quick walking tour

A Charming Walking Tour of Cambridge UK (with map)

Cambridge is a beautiful city to visit, especially since it is so easy to come here from London. The historical Cambridge University with its many colleges and traditions form a unique vibe in this college city. Come along with me on a beautiful walking tour of Cambridge UK.

Ever since we lived in Cambridge for an entire month, the city has become our favorite day trip from London . We found spring time in Cambridge to be absolutely gorgeous with all the flowers and trees blooming. So, come along with me on my favorite walking tour of Cambridge UK .

In this article:

Favorite Places on My Walking Tour of Cambridge UK

Is Cambridge UK walkable? Oh yes, very much so. Actually, walking is the best way to experience Cambridge.

• Cambridge historical colleges form the main attraction of this college town. Walking down King’s Parade is a beautiful experience.
• Walking along the backs of the colleges  gives you a completely different view of Cambridge’s old center.
• Going punting along River Cam  is a unique experience.
• Cambridge old churches  are scattered all over the city’s center and they are beautiful to visit. One of my favorite quaint English churches is in Cambridge.
• Strolling through beautiful gardens especially during sunny days during the spring is absolutely stunning.

With our map in hand and some comfortable walking shoes let’s start our walking tour of Cambridge UK.

1. The Round Church

The first stop on our walking tour of Cambridge UK is the Round Church, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Round Church was built by crusaders in the 12th century and is one of the oldest landmarks in Cambridge.

One of only four medieval round churches still in use in England, the Round Church is constructed in the Gothic architectural style. The visitor’s center offers exhibits on the history of the city and the church. It is the perfect place to begin our walking tour because of its iconic appearance and central location in the Cambridge city center.

Checkout the Round Church website for planning your visit to this most famous Cambridge attraction. From here, we will walk down St. John’s Street, which becomes the famous King’s Parade – the only route in the city that passes by all Cambridge Historical Colleges.

2. Great St Mary’s Church

Get ready for a climb! At the North end of King’s Parade, we will come across Great St Mary’s Church.

Look up at the imposing stone tower, which houses the bells that have rung out every day for hundreds of years. For a small fee, you can ascend the staircase within the tower and take in sweeping views of the Historical Colleges. We will visit a couple of these later on our walking tour of Cambridge.

The church has a close relationship with Cambridge University – in fact, it is still required that undergraduate students live within three miles of the church. Inside, enjoy the quiet atmosphere under wooden beamed ceilings and learn about the church’s two impressive organs.

You can find all the details for climbing the Great St Mary’s Church tower on their website. When you’re ready, continue down King’s Parade and Trumpington Street, pass Silver Street, and turn right on Mill Lane.

3. Sheep’s Green

At the end of Mill Lane you will find yourself on the banks of the River Cam. If you’re in a seafaring mood, you can take a boat tour of the Historical Colleges along the river. You may also hire a punt, kayak, or canoe to explore independently. Then, stroll diagonally through the picturesque Sheep’s Green. You will pass by many small ponds and bridges in this expansive park, and eventually you will arrive on the opposite bank of the river.

Walk north on Queen’s Road, then turn right on Silver Street to find the next stop on our walking tour of Cambridge UK.

4. Mathematical Bridge

After walking east on Silver Street, you will find Queen’s College on your left. Near Queen’s College, there is a view of a small wooden bridge. Although its real name is Wooden Bridge, it is known in Cambridge history as Mathematical Bridge because of its fascinating engineering and construction.

There is a popular myth that Isaac Newton built this bridge without using any screws, bolts, or nails. In reality, it was designed and constructed by William Etheredge and James Essex in 1749. It is held together with typical fasteners, but it is famous for its elegant rounded arch shape…even though it is built with only straight planks of wood! You can cross the bridge yourself and explore Queen’s College for £3.50.

When you’re ready to continue our walking tour of Cambridge UK, head back to the west bank of the river.

5. Walk The Backs

A large portion of the remainder of our walking tour of Cambridge UK will take place along The Backs, a scenic tree-lined path that follows the back sides of the Historical Colleges. The Backs is flanked by the colleges’ huge lawns, which have been well-preserved for centuries as a popular green space.

As you walk, listen for the nearby murmuring of the River Cam. Keep to your right, and cross King’s College Bridge when you reach it. Here, you arrive at the magnificent King’s College, a marvel of Gothic English architecture. Notable alumni include mathematician Alan Turing and author Zadie Smith. Wander the grounds if you like, then continue to our next stop.

6. King’s College Chapel

King’s College was not built in a day – in fact, it was not even built in seventy years. Construction on the chapel began in 1446, and was still incomplete when King Henry VIII was coronated in 1509. The chapel was finally completed in 1531 with the installation of vivid stained glass windows. Construction of the chapel took place during the Wars of the Roses, which is part of the reason it took so long. Inside, look up at the intricate, lacy ceilings. Walk along the bold black and white marble floor to the altar, where you can view The Adoration of the Magi by well-known Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens.

If you’re planning to come to Cambridge, make sure you checkout the official King’s College website for the best information about visiting this beautiful chapel.

When you’ve had your fill of the chapel’s stunning architecture and history, exit King’s College and head towards Clare College, just to the west on the bank of the river. There are two stops left on our walking tour of Cambridge UK.

7. Fellows’ Garden at Clare College

Just across the river from Clare College is the sprawling green expanse of the Fellows’ Garden. The garden was designed by Nevill Willmer, a professor of History at Cambridge. Willmer’s interest in color theory paid off in the beautiful flora of the garden.

It is a particularly special place to visit in the spring, when bright sunlight illuminates hundreds of colorful flowers. A small admission fee allows you to wander the garden at your leisure and engage in scholarly thought – or just enjoy the scenery.

Return to the King’s Backs walking path and head north to the final stop on our walking tour of Cambridge UK.

8. St John’s College

The small admission cost to enter the grounds of St John’s college is an excellent value. With entry, you are free to explore the many buildings (called courts) of the college, which are full of attractions. Start with the Bridge of Sighs, a charming bridge that connects Third Court and New Court.

This bridge is modeled after the famous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, and the stone arches and delicate glass windows evoke a romantic Italian atmosphere. Continue our walking tour of Cambridge UK at the College Chapel, where you can view many significant artworks and pieces of history from St John’s. These include statues of notable alumni, such as William Wilberforce, one of a group of influential British slave abolitionists. Other St John’s alumni include Romantic poet William Wordsworth and science fiction author Douglas Adams.

In St John’s college, you will experience some of the most notable historic landmarks in Cambridge. If you are planning to visit, make sure you checkout St John’s visitor information website .

Plan Your Trip to Cambridge UK

Watch my video about planning a trip to Cambridge . This is a simple video that walks you through my custom maps and routes for planning a great trip to Cambridge, UK.

Where to stay in Cambridge? I recommend staying at the affordable Arundel House Hotel for its excellent location and beautiful setting. For a more refined place you can enjoy The Gonvile Hotel on the southern side of Cambridge’s historical center. You can also find other budget hotels in Cambridge .

Book a local tour . Enjoy a beautiful guided punting tour on river Cam which will float you behind all the historical colleges and give you a unique perspective of the town. You can also join this beautifully led historical walking tour of Cambridge . Locally led, this tour will take you to the colleges including a visit to beautiful King’s College.

Coming from London? Book a beautiful Cambridge tour from London . This tour will take you to most important attractions and it’s perfect, especially if you are short on time.

Where to park in Cambridge? Parking at the Grand Arcade is the best place for starting your walking tour of historical Cambridge UK since they are rebuilding the Round church parking structure.  Parking structures have very narrow parking spots in England, so be careful about driving in England and go slowly.

Take a day trip from Cambridge . If you have a few extra days to spend in Cambridge , rent a car in Europe and explore my favorite day trips from Cambridge . The Cambridgeshire countryside is beautiful and the surrounding old villages and manor houses will transport you back in time.

Is Cambridge UK Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Cambridge has become my favorite day trip from London . With its small historical center and idyllic River Cam location, Cambridge is beautiful to visit especially during spring. Our children loved walking the narrow streets and the many ducks with ducklings in the ponds and on River Cam. Plan to spend at least an entire day in this lovely historical city.

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Thank you so much for this very lively tour ! I am going to Cambridge in 2 weeks and shall definitely follow your steps !

Anonymous….glad you found my tour guide helpful in planning your trip to Cambridge. Have fun…Cambridge is a beautiful place.

I’m going to Cambridge tomorrow and will be using your excellent blog to plan my route! Thank you for taking the time to write it :)

James…thank you for letting me know you will use my walking tour of Cambridge to plan your visit. Have fun…beautiful city! You made my day!

Very useful! Thanks

Mick…glad you found my walking tour of Cambridge useful!

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9 Best Travel Companies for Walking Tours and Hiking Tours in 2024

Enjoy some of the world's most beautiful landscapes at the speed of your own two feet..

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There’s something extra special about seeing someplace on foot the way you do on a walking tour, hiking tour, or guided trek. Maybe it’s the slower pace and the ability to actually admire sights you might just zip by in a car, bus, or train. Maybe it’s the easy opportunity for connections and conversations with local people. Or maybe it’s being out in the fresh air, enjoying and appreciating the natural setting of the location you’re visiting.

It’s probably some combination of all three that make walking tours, trekking tours, and hiking tours a popular way to travel. Whether you prefer an easygoing amble, a moderate hike, or a challenging summit, there are some great foot-fueled tours from hiking tour companies that explore famous locales and off-the-beaten-path spots all over the world. Here are my picks for the nine best travel companies offering walking tours and guided hiking trips.

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1. G Adventures

Small group tour specialist G Adventures  places a special focus on creating guided trips that benefit the destinations visited. The company offers a big range of hiking and trekking tours that let you experience iconic destinations in an active way . Many of these trips are physically challenging excursions, like the  Trans Bhutan Trail and trekking tours in places like  Nepal , Patagonia , and the  Alps . Hiking tours with G Adventures take you all over the world, too, from  Southern Iceland  and  Northern Greece  to  Alaska  and U.S. national parks.

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Tour descriptions feature a handy “Is this tour for me?” section that includes the physical rating, service level of accommodations, and visa requirements. Hiking and trekking tours can be filtered by budget, destination, and service and physical levels. And if this kind of travel is new to you, the G Adventures website has answers to commonly asked questions about its hiking and trekking tours, like the effects of altitude and where and how you’ll sleep. 

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with G Adventures

• Average guided tour group size: 10 to 12 people.
• Price range: Pricing varies, with most tours in the $1,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included:  Accommodations, some meals, staff and guides.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals.
• Primary audience: Standard tours are open to adults and children ages 12 years or older when accompanied by a parent. Family Adventures are open to families with children between six and 17 years of age. The company also offers tours just for  18-to-30-somethings .
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

2. Explore Worldwide

Adventure travel company Explore Worldwide  has four decades of experience leading immersive, once-in-a-lifetime trips featuring well-crafted itineraries, top local guides, small group sizes, and a commitment to responsible travel. More than 400 tour options take you to 120 countries on all seven continents. Explore offers a range of small-group guided walking tours and trekking tours in locations around the world . Expert guides lead the walks along the planned-out routes, and Explore takes care of elements like accommodations and luggage transfers.

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Walking tours are available at different activity levels so you can choose one that best matches your interests and physical abilities. Easy to moderate options in 2024 include a walking and wine tasting tour of Spain and Portugal , a walking holiday on the Amalfi Coast , and a walking tour of Jordan’s Spice Trails . More challenging treks and bucket-list-types of trips include  Kilimanjaro  and  Mont Blanc  trips. 

In addition to detailed information included in the description for each tour (activity level, information on accommodations and meals, daily itineraries, etc.), the active travel company also offers lots of insight about walking, trekking, and hiking tours in general on its website. You can find answers to  seven common questions about walking vacations and other advice and guidance. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Trekking Tours with Explore Worldwide

• Average guided tour group size: 12 guests.
• Price range: Explore’s walking tours and trekking tours start at $530 per person and go up to $7,650, with most in the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
• What’s included: Accommodations, meals (number of meals vary by tour), tour excursions, leaders and guides.
• What’s not included: Flights to and from tour start/end points (there is an option to purchase them through Explore), some meals, gratuities, and optional excursions
• Primary audience: Solo travelers, couples, and friends who like small group travel and active vacations. Explore guests tend to range from 40 to 70 years of age; about 65% of attendees are female and about 65% are solo travelers.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, and South America.

3. Intrepid Travel

In its more than 30 years in business,  Intrepid Travel  has taken guests on thousands of trips to all seven continents with a commitment to responsible travel. That means focusing on things like community-based tourism, animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, and climate change when planning trips and itineraries.

The company offers a range of walking tours that allow you to explore destinations on foot in a way that works best for you, e.g., walking, hiking, or trekking. Walking tours travel on defined tracks and smooth surfaces, and you don’t need any special equipment or preparation. Hiking tours take to trails, mountainsides, and other rugged terrain and make for a great in-between option. Trekking tours travel to remote destinations on challenging terrain that requires both specialized equipment and the ability to rough it. 

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Intrepid also offers creative alternatives to overcrowded trekking routes. For example, the 12-day Great Inca Road  trek avoids the highly popular Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and brings tourism to new communities along a less-traveled trekking route in Peru. Other good options for walkers, hikers, and trekkers include the company’s tours along  Camino de Santiago , treks to  Everest Base Camp  and  Kilimanjaro , and hiking tours of  U.S. national parks .

You can search trips by region and activity types, and tour descriptions include info on itineraries and inclusions as well as helpful sections labeled “Is this trip right for you?” and “Why you’ll love this trip” to assist with choosing the right adventure. There’s also a  FAQs section  that answers common questions about these kinds of tours and lots of  reviews  for firsthand traveler insight.

Quick Facts about Hiking Tours and Trekking Tours with Intrepid Travel

• Average guided tour group size: 12 people.
• Price range: Prices vary widely; the average price for a 12-day tour is $3,000.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transportation during the tour, most meals, included activities, leaders and guides, and all hiking permits.
• What’s not included: Airfare and travelers’ insurance.
• Primary audience: Tours attract all audiences; there’s an age minimum of 15.
• Destinations: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, and the Middle East.

4. The Natural Adventure Company

Founded in the United Kingdom in 2009 by a pair of avid adventurers and explorers,  The Natural Adventure Company  aims to make walking holidays and cycling vacations financially accessible for travelers interested in exploring areas in a nature-focused way. Most of its tours are self-guided, with itineraries that include stays in small, locally owned accommodations and an emphasis on responsible tourism.

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Popular 2024 walking tours from the company include a self-guided tour of the  trails of the Albanian Alps , a self-guided journey along  Portugal’s coastal Fishermen’s Trail , and a privately guided walking holiday in Morocco . Newer offerings for folks who like to travel by foot range from self-guided walking tours in  the Balkans  and the  Swiss and Italian Alps  to a two-week guided tour of the  Corsica GR20 long-distance walking trail . 

Online tour descriptions include a day-by-day itinerary and information on what to expect in terms of everything from accommodations and meals to level of difficulty, terrain, and weather conditions. Reviews from past travelers and photo galleries provide further insight on the trips. You can search tours by destination or holiday type, then further filter by difficulty grade. All walking tours include accommodations, transport, luggage transfers, support from the tour company, and suggestions for food and activities. Some tours also include meals.

Quick Facts about Walking and Hiking Tours with The Natural Adventure Company

• Average guided tour group size: Most tours are self-guided. Guided tours tend to range from eight to 10 guests.
• Price range: Tour prices start at around $300 and average about $1,200.
• What’s included: Accommodations, transport, luggage transfers (as per itinerary), 24/7 phone support. Some tours also include meals.
• What’s not included: Air, train, or bus fare to the destination; connecting transfers; meals not mentioned in itinerary; travel insurance (required); and local tourist taxes.
• Primary audience: Participants on these tours tend to be active and outdoorsy, digitally savvy, and in their 40s and up. Most travel with a partner, but some travel with a family member, friend, or solo.
• Destinations: The majority of the company’s tours are in Europe, but it also offers tours in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. 

5. Exodus Travels

Exodus Travels  led some of the first group trekking trips through the Nepalese Himalaya more than 45 years ago, and today that legacy lives on. The company offers a range of walking and trekking tours  around the world led by experienced trekkers and local guides. Exodus operates in more than 100 countries and focuses on low-impact tourism and contributing to local communities. Walking and trekking tours are available at several different activity levels, from leisurely and moderate trips to challenging and extremely difficult treks.

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Tour groups often stay in locally owned accommodations, and the company’s guided (and self-guided) walking tours allow you to really connect with a destination at your own pace and with a low carbon footprint. Popular tour options include a walking tour of Italy’s Prosecco Hills , a classic trek along Peru’s Inca Trail , and an  Everest Base Camp trek . Newer walking and trekking tour offerings include a coastal walking tour in the French Riviera , a self-guided walking tour on Malta , and a walking excursion on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast . 

Tour descriptions detail daily itineraries and distances traveled each day, information about the local weather and terrain, and reviews from past participants. In addition to filtering the company’s walking and trekking tours by activity level, you can search trips by types of adventure (summits, coastal walks, etc.), price range, and destination. 

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Exodus Travels

• Average guided tour group size: Four to 16 guests.
• Price range: Tours average $2,000 to $4,000 per person.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, airport transfers in destination, services of a local guide, some gratuities, admission to any sites on the itinerary, and any specialized gear needed.
• What’s not included: Pre- and post-trip airfare, some meals, and some gratuities.
• Primary audience: Travelers who like to move. Tours with an activity level of one (leisurely) just require that you be healthy enough for a standard weekend walk. Moderate trips require a basic fitness level since there will be some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer/harder days. Challenging and tough tours require a high level of fitness and often previous experience. 

6. Boundless Journeys

When  Boundless Journeys  puts together its small-group travel tours, it aims to create trips featuring active itineraries, cultural encounters, and authentic experiences. Local guides bring destination-specific knowledge and insight to the tours, and the company has appeared multiple times among the Top 10 World’s Best Tour Operators in  Travel + Leisure ’s World’s Best Awards. The company’s hiking and walking tours allow you to immerse yourself in a destination by seeing it on foot. Local guides take you to the best trails and walking routes in the region. Accommodations are locally run hotels and inns, mountain lodges, and seaside resorts.

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The  Tour du Mont Blanc adventure rates as the company’s most-popular waking and hiking tour, taking you through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps and stopping to admire sweeping vistas and small Alpine villages along the way. Other options include a walking tour of the lesser-known villages and coastline of  Italy’s Puglia region  and a tour that includes hiking along Japan’s Nakasendo Trail  (a historic inn-to-inn walking route linking Kyoto and Tokyo). Trekking tours are also available for a more challenging experience . 

Walking tour descriptions include detailed itineraries, the activity level of each trip, and a “What to Expect” section with a range of information about the destination and the tour. Tours range in duration from seven to 13 days and extensions are offered in certain destinations.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours and Hiking Tours with Boundless Journeys

• Average guided tour group size: Eight to 10 people.
• Price range: Depending on the length of the tour, location, and the type of tour, prices range from $4,895 per person based on double occupancy to $9,895. 
• What’s included: Accommodations, guides, all on-tour transportation, all activities noted in the itinerary, entrance fees, all or most meals.
• What’s not included: International flights to and from destinations, optional meals and activities.
• Primary audience: Boundless Journeys guests tend to be well-educated, well-traveled, active individuals; generally hail from North America; and range in age from 40s to 70s.
• Destinations: Asia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and North America.

7. Backroads

Active travel outfitter Backroads  has been a force in adventure travel since 1979, leading walking tours, hiking tours, biking tours, and multi-adventure tours all around the world. The company offers more than 130 walking and hiking trip itineraries  that take you through rugged spots like  Alaska  and  Patagonia  and scenic locales like  Cinque Terre  and the  Cotswolds . Walking and hiking tours are offered at many different activity levels and for different kinds of travelers.

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Dolce Tempo tours  move at a more leisurely pace and are well-suited for novices to active travel. Some walking and hiking tours are available for families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s, while others are best suited for adults with a strong fitness level. Tours include almost everything, and accommodations range from casual hotels to more luxurious lodging options. Small group sizes make for a more intimate experience and guides help travelers find the best views and special spots along the way.

Quick Facts about Active Tours with Backroads

• Average guided tour group size:  Backroads hiking and walking trips average 16 guests with a maximum of 20 in the U.S.
• Price range: Prices vary depending on destination and trip length, starting around $2,999 per person double occupancy four a four-day trip.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, trip leaders and guides, private guided tours at some sites, all gratuities at hotels and restaurants, special events (like wine tastings) mentioned in the tour itinerary, park and other entry fees, transportation during the tour, and baggage transfers and porterage.
• What’s not included: Airfare, alcohol, and trip leader gratuity.
• Primary audience: Participants range from couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers to families with older teenagers or kids in their 20s.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, and North America.

8. Country Walkers

Walking tour company Country Walkers  took its first steps as a tour operator out of an old barn in Vermont in 1979. Today the company helps travelers explore the world on foot in destinations near and far, with a focus on authentic travel and local engagement. The company offers two types of experiences for travelers. Small-group guided walking tours take you beyond just the usual spots for hands-on experiences and connections with members of the local community. For self-guided walking tours, Country Walkers takes care of all the logistics and planning so you can explore at your own pace. 

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Local restaurants and small, family-owned or locally based accommodations are part of the equation no matter which option you choose, part of the company’s commitment to sustainable travel, responsible tourism, and the slow food movement. Tours are classified by activity level and range from anyone-can-do-it easy walking tours to challenging excursions where you’ll walk for miles each day, sometimes at high elevations. Each tour description includes information on daily mileage as well as reviews from past travelers to help guests choose the best fit for them.

Options in 2024 include self-guided tours of the  Portugal coast  and  England’s Cotswolds region  and guided walking excursions of  Italy’s Puglia coast ,  Greece , and  Norway’s fjords . Country Walkers offers a number of guest benefits, from the option to book air travel along with the tour to a referral program, plus options for solo travelers.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours with Country Walkers

• Average guided tour group size: About 18 people.
• Price range: Tours range from $2,098 to $8,798 per person, double occupancy.
• What’s included: Accommodations, most meals, and guides or access to assistance for self-guided tours.
• What’s not included: Airfare to and from the destination, airport car service. (You can choose to book a flight-tour combo through Country Walkers to get these and other add-ons.)
• Primary audience: Country Walkers’ main demographic is travelers ages 55 to 80. But the company also welcomes people traveling with their adult children and/or teenage grandchildren. 
• Destinations: Africa, Asia and South Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

9. World Expeditions

World Expeditions  took its first group of trekkers to Nepal in 1975. Since then, it’s become a go-to operator for travelers interested in small-group active tours, responsible tourism, and “taking the path less traveled.” World Expeditions was the first operator to offer cycling holidays in India (1977) and China (1978) and trekking trips in Mongolia (1980), Tibet (1981), and Japan (1999), and is also the first to offer fully supported commercial treks along the entire length of the  Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail .

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The company believes that active outdoor travel helps people better experience a destination, no matter the activity level of a trip or age of a participant, and offers both  guided  and  self-guided  walking and trekking tours. On the guided excursions, expert local guides and adventurers enhance the trips with knowledge and expertise. Tours range in difficulty from introductory treks to highly challenging trips. Tour prices include the cost of accommodations, most food, and transport.

Among the company’s unique offerings are tours that help you explore the  Armenia Transcaucasian Trail and  Georgian Transcaucasian Trail  in the Caucasus Mountains. World Expeditions is one of the first operators to offer the option to trek selected sections of the long-distance Transcaucasian Trail in both countries, and you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking vistas and cultural sites along the way.

Quick Facts about Walking Tours ands Trekking Tours with World Expeditions

• Average guided tour group size:  8 to 10 people (maximum of 16).
• Price range:  Upscale, price varies greatly (World Expeditions offers hundreds of itineraries ranging from a few of days to 150 days). 
• What’s included:  Services of an expert local guide, accommodations, private transportation, most meals, sightseeing and national park fees.
• What’s not included:  International flights, alcoholic beverages, tips and gratuities, and travel insurance.
• Primary audience:  Active travelers ages 40 to 65 and older.
• Destinations: Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America.

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The Perfect Self-Guided Walking Tour of Seattle

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Seattle, Washington. The heart of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a city renowned for grunge music, Starbucks Coffee, and rain. With an abundance of awesome sights, from the (kinda icky) Gum Wall at Pike Place Market to the towering Seattle Space Needle, the best way to admire all of these iconic landmarks is on a self-guided walking tour of Seattle !

As I was born and raised in Vancouver, I’ve frequently embarked on a weekend trip to Seattle. And in all my time there, I’ve never gotten bored of a few key areas: the Pike Place Historic District, Seattle Center, Pier 57… and with all these spots being within easy walking distance, the best way to visit them is by foot.

Needless to say, you’ll be visiting all of these top Seattle spots on this walking tour . So without further ado, let’s begin: this is my self-guided Seattle walking tour.

Before we dive into all the stops on our walking tour of Seattle, remember that you can make whatever changes and modifications you’d like. That’s the best thing about self-guided walking tours ; you have the ultimate freedom to decide where to go!

With that being said, according to Google Maps, this Seattle walking tour covers 1.9 miles (3.06 km) and will take 40 minutes to complete. However, it doesn’t include all the time (and steps) you’ll spend browsing around. So, I recommend taking a full day out of your itinerary to complete the tour.

Now, once again, let’s begin!

First, let’s start our free walking tour of Seattle at Pier 57.

Home of the Seattle Great Wheel and Miner’s Landing , Pier 57 is the perfect place to start our walking tour. Filled with unique retails shops, stunning ocean views, various family entertainment, and several popular restaurants including The Crab Pot and The Fisherman’s Restaurant, Pier 57 is a vibrant, fun-filled wonderland perfect for those traveling with family and friends.

Here are the three best things to do at Pier 57 in Seattle:

• The Seattle Great Wheel : Offering panoramic views overlooking Elliot Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel is a relatively new yet iconic Seattle landmark. Adult tickets cost $15, and it’s typically open from 11 am to 10 pm.
• Miner’s Landing Pier 57 : Housing the most popular restaurants in addition to Wings Over Washington, Salish Sea Tours, and the Carousel, Miner’s Landing is filled with entertainment (perfect for kids!).
• Seattle Aquarium : For those interested in the diverse sea life of the Puget Sound, the Seattle Aquarium is the best educational resource . Adult tickets cost anywhere from $24.95 to $34.95 (depending on the day you’re visiting), and the aquarium is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm.

• Pier 57 Address : 1301 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, United States

Next, walk along the waterfront to Pier 62. The first completed section of Waterfront Park, Pier 62 offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, as well as some delightful art installations and a floating dock. Admire the incredible ocean scenery before heading to our next stop: Pike Place!

• Address : 1951 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Time to Get Here : It’ll take 5 minutes to walk from Miner’s Landing Pier 57 to Pier 62.
• Hours : 6 am to 10 pm, open daily.
• Website : https://waterfrontparkseattle.org/pier-62/

Planning to visit the Canadian Rockies? If so, check out my 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary!

Pike Place Market

Next, it’s time to explore Pike Place Market. One of the most popular Seattle tourist attractions (and an essential stop on all walking tours of Seattle), Pike Place Public Market is my absolute favorite district in Seattle.

Historic and vibrant, Pike Place is filled with life. First opened in 1907, Pike Place remains one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the USA . From comic book stores, antique dealers, fresh fish and produce, artisan crafts, and more, Pike Place Market offers a plethora of goods.

While visiting Pike Place, don’t forget to check out these key sights:

• The Gum Wall : While I personally find it a bit gross, Seattle’s Gum Wall is a prominent local landmark worth checking out. On the side of the Post Alley’s Market Theater, it’s one of the most popular Seattle photo spots!

• Rachel the Pig : Located under the iconic red Public Market Center sign, Rachel the Piggy Bank is a bronze sculpture based on the 1985 Island County Fair prize-winning 770-pound pig. Here, you can take some photos and donate some coins to help support Pike Place Market.
• The Original Starbucks : While the Starbucks located in Pike Place Market is commonly referred to as the Original Starbucks, it is actually the second store that opened. Nevertheless, as the first Starbucks no longer exists, the Starbucks located in Pike Place is the closest we can get to the original. Drop by for some souvenirs and great photo ops!
• Beecher’s Handmade Cheese : While I’m not a huge cheese enthusiast, I still adored having some of Beecher’s macaroni and cheese. Stop by to try some handmade artisan cheese!

With so many sights to see in Pike Place Market, don’t rush this part of our walking tour of Seattle. Take your time and explore the shops and restaurants, before heading to our next stop!

• Address : 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
• Time to Get Here : It’ll take 7 minutes to walk from Pier 62 to the Pike Place Public Market.
• Hours : Most businesses are open from 9 am to 5 pm.
• Website : http://pikeplacemarket.org/

Victor Steinbrueck Park

Next, walk from Pike Place Market to Victor Steinbrueck Park. A small but charming park offering pleasant ocean views, it is worth visiting en route to our next destination. However, there are occasionally some sketchy characters hanging around, so be aware and stay safe!

• Address : 2001 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Time to Get Here : It’ll take 3 minutes to walk from Pike Place to Victor Steinbrueck Park.

Olympic Sculpture Park

From Victor Steinbrueck Park, walk for 14 minutes to Olympic Sculpture Park. Spanning nine acres and associated with the Seattle Art Museum, this award-winning park is a great place to relax, offering clean amenities, enchanting views, and interesting sculptures. And with no entrance fee, it is one of the best cheap things to do in Seattle.

• Address : 2901 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, United States
• Time to Get Here : It’ll take 14 minutes to walk from Victor Steinbrueck Park to Olympic Sculpture Park.
• Cost : Free
• Website : https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park

Seattle Center

Finally, the last stop on our walking tour of Seattle is Seattle Center, which includes four key museums and sites: the Seattle Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Pacific Science Center.

While this free walking tour of Seattle is officially over, you can easily spend hours exploring the museums around Seattle Center, especially since they all offer something different and unique. So, make sure you have enough time!

• Address : 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
• Time to Get Here : It’ll take 8 minutes to walk from Olympic Sculpture Park to Seattle Center.
• Website : http://www.seattlecenter.com/

The Space Needle

One of the most popular and exalted tourist attractions in Seattle, the Space Needle was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and stands at 605 feet (184 m) tall. While tickets aren’t cheap, there’s no better place to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Seattle!

• Address : 400 Broad St, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
• Cost : General admission tickets for adults costs $35 (but you can buy a combined ticket with Chihuly Garden and Glass for $57!).
• Hours : Their core hours are from 12 pm to 5 pm, but additional hours will be added 2-4 weeks in advance.
• Website : https://www.spaceneedle.com/

Chihuly Garden and Glass

One of the coolest art galleries I’ve ever visited, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum showcases the fantastic glass blowing sculptures and art pieces of Dale Chihuly, a celebrated artist from Tacoma, Washington.

With eight galleries, three Drawing Walls, and the Glasshouse and Garden offering fabulous views of the Seattle Space Needle, you won’t be bored at Chihuly Garden and Glass!

• Cost : General admission tickets for adults cost $32 (but you can buy a combined ticket with the Space Needle for $57!).
• Hours : 9 am to 6 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9 am to 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Website : https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/

The Museum of Pop Culture

If you’re a music or film enthusiast, you have to visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) on your Seattle free walking tour. A nonprofit museum focused on contemporary popular culture, they offer exhibits on the Seattle Sound (with a focus on Nirvana and Pearl Jam), science fiction, and horror films.

• Address : 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
• Cost : Adult tickets cost anywhere from $26.75 to $34.50 (depending on the day you’re visiting).
• Hours : 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 6 pm on the weekend.
• Website : https://www.mopop.org/

The Pacific Science Center

A nonprofit museum perfect for those traveling with young children, the Pacific Science Center offers fascinating educational experiences and exhibits focused on science and discovery.

• Address : 200 2nd Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
• Hours : Temporarily closed
• Website : https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/

Thinking of visiting New Orleans, Louisiana? If so, check out my 3-day New Orleans itinerary , for ideas on where to go and what to see!

Other Fabulous Things to Do in Seattle

Now that we’ve finished our walking tour , you’re probably looking for an extra couple things to do in Seattle. So, here is my list of 10 additional awesome places to visit:

• Kerry Park : Seattle’s best photo spot, Kerry Park is located on Queen Anne Hill and offers breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline, Elliot Bay, and Mount Rainier. It is definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Seattle!

• Seattle Art Museum : Located near Pike Place, the Seattle Art Museum offers a wide variety of gorgeous art pieces completed by artists from around the globe.
• South Lake Union : A scenic lake located in central Seattle, South Lake Union is the perfect place to relax and people-watch. It also offers some great Seattle outdoor activities, with both paddle board and kayak rentals!
• Gas Works Park : Located on the north shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park is the former site of a Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. With fascinating remains and delightful views, this unique park is one of the best in Seattle.

• Pioneer Square : A rustic and charming neighborhood in the heart of old Seattle, Pioneer Square is a delightful historic area with cute boutiques, delicious restaurants, and striking murals.
• The Smith Tower : Located in Pioneer Square, the Smith Tower, built in 1914, is Seattle’s oldest skyscraper. With charming architecture and stunning views from the observatory and bar, the Smith Tower is one of the best things to do at night in Seattle.

• Chinatown-International District : The epicenter of Seattle’s Asian-American community, the Chinatown-International District can be split into three sections: Chinatown, Japantown, and Little Saigon. Regardless of the area you’re exploring, the Chinatown-International district will offer the best Asian cuisine in Seattle!
• The Museum of Flight : The world’s largest nonprofit air and space museum, the Museum of Flight is a fascinating spot that will enthuse all flight enthusiasts, holding both the original Boeing Aircraft factory and a NASA space shuttle trainer!

• Seward Park : Offering some of the best Seattle walking trails, Seward Park holds 300 acres of enchanting forests, lovely beaches, and a delightful native plant garden.
• Day Trips from Seattle : From Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, Snoqualmie Falls, and Mount Saint Helens, there are numerous incredible day trips from Seattle; I’ve even written an article about it! Click here to read my article on the most amazing day trips from Seattle .

Or, if you’re looking for a Seattle day trip that takes you out of the US and into Canada , check out my articles on Vancouver and the Gulf Islands:

• 18 Spectacular Weekend Getaways from Vancouver
• The Ultimate Self-Guided Vancouver Walking Tour
• The 15 Best Hikes in Vancouver
• 22 Incredible Hikes near Vancouver
• 6 Epic Whistler Hikes
• 11 Fabulous Things to Do in Salt Spring Island

The Best Time to Visit Seattle

To avoid Seattle’s infamous rain, one of the best times to visit Seattle is in the summer, from June to August. With average high temperatures ranging from 71°F to 79°F (22°C-26°C), the weather is warm and sunny.

However, as this is Seattle’s high season, the crowds are consequently bigger and accommodations tend to cost more (so it’s not the best time for budget travelers ).

In my opinion, the best time to visit Seattle is in the shoulder season (spring and fall), with either September or October being the best month to visit Seattle. It’s also a great time to go on some walking tours in Seattle, as the weather isn’t too hot!

And That’s It for our Walking Tour of Seattle!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and I hope you’ll love this walking tour of Seattle. Remember, as this is a self-guided walking tour , you have the final say in where you go and what you do. Best of luck, and happy travels.

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

Planning a Oahu vacation, and wondering what to do? If so, click here for my list of the best hikes in Oahu , and click here for the best Oahu waterfalls .

About to embark on a trip? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips
• 15 Incredible Day Trips in Seattle

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more posts on destinations in the US
• Click here for more resources

Like this post? Share it!

Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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Thanks for the awesome walking guide! We followed your advice and ideas from our cruise ship port and through city center! Great fun facts and sites! Thank you!

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The Simple Salty Life

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A Complete One-Day Itinerary for a Walking Tour of Savannah, Georgia

Experience the best sights of the Historic District in this walking tour of Savannah!

The historic district in Savannah, Georgia is easily explored with one full day in the city. We have visited this area in every season and love walking through the squares and past the harbor. What keeps us coming back to this area year after year are the oak tree-lined streets dripping in Spanish moss, delicious southern-style food offerings, and the slower pace of the city. 

Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and has its share of some of the darker parts of our country’s history. This is a great town for ghost stories, along with St. Augustine, Florida and Charleston, South Carolina . But this area that was once steeped in historical battles is now filled with parks, cobblestone streets, and wide open spaces. Follow along on our one day walking tour of Savannah!

Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Savannah's Historic District

Even though the entire historic district is only two square miles in size, this walking tour of Savannah covers about 3 ½ miles and takes a good portion of the day depending on stops. You will reach your step goal with this one day itinerary but don’t fret, there are plenty of places to stop, sit, sip, eat, and relax. Savannah is nicknamed the “Hostess City of the South”, and the picturesque historic downtown is easily walkable.  

If you don’t want to spend the day walking through Savannah, another great way to see the city is with the hop-on hop-off trolley . We have done these tours in St. Augustine and in Key West, and they are a great way to see the best sights if you have mobility issues, if you are traveling with children who can’t walk very far, or if you would prefer a guided tour. 

Start your walking tour at Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is a huge 30-acre green space serving as the ultimate gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Offering wide open fields, meandering paved pathways, tennis and basketball courts, fragrant gardens, and even an amphitheater , the park is surrounded by towering live oaks and marks the beginning of Savannah’s historic district. While strolling through the park we encountered musicians, artisans, and exercise enthusiasts running, walking, and even doing yoga in the park. 

Tip : There is a convenient parking garage called the Liberty Parking Deck located at 301 W. Liberty Street. This is the perfect starting and ending point to this walking tour of Savannah, right in the middle of all of the best sights.

The fountain at Forsyth Park is one of the most photographed places in Savannah. Installed in 1858 in the northern section of the park and modeled after fountains found in Paris, this is the famous fountain that is dyed green during the city’s over-the-top St. Paddy’s Day celebrations .

Unfortunately when we visited the fountain was under repair. But honestly, we saw so many other beautifully ornate fountains on our walking tour that we weren’t too bummed! 

We happened upon several “picnic pop-ups”, where the Savannah Picnic Company sets up an elaborate picnic based on the guests’ preference- all you have to do is show up. They offer services from the typical basket and blanket picnic to a romantic full-service luxury picnic for two. And if you are boating for the day, they can drop off all the provisions you will need for a day on the boat delivered right to your dock.

Enjoy brunch at Collins Quarter

One of the things we love about visiting Savannah is that it sits in the “low country”, where things start a little later and the pace is a little slower. Because of this most restaurants don’t open very early, and some close between lunch and dinner.

Enjoying a good brunch is a great way to start your day, filling up before beginning your walking tour of Savannah.  Collins Quarter is located under the gorgeous old oak trees in Forsyth Park. This is just one of many unique restaurants in Savannah serving up absolutely delicious food in a cool setting!

Start walking north to Madison Square

Way back in 1733, the founder of the colony of Georgia General Oglethorpe was designing the layout of Savannah. He wanted a city that was easy to navigate and gave locals places to enjoy outdoors, but still allowing areas for the military to practice. The idea was to create a grid pattern with squares made for public use. There were originally 24 town squares in Savannah, of which 22 still remain.

One of the most iconic and enjoyed parts of Savannah, these squares often house elaborate fountains, memorials, grassy areas, and lush gardens.  Madison Square is one such section of the historic district that is picturesque, showcasing large memorials from the Revolutionary War. 

If you are a lover of the paranormal, stop by the Sorrel-Weed House on your walking tour of Savannah. Sitting unassumingly on the corner of Madison Square is one of the most haunted houses in Savannah! One of the largest houses in Savannah, the Sorrel-Weed house is a common stop amongst Savannah ghost tours and has been featured on multiple ghost-hunter TV shows. 

Continue on to Lafayette Square

Designed to honor the Marquis de Lafayette (any Hamilton fans know this name), Lafayette Square is probably most famous for the buildings that surround it. The Andrew Low House is on the southwest corner of the square, built for the father of the founder of the Girl Scouts.

The Hamilton Turner Inn in the square is one of the finest Bed & Breakfasts in Savannah. And you absolutely can’t miss the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist neighboring the square. 

Stop at the The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John is absolutely stunning and is a must-see landmark while on a Savannah walking tour. The most impressive building in Savannah from an architecture standpoint, the cathedral was the first building in Georgia constructed of brick. Built in 1859 and it is complete with 81 stained glass windows, 16 gargoyles, and stands 214 feet tall. At certain times during the day you can walk into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and check it out. 

If you fancy a drink, head to Peregrin

The Peregrin rooftop lounge is, by far, our favorite rooftop bar we have visited. The views of Savannah’s historic district are unparalleled. The Peregrin is located on the rooftop of the Perry Lane Hotel on Perry Street, follow Abercorn north a few blocks after the Cathedral. 

Browse the upcoming shows at the Savannah Theater

After soaking in the views at the Peregrin, walk the two blocks towards Chippewa Square and make a stop at the Historic Savannah Theater . Famous names such as Oscar Wilde and Edwin Boothe (John Wilkes’ older brother) have performed here.

Opened in 1818, the theater was remodeled to an Art Deco style after a fire in 1948. Today, shows such as Mamma Mia, Elf: The Musical, and Grease are performed here and create a night to remember!

Check out Chippewa Square

If you have seen the movie Forrest Gump, you might recognize Chippewa Square. This is the setting where a good portion of the movie was filmed, with Forrest sitting on that familiar bench waiting for his bus. Chippewa Square is located just past the theater in the center of the downtown historic district.

The bench became such a popular tourist attraction due to the film that crowds started to block traffic, and has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum. Replicas however are still seen at the popular Bubba Gump restaurants. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Grab a bite to eat

From Chippewa Square, it is time to head towards the waterfront. Don’t miss a stop by  The Olde Pink House which serves classic southern-style food in a mansion that was built in 1771. This is a very popular establishment and reservations are highly recommended. 

Note : The restaurants located on River Street can be crowded and overpriced. We recommend eating before heading to River Street, or right after at the City Market.

Cool off with ice cream at Leopold's

Leopold’s Ice Cream prides itself on being “A Savannah Tradition”. Our cousin lived in Savannah attending SCAD and said she and friends visited Leopold’s more times than she can count. There is almost always a line, including when we visited in winter and it was 45 degrees outside. The line goes quickly and the ice cream is most definitely worth the wait.

Continue walking north to the Historic River Street Waterfront

Time to burn off some of those deep-fried calories! No one said southern food was healthy, but it sure is good. The historic River Street in Savannah boasts more than 70 shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs and hotels along the waterfront.

This is the perfect place to shop for kitschy souvenirs and old-time candies, and is a great place to stay in Savannah’s historic district. Known as the “main strip” in the city, this row of antique cotton warehouses and old brick buildings is now a thriving tourist attraction.

Begin your trip to River Street at the Waving Girl Statue in Morrell Park. The statue was built as a tribute to Florence Martus, a Savannah local who greeted ships from 1887 to 1931 entering Savannah by waving a cloth from her family’s lighthouse on Cockspur Island. Continue meandering along the cobblestone street alongside a working harbor, ducking in and out of shops as you please. 

Tip : Savannah has a law that allows open containers of alcohol to be consumed within the historic district, most notably while walking along River Street. You will notice bars offering “to-go” or “takeaway” drinks, and as long as your beverage is in a 16-ounce plastic container, you are good to go.

Head west to Savannah's City Market

The Savannah City Market is an open-air market that has been operating since the 1700’s. A large courtyard settled between two town squares, this section of the historic district houses bistros and cafes, bars and restaurants, art galleries and local shops. More often than not bands and musicians are playing in the center of the market. This is a great spot to hop on a trolley or horse-drawn carriage ride through town.

The City Market is the perfect place to sit for a while, listen to some music, and end your walking tour of Savannah. You’ve earned yourself a cold drink and some rest!

Note : If you parked in the Liberty Parking Deck, it is just a ten minute walk from the City Market back to your car.

How to Get to Savannah, Georgia

If you are flying to Savannah, the best airport to fly into is the Savannah/Hilton Head Island International Airport , conveniently located just 20 minutes from the Savannah’s historic downtown. Alternatively, the Jacksonville International Airport is two hours south of Savannah and serves more airlines. 

Savannah is also relatively close to some other major cities by car. It is a 3.5 hour drive from Atlanta, two hours from another one of our favorite southern stops: Charleston, South Carolina, and about four hours from Orlando.

Where to Stay in Savannah

We recommend staying right in the heart of the historic district. From here you can walk to almost everything we have listed, making finding a parking spot a non-issue. Here are some highly rated hotel options:

• Marriott Savannah Riverfront
• Homewood Suites Historic District/Riverfront
• DoubleTree Historic Savannah
• Hampton Inn & Suites Savannah Historic District

For the more adventurous who prefer staying in the outdoors, a great place for RV or tent campers is at the nearby Fort McAllister State Park . We found this park extremely clean and quiet, with amazing sunset views and wildlife in abundance. There were deer padding through our campsite every day! There is also a great spot to launch your kayak or canoe onto Redbird Creek, and boat docks that are perfect for fishing.

The Best Time to Visit Savannah

The best time to visit Savannah is in the spring and early summer , March through June. With little humidity and flowering trees, shrubs, and plants blooming throughout the abundant parks, this is when the city really shines.

However since Savannah has a sub-tropical climate, visitors can enjoy walking through the historic district year-round. The winter months bring cooler weather with highs in the low-to-mid 60’s. Summer can be pretty warm, but there are plenty of lakes and beaches to cool off in the area!

Tip : Avoid booking a trip to Savannah during St. Patrick’s Day weekend in March, unless you love crowds. The city is flooded with party-goers and parades for the holiday and you won’t get a true feel or vibe of Savannah. We will say though, if joining in on the luck of the Irish is on your bucket list, Savannah does it big!

If You Have More Time

This one day itinerary was designed for visitors to see the most beautiful and well-known spots in the historic district. If you have a weekend or longer in the city, be sure to continue exploring the activities and other landscapes that Savannah has to offer! 

Visit Tybee Island

Tybee Island (pronounced “Tie-bee”) is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. Over three miles of wide sandy beaches and calm coastal waters create the perfect setting for a beach day or a family vacation.

Fishing piers, marinas for launching boats, kayaks and paddleboards, bike paths, parks and picnic pavilions dot the island. Tybee Island is a great place to stay if you prefer the beach life!

Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse sits along the coastline of Tybee Island and is one of the few light stations where visitors can climb to the top. The Tybee Island Lighthouse dates back to 1773, with the surrounding area and grounds encompassing a history from much earlier when indigenous peoples and pirates roamed the island. Take the 178 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and to watch massive cargo ships navigating the waters of the Savannah River. 

Peruse the artwork at the SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) is a private art school in Savannah, with classrooms set in over 70 different historic buildings throughout the town. The SCAD Museum of Art displays contemporary pieces of art from emerging and established international artists, set inside a brick structure from 1853.

Along with rotating art galleries and exhibits, the museum features a small theater for film screenings and lectures from visiting artists as well as a café.

Enjoy a Savannah sunset riverboat cruise

While a boat tour any time of day is always a good idea, a sunset cruise on a riverboat is something not to be missed. Let the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen take you out on a two hour cruise while you enjoy views from the top of the rooftop deck. This cruise has a full bar and grill, and operates every evening from April to October.

Stop for a Quick Photo at the Gingerbread House

A short stop on your way into town, the Gingerbread House is one of the most famous homes in the historic district. Built in 1899 the house provides an excellent example of “Steamboat Gothic” architecture. Available as a short term luxury vacation rental as well as for elevated, intimate weddings, the house is located at 1921 Bull Street.

Note: There is a similar gingerbread house we have visited in Mount Dora, FL, also falling into the Steamboat Gothic category. 

Whether you have one day, a weekend, or more to spend in Savannah, this walking tour of the historic district is a great place to begin your travels. Be sure to sign up below so you can continue to follow along with our journeys, we love sharing these itineraries with you!

More great one-day city itineraries:

• The Best Things to Do with One Day in Asheville
• A Day in San Francisco
• The 10 Best Things to Do Outdoors in St. Augustine, Florida
• One Amazing Day in Key West
• Our Favorite Things to Do in Mount Dora, Florida

Happy Travels!

10 thoughts on “ A Complete One-Day Itinerary for a Walking Tour of Savannah, Georgia ”

I keep seeing some Savannah content lately, maybe it’s a sign to book a trip there? I’ve been meaning to visit for a long time, so will save your itinerary. Thanks for mentioning certain weekends to avoid, as I didn’t realise St. Paddy’s Day was so big in Savannah.

You definitely need to book a trip there! 🙂

I recognise a lot of places in Savannah thanks to Forrest Gump! I’d love to visit one day to enjoy the icecream! And visit all the beautiful old buildings.

I have heard really good things about Savannah. If I ever make it across the pond in the near future it is defo going on the list of places to see! Thanks a lot for your really helpful guide

Savannah is one of the top cities in the south of the States that I’d love to see with my own eyes one day. It must feel so unique to walk around the parks and the streets of Savannah, as well as to enjoy the sunset in the riverboat cruise

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NYC Self-Guided Walking Tour by a Local (Lower Manhattan & Midtown Routes)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 6, 2023

As a local New Yorker, I have spent the last 10+ years walking the ins and outs of the city. During this time, I have continued to explore different attractions, activities, viewpoints, and neighborhoods all over NYC.

Taking into consideration everything I have learned over the years, I put together this holistic NYC self-guided walking tour. It takes you along a Lower Manhattan walk, a Midtown Manhattan walk, and then ends up by Central Park. You can decide to stick to one long route combining the two, or just opt for one or the other.

Throughout the Lower Manhattan and Midtown Manhattan routes, this self-guided itinerary will have you seeing many of the top highlights that NYC has to offer.

Read on to learn more about the walk and how to see the city for yourself!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) NYC Self-Guided Walking Tour Details

Experiencing the city on foot is by far the best way to go about exploring NYC. As you head from one highlight to the next you will be able to really get to know different neighborhoods along the way.

When it comes to the full route, we are going to start all the way at the southern tip of the city at Battery Park, and then head up to Central Park from there. Breaking up the route into two is Union Square, located at 14 th Street. The Lower Manhattan route heads from Battery Park to Union Square, while the Midtown Manhattan route goes from Union Square to Central Park.

During the walk up there will be many attractions to embrace as you get to see a little bit of everything that the city has to offer.

Here are some helpful metrics about the walks, followed by a list of helpful things to know.

Lower Manhattan Route

• Starting Point : Battery Park
• Ending Point : Union Square
• Distance : 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
• Duration : 2 hours (walking only)

Midtown Manhattan Route

• Starting Point : Union Square
• Ending Point : Central Park
• Distance : 4 miles / 6.4 km

Lower + Midtown Route

• Distance : 8.5 miles / 13.6 km
• Duration : 4 hours (walking only)

Who is the Long Route For : the full downtown and midtown route is meant for those people who have a more limited amount of time to spare and are in the city for the first time. By taking part in this entire self-guided tour, you will be able to see so much in a single day & fully take advantage of your time.

Shorter Routes : if you want to take a shorter tour, I have broken out the route between a Lower Manhattan walk and a Midtown Manhattan walk. The two routes are nearly identical to one another in terms of mileage. You can do them over the course of two days, or just pick which one you are most interested in.

Stops : be aware there are spots along the way, which you can stop and visit for a longer period of time. Whether that be an observatory deck or a museum, there are several opportunities that will extend the day. Take this into consideration as you plan your route.

Central Park : the final stop of the day is going to be Central Park. While you can just take a quick walk around the southern end of the park, you may want to consider a separate Central Park self-guided walking tour . This will of course add additional mileage to the day, so be sure to factor that in as well.

Bus Tours : if you happen to want to opt for a guided tour at a faster pace, feel free to check out some of the best NYC bus tours .

2) Route Map & Directions

Below is a Google Maps view of the route from beginning to end. You can see that this is not just a straight-line up Manhattan. Instead, you will be going in and out as you stop by some top highlights along the way.

From a direction standpoint, it should be simple enough to just type in your next destination on Google Maps (or another navigation app), and follow the walking route provided. There are a couple of caveats here, which I will point out throughout this overview.

3) Lower Manhattan Walking Tour

Whether you are opting for the full walking tour or just want to focus on downtown, we start the route at the tip of Manhattan in Battery Park.

Battery Park

First up is Battery Park, also known as just The Battery. The park/neighborhood makes up the southern tip of Manhattan island and is a great place to take in some panoramas.

Since it is located at the tip, this is where you will be able to take in views over New York Harbor, where the Hudson River and East River meet up.

While the park is beautiful on its own, it is really the waterside walkway that makes it special. All around the edge of the park, you will find views of the Statue of Liberty , Ellis Island, Governors Island , New Jersey, and more.

This is also right near the Staten Island Ferry and the departure point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty .

Spend some time walking along the area, before continuing northbound out of the park and into the Financial District.

Charging Bull

Perhaps the most famous sculpture in New York City is the Charging Bull in the Financial District. This bronze piece of art weighs over 7,000 pounds and comes in at 11 feet tall!

The bull was built by an Italian immigrant artist named Arturo Di Modica. He built it as an ode to Wall Street and the optimism of financial growth.

Today, the bull sits on Broadway just north of Bowling Green. Plenty of tourists flock to the bull to take photos and enjoy this massive piece of Wall Street history.

It should take just about 5 minutes from the Battery Park waterfront to reach the bull and the surrounding Financial District.

Learn More : Check out this 4 Day NYC Itinerary to help you plan a longer trip

New York Stock Exchange

As you continue northbound through the district, it is just another five minutes or so until you reach the New York Stock Exchange at 11 Wall Street.

Within the building, there is the famous NYSE trading floor. It used to be one of the (if not the most) chaotic trading floors in the world before electronic trading really took over.

While visitors cannot go inside the exchange itself, they are able to take in the views of the iconic landmark & its columns from the outside.

From the NYSE, you can continue northwest towards the next stop at the Oculus. Here you will find one of the more unique pieces of architecture in NYC. This giant white structure is home to a transportation hub and mall.

Before going inside, you can enjoy the views from the outside and admire the design. From there, head into the Oculus and walk through it all. There are many shops, food options, and more sprawled throughout the complex.

You can exit the Oculus from the top floor on the western side, which then opens up into the 9/11 Memorial Pools.

9/11 Memorial Pools

As you make your way around this memorial, you will see the two large pools that symbolize where the original Twin Towers of the World Trade Center once stood.

It is a humbling experience walking around the memorial and seeing the names etched into the pools’ exterior. Nearby is also the 9/11 Museum . If you have the time and are interested in learning more, the museum is an extraordinary place to visit.

For an elevated view over the memorial, head to Liberty Park on the southern side of the pools.

One World Observatory

Rising up 1,776 feet above the ground is the new One World Trade Center. The building was completed in 2014 and is one of many new buildings built around the area since 9/11.

While you can just take in the view from the outside near the Memorial Pools, you can also head on up to the very top floors. Here you will find the One World Observatory , Manhattan’s only downtown observation deck.

From the top, there are 360-degree views of the NYC skyline and outer boroughs. Depending on your overall route for the day, you may be able to take an hour to enjoy the top before continuing onwards.

Brookfield Place

Just opposite One World Trade is Brookfield Place and the Hudson River. After spending some time within the city streets, you can head into Brookfield Place, where you will find shops, food options, and restrooms.

This can just be a quick pitstop, as you then head outside of the building and begin to walk all along the Hudson River waterfront.

Hudson River Park

Next up is a relaxing walk up Hudson River Park . In its entirety, the park runs from Brookfield Place all the way up to 59 th Street. For the purposes of this walking tour, you will get just about a mile of waterfront to enjoy before heading back into the city streets.

Be sure to exit Brookfield Place on the waterfront, and then simply follow the path that hugs the river. You will first pass by Rockefeller Park before the promenade takes a turn and then continues past Pier 25 and Pier 26.

Pier 26 is one of my favorite piers in the city as it has its famous tide deck, lawn chairs, kayaking, and swinging benches to enjoy.

From there it is northbound until you reach the Pier 35 walkway. You can check that out for some of the most underrated views of the downtown skyline and Statue of Liberty.

Next up is SoHo, the shopping center of NYC and one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods. Be sure to pay close attention to your navigation here as it is easy to take a much longer and less scenic route.

Cross over the West Side Highway near Pier 35 / Canal Street. Once across the street head north for a block to Spring Street. Once at Spring Street, just continue eastbound until you reach the heart of SoHo.

There is really a never-ending assortment of shops around the SoHo neighborhood. Everything from large designer brands to small boutiques, there will be something for you to find.

SoHo can get crowded with people so just be aware of the busier sidewalks and the hustle & bustle of NYC.

In addition to the stores, SoHo also has its fair share of art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and bars. So, if you are in the mood to take a break at some point, you will have plenty of options.

Washington Square Park

After enough time strolling through SoHo, make your way up into the Greenwich Village neighborhood. There is always something going on in the streets of Greenwich Village as you make your way into NYU (New York University) territory.

The focus area of the Village is Washington Square Park. Here is where the famous fountain and arch can be found. All throughout the park will be an endless array of entertainment, hangout spots, music, and more.

I find the area to be one of the most diverse spots in NYC as you can really find a little bit of everything happening at once. There is no dull moment in Washington Square!

Union Square Park

From Washington Square Park, you can continue northbound for 10 minutes as you soon reach Union Square Park. The park sits right on 14 th Street, which unofficially marks the ending point of Lower Manhattan.

While the park itself is not too vast, the outer walkways of the park are what people come here for. Throughout the week there are farmer’s markets and artist’s markets that line the area. In addition, you will always find a game of chess or backgammon to play with a local.

Depending on your overall itinerary, you can end your NYC self-guided walking tour here or you can continue northbound as you take part of the Midtown Manhattan route.

Brooklyn Bridge Note : if you would like to include the iconic Brooklyn Bridge on your walking route, feel free to start your day in Dumbo. From there, make the walk across the bridge and into downtown Manhattan. This would add around 2 miles to the overall route.

4) Midtown Manhattan Walking Tour

For those who want to continue onwards (or who simply want to take part in the Midtown Manhattan self-guided walking tour), we begin the journey at Union Square.

From Union Square, head up Broadway for a half mile until you reach Madison Square Park.

Madison Square Park

Located between 23 rd Street and 26 th Street is Madison Square Park. The park marks the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, where the famous Flatiron Building can be found.

While not that large, the park offers some scenic walking paths to make your way around as you take in views of the Empire State Building out back.

The famous Eataly supermarket is also located on the outskirts of the park and can make for the perfect spot to have a food or drink break.

Empire State Building

Just 10 minutes north along Fifth Avenue is the Empire State Building. You will begin to get a glimpse of it as you make your way up before the full building comes into view.

This is without a doubt it is one of New York’s most iconic skyscrapers and is a highlight of the skyline. While you can just take in the view from down below, you can also head on up to the top.

The Empire State Building has two observation deck floors – the 86th-floor outdoor deck and the 102nd-floor indoor deck. During a visit, you can opt to just go up to the 86 th floor, or you can buy a ticket for both .

It is also the only observation deck that offers select sunrise hours , for those that want to see the city come to life to start your day.

Bryant Park / New York Public Library

Another 10-minute walk northbound along Fifth Avenue is the New York Public Library building. When it comes to libraries, this is one of the most beautiful out there.

You can walk around the various floors taking in the architecture, and checking out different rooms. Once all done inside, make your way outside, where Bryant Park is located.

The Bryant Park lawn area is one of the best in the city. During the winter months, it is transformed into a market, ice skating rink, and holiday-themed restaurant . During the summer, you can find various events such as yoga and movie nights taking place here.

Learn More : Check out the list of 100 things to do in NYC !

Grand Central Terminal

Now, once you leave Bryant Park, it is time to make a detour to the east as you walk a couple of avenues toward Grand Central Station.

Grand Central is one of the transportation hubs in NYC . In addition, it is also one of the most photo-worthy spots both inside and out.

The reason behind this is because of how beautiful the architecture is, most prominently its main concourse. The concourse comes in at 35,000 square feet with 125-foot ceilings (the windows themselves are over 60 feet tall!).

Attached to Grand Central is also another observation deck – SUMMIT One Vanderbilt . This is going to be a much more interactive and artistic experience compared to the other decks around the city.

The famous Chrysler Building also stands tall right next to Grand Central, so you are sure to see it up close and personal during a visit.

Times Square

Once all wrapped up near Grand Central, retrace your steps 10 minutes westbound to the next stop at Times Square.

While I am not the biggest fan of Times Square , I certainly see the reasonings for people to visit the area during an NYC trip. There is no place in the city like it, with its giant billboards, bright lights, and constant entertainment all around.

The Times Square area is quite large spanning from 42 nd Street up to 50 th Street give or take. The intersection of 7 th Avenue and Broadway is where you will find most of the action, but there really is something happening on every corner.

Rockefeller Center

From Times Square, head a couple of avenues eastbound, where you will soon come across Rockefeller Center.

At Rockefeller Center, there is a complex full of buildings, plazas, dining options, NBC Studios, and the famous Christmas tree (during the holiday season of course).

It is a scenic area to walk through as you have fountains lining the promenade up to the main plaza itself. During the winter the plaza is transformed into its iconic ice rink for all to enjoy.

Another highlight is the Top of the Rock observation deck , which is one of my favorites in the city. From the tri-level deck, you will get some of the best-unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.

Fifth Avenue

It is now time to slowly end your self-guided walking tour as you make your way northbound to Central Park along Fifth Avenue.

While it is just 10 blocks away, you can stop at a few additional highlights near Rock Center.

The St Patricks Cathedral is located just across the street from the center. It is one of the most well-known cathedrals in the city and can be visited as part of a guided or unguided tour.

Another nearby highlight is the Atlas Statue , a figure from Greek mythology. The statue stands at 45 feet in height and weighs 15,000 lbs.

From there, you can continue up 5 th Avenue, take some breaks at some shops, and arrive at Central Park South right near the Plaza Hotel.

Central Park

Without a doubt, Central Park is one of my favorite destinations to visit in NYC. The park is one of the most famous in the United States (and the world) and has plenty of New York photo spots to enjoy. I am there nearly every week or so, strolling the paths and taking photos.

As you may imagine, there is just so much to see all throughout the 843 acres of Central Park. Some of the fan favorites of Central Park include:

• Wollman Rink
• The Mall & Literary Walk
• Bethesda Fountain & Terrace
• Conservatory Water
• Loeb Boathouse
• Belvedere Castle
• The Reservoir
• Among plenty of others!

Now, if you want to get more than just a glimpse of Central Park, you will need to add extra mileage to the overall day. In my opinion, the park deserves at least a half day to fully appreciate what it has to offer.

You can check out this self-guided walking tour of Central Park for a step-by-step overview. Similar to this article, I will walk you through how to see the park through long (or shorter) loops.

Other highlights near Central Park include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim, and Frick Collection museums on the Upper East Side. You can also find the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side and a great shopping/dining center near Columbus Circle.

5) Walking Tips

Before you head out for your self-guided NYC walking tour, note a few helpful tips & tricks to get you started.

Comfortable Shoes : since you will be on your feet a bunch, wearing comfortable walking shoes is essential. Try to avoid flip-flops or dressy shoes as those are not ideal for city walking.

Food/Water : you should have no issue finding food & drinks along the route. Restaurants, food carts, take-out spots, and more are frequent throughout the city.

Bathrooms : there will be some public restrooms along the route too. If you are having trouble finding any, many coffee shops or bars have restrooms that you can quickly run into.

Dress Accordingly : be aware of the weather for the day you are taking the tour. You will be outside for the most part so the weather elements will be at play. That could mean shorts and a T-shirt in the summer or a warm coat in the winter.

Directions : as mentioned earlier, Google Maps (or simply leveraging the map above) will best direct you from one attraction to the next. If you want to take a walking break / skip an attraction, then simply hop on the subway as you see fit.

No matter if you opt for the Lower Manhattan walk, Midtown Manhattan walk, or a combination of the two, this self-guided tour is sure to bring you to the top attractions in the city.

If you have any questions about the tour, feel free to add them below. Also, don’t forget to check out the other New York itineraries and guides up on the site.

Have fun out there and safe travels!

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Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

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Providence Walks: Self-Guided Historic Walking Tours

Immerse yourself in Providence's fascinating history, local lore and quirky tales by taking a self-guided walking tour. Learn about the historic East Side, the rich culture of the West Side, the evolution of the Jewelry District, the reinvention of Downtown, and the city's early Black history. 

Providence became a bustling manufacturing town and by the late 19th century, the city was the transportation hub of southeastern New England due to the extensive railroad network. The 20th century was an era that started with optimism, followed by the harsh reality of the...

Providence history is Black history, from the early days of the colony to today. Roger Williams founded Providence in 1636 on land inhabited by the Narragansett, Wampanoag and other tribes. In 1737, British colonizers turned to the business of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and...

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Providence is and always was a place for the fiercely independent. The visionary leader Roger Williams established the city in 1636 as a haven for freedom of conscience, where all people could practice their own religious beliefs, a place where they were not merely tolerated, but...

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How did Providence, Rhode Island become the “Jewelry Capital of the World”? The first steps by Nehemiah Dodge and Jabez Gorham in the late 18th century happened outside of the Jewelry District, but set the pace for what was to come. Jewelry made in Providence was going to be...

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London , London Walking Tours · August 16, 2023

Self-Guided Walking Tour London: A Quick Stroll Through Central 2024 (+ Map)

Table of Contents

Read on for a handcrafted self-guided walking tour in London: Today I’ll be taking you through a quick stroll through Central. Enjoy!

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

Central London will always have a magic to it. The architecture, iconic buildings, and picturesque London scenes all fit for any travel book .

Although I love discovering the lesser-known gems of London, Central London will always have a place in my heart. Whether it’s for a tourist experience or to reignite your love of the city, a quick stroll in Central is all the remedy you need to get your London feels back.

Walking Time: 4 km, 54 minutes

This self-guided walking tour through Central London starts at Waterloo and ends at Buckingham Palace. Easy to do in a short afternoon or a whole portion of the day — depending how much you savor each sight.

With further a-do here’s a self-guided walking tour for a quick stroll through Central London to roam the city and take in beautiful and iconic spots along the way. I’ve also listed what to bring and detour suggestions at the end of the post. Let’s start shall we?

Waterloo Station

The UK’s largest and most iconic station, it’d be hard to visit London without a venture to Waterloo. Filled with busy Londoners and tourists alike it’s a great place to sit and watch the rush of the city.

Once you’ve had your fill of people watching and maneuvered the exit signs (there’s many) head out of exit 5. Reaching the bottom of the steps you’ll see a peaky view of the Shard on your right, and may want to take a minute to appreciate the station exteriors, they’re lovely! 

Sutton Walk 

A short stroll will lead you to Sutton Walk. Nothing particularly special aside from the odd art gallery displays and in British fashion, a row of pubs greeting you on arrival. 

Met with post 9-5’ers of the city you’ll see blue-collared locals sipping away the work day under the arches of Waterloo Tap, Black Tap, and Azzuro to name a few. 

Southbank Centre Food Market 

But if you can hold your stomach I wholeheartedly recommend popping into Southbank Centre Market. Filled with every international food under the sun this market grabs every one of your senses — it’d be a shame to pass without grabbing a bite. It’s also apart of the Southbank Centre with interesting events always on offer.

Open Friday-Sunday be sure to grab something savory and sweet before making your way to our next stop. 

Jubilee Park 

Food in hand and a London Eye view to match Jubilee Park is the perfect picnic spot and a Central London favorite. A public park created to mark the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II you’ll often see visitors along the grassland taking in the riverside views and appreciating the city. 

Soak in the rare London sun, watch the passerbyers and of course, take a snap of the London Eye. 

The Queen’s Walk

Perhaps the most iconic of walks in London, the Queen’s Walk is where you’ll find yourself next. The movie backdrop to Doctor Who and Fantastic Four (to name a few) there’s definitely a cinematic feeling to having Westminster Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye all within your peripheral view.  

Take a lazy walk down the pier and admire the spectacular views of the city. While minding your food and the notoriously hungry seagulls and pigeons at bay. 

Big Ben & Westminster Bridge 

Walking up the stairs at the end of the Queen’s Walk you’ll find yourself on Westminster Bridge. It’s hard to miss London’s claim to fame roaming anywhere along Central, but this is the crème de la crème of Big Ben views. 

Roam to the middle of the bridge and take in a breathtakingly scenic snapshot of London on your right and Big Ben waiting on your left. Although Big Ben still finds itself scaffolded, a photo is still very much in order. 

Victoria Tower Gardens 

Tucked around the corner of Big Ben you’ll find a Central London gem, Victoria Tower Garden. A cozy little garden that feels hidden from the rest of the capital it’d be easy to miss but well worth the visit. 

Nestled between the Lambeth River and Houses of Parliament take a lovely couple minutes amongst the memorial statues and a bit of tranquil from the city.  

Westminster Abbey 

A Gothic abbey church famed for its monarch coronations Westminster Abbey is a mecca of British history. The cathedral grounds are a sight on its own so you won’t be disappointed between a leisurely peek or a proper view inside (you’ll need tickets beforehand). 

St. James Park 

My favorite park in London and a clear Central gem— St. James Park is postcard perfect. Chirping birds, lazy ducks, white swans, and vibrant flowers make wandering the park grounds feel like you’re in some kind of romantic film. 

In the center of the park lies the Blue Bridge offering the most charming views you’ll find of the city. With Buckingham Palace to the West and London Eye, Big Ben, and the Horse Guards Parade to the East — any time you spend in St. James Park is time well-spent. 

Buckingham Palace 

As utterly iconic as it gets. Although it’s become a rarity to make my way to the Queen there’ll always be something about Buckingham Palace. The official London residence of the monarchs it’s also the perfect end to your self-guided walking tour. 

The classic British architecture, blood red roses and golden gates will all be a bit mesmerizing, and of course, very, very photo-worthy. During the summer you can also enjoy the staterooms and on a weekday (if you’re lucky) catch the changing of the guards. 

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Picnic Blanket (for Jubilee Gardens)
• Coins for the restroom (the only restroom in route will be on the Queen’s Walk )

Detour Suggestions

In the attempt to make this a quick stroll I may have left some spots out along the way. Here are some suggestions should you choose to continue your walk.

• Check out the Horse Guards Parade up close
• Head down to Trafalgar Square
• Catch the telephones booth on Great George Street

Whichever you choose I hope you thoroughly enjoyed this self-guided walking tour through Central London.

Happy wandering,

Curious for more? Head to my highlights @candaceabroad where I take you on the tour myself!

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The 11 Best New York City Walking Tours

Stroll around the Big Apple with a local by your side on these top tours.

Courtesy of Rock Junket

Explore New York City's musical past with a tour from Rock Junket.

Note: Some tour providers on this list have ceased operations through the end of March 2020 due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book if you’d like to tour during this time.

Tourists journey from all over the world to experience New York City 's top-notch cuisine, vibrant live music and theater scene, distinctive skyline and fascinating history. To see the Big Apple like a New Yorker, you'll want to hoof it through the city on your own two feet. And with a local leading the way, you're sure to learn more than you would going solo. Considering expert insight and tourist opinion, U.S. News determined that the following are the best walks in the city.

Rock Junket – East Village Rock n' Punk Tour

Revel in New York's famous rock music scene during Rock Junket's walk through the East Village. The two-hour excursion visits venues where music greats like the Ramones, Blondie and the New York Dolls once performed. Among the tour highlights is a stop at CBGB, which closed its doors in 2006. Guides recount neighborhood history with special attention paid to lauded artists who once lived and worked there. Audiophiles find this a thoroughly enjoyable way to learn about the area and its colorful history and describe the guides as insightful. Tours take place Monday through Saturday at 1 p.m. and cost around $45 per person. Rock Junket leads a number of other music-oriented tours, including a Greenwich Village tour.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 .]

TopDog Tours – Marvel & DC Superheroes of New York

If you're a fan of superhero comic books and the movies based on them, this might be your ideal tour. The approximately two-hour walk visits sites that have appeared in comics and films, such as the United Nations building, the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal , as well as locations where some comic book creators worked. Enthusiastic guides share insights regarding both the real New York and the city's portrayal in comics, which tour-takers appreciate. TopDog Tours offers this outing every day starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets cost about $35 per adult and $26 for children 12 and younger. The company offers other specialty tours, including the Ghosts of Greenwich Village tour.

[View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 .]

Manhattan Walking Tour – High Line Park and Greenwich Village Food Tour

On this 3 1/2-hour combo tour, you'll explore Greenwich Village and the High Line while enjoying food and drinks at five different restaurants. Along the 2-mile stroll, your guide will share information about the High Line's creation, and offer tips about where to find the best independent bookstores and underground jazz clubs in Greenwich Village. Reviewers love the intimate feel of the tour, which is capped at eight participants, and say the food portions are generous (you'll want to come hungry). Travelers also applaud the friendly guides, who share plenty of historical and architectural tidbits. Tours depart daily at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $124 for all ages. If you'd like to explore more, consider booking the company's combo tour of Chinatown.

Free Tours by Foot – Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour

For a quick overview of Brooklyn, take this three-hour tour with Free Tours by Foot. The experience begins with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge that includes both photo stops and educational interludes along the way. You'll then reach Brooklyn Heights, a much sought-after residential area once home to numerous famous authors. It then proceeds to Dumbo (as in Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a former industrial area transformed into an artists' haven. The tour ends at the Fulton Ferry Landing. From there, you can catch the East River Ferry back to Manhattan. Guides consistently win praise for their knowledge and candor. Though tours operate on a pay-what-you-wish basis, reservations are required. Tours commence at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Free Tours by Foot offers a number of other excursions around the city, including street art tours and food-themed outings.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

9/11 Ground Zero Tour

Each of the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour's guides have a personal connection to Sept. 11, which helps them to provide the passionate, informative tours visitors rave about. The 90-minute walking tours begin at St. Paul's Chapel, which served as an impromptu rescue center during the attacks, and then moves to the 9/11 Memorial. Guides may also stop at different locales related to the events, as each guide gives a slightly different tour based on their personal experiences. Tours take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Tickets cost approximately $35 for adults and $30 for children 6 to 12. Tours that combine the 9/11 Ground Zero Tour with a visit to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum , to the observatory atop One World Trade Center or both are also available.

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Take a walk through the iconic Central Park, and learn a bit about its history, during a tour with the Central Park Conservancy.

Central Park Conservancy – Iconic Views of Central Park Tour

Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, the Lake and Sheep Meadow are among the Central Park sights visited on this 90-minute, 1.3-mile walk. Along with the park's iconic landmarks, the tour also highlights the park's history, as well as insider secrets. Participants find the guides friendly and well-informed. Tours leave from the Columbus Circle Information Kiosk select days at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $15 for the general public. The conservancy also offers several other seasonal tours and walks devoted to specific areas of the park.

Broadway Up Close Walking Tours – Broadway's Beginnings

Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on New York's renowned theater district with the Broadway's Beginnings tour. The nearly two-hour, half-mile walk visits several venues in the southern end of the district, starting with the Nederlander Theatre. All of the guides are professional stage managers or actors, and they share their personal experiences as well as Broadway history and legends. Tour-takers report learning a great deal about Broadway shows from the engaging guides. Tickets cost around $40 for adults and about $35 for anyone younger than 13. Tours occur every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m. Groups are limited to 15 participants. Broadway Up Close offers several other themed walking tours, including one all about the ghosts that purportedly haunt the district's theaters.

Tommy's New York – Catacombs by Candlelight Tour

Set beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral (which is a different institution than St. Patrick's Cathedral ) is a series of catacombs that hold the crypts of past New York City residents and religious dignitaries, dating back to the early 19th century. Tommy's New York has an exclusive arrangement with the basilica to show the winding catacombs to visitors. Travelers generally find these excursions and their guides both informative and highly entertaining. They also enjoy seeing the catacombs. Tickets for the 90-minute candlelit tour start at $37 for adults and $30 for children younger than 12. Tours depart Friday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Note: Tours may be canceled or postponed due to church activities.

Urban Adventures – Hamilton Tour

With renewed interest in Alexander Hamilton, no doubt due in part to the wildly popular musical based on his life, tourists may want to check out his old stomping grounds. The Hamilton Tour starts where the first secretary of the treasury's journey ended: the cemetery at Trinity Church, where Hamilton is buried. The trip through the financial district also encompasses the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall. It concludes at Fraunces Tavern, where Hamilton (and rival Aaron Burr) once ate and where tour participants may opt for a post-walk drink or snack. Guides are regarded as adept and talented storytellers. Tickets for the two-hour outings, which are offered daily at 3 p.m., cost about $40 per person; there is no charge for children 5 and younger. Urban Adventures offers numerous other New York City tours with a variety of themes, including a food tour of the Lower East Side and a Brooklyn history tour.

Inside Out Tours – NYC Slavery & The Underground Railroad Walking Tour

This 2 1/2-hour tour explores slavery in colonial New York as well as the efforts of enslaved Africans to escape. During the tour, you'll visit the sites of the city's first slave market and view a former station on the Underground Railroad. The approximately 1 1/2-mile walk also stops at a memorial dedicated to enslaved people, a burial ground and a related archaeological site. Travelers regularly extol guides for their informative and thoughtful storytelling. Tours are offered at 1 p.m. on Saturday throughout the year. Tickets cost approximately $35 for adults with discounts for children, students and seniors. The company also leads tours highlighting the city's art, architecture, gospel and food.

ExperienceFirst – SoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown Tour

Three adjacent, but very distinctive Manhattan neighborhoods together form the perfect route for a fascinating two-hour walk. Starting at the corner of Spring Street and 6th Avenue, ExperienceFirst's tour navigates the blocks of SoHo, where high-end shops and upscale apartments came to occupy buildings that formerly housed factories and slaughterhouses. It then proceeds to Little Italy and Chinatown, where immigrants' eventful histories continue to shape the neighborhood. Guides narrate the colorful, sometimes tumultuous backstories of the three areas. Participates consistently call the guides both entertaining and well-informed. Tours commence at noon daily. Tickets start at around $35, with reduced rates for children ages 4 to 12. ExperienceFirst also offers this tour in Spanish, in addition to tours that explore other parts of town like the High Line and Chelsea, as well as Wall Street.

You may also be interested in:

• Best New York City Tours
• Best New York City Food Tours
• Best Statue of Liberty Tours
• Best New York City Boat Tours
• Best New York City Bus Tours

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , New York City

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Free Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Lower Manhattan: Where NYC Began

New York is such a walkable city; Manhattan in particular, seeing as it has so many attractions densely packed together. Check out my self-guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan to discover the best of this historic region of New York City on foot.

I previously wrote a self-guided walking tour of Manhattan that goes from the East Village to Central Park and people seem to like it – so I thought I’d do another. This walking tour will take you around the highlights of Lower Manhattan , including the Lower East Side, Little Italy, Chinatown, City Hall, the 9/11 Memorial, the Freedom Tower and the financial district including Wall Street. There’s an optional detour on the Staten Island ferry, and the tour ends with crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Follow my free self-guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan, rather than joining an organised paid-for tour. You won’t have to pay a fee AND you get to do it at your pace. That’s win-win!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Lower Manhattan

Lower Manhattan (also known as Downtown Manhattan or Downtown New York) is one of the oldest areas of the city: it’s where the city began back in the 17 th century. The land was originally inhabited by Indigenous Americans, but Dutch colonists built a city here named New Amsterdam, which was later taken over and renamed by the English. It remains the financial and civic heart of the city. It is also where the original skyscrapers first sprang up in the 1910s before they were overtaken by the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in mid-town in the 1930s.

I’ve walked around this area of Manhattan a lot and have taken various routes through it. This walking tour is a mixture of several walks that I’ve done myself, picking some of my favourite landmarks in this area.

The route is 6.2 miles / 10 km and would take 2 and a quarter hours if all you did was walk it. However, of course, you’ll want to stop along the way, so I think you should give yourself several hours to do this lower Manhattan walking tour – maybe even the whole day, if you want to take it easy. It is mostly outdoors, so isn’t ideal if you are forecast to have rain (but if that’s the case, I have tonnes of ideas of things to do in NYC on rainy days ).

I’ve included an interactive route you can use in Google Maps at the end.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Lower Manhattan – Step By Step

Start in the lower east side.

Our Lower Manhattan walking tour starts at Katz’s Delicatessen , a legendary Jewish deli on the northern border of the Lower East Side. It’s been serving sandwiches since 1888, making it the oldest deli in New York City

Those who have been around for a few decades might remember this place as one of the many movie locations in New York City : it was used in the classic 1980s movie, When Harry Met Sally (1989), for the scene where Sally, played by Meg Ryan, fakes an orgasm.

However, you don’t have to know that movie to be interested in Katz’s Deli. I’ve read that more and more of the old NYC delis are closing, so Katz’s feels even more special for still being there. Despite its fame, it has retained its original character and it is still a great place to fuel up before your walking tour around lower Manhattan. It’s such a classic, I included it on my NYC bucket list .

Not really knowing what to order, I played it safe and ordered a turkey sandwich. I guess I was expecting some politely sliced meat in a sandwich, which is what I’d expect back home in the UK. But what came was a mountain of steaming hot meat, dripping with fat. It could barely be contained between the bread!  Tip: make sure you keep your ticket stub – you need it to get out!

After eating at Katz’s, head three blocks south and one block right (west) until you get to the Tenement Museum . This is a great place to learn about the experience of working-class immigrants in the Lower East Side in the late 19 th century and early 20 th century when they were squeezed into small tenement buildings. These days, of course, the area has been gentrified and is a pretty desirable place to live.

Little Italy

After the Tenement Museum, head west along Delancy or Broome Street until you get to Mulberry Street , the heart of Little Italy (as declared by the sign over the street). This leg is 0.5 miles and should take 10 minutes (non-stop).

This area was named for the congruence of Italian immigrants who formed a community here in the late 19 th century.  There were 10,000 Italians here at its peak population in 1910. The movie Godfather Part 2 recreates a vision of what life was like here in the 1920s.

But the Italian-American inhabitants have largely moved out into other areas and nowadays it feels more like a collection of Italian restaurants than a thriving community.  The 2010 U.S. Community Survey found that no one living in Little Italy was born in Italy and only 5% of residents identified as Italian American.

Nevertheless, if you come through on 19 September, you might catch the feast of San Gennaro , when Mulberry Street throngs with food stalls and decorations in honour of Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples.

Carrying on south for 5 minutes, by the time you hit Canal Street , the signs on the shops will have already let you know you’re in Chinatown.

This area of Lower Manhattan has had a community of Chinese inhabitants since the last 1800s. Unlike Little Italy, this area still has a high concentration of Chinese people. It’s not the only Chinese community in NYC, but there are still 90-100,000 Chinese-Americans living here. If you want to find out more about the Chinese diaspora, the Museum of Chinese in America is on Centre Street.

If it’s not something you’re used to, the Chinese characters in the signs can feel novel and photogenic. However, my favourite part of Chinatown is off the streets. Columbus Park is a small public park in Chinatown. In the 19 th century, it was part of the dangerous five points neighbourhood, made famous in the Gangs of New York (2002) movie.

Nowadays, it is a peaceful place and feels like the community heart of Chinatown. Locals gather here to meet and play Mahjong or Xiangqi (Chinese chess). It’s a great place to stop and rest (or do some people-watching). I like quiet corners of Manhattan like this – sometimes it’s places like these that you can have unique NYC experiences .

From Columbus Park, head west then south on Centre Street, which will take you to City Hall Park.  You’re now in the civic centre of NYC, where you’ll find New York City Hall and the Tweed Courthouse.  This leg is 0.3 miles and should take 8 minutes (non-stop).

New York City Hall is the oldest city hall in the United States and a National Historic Landmark.

The park itself is small but there’s a pretty fountain and it is overlooked by the neo-Gothic-style Woolworth Building , which was the tallest building in the world when it was built in 1913, until 1930, when the Chrysler building was built.  

9/11 Memorial & Freedom Tower

Go south onto Broadway and then head left onto Fulton Street to get to your next stop, a major destination in Lower Manhattan: the 9/11 Memorial . This leg is 0.3 miles and should take 8 minutes (non-stop).

The 9/11 Memorial contains two square pools that are on the footprint of the two towers of the World Trade Centre, which came down on September 9, 2001. The names of the 2,977  victims are engraved on the marble around them. Standing on the edge of the pools, I felt like the waterfalls cascading down into the sunken pools were a graceful and evocative monument to the fallen buildings and those who died that horrible day. For more of an idea about what to expect at the memorial and museum, check this post about the 9/11 Memorial & Museum .

There’s also Survivor Tree, a pear tree that somehow survived the terror attacks and was rehabilitated and planted in the Memorial in 2010.

In place of the two towers, One World Trade Centre was built and opened in 2014. If you have time and fancy an elevated view over Manhattan and the Hudson River, you could visit the One World observatory at the top.

Wall Street

Once you’ve paid your respects at the 9/11 Memorial, head southeast out of the park and onto Cedar Street, turning onto Nassau Street. This will soon take you past Federal Hall , which is a National Monument, and then to Wall Street , the nerve centre of the financial district and home of the New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest stock exchange by total market capitalization. This leg is 0.4 miles and should take 9 minutes (non-stop).

Wall Street was named after a wooden stockade or wall the Dutch built to protect their settlement in the 17th century. It is a small street and feels like a narrow cavern, such is the height of the buildings along it. If you’re a fan of architecture, you might want to check out some of the old skyscrapers along Wall Street, including 40 Wall Street.

Battery Park & Statue Of Liberty Viewpoint

From Wall Street, take Broad street south and then turn right onto Water Street until you reach the park on the southernmost tip of Manhattan. This area is Battery Park and you can get a view of the Statue of Liberty from here. This leg is 0.6 miles and should take 12 minutes (non-stop).

Battery Park is named for the defensive artillery batteries that were built here in the late 17th century and today you can visit the remains of a 19th century fort, Castle Clinton.

If you have plenty of time, you could also detour and take the Staten Island Ferry from the Whitehall terminal.  The ferry is free and it goes back and forth between Manhattan and Staten Island, taking approx. 25 minutes each way. The ferry route passes by the Statue of Liberty – which makes it a great way to see this famous landmark without paying for an expensive tour. It’s also nice to see the view of Manhattan as you pull out of the dock. It really looks like a cluster of glass and steel trees.

Of course, you might prefer an organised boat tour to the Statue of Liberty , which will give you a much closer look.

Whether or not you take the Staten Island detour, you will now head back towards City Hall along State Street and then Broadway . Don’t expect any theatres around here, though! Those are all several dozen blocks north.

Named for its width, Broadway is an old road that was originally a path made by Indigenous Americans. It runs for 13 miles from Lower Manhattan along the length of Manhattan, through the Bronx and out of the city all the way to Sleepy Hollow in upstate New York.

As you walk this stretch of Broadway in Lower Manhattan, you’ll pass some landmarks along the way, including:

• Charging Bull : a famous bronze statue of a bull said to symbolise aggressive financial optimism and prosperity. The sculpture was created by Italian artist Arturo Di Modica in the wake of the 1987 Black Monday stock market crash and was originally installed outside the New York Stock Exchange as an act of guerrilla art. Between 2017 and 2018, another statue called Fearless Girl was placed in front of Charging Bull, but she was moved to a new spot outside the New York Stock Exchange.
• Trinity Church : You might have already seen this church, from along Wall Street: it appears small, its steeple dwarfed by the surrounding buildings. And yet, it was the tallest building in the United States from 1846 until 1869, and the tallest in New York City until 1890.

This leg is 0.9 miles and should take 20 minutes (non-stop).

Brooklyn Bridge

From Park Row on the South side of City Hall Park, you can get onto the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade , a pedestrian walkway that will take you all the way across the Brooklyn Bridge into the Dumbo area of Brooklyn. It’s a lovely walk, and also one of the best romantic things to do in NYC .

This hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge opened in 1883 as the first fixed crossing over the East River and the longest suspension bridge in the world (at that time).

The brick towers of the bridge are iconic and walking along the bridge will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views of the bridge, and, if you look backwards, of Manhattan as you get further away from it.

The walk across the bridge is quite long: 1.1 miles, so it can take 25 minutes or more. On the other side, there are even more viewpoints, if you need them, including the Brooklyn Bridge Lookout and a classic view of the bridge in between buildings from Washington Street.

You can also walk the Brooklyn Bridge just before nightfall, which is a lovely time to do it, as you get to see the lights come on around the city – it’s one of the best things to do in New York at night .

If you feel like indulging in a good meal after all your exertions, I can recommend the River Café , a floating restaurant on the shore, just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. It is fairly expensive and kind of formal, with suited waiters etc. However, the food is really great, the service is impeccable and the views are unbeatable.

There’s also Juliana’s Pizza , which has won numerous awards and accolades.

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Lower Manhattan

Here’s a route map of this walking tour of Lower Manhattan, including markers for landmarks you’ll pass and also some places to eat.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

I hope this self-guided walking tour has inspired you to explore lower Manhattan.  It is such a fascinating area, with a real mix of things to see and do.

If you need more inspiration for exploring New York City, check out my other walking tour for Manhattan , and also my guide to movie locations around New York . I’ve even written a 4-Day New York itinerary , to give you ideas about how to make the most of a few days in the city.

And if you want to get off the beaten path a little, you might be interested in my post on unique things to do in NYC .

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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2 thoughts on “free self-guided walking tour of lower manhattan: where nyc began”.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post and virtually following along on this walking tour around Lower Manhattan. It was fascinating to read about the different areas and their development. Not to forget the highlights in each section to look out for. The variety of cultures living next to one another and also taking the ferry around Staten Island would engage me for hours. Thanks for compiling this tour 🙂

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

Thanks so much, Carolin! I really love NYC and I enjoyed creating this route. It’s a lot of walking, but, like you say, there’s so much packed into this part of the city.

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Take a Walking Tour of Downtown Phoenix

Explore Downtown Phoenix Art, History and Culture

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley 

It wasn't too long ago that Downtown Phoenix had only four tall buildings and little of interest to explore. You might even have seen tumbleweeds blowing through empty, dark, and dull streets! In the past two decades, however, Downtown Phoenix has emerged and continues to evolve as an exciting, and walkable, place to be. If you find yourself in Downtown Phoenix for a conference or are visiting for a business meeting, you might have a couple of hours to get outside, learn about the history of the area, see some unique downtown Phoenix attractions, and experience the vibe of the downtown core.

You could certainly visit any or all of the following spots on your own, but you might not get as much background or detail as you would with a guided tour. The Phoenix Rising Tour Company offers walking tours, and the sights mentioned below are part of their Downtown Phoenix History & Highlights Walking Tour . The tours are focused primarily on art and history, describing the three phases of development of Downtown Phoenix: pre-territorial, post-territorial, and the current revitalization of the Phoenix core. Add to the art and history a sprinkling of thought-provoking facts and trivia, and you have a quick-paced hour-and-a-half overview of the growth of downtown in the nation's sixth largest city. In addition to the walking tour, the company also offers a Downtown Phoenix History & Culture Trolley Tour (recommended for summer months when it's too hot to walk) and a Downtown Phoenix Art & Mural Bike Tour . Bring your comfortable walking shoes and your camera!

Public art is flourishing in many parts of the Valley of the Sun , and Downtown Phoenix is definitely a part of the excitement. Locals might not even know about the Alley of the Arts, the transformation of an alley dedicated to trash bins into a public space adorned with bright and meaningful murals painted by local artists. If you aren't careful, you might walk right past it!

Phoenix Convention Center

No question that this is one of the premier convention centers in the U.S. Even if you aren't attending a conference here, you might want to pop in and look at some of the art installations, as well as the pictorial depiction of the history of Phoenix. Back outside, look up, and you'll see a round structure atop the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. That's Compass Grill, the only revolving restaurant in Arizona.

You might shudder at the thought of meeting up with a scorpion on your walking tour, but at the corner of 5th Street and Washington, outside the Phoenix Convention Center, you'll find a friendly one, along with a few other  Social Invertebrates .

Heritage Square

The 19th century lives on in Downtown Phoenix, where you can see restored versions of original residences — built before air conditioning! The Rosson House Museum offers docent-led tours that last about an hour. There is a covered, outdoor pavilion, where special events take place. You can also arrange to have your wedding here. Two nationally acclaimed restaurants are located in Heritage Square: Pizzeria Bianco and Nobuo At Teeter House. The Arizona Science Center just steps away and is an entertaining and educational stop for both adults and children after your walking tour.

St Mary's Basilica

"St. Mary’s Basilica, named The Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin is the oldest Catholic parish in Phoenix and was the only Catholic parish in Phoenix until 1924....St. Mary’s became the 32nd basilica in the United States." If the church is open to the public while you are on your walk, step inside and take a look at the stunning stained glass windows, and see the plaque that commemorates where Pope John Paul II knelt in prayer during visits in 1987. If you'd like to spend more time here, for a small fee you may purchase a pamphlet for a self-guided tour. St Mary's Basilica is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride .

ASU and U of A

Both major Arizona state universities, Arizona State University (main campus in Tempe) and University of Arizona (main campus in Tucson) have satellite facilities in and around Downtown Phoenix. The Mercado is located just north of Heritage Square. It was originally built as a retail/commercial development and was subsequently taken over by ASU. The College of Nursing is located here. Other Downtown Phoenix ASU facilities include the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

The U of A is newer to the downtown Phoenix area and is where the University of Arizona College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy and other health-related fields of study are conducted.

Light Rail Art

Valley Metro operates the light rail system in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. At each station, art has been incorporated to beautify the stations and make transportation more enjoyable for both visitors and residents. In Downtown Phoenix, at the Jefferson Street/First Avenue, station you'll see a dedication to Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman Supreme Court Justice (and Phoenix resident), as part of the Downtown Justice artwork created by Tucson artist Stephen Farley. At the 3rd St./Washington light rail station, take note of the fact that this station has solar panels cooling the station during the summer, and displays of more than 50 art pieces dedicated to Arizona's official state tie.

The 26 Blocks art project is on display for hotel guests and the general public in the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel 's lower lobby until 2018. 26 photographers, 26 writers, and one sculptor collaborated on a celebration of Downtown Phoenix by focusing on the past, present, or imagined future of 26 randomly selected city blocks.

Hotel San Carlos

Right in the downtown core, you'll find one of Arizona's most noted purportedly haunted places. This hotel has been open since 1928, and it is a boutique, one-of-kind property. If you don't mind small rooms and you love vintage, this might be the hotel for you! Even if you don't stay here, you can visit the lobby and get a feel for what Downtown Phoenix was like nearly a century ago. In the fall there are ghost tours conducted here. Is it really haunted? That's for you to decide. 

Civic Space Park

Civic Space Park is a green area in Downtown Phoenix, a respite from all the high-rise condos, large commercial buildings, sports venues, theaters , and parking lots. It is a public park operated by the City of Phoenix and is well-utilized by the college students who live and go to school in the area. There are year-round musical events, outdoor movies, food trucks, and other activities for casual gatherings. During the summer there is a  free splash pad for the kids . There are plenty of shady areas, access to public transportation, and an oft-photographed sculpture created by artist Janet Echelman ; it is illuminated at night, with colors changing with the seasons. The installation of the sculpture was not without controversy!

Other Places of Interest To Notice on Your Walk

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

Originally called America West Arena and then US Airways Center, it is currently the home of the Phoenix Suns , Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Rattlers. Big name concerts and shows  are held here at the Talking Stick Resort.

Chase Field is the home of the 2001 World Champion Arizona, the Diamondbacks, you can take a guided tour of the ballpark year-round, but you must make reservations. There is also a restaurant in right field at Chase Field, Friday's Front Row (part of the TGI Friday's family), that is open to the public 363 days a year with a full bar & restaurant menu. On days when there is no game or event, it is open to the public, and you can see any activity (groundskeepers?) that is taking place on the field.

The Phoenix Symphony , Arizona Opera, and Ballet Arizona call this venue home. It is operated by the City of Phoenix.

CityScape is a multi-use development with retail, restaurants, entertainment, and hotel. Outdoor events often take place here in the grassy area (Patriots Park), including a very popular ice skating rink during the winter holidays. In the summer, kids take advantage of the splash pad .

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The Perfect Self-Guided Downtown LA Walking Tour

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: January 1, 2023

Categories North America , USA

Planning to go on a Downtown LA walking tour? There’s no better way to discover the city! Check out this guide to make your self-guided walking tour a total success! 

Who says nobody walks in LA? Definitely not me! Walking around is one of the best things to do in Downtown Los Angeles, and in this post, I want to show you how to explore the area on foot with no other guide other than your GPS. Not bad, eh?

In other blog posts, I talked about the perfect 2 days in Los Angeles itinerary for first timers . I also offered tips on how to navigate Los Angeles without a car of your own, and how to explore Venice Beach and Santa Monica .

Now it’s time to tackle Downtown, a diverse LA neighborhood with so much to offer, no matter who you are. I’ve got great tips for foodies, architecture lovers, experienced joggers, first-time urban tourists, professional Instagrammers, you name it! This Downtown LA walking tour is definitely for you. 

Table of Contents

YOU’D RATHER GO ON A GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF LOS ANGELES?

If the self-guided Downtown LA walking tour sounds a bit daunting, you can always join a guided tour! Here are the best options to suit all tastes and help you make the most of this vibrant city. 

➤ The 2-hour Old and New Downtown Los Angeles Tour takes you through the historic part of Downtown LA like no other tour, and the small size of the group allows you to enjoy the guide’s insights in a personalized way. You’ll visit the finest sites from the city’s golden era and even get a Bradbury Building tour that will amaze architecture buffs. This is one of the best DTLA walking tours for first-time visitors and families. ➥ BOOK IT HERE 

➤ For the foodies out there, this Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour is calling your name. In this walking tour you’ll not only taste the best food in LA from six different eateries, bakeries and ethnic food shops, you’ll also learn about the dynamic food culture that’s emerging in Downtown LA. The small group will make the experience more intimate, and there are vegetarian options in all of the stops. You won’t be needing lunch after this 3-hour tour! ➥ BOOK IT HERE 

➤ Choose the Downtown Los Angeles Architecture Tour to marvel at LA’s magnificent buildings and monuments while you hear the history, architecture and symbolism of the city. LA’s tallest building, the Broadway Theatre District and Central Library are among the many places you’ll visit, and it’s definitely a must for architects, students and enthusiasts. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

DOWNTOWN LA WALKING TOUR ITINERARY

If you’re up to the challenge of doing the Los Angeles Downtown walking tour on your own, let’s begin!  

Union Station & Olvera Street

I recommend starting your DTLA walking tour from its northeastern corner, where famed Union Station sits since 1939 (address: 800 N Alameda St).

You can get here easily with a rideshare app, by train or metro (the Gold, Purple, and Red lines all stop here) or by bus. If you ride your own car, this is the moment to leave it behind (parking is available in the El Pueblo parking lots between Alameda St and Los Angeles St).

Once you’re here, make your way into the train station’s iconic interior, wander around, and sit on those comfy chairs. Remember the first Blade Runner ? The film’s police station is, in reality, Union Station’s waiting room. Yes, you read my mind, Los Angeles never fails to be an open-air film set.

Your next stop is right across the street from Union station: El Pueblo de Los Angeles . Established by a handful of European families in 1781 on the land originally occupied by the Gabrieleño/Kizh/Tongva native people, El Pueblo is the oldest part of LA and one of the top Downtown Los Angeles places to visit. 

🚶 The best way to get here from Union Station is to exit the transportation hub on Alameda St and take a right. Once Alameda St meets Caesar Chavez Ave, stop and turn to your left. You have arrived at Olvera St , namely, the entrance to this 9.5-acre historic district.

But don’t let history haunt you and dig in! While walking through Olvera St, you’ll have the chance to shop in the Mexican market for colorful clothing and leather goods as well as have your first snacks of the day (I don’t know about you, but I can rarely deny myself a steaming churro or an iced orchada ).

In between eating and browsing for souvenirs, take a peek into the Avila Adobe , family dwelling of LA mayor, Francisco José Avila between 1818 and 1868. It’s the oldest standing building in the whole city!

➤ Entrance is free, and you’ll be able to see how nineteenth-century rancheros cooked, shared living spaces, and entertained guests (opening hours: 9 AM to 4 PM). 

🚶 Now leave the shopping crowd and merchants of Olvera St behind you, pass through the circular square with the elegant, white Pico House on the left and the Our Lady Queen of Angels church on the right, and take Main St towards downtown (look at those skyscrapers!). When Main St crosses Arcadia St, take a left and start walking south.

A piece of advice: hop on the sidewalk closer to the highway, because a surprise is in store for you on the other side of that traffic artery! The street art piece entitled LA Freeway Kids will be visible on the opposite wall of the 101 Highway, eyeing at the ever-present cars as well as the youngest city dwellers. It’s one of the prettiest attractions in downtown LA!

🚶 When you have enough pics and selfies, take your Downtown Los Angeles sightseeing to Arcadia St and take a right on Los Angeles St. Walk on the bridge above the highway and go straight ahead for a few minutes. 

Reminder: For this Downtown LA walking tour, a map or GPS might come in handy, so don’t forget to use it to avoid getting lost! 

Little Tokyo

🚶 Once you’re in Temple St, say hello to the City Hall white tower to your right and take a left turn. Go straight until you glimpse on your left Molecule Man , a tall metal sculpture of four men walking into each other. Here, turn right on Aiso St and keep walking. You are in Little Tokyo ! From El Pueblo de Los Angeles, it shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes. 

In Little Tokyo , one of the best places to walk in Los Angeles, my absolute favorite spot is the Japanese Village Plaza , encased between 1st St and 2nd St, Central Ave and San Pedro St. It’s rich with shops for all tastes. On your way, make sure to stop by Fugetsu-Do (address: 315 E 1st St). This tiny, sweet shop sells hand-made mochi to die for; perks of doing this Downtown LA tour on your feet!

After exploring around the Plaza, if you’re ready to have a sit-down lunch, I cannot recommend enough the legendary sushi restaurant, Sushi Gen (oh, yes! There’s great food in store for you in this walking tour of Los Angeles). Despite being slightly out of the way, Sushi Gen is especially worth the stop at midday for their extra-tasty sushi and great lunch specials.

🚶 To get there, exit the Japanese Village Plaza on 2 nd St and take a left until the unassuming Honda Plaza will show up on your right. Sushi Gen is right there, at 422 E 2 nd St.

If, instead, you’re still full of energy from Japanese and Mexican snacks, continue this Los Angeles Downtown tour to see what’s in store next!

🚶 Exit the Japanese Village Plaza on 2nd St, take a selfie in front of the pink-pink-pink wall belonging to the Japanese Swordsmanship shop, Shinkendo on the other side of the street, and take a right. Walk on 2th St for a few minutes until you reach Spring St, then turn right. From Shinkendo, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk until the next destination on your LA walking tour: Grand Park .

This beautiful city park stretches through 3 full city blocks and is literally a breath of clean air in the midst of all the Downtown LA sites. I also love the pink chairs all over the place.

The benefit of starting your stroll on Grand Park coming from Little Tokyo and Spring St (with City Hall behind your back) is that what is coming next will slowly reveal itself in front of you. Grand Park indeed sits directly south of the LA center for live performances and the arts on Grand Ave, featuring concert halls, theaters, and museums. Architecture aficionados come along!

Walt Disney Concert Hall and Broad Museum

The Walt Disney Concert Hall , designed by Frank Gehry, and the Broad Museum , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, are an especially striking view, and one of the highlights of your Downtown Los Angeles walking tour. They are also next to each other (at 111 and 221 S Grand Ave, respectively) and a glance from outside is already worth it.

If you want to dedicate these architectural masterpieces more than a few minutes on the outside, you’re in luck, since The Broad Museum is free for all and the Disney Concert Hall offers self-guided tours at no charge . Definitely one of the best places to visit in Downtown LA, so don’t miss it!

🚶 Continue your walking tour on Grand Ave towards 3rd St, keeping The Broad Museum and the Disney Concert Hall to your right. Now it’s definitely past lunch time and your next stop is a real treat for foodies. In order to get there, here’s a great shortcut: as soon as you cross 3rd St, enter California Plaza to your left (address: 350 S Grand Ave), keep going until you see an orange, old-looking structure.

Angels Flight Railway & Grand Central Market

You’ve found the Angels Flight Railway , the shortest railway in the world, in operation since 1901 (opening hours: 6:30am-10pm). This quick ride is just $1, and it’ll bring you down the hill to your destination. While you’re at it, however, look at the green area to your right.

This hilly park is called Angel Knoll and is where the two characters in 500 Days of Summer meet up! There’s even a bench to commemorate the reference.

But enough with the distractions. The Angels Flight Railway will drop you off directly in front of the Grand Central Market , aka a food paradise! This centenary food market hosts at least 38 different vendors, where you can choose your food, have it cooked before you, and eat it on the spot (address: 317 S Broadway, with a side entrance on Hill St).

I always make sure to stop by Sarita’s Pupuseria for Salvadorian cuisine or by Eggslut for egg-based sandwiches. Spice lovers anybody? La Huerta and Chiles Secos will amaze you with their spice, dried fruit, mole, nut, and grain display. In the likely case that it’s a sunny day, I advise to take advantage of the open-air sitting areas either on Hill street or on Broadway. 

If you enjoy your meal sitting on Broadway, not only will you have the chance to do some good old people watching (Downtown LA is such a melting pot that you can never get bored), but you’ll also be positioned right in front of the Bradbury Building (address: 304 S Broadway).

This historical landmark is the oldest commercial building in the area and is yet again a treat for the eye, both outside and inside (fans of Blade Runner , don’t waste your opportunity here!)

If you feel that you have completed your share of architectural gems for the day, and perhaps have a shopping bug, look to the right. Ross Cutlery is the most complete cutlery store in the western United States and it’s been selling knives since 1930 (address: 324 S Broadway). Who wouldn’t want to see that?!

The Last Bookstore

🚶 Alternatively, take a right on Broadway and keep walking until 4 th St, where you’ll take a left turn. Once 4 th St meets Spring St, take another right. At the end of the block, two shops are worth your attention.

First is The Last Bookstore , which has become a top destination for LA tourists of all kinds. I can indeed testify to this bookstore’s incredible stock, since it carries a wide variety of both new additions and very old, used books. Do get lost in here (and make sure to check out the second floor, with book-made constructions that are perfect for an Insta post).

Gather DTLA is the second store I recommend. It’s situated at the back of The Last Bookstore and, quite surprisingly, is supply shop for knitting enthusiasts that also offers lessons. The address of this all-inclusive small shopping universe is 453 S Spring St, just 5 minutes away from Ross Cutlery. 

🚶You’ll probably find yourself on Spring and 5th St on an early evening. It’s happy hour time! Turn right on 5th Street and walk for two blocks, take a left turn on S Broadway till you see Mezcalero DTLA.

Happy Hour at Mezcalero DTLA

My advice is to spend the next hour (and a few bucks) at Mezcalero DTLA. I love this small and laid-back joint that offers chips and guacamole, tacos, and of course, specialty cocktails made with mezcal. Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 PM.

How to perfectly end this self-guided tour of Downtown Los Angeles? I know the perfect place!

🚶From Mezcalero DTLA, keep walking down on S Broadway until you cross 7th St. Take a left on 7th St and keep walking for two blocks. The darkest ice cream shop sits right there, at the corner of 7ths St with Spring St.

End Your Tour with a Little Damage

Little Damage offers soft-serve ice cream in rotating flavors and unforgettable black cones, which are colored with activated charcoal (address: 700 S Spring St). It’s the gothic (Insta-perfect) dream you were looking for to conclude your Downtown LA wanderings!

🚶Lick along while you make your way back to your car by Union Station (ca. 30-minute walk) or hop on a metro train at the Pershing Square stop on 5 th and Hill St (serving both Red and Purple lines), just 8 minutes away from Little Damage. Otherwise, order another of those stunning black cones while you wait for your rideshare app of choice to drive you home. 

DIY DOWNTOWN LA WALKING TOUR FAQ

Yes! Downtown LA is walking-friendly; in fact, it’s likely one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles.

The Grand City Tour of Los Angeles is the best tour for exploring LA’s main neighborhoods and landmarks, and it’s ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time in the city. Among the places you’ll visit are Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park, from where you’ll get incredible views! The downtown historic center is one of the highlights of this tour, that will give you more than a glimpse of this magnificent city. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included! 

The touristy areas of Los Angeles are generally safe, and so is Downtown LA during the day – at night you have to be a little more careful. That said, LA struggles with homelessness, and certain areas of the city, like Skid Row or Hyde Park, are worth avoiding. You’d want to avoid visiting China Town at night time as well.

There are countless fantastic things to do and see in Downtown LA. While this post covers all the best landmarks in the area, there’s always something else to do, like having a picnic at Grand Park, visiting the Grammy museum for some music history, or having your own La La Land moment at the Angels Flight Railway.

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Best of Rome Walking Tour with Quick Access Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Why take this tour?

• Discover the fascinating stories behind some of Rome’s best-known sites and hidden gems—Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Largo di Argentina and more—on an insightful walking tour.
• Get ahead of the crowds at the Roman Forum, spending less time waiting to enter and more time exploring these fascinating remnants of Ancient Rome.
• Visit the newly restored Domus Tiberiana and see the imperial palace Rome's emperors ruled from.
• Explore in the company of an expert guide, whose stories will help you understand and interpret everything you see.
• Follow a strategically timed itinerary designed to help you beat the crowds for a more relaxed experience.
• Sites Visited
• Piazza Navona
• Largo Argentina Archeological Area
• Piazza Venezia
• Michelangelo’s Capitoline Square
• Roman Forum
• Domus Tiberiana
• Palatine Hill
• Arch of Constantine
• Colosseum (exterior)
• Tour Includes
• Local English-speaking guide
• Expertly guided walking tour
• Small group of 15 guests maximum
• Pantheon ticket
• Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Super Pass ticket (18€)

Embark on a captivating walking tour through central Rome, retracing the footsteps of emperors.

Total customer reviews: 86, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

Piazza Navona, 2, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Meet in front of the Museo di Roma. Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign.  Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.  

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How to do a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome: 2 hours

Sean Finelli Last Updated: November 18, 2022

If you don’t have tons of time to spend in Rome, you should still knock out the city’s main sites. Here’s how to do a quick DIY walking tour of Rome featuring Il Pincio, Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, and Pantheon. So, enjoy Rome with this walking tour itinerary and maps.

DIY Walking Tour of Rome Itinerary

This itinerary covers the major spots in Rome that you can see without a guided tour. We’ll guide you from location to location, giving you options that will help you have a personalised experience of Rome. Read on to find the routes with bustling streets, great views, or ways to conserve energy.

If you’re planning to see the Vatican and Colosseum, we highly recommend our Rome in a Day Tour that not only includes the sites mentioned below but also gets you skip-the-line access to the Vatican and Colosseum.

Start this walking tour at either Piazza Navona or Il Pincio / Piazza del Popolo. I highly recommend taking a taxi to Il Pincio, which is in Villa Borghese over top of Piazza del Popolo. You can walk there or get pretty close by metro, but we recommend getting a taxi up to the top so you can walk downhill for the rest of this journey. Trust us, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to exercise in Rome, so conserve your energy wherever you can. Here’s your self-guided itinerary:

• Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo
• The Spanish Steps,  Piazza di Spagna, and Via Condotti
• The Trevi Fountain
• The Pantheon
• Piazza Navona

Distance:  1.5 miles (2.5km)

Walking Time :  30 minutes

Total Duration:   90 minutes to 2 hours

1. Il Pincio and Piazza del Popolo

Terrazza del Pincio is one of those places you see all over social media but can’t actually find when visiting Rome. Good news, we’ve got you covered, and it’s actually very easy to get to. Go to Piazza del Popolo  (Piazza of the People) and look for the big hill. Hidden behind the street leading up the hill is a staircase going up to Il Pincio.

Il Pincio is on the outskirts of Villa Borghese. You can start in Villa Borghese and make your way down to Piazza del Popolo or the opposite. Piazza del Popolo is a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, from there it’s 10 minutes to Trevi Fountain, another 10 minutes to the Pantheon, which is 10 minutes from Piazza Navona, and so on. While you’re in the area, check out the top things to see near Piazza del Popolo .

2. Spanish Steps

From Pincio to the Spanish Steps, you have two options. The first is to walk down from Il Pincio into Piazza del Popolo. This is the best option if you want to walk through Rome’s bustling streets.

Your second option is to walk down viale della Trinità dei Monti. This road is situated above the neighborhood and slowly slopes downward. You get a great view of the area without the crowds. Take a peek into the terraces of the Roman elite and, best of all, you’ll arrive at the top of the Spanish Steps. 

As you approach the Spanish Steps , you’ll notice that you’re walking into Rome’s posh shopping district lined with high-end designers and brands. You’ll come to a large staircase leading up to the Trinita dei Monti church. 

So why are they called the Spanish Steps if we’re in Italy? The Spanish Steps aren’t actually Spanish at all. They got their name because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See is located at the base of the steps.

The official name of the steps is actually Scalinata dei Trinita dei Monti. At the base of the steps, you’ll find another one of Rome’s beautiful fountains, Fontana della Barcaccia, or Fountain of the Longboat.

If you take time to explore the area, you might notice the Keats-Shelley House, located right at the foot of the Steps. This museum commemorates iconic English romantic poets Jonathan Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and houses countless poems, manuscripts, and other works by these authors. Check out the top things to see near the Spanish Steps .

3. Trevi Fountain

Above, you’ll see a map of the route we suggest taking from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain, which should take about 10 minutes. When you reach Piazza di Trevi, you’ll probably notice a large crowd of people taking the classic coin throw picture in front of the fountain.

Built in 1762 and designed by Nicola Salvi, Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi translates to “Three Street Fountain.” Quite literally, the fountain is located where three roads meet and what used to be the end point of one of Rome’s earliest aqueducts.

The fountain depicts ancient Greek god Oceanus on a chariot being pulled by two horses. One is obedient and one is resistant, symbolizing the changing tides of the ocean.

Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome again. If you throw two, you’ll soon have a new romance in your life. And if you throw three, you’re guaranteed to get married. Since you’re here, check out the top things to see near Trevi Fountain .

4. Pantheon

You can follow this simple route to reach the Pantheon, which is about a seven-minute walk away.

The Pantheon is typically considered Rome’s most well-preserved ancient building. This makes sense since the first two structures that stood in the Pantheon’s place were destroyed—one by the Great Fire of Rome and the other by lightning. When Emperor Hadrian built the third, he made sure it was extremely structurally sound.

We definitely recommend going inside the Pantheon to explore its beautiful rotunda. If you look up, you’ll notice an opening in the ceiling allowing sunlight in called the oculus.

The Pantheon is free to enter, and there is plenty to see inside. After exploring its Greco-Roman architecture from the outside, make sure you see Raphael’s tomb when you enter. If you have time, check out the top things to see near the Pantheon .

5. Piazza Navona

After exploring the Pantheon, walk four minutes away using this route to explore Piazza Navona.

The Piazza Navona is an incredibly beautiful square in the center of Rome lined by delicious eateries and shops. It sits on top of what used to be the Stadium of Domitian, where gladiatorial games and public executions used to take place in ancient Rome. 

Built around A.D. 80, the Stadium of Domitian even served as a replacement venue for the Colosseum when it was struck by lightning in A.D. 217. The restaurants and storefronts that line the Piazza Navona today still preserve the shape of the ancient running track and all of the buildings surrounding the piazza were built atop the stadium’s seating.

In the center of the Piazza Navona, you’ll notice a large obelisk with ancient hieroglyphs inscribed on its stone. Although originally located in Circus Maxentius, the obelisk now stands atop the Fountain of Four Rivers and features inscriptions that mention Emperor Domitian. Discover the top things to see near Piazza Navona .

By now, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite.

Finish With A Trastevere Food Tour

There’s really no better way to end your DIY walking tour of Rome than with a great meal! While there are plenty of restaurants and bars lining the piazza, we recommend joining our Trastevere Food Tour .

It meets just a few minutes away from Piazza Navona and features fantastic Rome street food and a traditional sit-down dinner, giving you a culinary experience that offers a more local take on the city’s cuisine.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to all things Rome as you plan your trip.

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Diamonds, Tunnels & Hand-Shaped Chocolate: A Mildly Entertaining Tour Through Antwerp, Belgium

Last Updated: October 17, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Take a quick walking tour of Antwerp and you’ll quickly learn a series of truths about this woefully underrated Belgian city.

For one, it’s the world’s largest diamond hub , with an unfathomable amount of bling moving through its streets to the tune of 40 billion dollars a year.

It’s also a place where chocolates shaped like severed hands are a chief commodity, and, rather importantly, it’s the humble home of the world’s prettiest train station.

Sure, it may not be Instagrammed as often as Bruges or Brussels , but Antwerp is by far one of the most interesting cities you can visit in Belgium.

I first visited Antwerp on a chilly January day in 2019, and had such a great time, I decided to share my exact walking route with you.

So without further ado, let’s go on a wonderful walking tour of Antwerp together.

Save this free walking tour of Antwerp for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

A Brief Summary Of Today’s Antwerp Walking Tour

The following post will bring you along on a whirlwind tour through  Antwerp, Belgium , designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped right into the action yourself.

It’s modelled after my exact 1 day Antwerp itinerary I followed, and was designed to give you a taste of all the best sights in the city.

Of course, it doesn’t leave much room for visiting Antwerp’s many cool museums (of which there’s many), but it’s a start… and you can always come back!

This free Antwerp tour can be enjoyed both virtually, or followed in-person for a DIY walking tour that you can use yourself. Either way, I hope you like it!

Now, onto the tour…

1. Twirl and gawk at the Antwerp Central Station

We’ll start your DIY Antwerp walking tour at the Antwerp Central Station.

Assuming you’ve arrived by train, congratulations! You’ve already checked off a major bucket list item – the Antwerp Central Station, hailed by many as THE most beautiful train station in the world.

The Grand Hall of the Antwerpen-Centraal is a stone-clad masterpiece of archways, columns, and lovely Art Nouveau flourishes. Little wonder why it’s locally known as the Spoorwegkathedraal, AKA the Railway Cathedral.

And while such a grand title feels a bit… dramatic for a mere transport hub, one look at its 75m monumental dome and you’ll see why it’s considered veritable place of worship for train geeks and starry-eyed travel bloggers alike.

Of course, this gloriously elegant station didn’t always look so glamorous.

Just over 100 years ago, Antwerp’s railway station was little more than a humble construction of wood and practicality. At the behest of (highly controversial) King Leopold II however, some of the country’s brightest architectural masterminds were recruited to turn the station into something wow-worthy.

Safe to say they succeeded.

After you’ve finished oohing and ahh-ing, take a step outside so we can continue our Antwerp walking tour!

2. Skip two of Antwerp’s Best known “attractions”

Straight outside of Antwerp Central Station, you’ll find two of Antwerp’s most well known hotspots on either side of you: 1) the Antwerp Zoo and 2) the Diamond District.

For this special version of Christina’s Antwerp walking tour, I want you to skip both.

I’m not a big supporter of zoos, and to be honest there are much more worthwhile things to do in Antwerp than visiting it.

Likewise with the diamond district, it is a LOT less glamorous than it sounds, and unless you’re here to like, ball out and shower yourself with diamonds, then I wouldn’t waste time exploring it…

It’s literally stall after stall of not-fancy-looking jewelry shops, and perhaps it was the grey January gloom that got to me, but I found the whole area rather depressing to look at.

It’s worth noting though (as you pass) that diamonds are to Antwerp as waffles are to Liège… If you haven’t had a Liège waffle before, what I’m trying to say is they’re delicious. Sorry – I meant important.

Antwerp is the undisputed diamond capital of the world, a status it has rocked for centuries, dating back to when the world’s first stock exchange was created here.

It is said that 84% of all rough diamonds and half of all cut diamonds in the world are traded here, which if you ask me, is a LOT of bling.

Why Antwerp? Well, many factors over the years have gone into why Antwerp has become the world’s diamond capital, but perhaps most importantly, it was here in Antwerp (back in the 16th century) that diamond cutter bad boy Lodewyk van Bercken invented a diamond polishing wheel called a scaif.

This scaif is what made the multi-faceted diamond we revere today possible – an invention so game-changing that the industry itself was revolutionized, with Antwerp at the heart of all the action.

Today, the Diamond District is a fairly average looking square mile crammed with over 1500 traders that deal with over 30 billion dollars worth of diamonds annually (and that’s considered a “bad year” ).

But again, you wouldn’t know it from its fairly drab aesthetic.

3. Start walking down De Keyserlei

If you’ve exited the Antwerp Central Station from its main entrance (you know, where the whole fancy looking façade is), then you should be on De Keyserlei.

Besides sounding like an evil character off Game of Thrones, this is the street you should walk down to eventually hit Antwerp’s main shopping area.

That said, if your priorities are anything like mine, you should first…

4. Get yourself a hot chocolate for strolling at Chocolatier Del Rey

A quick detour onto Lange Herentalsestraat (literally the first street when you turn left while walking down De Keyserlei) and you’ll find yourself at one of Antwerp’s most beloved chocolate spots.

At the Chocolatier del Rey, a sign that simply says “THE BEST HOT CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD” beckons from afar.

Getting a treat here is a more than just an indulgence – it’s an experience. Order a hot chocolate and they’ll retrieve your desired cacao level from a chocolate-filled bulb of glass before plunking it in some hot milk for your eager consumption.

And while you wait for your choco-magic to be made, you can entertain yourself with the stunning pastry creations and whimsical chocolate shapes like diamonds (of course) and…. hands. More on the hand chocolates later.

Once you’ve got your sipping chocolate, walk back onto De Keyserlei to continue this tour.

That’s right, we couldn’t even walk 100m without a chocolate stop. Welcome to my tour, where I make the rules.

5. Continue on De Keyserlei until you hit the Meir

There’s nothing super notable about De Keyserlei – a few regular shops, restaurants – there’s a Five Guys too if you want to get excited about that… but it’ll lead somewhere great – I promise!

My tip: Don’t forget to turn around for another glimpse of Antwerp Central Station. From afar you can really appreciate its beauty (and capture a cool shot of the street leading down towards it).

After some walking, you’ll soon reach the Statue of David Teniers (a renowned Flemish artist), framed with a nice backdrop of gorgeous Antwerp architecture. Soak it all in. Mmm mmm.

Continuing straight, you’ll soon hit the Meir, Antwerp’s most well-known shopping street. Whip out those wallets folks!

6. Step into a stunning shopping mall and an even more stunning chocolate shop

Honestly, the Meir is okay but it’s not my favourite place in Antwerp… not even for shopping.

It’s that typical street you see in every major city with the exact same chain shops like H&M, Zara and Uniqlo.

If you’re on a time crunch, I wouldn’t bother shopping at these places you would probably have back home.

The Meir is still worth visiting though because of two exceptional stops.

Firstly – be sure to step into the Shopping Stadsfeestzaal.

Yes it’s a mall but it’s a ridiculously pretty one that’s all golden and majestic, a big step up from the malls I grew up with, where the most cultured thing was a Jamba Juice.

This former festival hall is a striking piece of neoclassical architecture to behold… especially when you consider much of it was destroyed in a fiery blaze in the year 2000.

Nonetheless, extensive restorations came to the rescue and today, the Shopping Stadsfeestzaal is looking just as fine as in her glory days…. except now there’s an Urban Outfitters.

A few minutes from here, you’ll find The Chocolate Line, the prettiest chocolate shop you’ll see in Antwerp.

At this shop, you’ll find pretty floral wallpaper, chandeliers, etc. all touting the products of Belgium’s chief choco-bad boy, Dominique Persoone.

If the name rings no bells, let me catch you up to speed: this is a guy that once called himself a “shock-olatier” and (for a special Rolling Stones party) invented a catapault that throws cocoa-herb directly into your nose like a whimsical choco-cocaine. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried.

Of course, if you’re feeling daring, it’s no surprise that wacky flavours are a starring attraction at the Chocolate Line, whether you want some almond praline with deep fried onions (the “Cebolla”), ganache and marzipan with wasabi (the “Green Tokyo”) or of course, a praline with hemp seeds and a cute lil marijuana leaf decoration (the “Hennep”).

The service is a little snobby and the prices are pretty high, but what else would you expect? It’s a gorgeous little shop and you can even walk in to a demo room where you can watch the chocolate masters at work!

NOTE: Just before the Chocolate Line is the famous Rubens House. I’ve heard this is a great museum but I didn’t have time to visit.

7. Turn right on Sint-Katelijnevest and make your way to Hendrik Conscienceplein

If you haven’t blown your entire trip budget on mariju-ocolate, let’s continue.

We’re going to take a quick detour before we reach the goodness of Antwerp’s main square… why?

I think Antwerp is a city best explored through bouts of wistful wandering, and the best parts of the city are the ones you discover while taking side streets and wrong turns.

This is a right turn though (ha literally), take a right onto Sint-Katelijnevest.

Walk down this pretty unremarkable street until you hit Wijngaardbrug at which point you should take a left.

A left turn will lead you into what I think is one of the prettiest squares in Antwerp: Hendrik Conscienceplein.

It’s a stunning little square with perfect facades, including the Saint Carolus Borromeus Church. On that note…

8. If you can, step inside the Saint Carolus Borromeus Church

This might be tough because the church has very random opening hours, but if it’s open, be sure to scope it out. Visiting is free, and wow does this place have a story.

The year was 1718, and Antwerp’s Carolus Borromeus Church was the talk of the town.

About a hundred years prior, local Jesuits had begun work on this effortlessly grand Baroque church, which was built quickly and with grandiose contributions from some seriously famous names… specifically 39 ceiling paintings from Peter Paul Rubens himself, only THE most influential artist of the period. People were stoked.

And while for decades, people came from near and far to admire the work of Rubens (and the beautiful church itself), everything changed on a fateful day in 1718, when a blaze of lightning struck struck the church, creating a devastating fire that resulted in the loss of Rubens’ glorious paintings.

Meaning yes, they are sadly gone.

Nonetheless, the church is worthwhile sight to behold (if you manage to catch it open to the public). After all, it still does look like this:

9. If you can, visit the Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience, specifically the Nottebohm Room

Another gem can be found in the Hendrik Conscienceplein.- in fact, one of the prettiest libraries I’ve ever set foot in.

Again, visiting might be tough because the room is only open for special exhibitons and events, but I happened to be in town for one so I threw 5 euros at the woman and enthusiastically leaped up the stairs to one of the best kept secrets of Antwerp: the Nottebohm Room , a book-sniffer’s dream stacked with old books, dark wood and celestial globes.

Originally built in 1936, today this room houses 150,000 items from the deepest depths of the library’s archive. Seriously, if you have the chance, go inside!

10. Continue onto Wijngaardbrug

After you’ve had enough of this ridiculously good-looking square (and its equally good looking/historical inhabitants), continue down Wijngaardbrug to enjoy a slice of cozy, pretty Antwerp.

In the winter, this street was decked out in pretty twinkly lights, with adorable shops like the Poppins Bolemen en Verbeelding flower shop (pink IG bench included!) providing picturesque perfection.

11. Keep going straight and you’ll hit Grote Markt, Antwerp’s main square

We definitely took the scenic route, but we now find ourselves in Antwerp’s main square, Grote Markt.

And yes, it’s seriously stunning.

Maybe it was the lack of crowds but I actually prefer it to Brussels’ Grand Place. Here, you’ll find stacks of glorious 16th century guildhalls squeezed together like dominos, Antwerp’s illustrious city hall, and the fascinating Brabo Fountain, which depicts a local legend that today is connected to one of the city’s most famous treats…

Take a peek in any Antwerp chocolate shop and you’ll likely see a delicious take on a not-so-delicious object: severed hands!

These chocolate hands are an Antwerp staple thanks to the tale of Brabo (the delightful naked guy seen in the fountain) who, according to local legend, saved dwellers of the Schledt River by defeating an evil giant who used to cut off the hands of sailors that refused to pay his toll.

In defeating the giant, Brabo (poetically) sliced off its hand and hurled it into the river, a legend immortalized in this bizarre statue (which I like to call ‘Naked man yeeting dismembered hand into abyss’), along with the hand-shaped chocolates now sold in every shop of the city.

Budget lots of time here for gratuitous photo opps! And reading Christina’s long stories!

12. Eat… lunch… maybe?

This is a quick break in our DIY Antwerp Walking Tour to remind you to eat something. I had minimal time in the city so I settled for a quick take-out meal which I wolfed down in approximately 2.5 seconds.

For tips on where to eat in Antwerp, this article has plenty of local recommendations.

13. Spend some time wandering around the area

After lunch (or perhaps just a giant coffee), it’s time to indulge in one of my favouite past times: getting lost in the name of fun and photo opps!

Vague, I know, but like I said, Antwerp is so much more magical when you’re just wandering around and discovering little nooks and crannies for yourself.

If you need a little nudge, here are some spots I really enjoyed.

Vlaaikensgang: This medieval alley dates back to 1591. There’s not much to do here, but it’s a pretty escape and one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Plantin Moretus Museum: This creaky UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the world’s oldest printing presses, and offers insight into the lives and work of legendary 16th-century printers Christophe Plantin and Jan Moretus.

Vrijdagmarkt: This historic square has hosted bustling markets since the 16th century. Even today, a famous flea market takes place every Friday in this square. While it’s quite a chaotic market and there’s otherwise not much else to see in the square, it’s a nice spot to peek at if you’re in the area.

Chocolatier and Confiserie Burie: This family-run Antwerp chocolate shop is a must-see even if you’re not hankering for chocolate, because every month they display a new chocolate sculpture in their window for customers to gape at. During my visit, there was a giant chocolate snowman! FYI, their hot chocolate is also excellent.

Melkmarkt and Lijnwaadmarkt: Some nice streets to explore in Antwerp for scenic views.

14. Travel to St Anna’s Pedestrian Tunnel

After enjoying your afternoon exploring some of the spots above, it’s time to venture off to one of Antwerp’s lesser frequented spots.

The St Anna’s Pedestrian Tunnel is an awesome old-school underpass below the Scheldt River (again, giant and toll free thanks to Brabo and his choppy chop ways).

It was built in 1933 as a way to traverse the river without needing a ferry. While the tunnel is largely (and monotonously) covered in plain tiles, what makes it unique and interesting is that it transports you underground via a series of wooden escalators.

The walk across to the other side is a bit spooky and takes just under 10 minutes, with ‘accidental Wes Anderson vibes’ guaranteed.

And while the tunnel itself isn’t anything special, once you get to the other side, there’s a wonderful surprise that awaits.

15. Admire the view of the Antwerp skyline from across the water

While it’s a bit of a detour/trek to go through the St Anna’s Tunnel (it’s much quicker by bike of course), I do recommend this little trip if you have get an excellent view of the Antwerp skyline and there’s a nice park to boot (a perfect picnic spot on a warm sunny day!)

I mean, look at it!

… Then retreat back into the (mildly) creepy tunnel I just made you walk through, because we’re headed back to the other side for more sightseeing.

16. Stop by Het steen Castle

If it’s not completely covered in scaffolding for restorations (like it was during my visit), a short walk from the St Anna’s tunnel is the Het Steen Castle, which is mostly just a nice spot for a photo.

At the moment, you can’t tour the castle nor is there something inside, but it’s quite pretty to look at… while letting your imagination run wild.

After all, this is Antwerp’s oldest structure, an epic stone fortress that has over the years been all of the following: protection from intruders, an actual prison, a museum of archeology, a museum of maritime history and today, a photo stop on Christina’s Antwerp Walking Tour.

Fun fact: Het Steen is Flemish for “The Rock”, as in Dwayne “Het Steen” Johnson.

17. Visit the oldest house in Antwerp

Continuing our little Antwerp walking tour, let’s go from the oldest building in Antwerp to Antwerp’s oldest house.

Walking along the water is pretty boring (I tried it) so I would advise you squeeze in a few cool stops while en route to MAS (which is our next main stop).

On Stoelstraat 11, you’ll find the oldest house in Antwerp, a cool, wooden façade that you can easily visit en route. Built in 1500, this wooden house is a truly badass sight when you consider it has survived the horrors of six major wars. Not bad for a simple wooden house.

18. Stop by St. Paul’s Church

From here, you’re not far from another one of Antwerp’s most iconic churches, so be sure to schedule a stop at Saint Paul’s Church if you want to peek at dozens of paintings and hundreds of statues from some of the country’s most renowned masters.

The church you see before you was completed in 1639, and is known best for its splendid Baroque altars. Sadly, I can’t tell you more than that as the church was closed during my visit, but please take a look inside so I can live vicariously through you. I’ve heard it’s beautiful!

19. Walk through (or avoid) the Antwerp Red Light District

Now from a splendid church to… something entirely different.

In Antwerp, there are only three streets now (Verversrui, Vingerlingstraat and Schippersstraat) where prostitution is openly flaunted à la Amsterdam, with women in windows beckoning the attention of potential clients.

Guess who accidentally waltzed into this area during her wistful wanders?

That’s right – meeee!!

And guess who spent a solid few blocks dodging eye contact while waltzing through said district?

That’s right – also meeee!

This is definitely not the touristy affair that it is in Amsterdam, but if curiosity calls, feel free to peruse Verversrui, Vingerlingstraat and Schippersstraat, or otherwise avoid them to keep your trip PG.

20. Grab an incredible free view at MAS

At last, the final stop of our Antwerp walking tour… and I’ve certainly saved the best for last – with a sweeping view over the city. Best of all, it’s completely free!

The Museum aan de Stroom (MAS) is a modern riverside museum that houses hundreds of thousands of artifacts related to Antwerp.

Besides being Antwerp’s largest museum, it’s also uniquely covered in… you guessed it: hands! Tiny little silver hands that pay tribute to the legend of Brabo, and also patrons of the museum during its construction phase.

At ten stories tall, MAS is a giant museum that’s beyond the scope of our short Antwerp walking tour today, but the view up top is free, so let’s go check it out.

Not gonna lie, taking 10 floors worth of escalators gets tedious, but the view from up top is worth it:

And with that, you’ve completed your walking tour of Antwerp with yours truly!

On your way back to the train station, feel free to swing by the Begijnhof Antwerpen and Antwerp’s Chinatown ( Van Wesenbekestraat ). Both can be visited en route and have interesting stories of their own.

The Begijnhof Antwerpen is one of the most peaceful pockets of the city, originally built centuries ago for Beguines, devout women who lived in semi-monastic communities (but never took official religious vows).

Today, the space is still residential, but open to the public, and oh so pretty to see:

Antwerp’s Chinatown on the other hand is far less quiet.

This bustling piece of the city near Antwerp Central Station is packed with Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and even kung fu schools. It’s the only officially recognized Chinatown in all of Belgium, and even has its entrance gate flanked with marble lions.

Luckily, the lions’ hands are all in tact.

I hope you enjoyed this DIY Walking Tour of Antwerp!

Antwerp is a wonderful city with gorgeous sights and fascinating stories. I hope you enjoyed taking this walk with me, whether in person or virtually. Thanks for reading!

Enjoy this virtual walking tour format? Here are all the ones I’ve written:

• Hallstatt Walking Tour
• Antwerp Walking Tour

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Middle East walks & treks

Walking vs hiking vs trekking.

Our walking trips will take you on defined tracks and over smooth surfaces – think the grasslands of northern Thailand, rice paddies in Mai Chau, and New Zealand's idyllic Queen Charlotte Track. There’s no need for fitness preparation or specialized equipment; just you, your comfortable walking shoes, and a healthy sense of adventure. And we promise there’s not a base camp in sight. 

Make your way up magnificent mountains, through concentrated bushland, and across rugged, countryside trails on our range of leader-led hiking trips. Harder and longer than a walk but less physically demanding than a trek, hikes are the perfect in-between for those who still want to thoroughly explore the great outdoors without all the fuss of proper equipment. 

Treks are often in remote destinations where the trails are barely visible, and the terrain makes it harder to traverse without specialized equipment. These treks range from tackling Kilimanjaro to testing your limits at Everest Base Camp and generally feature high altitudes and overnight stops with basic accommodation. Yep, say goodbye to showers and hello to unforgettable memories.

Intrepid treks around the world

Hiking and backpacking tours

Winter hiking and snowshoeing tours

Our small group walking tours , our small group hiking tours, our small group trekking tours, highlights of our walking, hiking & trekking trips.

Make the heroic climb to Nepal’s Everest Base Camp

Some destinations are simply more life-changing than others and Everest Base Camp might just be the most profound of them all. Boasting the world’s highest peak and the number one spot on every bucket list, this larger-than-life mountain range will have you challenging yourself in every way. But for the unbelievable views you’ll come across and the Himalayan culture you’ll be treated to, the trek to its base is worth it every time. 

Take in the epic vistas along the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago isn’t just an ancient pilgrimage route - it’s the spiritual journey of a lifetime. Whether you want to do a bit of soul searching, soak up centuries of history, swap stories with people from all over the world, or stare in awe at the picturesque panoramas along the way, this enriching trek will change you in the best way possible. And absolutely nothing beats the feeling of reaching Santiago de Compostela. 

Explore the Alaskan wilderness in Denali National Park

Step out of the city and into the wild in Alaska’s Denali National Park. Showing you just how talented Mother Nature really is, this national park will not only take your breath away but also refill your lungs with some of the freshest mountain air in the United States for the ultimate cleansing experience. Walk beneath snowcapped peaks, wander through rolling polar deserts, marvel at ancient glaciers, and watch as the northern lights illuminate the night sky. 

Uncover the spectacular scenery of the Dolomites in Italy

From small walks to larger hikes, and from easy routes to challenging treks, the Dolomites offer a little something for everyone. Promising to be an outdoor adventurist's dream, this jaw-dropping Italian mountain range is picture-perfect in every way from its enchantingly rugged scenery to the distinctive colours that play over the rocky peaks as the sun rises and falls. Easy to revel in the natural beauty all around you, this trip is one you don’t want to miss. 

Trek your way through the Annapurna Range in Nepal

Impressive? Check. Challenging? Check? Unforgettable? Check – the Annapurna Range in Nepal ticks all the boxes. Remarkably different from the neighbouring Everest region, this trek boasts the best of monolithic mountain scenery and Himalayan culture for views and experiences that will quickly fill up your camera roll. From forests full of flame-red rhododendrons to fiery sunsets against Machhapuchhare Mountain, your memories of Annapurna will last you a lifetime.

Hike the rugged terrain of South America’s Patagonia

If you want to reconnect with nature, do it by wandering the remote wilderness of Argentina and Chile on what is guaranteed to be an extraordinary adventure. Marvel at the glacial lakes at Laguna Torre, discover the wild beauty of Torres del Paine National Park, point out jagged and impressive mountain peaks, and spot brightly coloured flamingoes as they primp and preen before your eyes. There’s a reason why hiking in Patagonia is as good as it gets. 

Discover Cradle Mountain’s beauty one step at a time

Tasmania’s not short on spectacular scenery but the Cradle Mountain region in the state’s northwest is natural beauty at its absolute best. Set out on one of Australia’s most famous treks – the Cradle Mountain Overland Track – and make your way through groves of eucalyptus trees, lush rainforests, across alpine moors, and along brilliantly coloured lakes that won’t hesitate to take your breath away. 

Embark on a historic journey along Hadrian’s Wall

Whether you’re a history buff wanting to retrace the footsteps of Roman soldiers from 2,000 years ago or an outdoor enthusiast itching to explore the breathtaking Northumbrian countryside, a walking adventure along Hadrian’s Wall promises to speed up your heart rate and set your mind racing. Embrace the past with every step as you make the journey to historic ruins saturated in ancient stories and secrets. 

Our walking, hiking & trekking trip reviews

Walking & trekking essential info/faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join a walking & trekking trip.

Trips on or before 31 December 2022

If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

What is the range of walking & trekking holidays available?

Our walking & trekking tours span the gamut of active adventures from relatively easy, leisurely walks to multi-day challenges in high mountains. We offer a range of tours in the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro and the Americas, as well as plenty of classic hikes in Europe, the UK, and Australia.  

What are the types of walking & hiking holidays?

We predominantly provide two styles of walking & trekking holidays: 

Centre-based – this style of holiday spends all (or majority) of time in the centre of the action. Think Chamonix in the French Alps, Dobbiaco in the Dolomites or a rustic hotel in Yosemite Valley. Enjoy the comfort of the same room every day (as well as only unpacking once), and a selection of the best restaurants and other attractions in the neighbourhood. All you have to do is sit back and relax as we pick the best combination of walks available either directly from the foot of your accommodation, or just a short transfer away (often a public bus or train). To put it bluntly – you'll be fairly comfortable while experiencing the best walks and hikes going 'round.

Point-to-point – this style of holiday makes you walk from one place to the other, pretty much every day. However, we do throw in a rest day every now and then, depending on the region and the amount of hiking we need to cover on a daily basis. On point-to-point tours, you'll start in A and finish in B. Think about the Inca Trail, the Mount Everest Base Camp trek, the Hadrian’s Wall hike or the Mont Blanc Circuit. In most cases, we'll transfer your main luggage across to the next destination, so all you need to carry is the essentials (water, sun protection, waterproofs, extra layers, snacks and a camera). 

How safe are walking & trekking holidays?

The safety of our clients (you), staff (us), and all the people around us (our local friends and other trekkers) is our highest priority. This means we don't cut corners. Ever. All our leaders are adequately qualified, experienced, and insured so you don't need to worry about a thing. We only hike on well-settled trails and we follow local rules. Always. If the local authorities tell us it’s not advisable to walk certain trails then we won’t. If the weather is not looking good, we'll change our plans. If the trail is too busy, we'll turn around and hike elsewhere. It's as simple as that. We're all about staying safe, enjoying the best trails possible, and being flexible to achieve the best hiking experience for you. 

What is included in walking & trekking trips?

We include accommodation as per the itinerary, as well as transportation to and from trailheads and to all other included activities (note: this transportation is often public as that's the way we like to travel). We also include ALL hiking permits, whether it is in the Himalayas or the US National Parks. On top of that, we provide our highly qualified and experienced leaders to guide you throughout the trip.

What level of comfort can I expect on a walking & trekking holiday?

Most of our walking & trekking holidays are in the Intrepid Original standard, staying in small, authentic, and atmospheric 2–3-star hotels, using public transport where possible, and including all breakfasts, as well as some dinners and lunches depending on the travel destination. However, some of the trips are in the Intrepid Basix style – in most cases, these are trips featuring more remote itineraries such as in the Himalayas, Kilimanjaro, or Morocco. We then stay in either local guesthouses (or so-called teahouses in the Himalayas), or we camp. We often use private transfers on these trips too, as public transport options may not be available. Camping can be quite comfortable with spacious tents, clean water available, and where possible, a toilet tent set up. But we also want to make the experience as authentic as possible so you can always opt to camp under the stars. 

How sustainable are walking & hiking trips?

Sustainability is at the centre of everything we do, and walking & trekking holidays are no different. In fact, spending most of the time on your feet, scaling local trailheads is probably as sustainable as it gets. We also try to use public transport as much as possible and contract only small, family-run hotels and guesthouses. We also align our itineraries with local standards and follow all rules set up by local authorities. The hikes we choose are mostly a combination of the iconic trails (aka ones you don't want to miss) and the lesser-known ones, ensuring there's a little bit of everything. 

What to pack for walking & hiking trip?

All itineraries feature a packing list on the 'Essential Trip Information' document. Please read it carefully as it may contain trip-specific items you must bring. On a higher level, you always need to pack a backpack/day bag to accompany you on your daily walks, comfortable walking shoes or boots (depending on the trip), good trekking clothing (combination of lightweight and quick drying shorts, pants, short and long sleeve shirts), extra warm layers (sometimes even a down jacket) and waterproof gear. We also highly recommend bringing walking poles as these are very useful on steep ascents and long descents.  

Read more about what to pack your walking & trekking trip

Will I be required to carry my own luggage?

The short answer is no. Your main luggage is transported for you on point-to-point itineraries (often by porters, therefore it should be packed in a soft/duffle bag) and your luggage stays in your accommodation for all centre-based itineraries. However, you'll need to bring a small bag/backpack (around 25-30 litre capacity) to carry around all of your essentials (water, snacks, extra layer, waterproofs) when you're on the move.

Do I need any special insurance?

You will need to have insurance that will cover hiking and trekking in certain destinations up to a certain elevation (in the Himalayas, Peru, and a few other destinations that feature altitude hikes). But you won't need any special insurance to cover technical activities. However, to be 100% certain your cover is adequate for the trip you're doing, we suggest you talk to an insurer and present the planned itinerary of your chosen trip. 

How big are the group sizes?

The maximum group size is 12 people on the majority of walking & trekking trips, however, some itineraries may go up to 16 people. But, on average, there are 7-10 people on each departure. 

Are walking & hiking holidays suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely! In fact, most of our customers are travelling solo, and there is no extra fee for doing so. One thing to note is that if are travelling solo, you'll be room-sharing with another solo traveller of the same sex. If you would prefer to have your own room, please speak to your booking agent as we're often able to accommodate this at an extra fee. 

What ages are the group holidays suitable for?

The minimum age on our walking & trekking holidays is predominantly 15 (on some itineraries we can accept a lower age – sometimes even 12, so please enquire at the time of booking). But there is no maximum age limit. We’ll accept everyone who’s keen and physically ready for the challenge (no screening form needed – we trust your own judgement), regardless of age. After all, age is really only a state of mind, right? 

Will I get altitude sickness?

On some of our hikes you will encounter high altitudes. When climbing above 2,800 metres (9,200 feet), it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude, regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

There’s no real way to tell how your body will react to the rigours of altitude trekking, so it is important that you monitor your condition and discuss any prevailing symptoms with your guide. If you have any pre-existing conditions that could be exacerbated by high altitudes, be sure to get them checked out by a doctor before you leave.

But above all, try not to worry, most of our travellers shake off the effects of altitude pretty quickly and enjoy a safe and rewarding trek.

How fit do I need to be to go on a walking & trekking trip?

We have walks ranging from relatively easy to rather challenging. But no matter what degree of difficulty or distance you choose to walk, we recommend that you have a reasonable level of fitness to ensure that you get the most out of your walk or hike. Try to commit to some type of physical training program around six weeks before you depart. Here are some suggestions: Long walks: go on some long walks of 3-6 hours duration before you leave, wearing the boots you’re taking and carrying a small backpack to get comfortable with carrying your gear for long stretches. Aerobic exercise: running, distance cycling and the various aerobic classes offered at gyms (like pump, spin, zumba and circuit classes) all help to give you fitness and stamina. Strength training: doing body weight training like pushups, squats, dips, lunges, etc. helps to build up your muscle strength, which is needed for the steady climb up a mountain if you’re embarking on this type of hike (bootcamp sessions are perfect for this type of training).

Read more about walking, hiking & trekking

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Best of Rome Walking Tour with Quick Access Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

• Enjoy a complete walking tour of the historic heart of Rome. Stop at Piazza Navona, Pantheon, and more to discover stories most visitors won’t hear.
• See where Emperor Julius Caesar famously met his untimely demise on the Ides of March.
• Get ahead of the crowds at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for guided tours of both, providing unrivaled insight into these iconic ancient sites.
• Discover the Domus Tiberiana on Palatine Hill to see the lavish imperial palace Ancient Rome's Emperors called home.
• Follow an expertly crafted itinerary, starting first thing in the morning to beat the crowds for a more relaxing visit.

Tour description

Follow in the footsteps of emperors on the best of rome walking tour..

This Best of Rome Walking Tour takes you on a fascinating journey through Ancient Rome with a knowledgeable guide whose stories of both innovative and brutal emperors will bring each stop to life. From the historic center to the Roman Forum, you'll get to the heart of Rome and see the most important monuments that gave rise to a global empire.

Your tour begins at Piazza Navona, considered today to be Rome's most beautiful plaza. Your guide will reveal the surprising connection this square has to Ancient Rome, buried over time as new civilizations rose and fell. After that, you’ll visit the Pantheon—completed during the reign of Emperor Hadrian—to see the astonishing 2,000-year old dome that remains the world's largest unsupported dome to this day.

After a brief pause to use the restroom or sip a coffee (price not included in tour), the next stop on your Best of Rome Walking Tour is where Emperor Julius Caesar met his untimely demise on the Ides of March. Nestled in the middle of a bustling plaza, you'd probably never guess that this is where one of the most famous scenes of Ancient Rome played out. Thanks to your expert local guide, you don't have to worry about missing a thing.

Step into life in Ancient Rome at the Forum to wrap up your Best of Rome Walking Tour.

From there, you’ll pass other landmarks like Piazza Venezia and Piazza del Campidoglio—the latter designed by Michelangelo himself—on your way to the Roman Forum where you’ll bypass the crowds and head straight in for a complete guided visit. As you explore the sprawling archeological site, your guide will share a plethora of stories, facts, myths and legends from over 2,000 years of history.

You'll visit restricted areas, including Palatine Hill's newest monument, the Domus Tiberiana—the first imperial palace recently restored and reopened in Fall 2023. Renovated by several emperors including Domitian and Hadrian, the palace stretched more than nine acres! The tour continues to the enchanting Palatine Hill, where according to Roman mythology, the story of Rome began with the birth of Romulus and Remus.

Your tour concludes outside of Ancient Rome's most emblematic monuments, the Colosseum, where many a Roman emperor attended its games. Your guide will also point out the nearby Arch of Constantine, built in 315 to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius.

This unforgettable Best of Rome experience combines a leisurely walking tour of Rome’s Centro Storico with the main highlights of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It’s an excellent way to discover Ancient Rome and get to know its many colorful characters.

Sites visited

Verified guest reviews, feb 08, 2024.

Julietta was amazing

Oct 23, 2023

This was awesome

Oct 19, 2023

Our tour guide was Anna, she was while versed and very passionate about the sites. Anna was very educated and very understandably with her answers, we had a police road block that we could not enter to go to the pizza place for the tour she quickly decided to change it to a different pizza place on our tour, she was very knowledgeable of the area and didn't skip a beat on the tour. She was so gracious thru out the tour. I feel we got more information about all the sites then most tour guides would of known. She even made sure all of us site seekers made it back to our destinations with directions because she was over all very knowledgeable of the area. Anna diffently has a passion and love for what she does. We are very impressed with the quality of our head sets. I would diffently suggest if you have never been to Rome book the Walks Tours and hopefully your lucky enough to get Anna like we where. Wear comfy shoes and bring an empty water bottle for the watering laces thru out your tour because the water is safe to drink. And please don't forget to tip your tour guide. Debbie and Lee from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA P.S. we have 2 more tours with Walks Tours, can't wait!!

Oct 07, 2023

This is a great tour thru the Heart of Rome . It is a lot of walking , but very informative and you see a bunch of sites and the guide was wonderful. Highly recommend! ???

Oct 04, 2023

Great guide, but maybe a little too much information overload. Hard to absorb it all. But very knowledgeable

Know before you book

Similar tours, roman icons: castel sant'angelo to pantheon tour with panoramic view, welcome to rome: city stroll with gelato tasting, rome in a day tour: including vatican, colosseum & historic center.

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The 50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City & Scenic Tours]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

87 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3091 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World

1. bryce canyon national park (utah), 2. giant’s causeway (u.k.), 3. godrevy lighthouse (cornwall, u.k.), 4. great wall of china (china), 5. havasu falls (arizona), 6. hoh rain forest in olympic national park (washington), 7. indian beach trail (oregon), 8. james irvine trail in redwood national park (california), 9. juan de fuca trail (vancouver island, canada), 10. kuliouou ridge trail (hawaii), 11. macchu picchu (cusco, peru), 12. moraine lake in banff national park (canada), 13. mt. everest (nepal), 14. nambung national park (australia), 15. the narrows in zion national park (utah), 16. panorama trail (grindelwald, switzerland), 17. positano (italy), 18. pyramids of giza (egypt), 19. son doong cave (vietnam), 20. sossusvlei dunes (namibia), 21. south kaibab trail (grand canyon, arizona), 22. tulip fields (the netherlands), 23. tunnel of love (ukraine), 24. virtual gorilla trek (uganda), 25. wailea beach path (maui, hawaii), 26. acropolis tour (athens, greece), 27. barcelona (spain), 28. berlin (germany), 29. bologna (italy), 30. buenos aires street art walk (argentina), 31. cappadocia (turkey), 32. forbidden city (beijing, china), 33. golden gate bridge (san francisco, ca), 34. helsinki (finland), 35. hong kong, 36. ibiza (spain), 37. krakow (poland), 38. manhattan (new york), 39. moscow (russia), 40. naples (italy), 41. old town taormina (sicily), 42. paris (france), 43. pompeii (italy), 44. quito  (ecuador), 45. singapore, 46. tokyo (japan), 47. tremé neighborhood (new orleans, la), 48. tuscany (italy), 49. ubud (bali), 50. vancouver (canada), 51. venice (italy), final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

While COVID-19 meant travel came to a standstill, it also ushered in the golden age of virtual travel! Searches for virtual tours became increasingly popular, which lead to a rise in the quality and availability of some pretty incredible videos. Many of these virtual walking tours are even offered in 4K! Even now that travel is returning, we’re still able to count on technology to visit almost any place on the planet with the click of a button.

We’ve compiled a list of 50+ virtual walking tours that you can experience all around the globe. The great thing about these walking tours is that you can use them while you’re on your treadmill, to relax, as travel inspiration, or as simply an inexpensive way to experience another culture.

We’ve separated this list of virtual walking tours into nature and city sections, but we’ve also taken the time to put together a ton of other comprehensive lists. Whether you’re interested in national parks , museums , or  educational tours for the whole family , we’ve got you covered!

Nature and Hiking Walking Tours

Walking in nature is incredibly restorative. The good news is that you can get to experience this — even from the comfort of your own home! Check out these nature-centric virtual walking tours.

National parks certainly saw an increase in tourism due to COVID-19. But even if you don’t want to deal with the increased crowds at Bryce Canyon , you can still explore the unique red rocks. This virtual 1.5-hour hike takes you through narrow canyons and desert paths and the views only get more stunning.

As the video recommends, this would be the perfect walk to put in front of a treadmill or exercise bike as well!

To start your virtual walking tour,  click here .

This short virtual tour of Giant’s Causeway allows a great way to take in the beautiful views of this unique landscape. Step around the basalt rock columns at sunset as you listen to the waves crashing below. This is a great way to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Take in the beautiful countryside of Cornwall for a little over an hour as you walk to the Godrevy Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll stop in at Mutton Cove to catch a glimpse of a seal colony. Bonus: You’re accompanied by an adorable cocker spaniel on your walk!

Walk along the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture. While the whole wall stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, you can explore a few different sections with this 30-minute virtual walking tour.

Being able to hike on the Havasupai tribal lands requires scoring a reservation and sleeping under the stars for a few nights, but now you can experience it virtually instead.  Located in the Grand Canyon, this 40-minute virtual tour leads you between mesas and the red desert — all leading up to the stunning turquoise-green Havasu Falls.

This 40-minute video walks you along 2 short nature trails — the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles). The vibrant moss-covered trees really make you feel like you’re walking on another planet. The soothing nature sounds only add to the ambiance.

Escape to the Oregon Coast and hike the popular Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park. This 1-hour virtual hike lets you walk along the rugged Oregon Coast on a sunny day. You’ll be able to experience the rocky beaches, mossy forests, and some stunning ocean views.

It doesn’t get more other-worldly than walking amongst some towering redwood trees. This trail takes you from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to the beach at Fern Canyon. Take a nearly hourly-long hike paired with soothing music and explore these majestic trees.

This 40-minute virtual hike takes you along for the first part of the beautiful Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. You will witness endless water views, abundant wildlife, pounding waves, and the occasional views of the Olympic Mountains along this coastal path. The sounds of nature will accompany you and contribute to the sense of relaxation.

Take a nearly 2-hour stroll through the Kuliouou Ridge Trail on Oahu, Hawaii. This trail is perfect for people who love walking in a beautiful green rainforest. You’ll get to experience a unique Hawaiian landscape while walking past lush vegetation and rocks covered with moss — all while listening to the leaves rustling and birds chirping.

To start your virtual walking tour, click here .

Walk one of the world’s most famous hiking trails — the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! This 1.5-hour hike features the highlights of the shorter 2-day trek, including arrival by train, walking along the “Royal Road,” and ending at Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun.

Enjoy a short 25-minute virtual hike alongside beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park . This glacially fed lake is world-famous for its bright blue waters. Whether you want to use your treadmill or simply watch this hike, it’s a great way to feel like you are outdoors experiencing some fresh air.

This tour of Mt Everest is pretty unreal, especially since most of us will never be able to experience this climb for ourselves. Over 4 “chapters” you’ll follow 3 climbers as they attempt to reach the peak of the tallest mountain in the world. You’ll have an interactive, 360-degree view of this adventure, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the trek.

Note: If you have a virtual reality headset, your experience will be even better!

You’ll think you’re on Mars as you walk through Nambung National Park near Perth, Australia. This unique locale, called the Pinnacles Desert, is full of red sand and otherworldly limestone formations everywhere you look. This short 20-minute virtual flyover at golden hour is a great way to experience this unique and remote place.

Experience the most popular hike at Zion National Park — no wetsuit required! This 35-minute virtual hike will take you through the Narrows at the river bed of the Virgin River. You’ll see the sandstone canyon walls tower thousands of feet above and enjoy the views of the canyons with the sounds of the river to accompany you on the way.

Walk around some of the most beautiful peaks of Switzerland, including Jungfrau. This virtual hike will travel along the popular mountain path above Grindelwald and down through the valley. You will pass Aplen cows, stunning vistas, and many charming restaurants along the way.

Grab a glass of limoncello and settle in for a virtual walk around Positano, a cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. This walk begins high up on the hill and you’ll walk down through steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. The walk finishes as you head down towards the beach at the base of the town.

Experience the last wonder of the ancient world thanks to ProWalk Tours. This 2-hour walking route starts at the Mortuary Temple of Khafre, passing by the pyramids of Khafre, Khufu, and Menkaure before ending at the iconic Sphinx. You’ll also be able to experience a virtual horse ride around the plateau.

Explore the world’s largest cave and learn interesting facts along the way, thanks to this incredible tour from National Geographic. You’ll start by navigating through the Vietnamese jungle before descending into this massive cave system. The tour shows you the 360-degree sights and sounds of this cave.

Walk up the beautiful sand dunes and deserts in Namibia, with bonus footage of Botswana. See the bird’s eye views atop the 650-foot-high “Big Mamma” Sand Dune at Sossusvlei, explore the salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, and see miles of canyons and coastline. View the starry night sky over the beautiful desert, see the famous trees at Deadvlei, and more.

The South Kaibab Trail is 1 of the signature hikes of the South portion of the Grand Canyon. Join along with the 1-hour hike and witness some truly awe-inspiring views. The virtual walk offers sweeping vistas of red rock and the canyon at every twist and turn.

A trip to see the neat rows of brightly colored tulips in Keukenhof might be a good addition to your next gloomy day at home. This virtual walking tour through the garden lets you see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty, and variation of color among the tulip fields. You’ll definitely understand why the tulip fields are a constant draw for travelers from all over the globe.

The Tunnel of Love looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re in need of a dose of relaxation, spend 3 hours virtually walking on this abandoned train track that’s surrounded on all sides by bright green foliage and chirping birds.

Tag along on a gorilla trek Uganda with East African Jungle Safaris and search for endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This 360-degree video gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the trek — and see gorillas of course!

Hawaii is a top destination for many Americans with its year-round tropical climate and seemingly endless stretches of beautiful beaches. But if you don’t want to wade through all of the quarantine and vaccination requirements, you can still experience the islands! The tour takes you from the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort to the Fairmont Kea Lani and along the Wailea Beach Path.

City Walking Tours

If you’re wanting to experience city life instead, you’ll want to click on these next virtual walking tours!

The Acropolis is a must-see when you visit Athens. Start at the Entrance Gate and see other famous sites including the Athena Nike Temple, the Monument to Agrippa, and the famous Parthenon. These beautiful sites are made even better since they are set high above with a fabulous view of Athens.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona, this virtual walking tour will only make that desire stronger! Over 2+ hours, stroll over 9 miles while you walk through Barcelona’s gorgeous squares, the beach, and parks. This walking tour is super comprehensive, so you’ll see most of the main sites!

Settle in for this in-depth 3-hour virtual walking tour through Berlin, Germany. Walk the streets and see the Parliament Building, Brandenburg Gate Arch, and the famous Linden Alley. Listen to the city noise, enjoy the picturesque views, and soak up the outstanding architecture of Berlin.

In this 1-hour virtual walking video, you will enjoy exploring the streets of Bologna in Northern Italy. This foodie city has so many fascinating medieval historic buildings, narrow streets, lovely arches, majestic towers. Enjoy a leisurely virtual city walk through this charming city.

Google Art Project presents this Street Art walk through the La Boca and Barracas neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A foundation was created to promote urban artists, and there is even an audio guide that explains the context for all of the art you see and tell you how it was created. Take this virtual tour at your own pace!

Cappadocia, Turkey is a popular tourist destination known for unique volcanic landscapes with mountain ranges, cave dwellings, and balloon rides. This virtual tour walks you around various cities in the region, including Goreme and Uchisar, exploring cave dwellings and city streets along the way. At the end of the tour, you’re treated to an aerial view from a balloon.

If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this virtual tour. You’ll pass through all of the top attractions, like the Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden during this 1.5-hour virtual walking tour.

Spend a clear afternoon running across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, and back. When this famous bridge was built in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world! This is the perfect video to put in front of your treadmill to jazz up your at-home exercise routine.

Spend an hour taking a morning walk around Helsinki. This virtual walk begins at the train station, heads to the Helsinki Music Centre, and then back over towards the Hietalahti area towards downtown. Enjoy the city sounds, clean streets, and Scandinavian architecture on this peaceful walk.

Hong Kong is famous for its neon-lit skyline, silhouetted against towering mountain peaks. See unique parts of this beautiful and exciting city by exploring the walking and biking paths of Kowloon and Central Hong Kong. Bike through city parks, along the waterfront, and even experience a beautiful sunset.

Take a virtual walking tour around Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the sea, picturesque marinas, walled fortress, and charming cobblestone narrow streets. After watching this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll feel like you just went on holiday!

To start, use the legend at the top to select from your desired language. Then, click through the countless options! There are incredible aerial views of the city and walking tours,  as well as views of iconic buildings and museums. Most options include video or audio commentary, but not all are in English. Still, a fantastic way to experience Krakow!

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this is a great introduction to the borough of Manhattan. It is the city’s historic birthplace, and the most densely populated of the 5 boroughs of New York City. During this 3.5-hour walking and bus tour, you’ll get to take in all the biggest sites at various points throughout the day, including Times Square, Central Park, and more.

Moscow is among the most enchanting cities in the world and you can really step inside this beautiful city on this virtual walking tour. Enjoy the famous sites of Red Square and the Kremlin at Christmastime over the course of an hour.

No, this tour doesn’t include Italian food. But if you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples, this interactive 360-degree video walking tour is still a treat! You start with a map and overview of your route and then walk through Naples’ historic center. Enjoy the street ambiance and wander in and out of famous buildings.

Take a wonderful virtual walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily. One of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, Taormina is perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast. This means that the views from every vantage point are outstanding, and this tour makes you feel like you’re almost smelling the sea breeze.

Walk around the City of Lights with this almost 6-hour (!) virtual walking tour. This walk includes insightful captions about all the sites you’ll see. You will see the most famous streets, monuments, and parks in Paris including the Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.

Making the short journey from Naples to Pompeii, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth the trip. This 2-hour virtual walk through the city really makes you feel like you’re walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Get lost strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii.

Hot Tip: We’ve only included a couple, but ProWalk Tours also has some other fabulous virtual walking tours of Italy you should check out!

This tour is a bit different from the others on this list. In this Airbnb virtual experience, you’ll book a time slot and let a local guide you through Ecuador’s capital via 360-degree photos, videos, and traditional music that will heighten the virtual experience. Your host will also teach you how to make an Ecuadorian drink or dessert to enhance the experience. The cost for this tour is $10 per person.

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in other tours led by locals, check out our article on the best Airbnb Online Experiences !

This hour-long virtual walk throughout Singapore lets you experience the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city. The walk starts at Suntec City Mall, goes to Marina Bay Sands, and crosses the famous Helix Bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see a stunning view of the Singapore skyline at sunset.

Take a walk through 1 of the most famous parts of Tokyo under the night sky — Shibuya — known for its various street musicians, microbars, and bustling nightlife. During this 45-minute virtual walk, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the architecture and the vibrant metropolitan area.

This 45-minute tour is a super informative introduction to Tremé — the first African American neighborhood in the U.S. As the birthplace of jazz, there is much to learn and experience in New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and this is a great start!

From the opulent art galleries of Florence to the postcard-worthy cypress alleys, Tuscany is a traveler’s dream. During this 4-hour virtual walking tour, explore the rolling hills and ancient olive groves as well as the charming towns with narrow alleys and stunning architecture.

This 3-hour virtual walking tour will take you through the city of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is where traditional Balinese culture is evident in every corner of the city. Enjoy the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk, discover local markets with colorful handicrafts, local delicacies, street food, and see the famous Ubud Monkey Forest — all while motorcycles zip by you!

Vancouver is a beautiful city surrounded by nature.  Enjoy this hour-long virtual walking tour through Vancouver, Canada. You will see Vancouver Waterfront, walk along the Canadian Trail, and more. Be sure to stick around so you can enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline at night at the end of the tour!

If you have 1 hour, you can see experience the magic of Venice! From the canals sparkling at sunset to the famous plazas and bustling marketplaces, Venice is the city of romance! This walking tour is a relaxing way to immerse yourself in 1 of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As you can see, there are virtual walking tours of all shapes and sizes to fit your mood, activity, and interests. While we can start to travel again as restrictions lift, there are still many benefits to taking a virtual tour.

Just to name a few, you won’t have to leave the comfort of your bed to experience beautiful national parks or walk along the Oregon Coast, and you can enhance your workouts by walking along the Great Wall of China or to the top of Mt. Everest. We hope you enjoy your explorations!

Explore more of our virtual tour guides at the links below:

• Virtual Tours of Aerospace Museums [Aviation, Military & Space]
• Virtual Tours of Iconic National Parks Around the U.S.
• The Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]
• The Best Virtual Tours and Field Trips for Kids and Students
• Virtual Tours of Popular Tourist Attractions Around the World
• The Best Virtual Train Rides Around the World [Asia, Europe, Peru, U.S.]
• Magical Virtual Disney Rides and Attractions Across the World

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do a virtual walk.

It’s simple to do a virtual walk. Simply click on any of the links above and watch along! You can also choose to place the video in a place that will help enhance your workouts — like a treadmill, VR device, or exercise bike. Just make sure to watch your surroundings if you’re actually walking along in person!

How do you plan a virtual walk?

If you’d like to plan a virtual walk for a group, make sure to send them a link to the walk you’d like to complete together. This way, you can enjoy the same sites and sounds as your group!

Once everyone is ready to go, just set up your video on a treadmill, exercise equipment, VR device, or your smartphone and start walking!

Are virtual tours free?

There are literally hundreds of free virtual tours available for every possible interest — national parks, forest walks, desert walks, city walks — you name it! There are also paid options that might be more interactive, such as conversing with a local guide or paying a small donation as a tip.

Are online walking tours interactive?

There are many options for interactive virtual walking tours. Be sure to check out our list above for some of these options. Typically searching for words like “interactive” or “click” will help you narrow down your search for these interactive walking tours.

What’s the best walking tour?

The best walking tour is whatever matches your interests the best. For example, if you’re in the mood for a relaxing nature walk, a tour that will walk you along the Oregon Coast may be best. But if you’re missing the hustle and bustle of a city, a walking tour around Barcelona may be the best choice for you. The good news is that we have tons of great options for you to choose from in the article above.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps to Explore More for Less!

• October 27, 2023
• Lauren Stuttaford

Let’s step into a world of self-guided exploration and uncover the hidden gems of iconic destinations like London, Rome, New York City, and Paris. That’s right, we’ve put together a list of the best self-guided walking tour apps. Imagine strolling long cobblestone streets, discovering charming neighborhoods, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, all at your own pace. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best self-guided walking tour apps that will transform your tourist experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Say goodbye to rigid itineraries and hello to the freedom of discovering these renowned cities on your terms. Lace up those walking shoes!

10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps

Perfect for Scavenger Hunt-Style Exploration

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Location: Available worldwide

Available: iOS and Android

• Create thrilling scavenger hunt adventures for friends or family.
• Customize challenges and missions for an interactive experience.
• Real-time tracking to keep an eye on your fellow explorers.
• Engaging leaderboards for competitive outdoor fun.
• Ideal for team building, parties, and educational quests.

Goosechase turns any location into an exciting scavenger hunt. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply want to add an adventurous twist to a day out, this app takes your outdoor escapades to a whole new level. Whish is why it’s earned a spot on our list of best app for self-guided walking tours. It’s perfect for families, friends, and team-building activities, making every step you take an opportunity for adventure and fun.

PocketSights

Perfect for Exploring With a Wealth of Historical Insights

• Access a rich library of self-guided tours in various cities.
• Offline maps and GPS navigation for seamless exploration.
• Dive deep into history with engaging audio guides and multimedia content.
• User-friendly platform ideal for tourists and history enthusiasts.
• Explore hidden gems and untold stories in popular tourist destinations.

PocketSights isn’t just like ordinary self-guided walking tour apps, it allows you to learn historical and cultural knowledge as you explore the streets and landmarks. Offline maps and user-friendly features, mean you can explore the past and unearth fascinating stories that bring each destination to life.

STQRY Guide

Perfect for Immersive Cultural and Historical Tours

• Explore a diverse collection of interactive stories and tours.
• Immerse yourself in museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
• Enjoy offline content availability for uninterrupted tours.
• Share your experiences with fellow travelers.
• User-friendly platform designed for tourists and history enthusiasts.

STQRY Guide is undoubtedly one of the best free self-guided walking tour app. It’s ideal for travelers looking for immersive cultural and historical tours in popular tourist destinations worldwide. It’s got an extensive library of interactive stories, so you can explore museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks like never before. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, STQRY Guide provides a seamless, offline experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and share your discoveries with others.

Roadside America App

Perfect for Discovering Quirky and Unique Attractions

Price: $4.99

Location: Covers the United States and parts of Canada

• Unearth offbeat and bizarre roadside attractions.
• Navigate with detailed maps and directions.
• Discover hidden gems, oddities, and curiosities.
• Plan memorable road trips with customizable itineraries.
• User-friendly interface for all adventure seekers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, this one offers up something no other apps do. The Roadside America app helps you uncover the weird and wonderful world of offbeat roadside attractions across the United States and Canada. From giant rubber band balls to quirky museums and oddball landmarks, this app is perfect for discovering hidden gems and curiosities. Plus, detailed maps, directions, and customizable itineraries, mean you can plan unforgettable road trips filled with unique experiences.

Perfect for Curated City Tours and Local Recommendations

Location: Covers popular cities worldwide

• Access a treasure trove of expert-curated city tours.
• Discover hidden local gems, foodie hotspots, and cultural experiences.
• Offline maps and navigation for seamless exploration.
• Create custom itineraries based on your interests.
• Capture memories with in-app photo and journal features.

TripScout is a well-loved option on this list of best self-guided walking tour apps, mainly because it offers authentically curated city tours and insider recommendations in popular cities across the globe. It gives you access to a wealth of expert-curated content, so you can easily find hidden local gems, savor culinary delights, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences. You can also explore even when you don’t have an internet connection, since the app provides offline maps and navigation. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply an adventurous traveler, TripScout is worth download one of the best self-guided tour apps!

Rick Steve’s Audio Europe

Perfect for In-Depth Exploration of European Destinations

Price: Free

Location: Covers various European cities and destinations

• Access a library of immersive audio tours personally narrated by Rick Steve.
• Dive deep into European culture, history, and local insights.
• Offline audio content for on-the-go exploration.
• User-friendly interface suitable for tourists and independent travelers.
• Save and organize your favorite tours for future reference.

Looking for the best self-guided walking tour apps in Europe? Rick Steve’s Audio Europe offers an immersive exploration of European cities and destinations. Be guided across the country by travel expert Rick Steve, and you’ll quickly see why this is one of best city travel self-guided tour apps. Access offline audio content and explore at your own pace, even without an internet connection. Plus, you can save and organize your favorite tours!

Perfect for Guided Tours with Local Narrators

Location: Offers tours in various global destinations

• Explore with captivating audio-guided tours narrated by local experts.
• Discover hidden stories, historical insights, and cultural gems.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted adventures, no need for an internet connection.
• GPS integration ensures you never miss a point of interest.
• Create personalized tours and share your experiences with fellow travelers.

VoiceMap is another one of the best self-guided walking tour apps you should consider downloading. It offers an immersive exploration led by local narrators across diverse global destinations, as well as offline mode and GPS integration – so you never miss a point of interest along the way! Plus, VoiceMap lets you get creative and craft your own personalized tours, making it easy to share your experiences and insider knowledge with fellow travelers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, VoiceMap is one of our top picks.

Perfect for Self-Guided City Tours and Exploration

Location: Covers numerous cities worldwide

• Access an extensive library of self-guided city tours and travel articles.
• Turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems.
• The flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Ideal for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers.

GPSmyCity is your go-to app walking tour guide app offering a vast library of guided city walks and travel articles. With offline maps and GPS navigation, you can effortlessly explore your chosen destination, receiving turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems. This walking tour guide app provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers looking for a deeper dive into a city’s culture and history.

Perfect for Engaging, Location-Based Storytelling

Location: Offers tours worldwide

• Explore destinations with captivating location-based audio tours.
• Access a diverse range of tours covering cultural, historical, and natural highlights.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted travel, no need for an internet connection.
• Create your own tours and share your personal stories with the world.
• A user-friendly platform suitable for curious travelers and history enthusiasts.

GeoTourist offers an immersive, location-based storytelling experience as you explore destinations around the world. And that’s why we think it’s one of the best self-guided walking tour apps. It’s captivating audio tours provide cultural, historical, and natural insights, plus, the app’s offline mode means you can explore, even without an internet connection. You can also become a storyteller yourself by creating your own tours and sharing your personal stories with the world. Nifty, eh? It’s another reason, GeoTourist is one of our favorites for the best self-guided tour apps.

izi.TRAVEL Audio Tours

Perfect for Exploring with Expert-Guided Tours

Location: Covers numerous cities and cultural sites worldwide

• Access a vast collection of expert-guided tours at your fingertips.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted exploration without an internet connection.
• Rich multimedia content enhances your tour experience.
• Personalization options to create a tailored adventure.
• User-friendly platform suitable for tourists and history enthusiasts.

izi.TRAVEL is our final one on the list of apps for self-guided walking tours, and it’s also one of THE best self-guided audio tour apps. It offers expert-guided tours in numerous cities and cultural sites around the world, and personalization options, mean you have the flexibility to create a tailored adventure that suits your interests. Whether you’re a tourist or a history enthusiast, izi.TRAVEL makes every step of your journey more enriching and memorable.

How Air Doctor Can Help

Air Doctor  is an easy-to-use app that connects you with a global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists so you can access medical care anywhere, anytime.

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Most common medical specialties
• Valid, local prescriptions
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Active in 75 countries
• Telemedicine services in up to 21 languages
• Transparent pricing, and reviews

Download the Air Doctor app and experience the world worry-free.

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Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air dr ceo & co-founder.

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

Posted on February 10, 2018 May 6, 2020

The Intramuros Walking Tour – A Quick Exploration of Manila’s Historic Walled City

If you are in Manila, Philippines and looking for a cool day trip, then Intramuros – the historic walled city of Manila – is a cool family and friends destination that you can try. Its Intramuros Walking Tour is a definite must-try!

I have been to Intramuros, years ago. I remember it was a time when I was a member of what we called ‘ Tribung Bagong Silang’, a local group of young people who participated during festival competitions. (Yep, you read it right. I have danced for the Pintados- Kasadyaan festival in Tacloban City. It’s synonymous to the famed Sinulog Festival in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo ).

We were invited as guests during one of the Department of Tourism’s Wow Philippines which aimed to entice tourists to visit the Philippines. We have danced through the streets (or maybe just a portion of it. LOL) and performed a 3-minute dance showdown at one of the open fields in the Walled City.

Fast forward a decade or more later, I returned to Intramuros with some of my good friends in college for a day trip, or rather, for a quick walking tour.

The Intramuros walking tour only lasted for a few hours . We had our own personal guide (one of our good friends) who took us to the spots that we needed to see.

We did not have the luxury of time to check out all the spots, however. The walking tour was just one of side trips to our Ilocos Tour .

Our plane arrived in Manila at around 9 AM. After a quick breakfast and meet-up with some of our friends who are based in and around the city, we headed out to Intramuros for our walking tour.

Despite the limited time, we were able to visit some points of interest in Intramuros. As all of our trips together , the afternoon spent with them is fun and can make me feel young! I guess that’s the effect old friends have on you. They make you feel years younger! 😉

We still had hours of free time before we checked in to our accommodation for the night. It was spent doing the Intramuros Walking Tour and our Binondo Food Crawl later in the afternoon.

Before I proceed, let me clarify that Intramuros occupies around 0.67 square kilometers of land . There are several museums and historic buildings inside it including some of Manila’s universities.

It will take you an entire day to visit them all should you wish to. Of course, it will depend on your pace too.

Here’s a quick rundown of the places we saw (in order) and the delicious late lunch we had !

Our ride dropped us off at the entrance of Fort Santiago where we paid an entrance fee of 75 Php . This particular area has several places that you can visit which I will enumerate below.

After payment, you will be greeted with an open field including some souvenir shops and snacks center.

Table of Contents

Fort Santiago

Plaza de armas, memorial cross, media naranja, baluarte de santa barbara, rajah sulayman theater, manila cathedral, plazuela de sta. isabel, casa manila museum, san agustin church and the san agustin museum, philippine president’s gallery, baluarte de san diego gardens.

Fort Santiago is a defense fortress originally built in 1571 . Like most defense structures the entrance of Fort Santiago is imposing.

It reminds me vaguely of Fort San Pedro in Cebu (one of the places we visited during our Cebu DIY Tour ).

The fort has undergone major changes over the years before finally turned over to the Intramuros Administration in the year 1992.

Passing through the entrance of Fort Santiago, you will notice this public square at the centre of the military barracks and storehouses.

Plaza de Armas is a open green area where a lone statue of the Philippines’ National Hero: Jose Rizal is erected at the centr e.

It was a bit gloomy when we visited Intramuros, so despite the open spaces, the air had a cool feeling to it and was not hot.

After a quick appreciation of the area, we moved forward and came upon the Memorial Cross.

The Memorial Cross is a structure erected in memory of the 600 Filipinos and Americans who died in a dungeon .

All of the bodies had signs of starvation and suffocation. They were found during the last days of February 1945.

The dungeon where the bodies were found had inner doors of massive iron bars and outer doors of iron plate on wood.

Ironically, just nearby the cross is an underground structure called the dungeons.

There was no mention whatsoever if this was the same dungeon where the 600 Filipinos and Americans were found. As per the signage on the entrance, these Dungeons used to be the storage vaults and powder magazine of the Baluarte de Santa Barbara .

Because of certain conditions wherein the structure was no longer fit to store the items, it was then converted into prison cells and storerooms.

We did not went down to the entrance as it was a bit eerie. Just recently, though the dungeons has been restored and is now open to the public.

You can now visit it from 2 PM to 10 PM everyday with the entrance fee already included in the Fort Santiago entrance fee.

Near the Dungeon is the Baluarte De Santa Barbara and the Media Naranja. Before proceeding to explore the aforementioned places, we noticed a man wearing the old Guardia Civil uniform.

He is in fact a member of the Security Guards of Intramuros. And of course, we could not resist taking a picture with him!

The Media Naranja (or half orange) is a semi-circular platform that forms part of the fort’s river defences . From this area, you can see the Pasig River and some of Manila’s skyline.

Taking the stairs, we were given a much better view of the city’s skyline and of the fort’s defences.

Baluarte De Santa Barbara was built in 1592 to protect the entrance to the Pasig River . From where we stood at the top, we can see the dungeons from below.

It is said that the area served as vaults at one time, then as a quarter of the artillerymen; the house of the commandant before it was finally turned as a dungeon for prisoners.

Walking at the ramparts of the fort, we found ourselves back at the Plaza de Armas.

We chose not to enter the Rizal Shrine Museum as our schedule was a bit packed. We proceeded however to the Rajah Sulayman Theater.

Along the way, we noticed some footprints on the concrete floor: Rizal’s Last Walk To Martyrdom which traces his walk from his cell to his execution site in Bagumbayan .

Rajah Sulayman Theater, otherwise called as Dulaang Raha Sulayman, is an eighteenth-century building converted into the venue of seasonal performances by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) . Formerly, the area was a Spanish military barracks.

After Fort Santiago we headed to the next destination of our Intramuros Walking Tour: The Manila Cathedral.

At the time of writing, a tour will cost you around 600 Php. Another transportation option in the Walled City (that is aside from the private cars) is what we locally call as ‘Pedicab/ Padyak’.

It’s a pedal-operated tricycle and way smaller than the regular tricycle. Cost is around 300 Php. Please note however, that prices may vary. Might as well check before hiring one! 😉

Fronting the Cathedral is another public park called Plaza Roma. This park is considered to be the centre of Intramuros and is in close proximity to three (3) important landmarks: Manila Cathedral to the south, the Palacio del Gobernador to the west, and the Casas Consistoriales, also known as the Ayuntamiento de Manila, to the east .

Manila Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines .

After saying a little prayer inside the church, we proceeded to our next destination of the Intramuros Walking Tour: the Casa Manila Museum. Along the way, we came upon another memorial.

The Plazuela de Sta. Isabel is a small park where a memorial was built in dedication to the non-combatant victims of the Battle For Manila in 1945 .

They are the mode of transportation if you wish to join the Bambike Ecotours around Intramuros. Definitely a unique alternative for an Intramuros Walking Tour.

Just beside the Bambikes, is the museum that we were looking for: the Casa Manila Museum.

The museum showcases the social history of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Era . We did not get a chance to explore the museum however (again the limited time.. 🙁 ) But we were able to appreciate it’s gorgeous structure.

Just across Casa Manila Museum is one of the Philippines’ World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is a National Historical Landmark in the country: the San Agustin Church.

Sadly, we were not able to enter as there was a ceremony inside (it looked like a wedding), thus we contented ourselves admiring its structure from the outside.

Just beside the San Agustin Church is the San Agustin Museum . As of writing, the entrance fee was around 200 Php.

We were pretty hungry at this point (note that the time was about 2 PM in the afternoon and we haven’t had lunch yet. LOL). So we again skipped the museum and headed to the nearest restaurant in the area.

Fortunately, Ristorante delle Mitre was just across the church and we were immediately ushered in.

We each had selected a few delicious food from the menu and settled in. Here’s a few photos of our delicious lunch!

Once we were full and watered, we then proceeded to our 2nd to the last stop for our Intramuros Walking Tour. The catch though was that we weren’t walking at that time. LOL.

We had the car picked us up and took us to San Diego Gardens. Before heading there, we did a brief stop to the Philippine President’s Gallery.

The Philippine President’s Gallery is small park where sculptures of the faces of former Presidents of the Republic are on display.

To be honest, there’s not much to see here. Just something that might interest people who love history (although we did not find any inscriptions).

After the gallery, we were taken to Baluarte De San Diego Gardens. This particular area holds two (2) places that we were visiting: the garden and the fort.

Baluarte de San Diego Gardens serves as the entrance to the fort . You’ll have to pay an admission fee to get inside. Ours was 75 Php each.

We saw old canons displayed within the area plus a vintage-looking fountain greeting you from the entrance.

The garden is quite popular for couples as it can be reserved as a wedding venue as well.

Like Fort Santiago, Baluarte De San Diego has also seen several re-constructions and restorations.

After roaming around the gardens, we finally left Intramuros feeling happy and accomplished!

Despite the limited time, I must say we covered some interesting places and fascinating history . It’s always great to look back and know some significant part of Philippine history.

Here’s a really quick video of the sights we saw. If you liked it, don’t forget to hit that ‘Subscribed’ Button on our YouTube Channel!

Have you been to Intramuros? What did you liked most? Tell us in the comments below! Like This Post? Pin It!

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52 Comments

Great post! What a beautiful spot – a must do in Manila!

Thank you, Chantelle! 🙂

Oh I am such a sucker for beautiful architecture! <3 The Cathedral is so pretty! I am adding this tour to my bucket list :))

Good to hear that! 🙂

Such clarity of writing, such a beautiful post. I loved every detail you have provided. The heritage and history of the place is evident in the post. Much love.

Aww.. Thank you, Madhurima! You made my day! 😀 Hope you get to visit Intramuros! 🙂

Interesting read! 🙂

Thank you, Zoe! 🙂

The Philippines would be a dream come true to visit. I really enjoy hikes so a walking tour sounds like the perfect way to explore but also learn so much, what a great idea!

It is.. 🙂 Hope you do get to visit, Lauren.. 🙂

Awesome article! It’s great to see historic sites like this!

Thank you, Lucile! 🙂

What a great day out! I’ve never seen this side of Manila actually, I’m hoping to visit the Philippines soon so will definitely look at stopping over here on my way to the beaches!

You should visit.. Nothing beats a good dose of history before enjoying the beach! 🙂

The Philippines are on my list someday! Sounds like a fantastic visit.

You should really visit. There’s so much to see! 🙂

This is so interesting! I didn’t know such a thing existed! Would love to see it for myself one day!

I love walled cities! I have visited a few in Europe. The architecture in Intramuros looks really impressive and the museum sounds interesting. Adding it to my Philippines list.

I love historic walled cities but never would have expected to find one in Manila! What a great round up of the many things to do there, this will be a must-do when I visit the Philippines.

Ooh very interesting! I love cool architecture like this. Good to know it’s near Manila!

This looks like a great site to explore! I saved it in case I make it to Manila soon! Thanks!!

I never knew Manila had this much interesting things to see! I’ve only visited quickly for business before so sounds like I should actually try to visit again with more time!

How lovely that you first got to visit through your dancing club! I love the idea of doing a walking tour within Manila’s Intramuros old town area, I think having a local guide friend or booking a private tour guide is a big help to make sure you see the highlights in the time you have available. For me, it’s the small cobbled streets of old buildings that appeal the most, and the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens. And being able to try local specialities food-wise too!

This looks incredible. And you’ve led me to not start reading about the Spanish Colonial rule of The Philippines which admittedly I knew nothing about. I’m a fond traveller of Latin America and reading all the Spanish named locations within your post didn’t spark a little ignorance from me so just having a quick read up on the history of The Philippines. Thanks for sharing.

I love a good walking tour. I find it the perfect way to get acquainted with a city…especially cities that are basically outdoor museums. This tour looked so complete and interesting!

A walking tour with a personal guide is always a great idea, even if you weren’t able to see all the spots! I think it’s always awesome to explore with the locals because they know a lot about a destination!

I only ever spent 15-hours in Manila – I’ll have to go back and check these places out!

Intramuros is such a unique place. The Baluarte De San Diego in particular would be really cool to see. Great post.

Thank you, Yvette! 🙂

The Philippines is on my bucket list for sure. I can’t wait to stroll around the historic walled city in Manila and also to try Bambikes! I love any alternative ways to explore a new destination and it looks like so much fun!

This sounds like a good tour. At least my kind of tour with all that fort, the dungeons and the stories behind. I hope they take it slow for I would be stopping every now and then to examine things closer

I’m sure you would, Ami! I’d agree on you about taking the tour slow. It’s more immersive that way.. 🙂 You can actually do it yourself as there are maps that you can ask for and have it on your pace. 🙂

I love taking such short tours around the places we stay in because the closest ones to us are the ones we tend to skip for later – eventually never making it to that place. I would love to explore a place like this. The Baluarte De San Diego is definitely unique and also the display of former presidents!

This is a really lovely post! I love looking at the old churches there, especially Manila Cathedral as it’s so Gothic looking. I can definitely see the Spanish influence here. Looks like you had a great time!

Been looking for a reason to stop over in Manila, guess you just gave me one!

You are bringing me back to one of my favourite trips. We also did a tour of the Intramuros when we were in Manila. It was not what we expected to experience while there and was a great way to appreciate the Philippines before we headed off to the islands.

I loved Intramuros. It is such a lovely contrast to the rest of Manila. Like a whole tiny city within a city.

Love Intramuros. Wish I was there right now.

Nostalgia, That’s what I felt while I was reading this. It was 9 years ago when I finally did this tour…to show Bill, my American husband, our heritage. Thanks.

I have a special affection for walled cities and I love to explore them on all my travels. Quebec City is my favourite but I’m definitely adding this to my list

Intramuros looks really fascinating. A walk that takes you into the historic past of Manila must indeed be a great experience. This is definitely a different perspective of the Philippines, different from the beautiful beaches and islands.

Aren’t walking tours fabulous? I love them! I always learn some new things about the city, and usually from a local guide with a unique perspective. You hit up so many places on your tour. It looks perfect!

I love walking tours. You guys sure did see a lot of places in one day! The President’s Gallery was kinda of neat…I like how the portraits were displays how it looked like stone replicas of wall portraits…neat!

This is the first time I am hearing about Intramuros and this walking tour seems exceptional, Marvi. Thanks for the inspiring pictures and post and for motivating me to add this place to my bucket list!

Great to hear that Agness! 🙂 You’re welcome!

Great photos! I would love to visit the Philippines so I need to have a look at flights. Interesting post!

Thank you, David! 🙂

Intramuros is among the places that we want to visit in Manila. We plan to do a city tour sometime—-Intramuros, National Museum, Rizal Park, Edsa shrine, etc.

The only thing that is stopping us from doing so is the horrendous Manila traffic.

I couldn’t blame you.. 🙂 Traffic can be really bad.. Good thing we had such an efficient guide with us, we mostly avoided traffic!

Hi, did you do the intramuros walking tour on your own or did you hire a tour guide?

Hi Gretchen! Thank you for dropping by! Our friend served as our guide as she is based in Manila.. 🙂 You may check them out on their FB page as they are establishing their tour agency too. 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/LUDIFY.Trips/ .

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15 Exciting San Diego Walking Tours - Recommended By A Local

O ver the past decade, San Diego has become one of the United State’s main tourist hot spots. With an array of adorable neighborhoods and great weather all year round, it’s no wonder millions visit each year.

Every corner you turn in San Diego, something exciting awaits. That’s why the city is super fun to explore on foot. But what happens when you don’t know where to go? We’ve got one solution: walking tours! Greg and I love going on walking tours when we travel but have also done a few San Diego walking tours over the years.

Walking tours are a fantastic way to get a feel for the city and discover hidden pockets you wouldn’t find alone. There are a bunch of exciting walking tours available all over San Diego with many in various neighborhoods to show you all the metropolis has to offer.

Here are our picks of the best San Diego walking tours!

San Diego Walking Tours – Gaslamp Quarter

San diego gaslamp quarter historic true crime tour.

Are you a true crime buff? Then this one-hour walking tour in San Diego is for you. Learn about the other side of the bustling Gaslamp Quarter that many have yet to hear about.

Meet your guide at Fifth Avenue and wander through an area previously referred to as Stingaree. Travel back in time to hear tales about an appalling string of crimes that happened there in the past. Along the way, you’ll even stop at a haunted hotel known for its mysterious paranormal activity. If this doesn’t give you a chill down your spine, then what will?

Greg and I had so much fun hearing about the dark and twisted history, haunted tales, and true crime stories on this tour. Highly recommend this one!!!

Downtown Gaslamp Walking Tour

Expose yourself to San Diego’s covered-up history involving brutal gangsters, ladies of the night, and frightening ghost chronicles. The stories will keep you up at night.

Join your guide at the Gaslamp Quarter Arch, where they’ll bring you to over 30 petrifying locations, each with a spooky story. Get the chance to step inside two haunted buildings, the only tour in San Diego that does so.

It’s a fascinating two-hour tour with a private guide, admission tickets, and a thrilling experience you’ll never forget.

Culinary Tour In The Gaslamp Quarter

Sample the tastiest bites on this walking food tour in San Diego with an experienced guide who has the city’s culinary scene down to a T. Bounce between restaurants and bars, testing out mouthwatering dishes and well-crafted drinks while learning about the district’s seedy past. 

The eye-opening 2.5-hour tour will commence at Fifth Avenue and finish up somewhere in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. While there’s a lot of eating and drinking involved in this activity, the focus is on the area’s sleazy history and stories about how it used to be a red-light district.

All the food and drink you consume on this San Diego walking tour are included in the booking. Just how foodies like it.

Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour

Take this 1.5 hour small group tour to grasp the origins of the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.

Join up with your guide on Fifth Avenue and roam around the area listening to facts and stories only the locals know about. See the Yuma Building, which was raided in 1912, and dive into the world of drama outside the Balboa Theatre .

To keep things intimate and give you a chance to make new friends, only twelve people maximum can join this downtown walking tour.

Gaslamp Audioguide Tour

Nothing screams fun like an audio guide tour. Within seconds of downloading a simple mobile phone application, you’ll be on your way to running around the Gaslamp Quarter’s points of interest. A few highlights include the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and the US Grant.

Get the app on your phone and embark on your journey around the Gaslamp Quarter. It usually lasts between 1.5 – 2 hours, but the benefit of this excursion is you can go at your own leisurely pace.

San Diego Walking Tours – Balboa Park

Hidden gems tour of balboa park.

How would you like to explore the delightful Balboa Park? The 1,200 acre area is sometimes referred to as San Diego’s backyard and is filled with hidden gems waiting to be found.

This interesting 1.5 hour guided walking tour takes you to Balboa Park’s secret highlights. These include the Sculpture Garden, Palm Canyon Trail, Casa Del Prado, and much more. There are over 25 attractions to see throughout the short excursion, so it promises to be action-packed, to say the least.

The tour kicks off at the Plaza de Panama, the park’s central point, and ends at the Botanical Building. The tour guide provides admission tickets for more than half of the sights, including the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden and Balboa Park Visitor’s Center.

You’ll have plenty of time to roam freely when the tour is over. At this time you can also purchase tickets for additional attractions.

Small Group Balboa Park Highlights Tour

You can’t visit San Diego without taking a trip to Balboa Park, and what better way to do it than by taking this two hour small group tour?

Link up with your guide at El Prado and begin seeing all that the park has to offer. Such as the 200 foot tall California Tower and the group of cottages at the Spanish Village Art Center. Hear about the park’s links with the Navy while sipping a complimentary cup of coffee along the way.

San Diego Walking Tours – Haunted Tours

Tequila, tacos, & tombstones food tour.

It’s time to visit San Diego’s Old Town Mexican style. Take a trip to the neighborhood’s outstanding Mexican eateries to try out several bites of local cuisine and some tequila-based drinks.

Listen to tellings about the past relationship between the Native Americans, Mexicans, and Spanish in the area. Pass by Whaley House Museum and an old cemetery to hear about the San Diego ghosts who have been spotted there.

This is a 2.5 hour, action-packed tour including food samples and drinks is definitely one of the most fun walking tours in San Diego. Your tour guide will be waiting for you at the front of the Cafe Coyote restaurant in Old Town.

Ghosts Of San Diego Walking Tour

Most people who visit San Diego come for the white sandy beaches, but there’s another aspect you can learn about on this Ghosts of San Diego walking tour.

Stroll around Old Town, taking in sinister accounts and ghastly tales about past sightings of spirits. Hearing these stories would make you think twice about going outside after dark.

Start your uncanny journey at Heritage Park Row, where your guide will meet you. Drop into three chilling locations over the space of 1.5 hours, including La Casa de Estudillo (one of the city’s oldest buildings) and Whaley House Museum. Plus El Campo Santo Cemetery, where the spirits go to play.

All ticket fees and taxes are paid with your booking.

San Diego Embarcadero Waterfront Ghost Tour

Come take in the eerie stories about the possessed ships down by San Diego’s Embarcadero Waterfront. See a different side of the city once the sun goes down on this one hour guided tour that fills you in on all of the shocking happenings that have gone on here over the years.

We’d classify this as one of the scariest tours in San Diego. It’s only suitable for teens and adults because of the nature of the stories told. Disturbing, right?

Start things off at Headquarters at Seaport to learn about the Old Police Headquarters; you’ll even get to pop your head into the cells. Check out USS Midway Museum to hear about the story behind the military ship.

End the tour at Star of India and Berkley Steamboat Ferry to find out about the supernatural happenings that have been reported.

San Diego Walking Tours – Coronado Island

Coronado history & highlights tour.

Those looking to kick back and relax in the sun often visit Coronado Island , but what if we told you the resort city has so much more to offer?

This 2 hour and 45 minute tour takes visitors to learn about the island’s surprising history at a local museum. Additionally, you’ll view the charming Victorian architecture, and get off the beaten path for some surprises.

This informative walking tour’s meeting point is at the Rotary Park fountain. You’ll head to many locations, including the Coronado Public Library, the gothic Christ Episcopal Church, the circular Star Park, and more.

The booking comes with complimentary snacks, a museum donation, and an entertaining guide who knows Coronado better than anyone.

San Diego Walking Tours – Little Italy

Little italy wine tour.

Did someone say vino? Learn about Little Italy’s history while sipping fine wine and munching on scrumptious nibbles like calamari, pizza, and meatballs. 

Get picked up at Vino Carta and venture deep into the heart of Little Italy while being told intriguing stories about the district. You’ll take a few breaks along the way for some well-deserved Italian snacks and wine. Who said history and wine weren’t a thing?

This is a three hour all-inclusive tour, so everything is included in your booking. It’s a bit pricier than other picks on our list but well worth it for what you get. This is definitely one of the more unique San Diego walking tours!

Private Walking Tour Of Little Italy & Gaslamp Quarter

Why limit yourself to one neighborhood in downtown San Diego when you can take a tour of two? Sign up for this private walking tour of Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Your dedicated guide will meet you at San Diego County Administration Center and show you the area’s remarkable sights for three hours. From companies founded by Italian immigrants to Victorian buildings, this is a day you don’t want to leave your camera at home.

Pick up can be arranged for free if you’re staying at a hotel in either of the two districts. A big perk that only a few other tour guides offer.

San Diego Walking Tours – La Jolla

La jolla coast walking tour.

Head out to the pretty seaside area of La Jolla for this 1.5 hour coastal walking tour. Take the guesswork out of your travels and let the guide do all the hard work. They’ll meet you at the El Patio Building and begin with a saunter from Prospect Street to Girard Avenue.

Along the way, you’ll make over ten attraction stops. There’s plenty of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes. Only your tour guide is included in the price, but there are no hidden fees, so you won’t be expected to fork out some unexpected cash unless you want to tip, of course.

La Jolla Self-Guided Audio Tour

Avoid the strict itineraries and rushing around by taking this self-guided audio tour of La Jolla. Ramble through the coastal town taking in rugged coastlines, posh shopping malls, churches, and historic buildings, all while going at your own pace without any disturbances.

It’s as simple as heading to Prospect Street (the starting location) and downloading an app and then you’re on your way. Plus, you don’t need any cell phone service, once it’s on your phone.

As you can see, America’s finest city, San Diego, has lots of excellent walking tours. Each with their own unique touch and exciting in their own way. In the end, each person will make their own decision and have an awesome time.

Which walking tour of San Diego will you join!?

Want to tour at a faster pace? Check out these Top Segway Tours In San Diego (link needed) .

Travel Resources for Planning Your Trip

• Find your perfect accommodation for your trip on Tripadvisor
• Get more emotions from your journey with Viator tours
• Buy cheap flight tickets via WayAway
• Need a car for your trip? You will find it on Discover Cars

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Maria Haase

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Matchmakers, your gateway for travel that combines beautiful walks with comfortable lodging and unique experiences., find the best walking holiday tour operators that fit your needs., guided, self-guided & do-it-yourself walking holidays.

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Exploring Kyoto & Beyond: The Ultimate Walking Tour Guide

Kyoto, steeped in history and brimming with serene temples, gardens and geisha districts, is a magnet for travelers worldwide. While navigating a city of 1.4

Austria’s Walking Paradise: The Salzkammergut

Austria – land of towering Alps, shimmering lakes and picture perfect villages – is a dream destination for any walking enthusiast. But amidst all this

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For a country named for its mountains, it should not be surprising that Montenegro is a hiking paradise. This tiny country packs in a lot

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What to Expect and How to Prepare for a Walking Tour

Before you set out on your travels, here’s a quick checklist so you can make the absolute most out of your trip!

So, you’ve booked — or are thinking about booking — a walking tour. Well, congratulations! You’re about to experience a new (or familiar) city like never before. With City Experiences’ team of expert tour guides, and amazing partners, you’ll be in the best of hands as you explore bustling avenues and adventure through side streets like a local. Before you set out on your travels, though, it’s important to give yourself a checklist so you can make the absolute most out of your trip. Coming prepared is a great way to ensure you’ll enjoy every single second of the tour. Plus, you’ll save time and money by not having to buy any extra supplies while on the tour — money that can be put to better use by, say, enjoying some local food and drink! So, without further ado, let’s run through some basics.  

What to Wear  

Now, everyone wants to look their best when out and about in a new city, but when you’re planning your outfit for a walking tour, it’s important to focus on function in addition to fashion. That doesn’t mean you can’t still dress to the nines, but you’ll definitely want to wear clothing that you’ll be comfortable in for the duration of the tour — and you’ll want to wear shoes you’ll be comfortable having on all day, since as you might have guessed from the name, you’ll be doing a bit of walking on the walking tour. Oh, and this might go without saying, but you should check the weather before you head out, and bring different layers, as well as a raincoat or umbrella in case of the weather. (It’s always important to check with the tour operator, but most of the walking tours operate rain or shine!)  

What to Bring  

After you have your outfit squared away, the next thing on the checklist is what you’re planning on bringing along with you on the tour. First, you’ll want to take some sort of bag or backpack to store your belongings and any souvenirs you pick up on the tour. Do keep in mind that any museums or attractions you visit may have baggage restrictions, so it’s always a good idea to check. A solid water bottle is a must-bring item, especially if your tour is in a hilly area or a hot, humid climate. Speaking of the heat, it’s always a good idea to bring some high-SPF sunscreen, since a wicked sunburn can derail an entire trip. (That goes for winter tours, as well!) A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also key for protecting your face and eyes from the sun’s UV rays and being able to take in all of the scenic views. Oh, and to capture all those scenic views, we always suggest bringing your camera with you to preserve those memories forever — just make sure you check with your expert guide before taking pictures in museums or other places where flash photography might be prohibited.  

Now that you’ve got your outfit and your gear checked off the list, let’s check out some of the awesome and exciting tours City Experiences has to offer!  

New York City – There’s so much to see and do in New York City, you’ll understand right away why they call it “The City That Never Sleeps!” The Big Apple is exactly that — BIG — so getting a good look and feel for certain neighborhoods is a great way to narrow down your visit and really enjoy yourself. The New York City Wall Street Walking Tour is a great place to start, since you’ll get to dive into the history of Wall Street, the center of modern finance and the oldest part of Manhattan, dating back to when New York was known as New Amsterdam. You’ll check out the world-famous bull, and enjoy highlights such as the New York Stock Exchange, Bowling Green, Fraunces Tavern, the Fearless Girl, and more points of interest. Then, pop up above Houston Street for the Greenwich Village NYC Food Tour , where you’ll discover the Italian heritage and culture that has shaped this historic area — while tasting some of the best and most authentic Italian food New York City has to offer, of course! You’ll sample nine food tastings at seven beloved family-run eateries in the Village — enough food for breakfast and lunch!  

Paris – If you’ve never been to the City of Light, you’re going to love it! Paris is home to some of the best food, wine, and cultural centers in the world. The Complete Louvre Tour: Mona Lisa & Beyond is a lovely way to see some of the world’s most exquisite art and architecture. You’ll get skip-the-line access into the Louvre Museum and avoid the worst of the daytime crowds, then check out the collection with an expert guide versed in art history, including the Mona Lisa and Venus De Milo. After you’ve quenched your thirst for culture, quench your actual thirst with the Paris Latin Quarter Tasting Tour , where you’ll enjoy small bites and drinks — enough food for a light, pre-dinner snack — at several emblematic spots in the historic Latin Quarter and discover the secrets of an authentic French aperitif.  

San Francisco – There’s so much more to San Francisco than what you’ve seen in pictures, and a walking tour is the best way to experience all of it! Have an expert local show you around one of the most intriguing spaces in the United States, San Francisco’s legendary Chinatown, on the San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour: Through the Dragon’s Gate . You’ll see the largest and oldest enclave of Chinese customs and traditions outside of Asia , and indulge in some warm fortune cookies at the famed Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory — and take a few special treats home! Did you bring your appetite? Then the Ultimate San Francisco Food Tour: North Beach, Chinatown & Beyond is the tour for you. You’ll scarf down over 10 delicious tastes across six to seven different establishments , and eat your way through three of San Francisco’s most exciting neighborhoods — a perfect introduction to the city’s cuisine and history.  

Rome – The Eternal City is one of Europe’s gems, and a Welcome To Rome: Twilight City Stroll & Gelato-Tasting is the way to start your Italian journey like a true Roman. You’ll take in the most famous sites in central Rome in less than three hours, including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, then cool off with some delicious gelato and learn what gives it such vibrant flavors. Then, once you’ve built up an appetite, you can fill up on Italian delicacies on the Rome Street Food & Pizza Making Tour , where you get to experience Rome’s centuries-old street food tradition with delicious bites from seven small businesses, and then learn to make your very own pizza. Click here to see all our walking tours in the US and Europe.

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