What is a free tour?

What is a free tour?

The concept of free tour has gained a lot of traction in recent years. However, it has also been a source of confusion and prejudice, especially among those who don't fully understand how it works

If you're a guide and you're considering offering this type of tour, here we'll explain what they are, how they work, their legal framework, and how your work is compensated. Straight to the point.


A bit of context

The first free tour appeared in Berlin in the mid-2000s as an alternative, accessible, and flexible way to explore the city. The model quickly spread, and today you can find them in almost every corner of the world.

But despite the name, they are not "free" tours. The term free refers to the traveler's freedom to pay what they consider fair, not to the absence of payment.

Definition of free tour

A free tour is a professional guided visit where there is no fixed price per person. At the end of the tour, each traveler makes a flexible payment according to their experience and means.

Although there is no set price, an economic contribution is expected: the usual amount ranges between €10 and €20 per person, although it can vary.

These tours can focus on the must-see sights of a city, a specific neighborhood, or a particular theme. The usual duration is about 2 hours, though it may vary depending on the destination.


What is a free tour like in practice?

Behind every tour is a local guide who prepares the route with care and professionalism.
Although many imagine large groups of tourists, most free tours gather between 5 and 20 people, allowing for a close, dynamic experience tailored to the group.

This model has greatly benefited both sides:

  • For travelers: It has democratized access to culture: travelers from all over the world can enjoy a guided experience without paying upfront, without knowing if the tour will meet their expectations or tastes.

  • For guides: They can now reach a much wider audience. Thanks in part to platforms like GuruWalk, anyone with passion and knowledge — even without the resources to start an agency or their own business — can offer their tour and fulfill their dream of being a guide. The platform makes it possible for thousands of travelers to easily find free tours at their destination, and for local guides, regardless of their situation, to have the opportunity to make a living from their passion (always considering the legal framework of each destination).

What if the traveler doesn’t pay?

The pay-what-you-want model involves an act of trust: you give your best, and the traveler values your work.
The reality is that the vast majority of travelers pay, and many repeat or recommend the tour to others. Usually, each person contributes €10-20, and guides who work with passion, quality, and consistency achieve stable incomes, even higher than traditional tours.

Yes. Free tours are completely legal, as long as the guide complies with the regulations in the place where they operate.

That means:

  • If a city requires official accreditation to guide, you must have it.

  • You must be registered and declare your income according to the tax laws of the country or region where you work.

At GuruWalk, each guide is responsible for meeting the legal requirements of their destination. If you have doubts about whether you need a license or how to declare your income, we recommend consulting local authorities or a tax advisor.

In summary

A free tour is:

  1. A professional tour with flexible payment.
  2. Open to all kinds of audiences, without economic, cultural, or geographic barriers.
  3. Flexible, accessible, and increasingly popular.
  4. Legal, as long as you comply with local regulations.
  5. A way to share your city with the world… and make a living from it.

At GuruWalk, we believe this model has transformed tourism, and that guides are the key to this transformation.


Want to know more about how to create your first tour and join the community?
👉 How to become a guide on GuruWalk?



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