Visiting a major city can be an expensive proposition. To beat the prices of taxis, museum admission fees and $30 breakfasts, people often take to the streets (or the bus or subway). Walking around a big city can be a great way to get a feel for what life is actually like there (as opposed to experiencing only its museums, shopping malls, and hotel lobbies).
Of course, wandering a strange city can be confusing and even dangerous. The answer: guided walking tours. Sure, there are plenty of web sites offering pre-recorded tours for download to an iPod. But sometimes an actual guide, one with skin and bones, can offer a more complete, enjoyable experience.
Forbes Traveler recently published a list of the world’s best guided walking tours:
Barcelona, Spain
In Barcelona, the Barcelona Walks Modernisme tour focuses on the stunningly unique architecture of the city, especially the buildings around the famous Golden Square. This 2-hour starts at 5 euros.
New York City
For a different view of New York, the Archaeology Tour of New York City offers a glimpse into the city’s forgotten buildings. The tour features some of the oldest man-made structures in the Big Apple – many of them underground and long-since forgotten.
Philadelphia
The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia features stops at some of the most historic sites in the US, including Constitution Hall and the Liberty Bell. Guides are especially useful here because they are able to relate the historical aspects of each site. The Heart of the Freedom Trail, in Boston, offers a similar sense of history. Frequent and daily departures available; purchase an adult ticket for $17.50 and $12.50 for children.
Paris
In Paris, the Promenades Gourmandes tour leads walkers on a journey to some of the best unknown food spots in the city. Some tours end with an informal cooking class.
London
London is the king of walking tours, with literally hundreds of offerings including Dickens-themed tromps, trips through Victorian London, and even tours past some of the Beatles’ London haunts. Visit walks.com to view all of the several available tours.
The entire Forbes list can be found on the publication’s web site.
