There are many ways to explore new cities, from guided bus tours to renting a car. However, these methods do not allow you to get an authentic, close-up experience. Guided bus tours, for example, only allow you to get a superficial look at the places you pass by.
Walking tours, on the other hand, allow you to stop and explore new locations more thoroughly. Besides, walking tours allow you to fit some exercise into your routine, which can be otherwise difficult when traveling.
If you love exploring new cities on foot, here are the best kinds of walking tours to take.
1. Haunted Ghost Tours
There are many companies offering historical tours in different cities. However, if you want a more unique experience, go on a haunted ghost tour.
Haunted ghost tours allow you to experience an often unexplored side of popular cities. Even in your hometown, there are probably buildings and houses that are haunted by ghosts – and you may even be passing them regularly, without realizing it. Unless you pay close attention at night, you might not notice the ghostly apparitions that peak through its windows.
For example, while Baltimore is a popular city for tourists, most people visit well-known spots like the Maryland Zoo and Fort McHenry. However, there are many other niche attractions that are worth visiting.
A Baltimore ghost tour, for example, will take you to places like The Horse You Came In On Saloon, which is the oldest operating saloon in the US, having survived the Prohibition era and other hardships. It and other historical pubs, like RYE and Max’s Taphouse, are said to be haunted by the ghosts of sailors past who stopped by this port city during their adventures.
2. Haunted Pub Crawls
While a pub crawl is always a fun way to explore a city’s nightlife, why not mix things up with some booze and boos? A haunted pub crawl allows you to kill two birds with one stone. You will get a chance to taste the best spirits in the city while also investigating the spirits that haunt its creepiest buildings.
For example, a Gettysburg haunted pub crawl will take you to places like the Brickhouse Inn, a haunted hotel, and the Dobbin House Tavern, formerly owned by Reverend Alexander Dobbin.
3. Food Tours
If you are a foodie, going on a food tour will allow you to experience new cuisines and dishes. For example, in New Orleans, a food tour will give you a chance to taste authentic Cajun and Creole dishes. Although many people confuse the two, they refer to two unique ethnicities and identities in New Orleans. New Orleans is known as one of the most unique cities in the US, and the same goes for its food.
They say that a culture can be explored through its cuisine, and that is especially true if you go on a food tour. A food tour will give you a chance to visit authentic local eateries or street markets and see how locals eat and socialize in their everyday lives.
Although you can definitely explore local eateries by yourself, chances are that you will miss local gems and hole-in-the-wall places that only an expert guide would know about.
4. Street Art And Graffiti Tours
Another way to discover the spirit of a culture is to explore its art scene. One of the best ways to do this is to go on a tour that explores the local street art and graffiti scene. Street art and graffiti reflect political, cultural, and religious beliefs or opinions expressed through art.
It can be challenging to find the best street art if you explore the city by yourself. Often, the best street murals are hidden in alleyways or shortcuts that are unknown to tourists. These alleyways give street artists more time to paint their masterpieces with fewer disturbances.
Going on a street art tour will also allow you to discover hidden talent.
Another benefit of going on a street art and graffiti tour is that you can get a chance to learn about the different artistic techniques street artists use, from wheat pasting to freehand spray-painting.
5. Nature Walks
If you prefer nature and fresh air, nature walks and guided hikes are perfect for you. In many cities, there are off-the-beaten track hiking trails where you could easily get lost if attempting to hike them alone. There are guided tours that you take to the hills and mountains outside of these cities, giving you a chance to get some exercise, enjoy spectacular views, and make new friends who share your interest.
