Do you ever get a sudden feeling of wanderlust? Do you have a desire to see many cool, unique places around the country? Do you enjoy observing your environment while you walk? If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, a walking tour might be something to look into. With just a handful of hours and a nominal fee, you can satisfy your inner explorer with ease!
There are tons of options available for walking tours in the US. The list of ten best tours includes a haunted tour in New Orleans, a Chicago gangster tour, and even a craft beer tour, to name a few.
If you’re unfamiliar with walking tours and what they consist of, the prospect of going out and partaking in one might be a bit intimidating. Do not be afraid, as we have also included some supplemental information to help provide more background and to help enrich your overall experience with walking tours. Read on for this information and more.
What is a Walking Tour?
In its most basic form, a walking tour is just like it sounds: a sightseeing trip where sightseers primarily travel by foot. Walking tours are designed to have a beginning and an ending point to them. In many cases, a tour guide will lead an individual or group through the area to provide information and insight into the surroundings.
Walking tours range in length, with some being less than an hour and some being over five. Before partaking in a walking tour, you may want to learn ahead of time the duration your walk will last for.
Walking tours are also a great way to leave a green footprint wherever you travel. Instead of ridding in busses or cars that emit toxins into the atmosphere, you will simply be walking. there are plenty of ecotourism destinations with walking tours on them as these types of vacations become more and more popular due to the ecotourism benefits.
What Kind of Things Do You Need to Bring on a Walking Tour?
There are several things you will either need or will want to bring with you during a walking tour.
Here are some of the essential items to bring on a tour:
- A bag or sack to keep items in. A rucksack will be the best type of bag for walking tours.
- A weather-resistant jacket. You will want to ensure you are protected from the elements, such as rain and heavy winds.
- Walking boots. Boots will be more durable than tennis shoes and will protect your feet and ankles.
- Pants that are flexible and durable. Depending on the weather, the thickness of your pants will help keep you at a comfortable temperature. Weather-resistant pants are ideal.
- Sunscreen (in warm environments). Since you will be outside for a while, sunscreen will be vital to avoid getting sunburnt.
While these may not be completely necessary for all situations, here are some items that are good to bring along in most conditions:
- Hats and gloves. This will be especially important in colder environments. Even during summer, though, it doesn’t hurt to have a spare of each.
- A change of socks. Rain, mud, and other elements can dirty your socks. Having a spare pair or two to change into will help in certain situations.
- Emergency food and water. Depending on the length of your tour, spare food and water may be extremely helpful to have on hand.
- A walking stick. If you are walking for a long distance, consider bringing a walking stick. This will help you with not only maintaining your posture but will also help reduce stress on your knees and back.
- A cellphone. If you want to avoid distractions, leaving your cell phone behind may be a good idea. However, having a cellphone will be beneficial in many cases (such as for taking photos).
- A first aid kit. While walking tour guides will often have these on hand, solo walkers will especially want to have the ability to perform basic first aid if the situation calls for it.
The 10 Best Walking Tours in the US
Here are what we feel are 10 of the most worthwhile tours in the US. Keep in mind that these tours are not in any specific order.
New Orleans #1 Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire Tour
If you are into folklore, the occult, ghosts, witches, and other related topics, the walking tour by Witches Brew Tours may be right up your alley (or perhaps cemetery, in this case).
Lasting a brisk hour and a half and costing a reasonable $25 per adult, the tour promises to show and tell you about the dark history of the French Quarter and its surrounding areas, such as Madame LaLaurie’s mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
If you are into folklore, the occult, ghosts, witches, and other related topics, the walking tour by Witches Brew Tours may be right up your alley (or perhaps cemetery, in this case).
Lasting a brisk hour and a half and costing a reasonable $25 per adult, the tour promises to show and tell you about the dark history of the French Quarter and its surrounding areas, such as Madame LaLaurie’s mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart
Explore and learn about famous monuments and memorials in our nation’s capital on the Capitol Hill and DC Monuments Tour by Electric Cart. While this tour breaks from the norm and is a driven tour, it is still worth your time.
Over the next two hours, attendants will learn about the history of famous memorials and monuments, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, while touring the area. While in an open-air and eco-friendly vehicle, your tour guide will take you and up to four other people around to learn about the area. The price for the tour and seating for up to five people will cost approximately $65.
Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts Tour
Are you into criminology? Are you also a fan of the supernatural? Are you interested in Chicago’s history? If so, this slightly unusual yet fascinating walking tour will provide you a look at all three.
Roughly 2 hours in length and $27 per adult ($25 for seniors 65 and older, $17 for kids 7-17, and free for children six and under), the tour gives its participants a look at areas like the Loop, learn the history behind the gangsters who once inhabited Chicago, and visit haunted landmarks.
Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia
Are you an American history buff who wants to visit some of the most important landmarks in our country’s history? If so, consider taking the Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia walking tour.
This tour, lasting around two hours, will take you are Philadelphia exploring and learning about a wide variety of places in the city. Some of the things you can expect are to see Independence Hall (unfortunately, you will not be able to enter it), learn about the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn, and visit the home of George Washington. A ticket for a group of up to 12 people will cost around $50.
Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest
Do you like to eat and have an interest in Chinese and Italian culture? Then we encourage you to experience local culture and cultural cuisine on the Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest walking tour.
Lasting around 3 hours, this tour will take you around Little Italy and Chinatown in Manhattan, New York, as you learn about the local area. While doing so, you can expect to be able to sample some food, such as homemade mozzarella and dim sum. Tickets are slightly more expensive than the average tour at $125, but food and beverages are included in the ticket price for you and one to three other people.
Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour
Explore a different side of Cincinnati, Ohio—quite literally—with the Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour. If you are bored of traditional tours that are above ground, then you will love this tour.
At around 2 hours and 30 minutes, you and up to 9 other people in your group will explore underground tunnels and even a hidden crypt (though with other parties, the total group size may be up to 30 people). Tickets will cost around $45 apiece.
Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas
Do you want to avoid manufactured creations and immerse yourself in nature? Then consider the Valley of Fire Hiking Tour from Las Vegas walking tour a great use of your time and money.
A reasonably lengthy tour, at about 5 hours, the walking tour will take you on a brisk hike through red rock formations, seeing Native American petroglyphs believes to be around 3,000 years old and more in Nevada’s oldest state park. Group sizes are intimate at approximately 13 people, and a ticket will cost about $120 for the group (water and snacks are provided).
Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver
Find out why and how Denver got the nickname the ‘Napa Valley of Craft Beer’ on a fun beer tour and pub crawl through four local breweries sampling over ten craft beers local to Colorado.
This tour lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes as a well-versed guide in craft beers takes you around historic Lower Downtown (LoDo). Tickets will cost about $50, and, naturally, beer samples are included in the cost.
Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Broadway Actor
Walk down Broadway in New York City with an entertaining, expert guide. The guide for this walking tour is a bit more unique than most others: your guide will include a genuine Broadway performer!
You and your tour guide will explore Times Square, Broadway Theaters, Midtown, and other notable locations. You will learn more about the history and culture of Broadway while walking around, in addition to backstage and audition stories from your guide. Tickets go for approximately $35 a piece.
9/11 Memorial, Ground Zero Tour
As one of the most infamous tragedies in American history, the 9/11 attack and its effect on New York City are explained in detail on this sad but informative tour.
At around 3 hours, this walking tour will provide you insight into the attacks, a tour of the September 11 Memorial, nearby landmarks like St. Paul’s Chapel, and hear stories about people who had a connection to the event. Tickets cost $35 apiece, with an optional upgrade to visit the One World Observatory, where you can view New York City from the sky.
How Much Should You Pay for a Walking Tour?
The price you will pay for a walking tour will vary greatly, ranging from as cheap as around $10 to well into the thousands. Factors will include the tour’s length, the tour guide’s expertise (or guides) if items like food or water are included, vehicles, and more. For example, a weeklong tour of the grand canyon will, naturally, cost more than a 2-hour tour of a historic landmark.
In general, there is no objective price point that should or shouldn’t be paid for a walking tour. The value of a tour is subjective, so prices are based on demand. If you feel the price will be worth it, by all means, you should feel free to go ahead and book the tour.
However, despite this, there will still be some key pieces of information you will want to consider before booking. Naturally, you will want to know what is included in the walking tour. Is your tour going to be long or short? Does it have good reviews online? Are there any additional items included? Knowing the answer to questions like these will help you determine whether or not you feel the price of admission is worth it or not, or whether it is a good activity for family summer vacation ideas on a budget.
Final Thoughts
A good walking tour is more than just a sightseeing trip: it is also a memory that you can tell others about and share your pictures. To many, this is a trip worth taking.
While walking trips are not for everyone, the adventurous and curious will get the most out of the experience. If you have never been on a walking tour before and are interested in taking a vacation, we would highly recommend checking out one of these ten trips, if it is at all possible!