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10 local guides and activities

Viator, GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, and Tours by Locals are some of the leading platforms for booking local tours and activities. Each offers a variety of unique and guided experiences that help travelers explore destinations in an authentic and personalized way. These services allow users to book a range of activities, from local city tours to unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences hosted by experts in the area.

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Viator is known for its vast selection of tours, including popular global attractions, local excursions, and even private guides. GetYourGuide offers similar experiences but includes a user-friendly interface with reviews and flexible cancellation options. Airbnb Experiences stands out by offering personal, immersive experiences hosted by locals, from cooking classes to hiking tours. Tours by Locals offers private, customizable tours with local experts, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their interests. Whether you’re looking for a sightseeing tour, adventure activities, or a culinary experience, these platforms cater to a wide range of preferences, making it easy for travelers to discover and enjoy their destination through the eyes of locals​

  • Viator
    Viator

    Viator - Book unforgettable tours and activities worldwide.

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  • GetYourGuide
    GetYourGuide

    GetYourGuide - Book tours, activities, and things to do worldwide.

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  • Airbnb Experiences
    Airbnb Experiences

    Airbnb Experiences - Live like a local with unique experiences.

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  • Tours by Locals
    Tours by Locals

    Tours by Locals - Personalized tours by local guides.

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  • GuruWalk
    GuruWalk

    GuruWalk - Discover your city with local guides.

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  • WithLocals
    WithLocals

    WithLocals - The world’s best local experiences, curated.

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  • Spotted by Locals
    Spotted by Locals

    Spotted by Locals - Discover the best places from local insiders.

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  • Rent a Guide
    Rent a Guide

    Rent a Guide - Rent your private guide for unforgettable tours.

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  • Free Tour
    Free Tour

    Free Tour - Free walking tours with passionate guides.

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  • Atlas Obscura
    Atlas Obscura

    Atlas Obscura - Explore the world's hidden wonders.

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10 local guides and activities

1.

Viator

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A leading platform for booking tours, activities, and experiences in cities across the globe. Offers everything from sightseeing to unique experiences.

Pros

  • pros Wide selection
  • pros User-friendly
  • pros Trusted reviews
  • pros Easy booking
  • pros Global reach

Cons

  • consCan be expensive
  • cons Limited availability
  • cons Service quality varies
  • cons High commission fees
  • cons Limited last-minute options

2.

GetYourGuide

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Offers a large variety of tours, activities, and experiences in cities around the world, with helpful reviews and booking flexibility.

Pros

  • pros Excellent variety
  • pros Good customer service
  • pros Flexible cancellation
  • pros Verified reviews
  • pros Quick booking

Cons

  • consCan be pricey
  • cons Overwhelming options
  • cons Limited customizability
  • cons Service quality inconsistency
  • cons Hidden fees

3.

Airbnb Experiences

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A service by Airbnb that connects travelers with local hosts for unique activities, tours, and experiences in destinations around the world.

Pros

  • pros Unique
  • pros Local experiences
  • pros Easy booking
  • pros Great for small groups
  • pros Variety

Cons

  • consCan be expensive
  • cons Limited availability
  • cons Quality depends on host
  • cons No standardization
  • cons Not always authentic

4.

Tours by Locals

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Offers personalized private tours with local guides in over 150 countries. Perfect for small group tours.

Pros

  • pros Local expertise
  • pros Customizable tours
  • pros Personal touch
  • pros Flexibility
  • pros Wide variety

Cons

  • consPricey
  • cons Limited availability in some areas
  • cons Quality depends on the guide
  • cons Can be time-consuming to book
  • cons Not always last-minute availability

5.

GuruWalk

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A platform offering free walking tours led by locals. A unique way to explore cities without paying upfront (tips are appreciated).

Pros

  • pros Free walking tours
  • pros Local guides
  • pros Flexible schedule
  • pros Interactive
  • pros Cultural immersion

Cons

  • consLimited options
  • cons Depend on tips for guide income
  • cons Quality varies by guide
  • cons May not be suitable for large groups
  • cons Not all cities covered

6.

WithLocals

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Connects travelers with local hosts offering customized experiences, from cooking classes to city tours and cultural activities.

Pros

  • pros Customizable experiences
  • pros Local hosts
  • pros Authenticity
  • pros Easy to use
  • pros Great for families

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Limited availability
  • cons Some guides are inconsistent
  • cons Limited to certain regions
  • cons No standard pricing

7.

Spotted by Locals

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A travel guide platform focused on providing insider knowledge and tips from locals in various cities across the world. Offers authentic and updated recommendations.

Pros

  • pros Insider tips
  • pros Authentic recommendations
  • pros Free mobile app
  • pros Great for independent travelers
  • pros Offline maps

Cons

  • consLimited coverage
  • cons Can miss out on some tourist attractions
  • cons No direct bookings
  • cons Requires research
  • cons Not as personalized

8.

Rent a Guide

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Offers private, customizable tours with local guides, allowing travelers to explore cities at their own pace with expert guidance.

Pros

  • pros Personalized tours
  • pros Customizable options
  • pros Great for groups
  • pros Local expertise
  • pros Flexible scheduling

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Limited availability
  • cons Quality varies
  • cons Can be inconvenient for spontaneous trips
  • cons Can be slow to confirm bookings

9.

Free Tour

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Provides free walking tours in various cities worldwide, with a focus on making learning about local culture and history affordable.

Pros

  • pros Free
  • pros Local expertise
  • pros Flexible times
  • pros Cultural immersion
  • pros Great for backpackers

Cons

  • consQuality depends on the guide
  • cons Limited to tips-based income
  • cons No flexibility with schedule
  • cons Small group sizes
  • cons Limited to cities with tours available

10.

Atlas Obscura

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Offers guided tours to unusual, off-the-beaten-path destinations, focusing on unique and obscure locations that are not typically featured in travel guides.

Pros

  • pros Unique destinations
  • pros Exclusive experiences
  • pros Expert guides
  • pros Adventure-oriented
  • pros Educational

Cons

  • consExpensive
  • cons Limited locations
  • cons Not suitable for all travelers
  • cons Can be niche
  • cons May require more effort to book

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