While some of the prices seem a bit high (for example, day tours in Western European cities typically run in the hundreds of dollars), they’re much more affordable when split with a larger group.

ToursByLocals helps you find tours or guides in 159 countries around the world, with tours typically charged per experience rather than per hour. Be sure to check them out before you head to the travel agent! Whatever your style, these are the best apps and sites for finding local guides and tours. Other services let you essentially book a local guide and determine an itinerary together, while others help you meet up with completely free, volunteer guides. Some apps offer curated local experiences like wine tastings, cooking classes, or bike tours at a particular time and place. Extra details like customer reviews and biographies of the guides also let you make a more informed decision about the tour you’d like to have. The options tend to be more extensive and customizable than those from traditional tour operators. There are loads of apps and websites that let you find and book a wide range of specialized tours, provided by locals in their own town or city. Those are far from the only options, though. Hotels and hostels often have a few choices as well, although you’ve got no real idea about the quality. How do you find good tours when visiting a new city? Sure, you can do it through your travel agency, or go to one of the big online marketplaces like Viator or GetYourGuide.

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