With a pedometer on my wrist, exploring a city on foot is a way for me to target my daily goal, a minimum of 10,000 steps. Taking walking tours on my trips sometimes helps me exceed this target number. I love walking tours because I can meet my daily goal while relishing the beauty of a city on my own. Walking the streets is also the best way to discover the architecture, art, music, and food scene of a destination.
Hop-on hop-off bus services can take a big chunk out of any traveler’s budget. In contrast, free walking tours allow travelers, regardless of budget, to experience a city and explore history. You can take these tours by yourself, or some agencies offer guided tours that don’t require you to pay a fixed price. If given the chance to travel to this region, I would’ve three walking tours in Europe.
Old City Tour, London, England
To have the best experience navigating the streets of London by foot, you’ll need to walk about 4 kilometers. Kick off your walking tour at the Tower of London, a historic castle where you can also view the Tower Bridge. Proceed to the Monument to the Great Fire of London, or simply The Monument, a commemoration of the major blaze that burned the central parts of London in 1666. Adjacent to the landmark is the London Bridge.
Next, marvel at The Mansion, the Bank of England, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Temple Church. Pass by Covent Garden, a district in Westminster known for restaurants, pubs, and designer shopping. End your tour at London’s iconic national timepiece, Big Ben.
Montmartre Hill Tour, Paris, France
The iconic hilltop of Paris, Montmartre Hill, was once the haven of world-famous artists like Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Now, the hill is a hub for tourists visiting the most populous city of France.
Alight from either Abbesses or Anvers metro stations and make your way to Sacré-Cœur, or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Enjoy the impressive architecture of the church before moving on to Moulin de la Galette. The windmill, located near the topmost spot of Montmartre, has been here since the 17th century. On Rue Lepic, see the sensational house where Van Gogh once lived. End your walk at Moulin Rouge, a red mill and once a famous cabaret in Paris.
Historical Tour, Milan, Italy
Milan is known for fashion, design, and high-end restaurants. But you should also get a glimpse of Milan’s colorful history away from the glittery couture and the fancy gourmet plates.
Start your walk at San Nazaro Maggiore, one of the basilicas founded by Saint Ambrose during the fourth century. Continue traversing Via Fiesta del Perdono to the University of Milan and Santuario Di S. Bernardino Alle Ossa, known for its side chapel decorated with human skulls and bones. Next, visit Duomo di Milano, Piazza del Mercanti, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. End your walk at Teatro alla Scala.
Walking tours offer a very cost-effective way for travelers to enjoy the sights and scenes of a city. They also offer the perfect way to spot locals carrying out their normal routines. And if you have target goals on your pedometer like I do, reaching 10,000 steps is an extra reason to enjoy a nice walk through the streets your destination.
