Ways to Find Free or Cheap Tours While Traveling

7 July 2025

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest—tours and excursions can take a huge bite out of your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to experience a destination without emptying your wallet. Whether you're backpacking across Europe, exploring hidden gems in Asia, or road-tripping through the Americas, you can still enjoy guided experiences without spending a fortune.

In this guide, I'll share some smart ways to find free or cheap tours while traveling. Let’s dive in and keep that budget intact!

1. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

One of the best ways to see a new city? Free walking tours! These are often organized by locals who are passionate about their town and eager to share its history, culture, and hidden spots.

- Where to Find Them: Websites like Free Tour and GuruWalk specialize in free walking tours worldwide.
- How They Work: These tours are technically free, but tipping the guide is expected. You choose the amount based on your experience and budget.
- Why They’re Great: You get insider knowledge, meet fellow travelers, and explore the city in a fun and engaging way.

If you’re in cities like Paris, London, or Barcelona, you’ll find multiple free walking tours covering history, street art, and even ghost stories.

2. Use Apps for Self-Guided Tours

If you're more of a solo traveler and prefer exploring at your own pace, self-guided tours are the way to go. Plenty of travel apps offer free or low-cost audio and text-based tours.

Best Self-Guided Tour Apps:

- GPSmyCity – Offers self-guided walking routes for major cities.
- Rick Steves Audio Europe – Free audio tours for European destinations.
- Detour – Location-based audio storytelling (some free, some paid).

Simply download an app, pop in your earbuds, and let your phone guide you through the city like your personal tour guide.

3. Join Free Museum and Attraction Tours

Many museums, historical sites, and attractions offer free guided tours. Some institutions even have free admission days where you can explore without spending a dime.

- Major Museums Offering Free Tours:
- The Louvre in Paris offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month (from October to March).
- The British Museum in London has free daily tours and gallery talks.
- The Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., are always free!

Before you visit, check the official websites of museums and attractions to see if they offer complimentary tours or free entry days.

4. Look for Local Tourism Boards and Visitor Centers

Many cities have tourism boards that provide free or inexpensive guided tours. Often, they work with local volunteers or students who are eager to practice their language skills in exchange for showing visitors around.

- Where to Find Them: Look for the official tourism office website or visit a visitor center when you arrive.
- Why They're Useful: Some cities even have free bike tours, themed walking tours, or cultural experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

For example, in Tokyo, the Tokyo Free Guide connects travelers with local volunteers who offer customized tours for free (you just cover their transportation and meals).

5. Use Couchsurfing or Meetup for Local Experiences

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, try connecting with locals through Couchsurfing and Meetup.

- Couchsurfing: This isn’t just for free accommodation. Many hosts are happy to show travelers around or introduce them to local hidden gems.
- Meetup: A great place to find local walking tours, photography walks, or cultural experiences, many of which are free or donation-based.

This is a fantastic way to go beyond touristy spots and experience a destination through a local’s perspective.

6. Opt for Public Transport Tours

Sometimes, the best tours are the ones you create yourself! Many cities have cheap public transport that doubles as a city tour.

- Tram 28 in Lisbon: This iconic yellow tram passes through some of Lisbon’s most scenic neighborhoods for just a few euros.
- Staten Island Ferry in New York: Completely free and offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty.
- Bangkok’s Chao Phraya Express Boat: A fraction of the price of tourist river cruises but offers the same stunning views.

By using public transport, you can see the city like a local while saving money.

7. Check Universities for Free Campus Tours

In many cities, universities offer free campus tours that include historical and architectural highlights. Even if you’re not a student, these tours can be a fascinating way to see a different side of the city.

- Harvard University (USA) – Free student-led tours exploring the history of the campus.
- Oxford & Cambridge (UK) – Some colleges offer free or donation-based walking tours.
- University of Sydney (Australia) – Offers free tours showcasing its beautiful campus architecture.

If you love history and academia, adding this to your itinerary can be both educational and budget-friendly.

8. Volunteer in Exchange for Free Experiences

Some organizations offer free tours or cultural experiences in exchange for a bit of your time. Volunteering while traveling can be incredibly rewarding and lets you experience a destination in a more meaningful way.

- WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) – Work on a farm in exchange for food, lodging, and sometimes local tours.
- Workaway & HelpX – Exchange a few hours of work for accommodation and access to unique local activities.

Many hosts love showing travelers around, so you might get free excursions as part of your stay!

9. Follow Travel Blogs and Social Media Groups

Many travel bloggers and influencers share tips on free tours, hidden spots, and cheap travel experiences. Following them on social media or subscribing to their newsletters can lead to great money-saving discoveries.

- Join Facebook groups like “Backpacking [Your Destination] on a Budget” to get real-time tips from fellow travelers.
- Follow Instagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn[City] for recommendations from locals.

The best deals often come from word of mouth, so staying connected with the travel community can be a game-changer.

10. Befriend Locals and Ask for Recommendations

Sometimes, the best tours aren’t advertised online. Chatting with locals—whether it’s your Airbnb host, a bartender, or a fellow commuter—can lead to incredible budget-friendly experiences.

- Ask hotel or hostel staff if they know of free walking tours.
- Visit local markets and strike up conversations.
- Use language exchange meetups—locals might offer to show you around in exchange for practicing their English.

A simple conversation can open doors to unique opportunities that tourist websites don’t always mention.

Final Thoughts

Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on amazing experiences. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can find free or cheap tours that offer authentic and fun ways to explore any destination. From free walking tours to self-guided adventures, public transport rides, and local recommendations, there are plenty of ways to see the world without breaking the bank.

So next time you set off on an adventure, keep these tips in mind—your wallet (and your sense of wanderlust) will thank you.