.

Best time to visit:

March through May is warm and dry, prior to the onset of summer rains.

Access:

Mexico City International Airport is very near to the city center. It takes about 20-30 minutes by taxi or metro.

Before you book, here are some of my practical tips:

• Fair tip: Guides are not paid a salary for these walks. Their tips are what they get paid for! Tipping at least $5 per person, depending on your budget and how much you enjoyed the experience.
• Make advance reservations: Smaller tours, and popular times fill up rapidly in the peak season. Sign up at a free site, such as GuruWalk or FreeTour.com, to book a free tour.
• Have cash available: Most guides do not accept cards or mobile payments, particularly if they are in a country where cash is still the major method of payment.
• Shoes should be sensible: The majority of these cities will be made of old cobblestones, steep hills, or uneven pavement. There is a much greater importance of having good walking shoes than looking good.
• Punctual: Guides are often on time as they have other tours scheduled. Be sure not to be more than 10 minutes late as you are very likely to miss the group.

The Bottom Line

In your first morning of the trip, it's a smart travel habit to have a free walking tour of a new city. It provides you direction, some great local food spots and some context about the buildings you are interested in; and for whatever tip you think is fair. These tours demonstrate that the quality of the experience can be high without the price tag being high – whether you're walking through the medieval alleys of Prague, the markets in Marrakech or the history of modern Berlin. It requires a good pair of shoes and a local guide who enjoys sharing his or her home.