Free Walking Tours: My Favorite Travel Hack (That’s Actually Worth It)

Real experiences using FreeTour.com in Lisbon, Prague, Madrid & beyond

I dread the “well, what is there to do there?” question. You know the one. The second you mention a trip that isn’t to Paris, Tulum, or wherever TikTok is obsessed with this month, someone hits you with that blank stare and passive-aggressive curiosity.

Like… just say you haven’t done your research and go.

That question is exactly why I love free walking tours. When I’m traveling solo, they’ve become my go-to hack for getting familiar with a new city—especially when I’m on a quick trip or don’t feel like planning every little thing. Get in, get educated, and get out. Lol.

These tours are fun, informative, and require zero effort on your part other than showing up. Plus, they’re free to book (but let’s be real—I always tip $20, minimum. It’s still cheaper than most tours, and these guides are usually walking backwards in the heat, telling jokes, and dropping gems you’d never find in a guidebook).

If you’ve never tried a walking tour—or think they sound boring—here are some that proved me completely right about how great they are. And yes, I’ve got a couple I meant to go on too (because life be life-ing).

1. Free Tour Lisbon: Essential History & Fun Facts with Free Tastings

Lisbon really surprised me. I didn’t go in with expectations, but this tour completely set the tone for my trip. We wandered through historic neighborhoods, learned about Portugal’s spice trade history, tile culture, revolutions—you name it.

One of the coolest stops? The world’s oldest bookstore—Livraria Bertrand, open since 1732. It looks low-key on the outside, but knowing writers have been walking through there for centuries made it feel special.

And the best part? The free snack: a Pastel de Nata, aka the buttery, flaky, warm custard tart that tastes like joy. It’s a tiny dessert with big “where have you been all my life?” energy.

Link to Tour: Free Tour Lisbon

2. Classic Prague Castle Free Tour, Strahov Monastery & Castle District

If you want a fairytale vibe with a side of real European history, this tour delivers. Prague already looks like it was built for postcards, but the Castle District adds even more magic. Think: monasteries, royal backstories, gothic architecture, and panoramic views you’ll want to fake live from.

It’s a perfect intro if you want to start your trip with the “old world” side of the city.

Link to Tour: Classic Prague Castle Free Tour

3. Complete Prague Free Tour

This was like Prague: The Remix. If the castle tour gives you royal energy, this one gives you the street-level heartbeat. It takes you through Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, iconic towers, and that extra dramatic Astronomical Clock (once you hear the history, it hits different).

One of my favorite parts was visiting the Lennon Wall—a constantly changing mural of graffiti, quotes, and messages. It started as a tribute to John Lennon but became a symbol of resistance and free speech during communist rule. Seeing it in person felt like walking through layers of protest and art at the same time.

Pro tip: Do both Prague tours on different days. One’s high and royal, the other’s ground-level and gritty. Together, they paint the full picture.

Link to Tour: Complete Prague Free Tour

4. Free Tour of Old Town Madrid and Its Wonders

Madrid is massive, but this tour made it feel super personal. We hit all the beautiful corners—Plaza Mayor, the royal palace area, cathedrals, and low-key hidden statues—while learning the messy, regal, and hilarious stories that shaped it.

Our guide had “cool history teacher who low-key does stand-up” energy, which made the whole thing fly by. If it’s your first time in Madrid, start here. It’s great for building your bearings.

Link to Tour: Free Tour Madrid

Tours I Booked But Didn’t Make It To (aka: Life Be Life-ing)

Let’s be honest—not every trip goes exactly as planned. I had these tours locked in but didn’t make it due to travel delays, getting lost, or just… being me. Still, both of these are staying on my “do it next time” list.

• Discover Helsinki Free Tour – I had an overnight layover in Helsinki and thought I could be cute and do a morning tour before my flight. But I was exhausted, and the public transport had me in a chokehold. By the time I got downtown, the group was long gone.

• Rome Essential Free Tour – Rome is chaotic in the most charming way, but finding the tour meeting point in that chaos? Not my ministry. I missed it (lol) and ended up exploring solo instead.

  
  

  I did make it to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, though—which turned out to be a highlight. It’s interactive, with real models of his inventions and just the right amount of info without being overwhelming. Definitely worth popping into if you’re near Piazza del Popolo.

Final Thoughts: Why FreeTour.com Is That Girl

• Easy to book, easy to cancel

• Real stories from real locals (no boring lecture vibes)

• You pay what you want

• Perfect intro to a new city without committing to a full-day tour

• Low pressure, high reward

Whether you’re short on time, traveling solo, or just want someone else to lead the way for a bit, these tours always deliver. Every time I’ve done one, I walk away knowing more, seeing more, and finding corners of the city I never would’ve discovered on my own.

Planning a trip soon?

Go browse FreeTour.com and find something that fits your vibe. And if you’ve done one you loved—or totally flopped on making it—drop it in the comments or DM me. I love hearing how other people wing it while traveling.