Walking tours provide a way to truly get to know a city or destination. They help you learn history, art, architecture, and nature while getting out in the fresh air.
In this busy world we live in, why not take a time-out to enjoy a guided walking tour? If you’re looking to learn more about a place you’re visiting or just want to get to know your own town better, you can’t go wrong with a walking tour. Getting out on foot gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. You’ll also get to enjoy the sights and smells you might miss traveling by car. You’ll hear captivating stories, visit historical landmarks, and learn about the culture and foodie scenes. And a great side effect? You’ll get some exercise along the way!
The basics of walking tours
Walking tours are often led by local guides who give you an insider’s perspective about an area you’ve never visited before. Some tours can be as short as an hour and others may last a full day. Some charge a fee, but others are staffed with volunteers and may only ask for a gratuity. Either way, it’s a rewarding and educational way to learn more about the area you’re visiting.
But walking tours aren’t just for tourists. They’re also a great way to get to know your own city. You might live somewhere for years, but if you never take the time to slow down and immerse yourself in your town, you could be missing out on some hidden gems. This is especially true if you spend a lot of time in your car. It’s surprising how much you miss as you drive from point A to point B each day.
Popular types of walking tours
Think about what kind of tour interests you. While you can always head out on foot and let your imagination guide you, perhaps you have something more specific in mind. You can venture far and wide or explore the local sights around you.
Here are some popular types of tours to consider:
- Historical tours. A city’s history is made up of people and events that helped shape its unique personality. Learning about a city’s rich history will leave you with a deeper connection to that area that you might not have had otherwise. In-person historical tours can help bring stories and landmarks to life in a way that books and the Internet cannot.
One perk of some historical tours is that the guide will show you “behind the scenes” places that are not open to the public. You may venture inside buildings where WWII resistance fighters hid inside tunnels. If your guide has permission, a walking tour could allow you to tromp around battlefields now located on private farmland. You could even explore parts of the Roman Colosseum that are closed to those without a guide. - Art and cultural tours. Some places, like Paris or New York, are well known for their art and culture. The cultural side of other cities may be a bit more hidden. Joining a walking tour is a great way to discover the unique art and culture of any town. You’ll have the chance to enjoy public artworks and murals, museums, street art, and more.
Another reason to take a walking tour of a popular cultural site is that you may be able to skip to the front of lines that wind around the block. Your guide may have an “in” and take you right through the front door. This is especially helpful if you’re visiting a world-renowned place like the Vatican in Italy or the Louvre Museum in Paris. - Regional tours. On a regional walking tour, you get to take in the unique history of a larger area. For example, you may visit Lyon in France mainly for its world-famous food, but you might also want to join a walking tour through the Old Town to learn about the past of this fascinating city. A tour through its famous traboules (secret passageways) may be just the ticket for a memorable day.
- Food and cuisine tours. This is a deliciously popular walking tour option and a delightful way to experience a city’s culinary landscape. Learn about the local cuisine, up-and-coming chefs, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and visit street vendors and farmers markets. This type of tour is great any time, but it’s especially terrific for foodies who have just moved to a new place.
Food tours are also wonderful when you want to sample a region’s specialty foods. Imagine a chocolate tour in Switzerland. Yum! Or tasting everything from oysters to cheese on a walking tour in Ireland. London features a walking pub crawl. Whatever your “taste,” you’ll likely find a fun tour to enjoy. - Nature tours. Perhaps you’d like to step off the beaten path a bit more. If an urban walking tour is not what you’re looking for, consider a nature tour. Not nearly as extensive as an off-grid exploration, nature tours typically focus on the natural beauty in or surrounding a city. This might include taking advantage of nearby hiking trails, strolling through lovely gardens, or bird watching in local parks or nature preserves.
Benefits of joining a walking tour
Aside from having a good time and perhaps improving your photography skills, taking part in a walking tour offers many benefits.
- Discovery. Getting out on foot with an experienced guide will present you with so many new places and stories that you may have overlooked. You might be surprised by how much you don't know about your own city and how much there is to see. It might even inspire you to see things in a new light. For example, you may live in New York City, but taking a walking tour across the Brooklyn Bridge will give you a picture of the building process and history of the iconic bridge, as well as the neighborhoods on either end of it.
- Social connection. Walking tours are a great way to socialize and connect with others who have similar interests and hobbies. You’ll meet all kinds of people and make new friends who share your curiosity and passion for exploration.
- Support small and local businesses. When you join a tour, you will be supporting local businesses and communities that depend on tourism and cultural activities. You’ll contribute to the local economy and help preserve its heritage and diversity.
- Improve health and well-being. Walking more and spending more time outdoors is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Walking tours are a great way to get some physical activity and reduce stress, while also stimulating your mind and senses.
How to find a walking tour
When it comes to walking tours, you can book anything from a large group tour to walking with a local guide on your own . Depending on your preferences and budget, here are some pointers:
- Search online for “walking tours.” You will find many websites and platforms that offer a variety of walking tours, from free to paid, from themed to general, and from group to private. On reliable websites, you can read reviews, compare prices, and book online.
- Head to social media. Social media platforms are a great place to pose this question. Careful, you may get more responses than you expected!
- Check out local newspapers, magazines, and blogs. These resources offer recommendations and reviews of available walking tours. You might find some hidden gems and insider tips that are not available online.
- Visit a local tourist information center or library. Gather brochures and maps of walking tours in your city. You might find some self-guided tours that you can follow at your own pace and convenience.
- Ask your friends, family, and colleagues. Ask around and see if anyone you know has taken tours of the city you’re visiting. Maybe they have some personal experiences and stories to share that will inspire you.
Why walking is so great for you
Finally, in addition to the joy of exploring a new place, simply getting out and walking can do wonders for your health. Don't underestimate the power of a walk. It’s one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise you can do. It requires no special equipment, skills, or facilities, and you can do it just about anywhere and at any time. Walking also offers many health benefits for both the body and mind.
For some, the idea of simply taking a walk may not sound so exciting. In that case, joining a tour may be just what you need to add some excitement to your stroll. All you really need to get started is the will to explore and a good pair of athletic shoes! Every walk you take can help:
- Strengthen your heart and lungs
- Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Boost your metabolism, which helps you burn calories and aids weight loss
- Improve your muscle tone, strength, and endurance
- Enhance your balance, coordination, and flexibility
- Reduce your risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers
- Prevent or ease joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
- Support your bone health and help prevent osteoporosis
- Motivate you to start exercising more
- Improve your immune system to better fight infections
- Relieve stress, anxiety, and depression
- Boost your mood and self-esteem
- Increase your alertness and concentration
- Improve your sleep quality
- Provide you with social interaction and support (if you walk with others)
- Connect you with nature and your surroundings
- Provide benefits of sunlight exposure
Joining a walking tour is a wonderful way to enrich your knowledge and appreciation of a place you’re visiting—or even your hometown—while also having fun and staying healthy. You will discover new places and stories, meet new people, support local businesses, and improve your well-being. So join a walking tour that sparks your interest and you’ll be taking steps towards a healthier life, too.
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This information is not intended to take the place of regular medical care or advice. Please check with your doctor before using this information or beginning any self-care program. Images used for this article do not depict any members of the Silver&Fit program.
References
Harvard Health Publishing. (2017, January 24). 6 tips to help you keep a walking regimen on track. http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/6-tips-to-help-you-keep-a-walking-regimen-on-track?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WR20160616-Cholesterol&utm_id=176222&mid=11106647&ml=176222
Mayo Clinic. (2023, August 26). 7 benefits of regular physical activity. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
National Institute on Aging. (2020, April 3). Staying motivated to exercise: Tips for older adults. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/staying-motivated-exercise-tips-older-adults#motivated
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2nd edition). https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf
This article was written by Jason Nielsen, edited by Celina Johnson, and clinically reviewed by Elizabeth Thompson, MPH, RDN, on July 25, 2024.
