Explore Europe on a Budget with Free Walking Tours

Europe is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking landmarks waiting to be discovered. While exploring iconic cities like Rome, Paris, or Prague may seem daunting on a tight budget, there’s a budget-friendly option that allows you to delve deep into the heart of each destination – free walking tours. In this blog post, we’ll shine a spotlight on the wonders of free walking tours in Europe, offering travellers an immersive and cost-effective way to experience the beauty and charm of some of the continent’s most iconic cities.

What are Free Walking Tours?

Looking to explore a new city without breaking the bank? Consider joining a free walking tour! These tours, led by friendly locals, give you the scoop on the city’s history, culture, and must-see spots. Even though the tours are technically free, you can show your appreciation by tipping your guide whatever amount feels right to you. And guys, please, tip the guide. I did a city tour in Lisbon and for 3 hours, we paid minimum 10 euros. Some people may pay 20 euros. That’s 3-7 euros per hour! They do get a larger group, but for 15 people, it’s still about 150-300 euros. They have to pay 5 euros per person to the platform they are on, so that’s like 75 euros for 3 hours, which is really not much at all!

You’ll find free walking tours in loads of major cities throughout Europe, like Barcelona, Berlin, London, and Budapest. European cities tend to be more compact, so it makes sense to do a walking tour. It would not be feasible in Indonesia for example, where things are spread out hence car is needed. Whether you’re into history, architecture, or discovering hidden gems, there’s a free walking tour waiting to show you the best of the city, all without emptying your wallet.

Benefits of Free Walking Tour

I tend to find that free walking tour guides really know their stuff. They tend to be locals who love their hometowns and can’t wait to share all the cool stories, history, and traditions with you. You’ll learn things you won’t find in guidebooks!

Worried about your wallet? No problem! These tours tend to be much cheaper than a paid for day tour, though in my opinion the quality is so much better. It’s a great way to see Europe’s famous spots without emptying your pockets.

Forget about rigid schedules! You can hop on these tours whenever you want because they run several times a day. No need to book in advance either, just show up and join the fun. You can plan your day exactly how you like it, without any hassle. Though I still highly recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays or weekends in popular destinations as they may be quite full. Come on time at the starting hour as well, don’t just hop in the middle.

What to Expect on a Free Walking Tour:

Typically you’ll come to the meeting place as stated on the website or wherever you find the information. If you follow

The website would also tell you how to distinguish your tour guide, as there may be other free tours operating in the area. Maybe they wear a yellow jacket, they have a blue umbrella, pay attention to which ones.

How to find Free Walking Tours

I typically just google “free walking tour + city name” i.e. free walking tour Lisbon. There are some platform specific to a country, for example in Lisbon I used TakeFreeTours.com. I had good experiences with the 3 tours I took with them, so I highly recommend them. There’s freetour.com and guruwalk.com which is more of a global platform where you could find the free tours as well.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Free Walking Tour:

• Arrive early: Arrive at the meeting point early to secure your spot on the tour, as popular tours may fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as free walking tours typically cover a lot of ground and may take place rain or shine.
• Bring cash for tips: While the tours themselves are free, it’s customary to tip your guide at the end of the tour as a gesture of appreciation for their time and expertise. I’d pay at least 10 euros and more if you really like them. Don’t pay than 5 euros as they’ll lose money to work!

Free walking tours offer travellers a budget-friendly and immersive way to explore Europe’s most captivating cities. With knowledgeable guides, iconic landmarks, and insider tips, these tours provide an unforgettable experience that’s accessible to all. So lace up your walking shoes, join a tour, and embark on a journey through the rich history, culture, and charm of Europe – without breaking the bank.

After your free walking tour, consider to follow this one week itinerary for London or completing your Manchester bucket list! When in Lisbon, learn from my experience about 6 things I wished I knew when visiting Lisbon.