3 Unspoken Rules of Free Walking Tours That You Should Keep in Mind

Tourist group on Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy
Tourist group on Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy. Photo by Anna-Philine on Unsplash

Free walking tours are a great way to learn the basics about the city that you’re visiting when you’re traveling on a budget. If you’ve never joined one and aren’t sure about their inner workings, here are three unspoken rules that you should keep in mind.

Leave a Tip

Free walking tours are an affordable way to explore a new city, but that doesn’t mean they’re 100% free. Most free walking tour companies make money from the tips that you leave for your guide, so make sure to tip generously at the end of your tour, especially if you were happy with your guide.

Asking Questions

Your guide will give you a lot of useful information about the city you’re visiting but don’t expect them to have all the information. It’s better to ask them for local advice at the end of the tour instead of asking them to share more historical information because you can always Google those things.

Right Tempo

Exploring a new city while on a guided tour is very different from sightseeing on your own. You can still take photos and make stops along the way, but don’t overdo it because the rest of the group won’t wait for you. Follow the group’s tempo because there’s no point in joining the tour otherwise.