When visiting a new city we are often overwhelmed with the sheer number of sites to see. Where do you start? Which ones should top the list and which ones should you skip? Most travelers try to pack in as much as possible so they don’t miss anything. One great way to do this is with a walking tour.
Walking tours offer the opportunity to get to know a city in a short amount of time. Almost every tourist destination has at least one, and they range from easy to strenuous and from free to high-end so there is bound to be a walking tour at your next destination that meets your family’s needs and interests. They let you get an up-close and personal glimpse of a city while learning some of its best-kept secrets.
Melbourne, Australia
The Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades Tour offers small group tours Monday through Saturday that include lunch, if desired. This tour, which lasts approximately three hours, gives visitors a glimpse of some of the most unique aspects of Melbourne that outsiders are unlikely to find on their own, such as trendy cafes, specialty shops and local street art, all while providing some impressive history lessons about the city. Reservations are required as the tours are not only popular with tourists but locals as well.
Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Tktktk | Dreamstime.com
Washington, D.C.
DC by Foot Tours offers free tours of America’s capital. These tours are not only budget friendly, but are a great way to see all the major sights in one shot. The All-In-One Tour is a four-hour walk that highlights the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the cherry blossom trees Washington is famous for. Other important sites such as the White House and Pentagon are included on the tour but, for security reasons, are not visited up-close. While the tour company does offer some paid tours, most excursions are provided on a donation basis.
London, England
Alternative London is like a trip to an outdoor art museum. Focusing on London’s East End, this tour highlights some of the city’s best street art, making it a truly unique tour that explores the culture and creativity of the city. Tours are offered Monday through Saturday and last approximately two hours.
Philadelphia, Pa.
The Constitutional Walking Tours offers a great opportunity to include some American history in your vacation. The tour includes stops at more than 20 sites that helped define American history, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Tours are offered April through November, seven days a week, and tickets start at $19 per person with group discounts available.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia. Photo: Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com
Walking tours are a great way to sneak in some fresh air and exercise for the family while on vacation but go prepared. Plan ahead for the weather — it isn’t the tour guide’s responsibility to make sure you have an umbrella in the rain or sunscreen in the summertime. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and good walking shoes. Dehydration and sore feet are a sure-fire way to ruin the rest of your vacation.
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