city tour video

Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World

If you ever wanted travel inspiration, THIS is it! These incredible virtual tours of cities take you to some of the most inspiring cities of the world. From the ultra-modern futuristic supertrees of Singapore to ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy, I guarantee you’ll be wowed!

All of these city virtual tours are interactive 360 videos or 360 photos. To make them immersive , just put on your VR headset. 

This post is part of a best-of series of virtual tours. Find more incredible virtual tours , including famous historic sites, beautiful national parks and waterfalls, wildlife encounters, and crazy adventure travel. 

• 4 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: Asia
• 8 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: Europe
• 5 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: North America

Summary and Resources

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World!

You’ll find plenty of styles in the list below of best virtual tours of cities around the world. Some are aerials and some are street views. Some have commentary, music or just the local ambience. If you want more city virtual tours or really like a particular style, check out the links in the Summary and Resources section at the end.

Now, before you start exploring these cities of the world, I highly recommend downloading my free travel bucket list template. It’s a fillable PDF, so it’s perfect for capturing which of these cities you’ll want to visit yourself one day. And I guarantee there’ll be a few!

Note: If the YouTube video looks blurry to you, change your video settings to higher resolution.

Want to upgrade your interactive 360 video experience to immersive VR videos? Here are some great options to check out for VR headsets. You can get a cheap but totally respectable Google Cardboard VR headset to use with your smartphone YouTube app. Or, get a stand-alone VR headset ; a very respected brand out there is Oculus . 

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: ASIA

1. city virtual tour of singapore.

This 360 video virtual tour of Singapore from Sygic Travel has added this city to my travel bucket list! Singapore has SO much to offer. Of course it has stunning architecture, fantastic shopping malls and incredible city views. But it also has very cool urban parks. Fountains with light shows. Certainly among the coolest cities of the world. Enjoy this great city virtual tour with helpful commentary.

2. City Virtual Tour of The Forbidden City (China)

If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this Forbidden City virtual tour from YouVisit. It’s a series of 360 photos that take you through the top things to see in the Forbidden City. Enjoy the panoramas of the many Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden. Use the map to orientate yourself and get a sense of the entire complex. For more views, click on the small images in the bottom-right corner.

3. City Virtual Tour of Hong Kong (China)

AirPano’s 360 video virtual tour of Hong Kong includes street views, aerial views and insightful commentary. What an INCREDIBLE city. Enjoy the beautiful interactive videos while learning more about Hong Kong. Check it out! 

4. City Virtual Tour of Tokyo (Japan)

Get a personal tour of the historical Asakusa area of Tokyo, Japan on a rickshaw. Man, I have SO much respect for this guy, hauling us all around Japan! This series is brought to us by visitjapan. The first of three videos in Asakusa features Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. 

You might also want to check out the other videos in this series, including the fun Asahi Breweries Headquarters , Bell of Time and Zuishin gate .

Want to see Mount Fuji? Head over to 23 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks !

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: EUROPE

5. city virtual tour of moscow (russia).

Moscow is among the most enchanting cities of the world. Take an aerial 360 video virtual tour of Moscow from AirPano, who knows how to produce incredible aerial 360 videos! While I recognize some of these iconic buildings, many of these sights are brand new to me. Like so many of these incredible, massive statues. This city virtual tour is set to calm but inviting music. 

6. City Virtual Tour of Krakow (Poland)

This virtual tour of Krakow is INCREDIBLE. I had no idea that Krakow is so stunning, and this is undoubtedly the best city virtual tour I’ve found yet. 

Use the legend at the top to select from types of views, like incredible aerial views of the city, walking tours, and iconic buildings and museums.  Easily click on icons to explore specific sights, which include commentary and interior views. To change the commentary to English, look for the flag icon in the top-right corner and change it to the British flag. Some spots, like along the river, also have embedded YouTube videos (although they’re not in English). 

WOW. Give yourself some time to enjoy this fantastic city virtual tour!

7. City Virtual Tour of Naples (Italy)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples , this 360 video walking tour from Prowalk Tours will thrill you! You start with a map and overview of your route, and then simply walk through. Enjoy the street ambience and wander in and out of famous buildings. If you forget where you are or want to jump ahead, just use the time stamps in the description. Very nice. 

While you’re here, I’m also going to point out this regular non-360 video tour Prowalk Tours did of the Roman Ruins . Although it isn’t interactive, it’s fully narrated and very enjoyable.

8. City Virtual Tour of Pompeii (Italy)

Although Pompeii is technically part of Naples, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth its own entry. WOW. Prowalk Tours takes us on a thorough 2-hour virtual tour. While this sounds crazy-long, it’s just like you’re THERE walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii. Ducking into some of the buildings and stepping over walls. LOVE. THIS.

You may also like Inspiring OUTDOOR DECOR Items for Travel Lovers

9. City Virtual Tour of Taormina (Sicily)

Take a wonderful walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily on this beautiful city virtual tour from Daniel VR4Holiday. The views are outstanding, and you feel like you’re right there. Walking those beautiful narrow streets, gazing into cute boutique shops, and enjoying some wine overlooking the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea faaar below. 

10. City Virtual Tour of Barcelona (Spain)

Here is another wonderful virtual tour of one of the most romantic cities of the world. If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona , this 360 video virtual tour will help you plan that trip! Sygic Travel takes you through its gorgeous squares, streets and churches. Along the beach. To parks with colorful mosaics and incredible views. If you ever wondered why Gaudi is so popular, you’ll know after this!

11. City Virtual Tour of Paris (France)

Now, if you’re looking for the most romantic cities of the world, then we have to visit Paris ! Enjoy this wonderful 360 video city virtual tour with Captivision, including insightful commentary. Step inside Notre Dame and climb the steps up to the hunchback bells. Stroll through the Louvre’s stunning halls and glimpse the famous Mona Lisa. Then the Palace of Versailles.

If you want more time to explore the Palace of Versailles, check out in Best Virtual Tours of Famous Historic Sights .

12. City Virtual Tour of London (England)

I quite love this 360 video virtual tour of London from Sygic Travel. It takes you around to the top tourist destinations in London and its commentary gives you insight into what you might want to see for yourself. Popular landmarks, buildings and parks. Where to eat and drink. Check it out!

You may also like:

• First Day in London AFTER a Red-Eye
• Road Trip from London to Edinburgh

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: North America

13. city virtual tour of quebec city (canada).

You definitely feel the charm of Old Quebec City in this 360 video virtual tour from Quebec region.

Take in the gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River from a pretty promenade and as you descend along a tram. Chuckle (and watch your step) at the Breakneck Staircase and pan around to the cute shops along the narrow stone streets. Did you know that Rue du Petit-Champlain is the oldest commercial street in North America?

Want to visit for real? Check out QUEBEC Getaways for Couples !

14. City Virtual Tour of New York City (United States)

New York City is certainly among the most fascinating cities of the world. And, of course, there are a few city virtual tours through NYC! Which one will be your favorite depends on a lot of things. 

Here are my favorite three for you to check out:

• New York City 360 video city virtual tour from Captivision. This virtual tour hits most of the top tourist destinations in the city, along with helpful commentary.
• Here’s a very enjoyable 360 video virtual tour of New York City’s best views from The 360 Guy, including some less-known sights. 
• If you want a more in-depth experience of New York City, take a guided tour through NYC Central Park with YouVisit.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out Where to Stay in Manhattan , Brooklyn, Staten Island , Queens and The Bronx !

15. City Virtual Tour of Austin, Texas (United States)

Here’s a fun city virtual tour of Austin, Texas from YouVisit with spectacular 360 photos. Explore parks and bridges with very pretty views. Famous buildings and city streets. Even a salt lick BBQ and brewery … complete with the barrel room tour! When you see small images in the bottom-right corner, click for more 360 views.

You may also like: ROMANTIC Getaway in Texas and Across the USA

16. City Virtual Tour of Mexico City (Mexico)

Check out the Mexico City virtual tour with vagabrothers. It includes commentary of some of Mexico City’s top tourist destinations, including Zocalo Square, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum. Learn more about local mural artists and Mexico City’s street art, too!

Also check out Inspiring OUTDOOR DECOR Items for Travel Lovers

17. City Virtual Tour of Havana (Cuba)

VR Gorilla has a TON of 360 video virtual tours I’m sure you’ll love. Below you’ll find a link to their YouTube channel, and I encourage you to explore! 

One of my favorite city virtual tours is the one VR Gorilla did of Havana , Cuba. It’s only 3 minutes long, but has a fun vibe of exploring Havana’s main spots and includes commentary. Visit historical squares and ocean views, and even go for a ride in a hot-pink classic car. SO. FUN. 

Of these virtual tours of cities, which is YOUR favorite? Which style of city virtual tour do you prefer: stunning aerials or immersive street views? Educational commentary or just the ambience of the area? 

Remember to capture your travel bucket list ideas in one place! My travel bucket list post includes a free fillable PDF template and a how-to guide. It’ll take you from brainstorming to prioritizing, so you make those trips happen!

BEST YouTube Channels for Virtual Tours of Cities of the World

To see all of the city virtual tours above that are on YouTube, check out my YouTube playlist . 

And if you want to see MORE virtual tours of cities of the world, check out the YouTube channels of some of the best 360 videos out there:

• VR Gorilla : Find TONS of fantastic 360 video virtual tours from around the world. If you’re looking for more great city virtual tours, check out their guided tours playlist . It includes the greats, like Vienna and Amsterdam.
• Sygic Travel : This is such a fantastic YouTube channel for planning your next trip! Their playlist tab organizes all of their videos according to city. Each playlist opens with an introductory video and then deep-dives into specific tourist destinations in that area.
• Captivision : Keep an eye on this YouTube channel! Even though it only has 12 videos at the time of writing this, they already have more than 65K subscribers. It’s because they do a great job of moving you through cool places with their quality 360 video virtual tours, with commentary. 
• Prowalk Tours : This YouTube channel features walking tours through a bunch of beautiful places in Italy. Here’s the 360 video playlist , which includes a walk through Herculaneum (1.5 hours) and a scooter ride along the Amalfi Coast. WOW. 
• AirPano : Most of AirPano’s 360 video virtual tours are aerial shots set to music, but you’ll also find a few with good commentary. Check out their playlist of cities in 360 videos .
• Andy Kay : These 360 videos take you to fascinating cities in places I know very little about, like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Enjoy the soft music mixed with city ambience. There’s no commentary; just you and lots of time to pan and relax.

Enjoyed these city virtual tours? SHARE with your FRIENDS!

Inspired to get a VR headset?

It’s easy to turn these interactive 360 videos into immersive VR videos. You can get a low-cost Google Cardboard VR headset to use with your smartphone YouTube app. Or, get a stand-alone VR headset ; a very respected brand brand is Oculus . Enjoy!

Here are other posts you might like:

• BEST Virtual Tours of Famous Historic Sites
• CRAZY Virtual Tours of Extreme Sports and Adventure Travel
• Trip Planning Step 1: Define YOUR Perfect Experience  

And if you just want MORE virtual tours, here’s all of the posts in my best-of virtual tours series .

Featured photo credit (Singapore): Coleen Rivas from Unsplash

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Plan your ROMANTIC getaway with our eBook, available in our TRAVEL PRINTABLES store Dismiss

Sign up now to receive your fillable PDF templates for building your travel bucket list and planning those epic trips! Plus, monthly inspiration and tips to make those "wow" trips happen.

Unsubscribe at any time. But we don't think you'll want to.

Hello Walkers! Welcome to City Walks.

I make 4k Free Virtual Walking Tours for your treadmill workouts from around the world. We are a traveling family. And as we've traveled, or stayed at home during certain unpleasant historical events, I've gone out to film some walks for you. I hope they'll help you pass the time during your workout or just help you explore new places virtually.

Our Free Virtual walking tours and city walks live in our searchable website. Find them by keyword, location, or walk-time using the sidebar drop down menus. Or, just browse the latest videos for treadmill below. Keep on Steppin' -H

Virtual Walking Tours and City Walks

Nantes, France 2nd Virtual Walking Tour

Our second Nantes virtual walk takes us to a cathedral, the Chateau, and into an older section with lots of cafes and restaurants. The Nantes, France Treadmill Walking Video FRANCE – Virtual Walk Through Nantes – Virtual Treadmill Walking Tour My second walk in Nantes and the rain tried to return but I walked past a small store and was able to buy a cheap umbrella right as it started sprinkling. I start off near a little park and make our way down in the direction of the chateau. We pass many restaurants including L’entrecote with a significant line. Must […]

Nantes, France City Walk

It seemed early to take a day off from our bike tour since we’d only ridden one day but Nantes has so much to see and do we felt like we just needed to explore. Nantes Treadmill Walking Video FRANCE – Exploring Nantes in a Virtual Walk – Treadmill Walking Tour – 4k City Walks After a 40 mile ride to start our tour, in the rain, we’d hoped for some better weather but spring is a rainy time in France. Luckily (?) the rain held off until I started my walk. We had all day to see museums and […]

Saint Nazaire, France Virtual Walk

Our first full day in France we spend in the coastal town of Saint Nazaire at the mouth of the Loire River. The Treadmill Walking Tour Workout FRANCE – Exploring Saint Nazaire on the Coast – 4k Virtual Treadmill Tour We have made it to France. Our first stop is in Saint Nazaire. We’re excited to start our big bike ride to Switzelrand but we’re taking a day to reset our internal clocks after the flight. Saint Nazaire is a quiet, charming little sea-side town of about 80K at the mouth of the Loire Valley. In addition to its history […]

Gardiner, MT Walking Tour – Yellowstone Gateway Town

Spring time walk in Gardiner, a town on the edge of Yellowstone. Virtual Treadmill Walking Workout in Gardiner, MT Gardiner Montana Virtual Walk and Treadmill Tour Video – 4k City Walks We are back in the little town of Gardiner on a grey spring day. Gardiner has a ton of charm and during the summer, it fills with happy tourists here to visit the National Park to the south. But in April, the town doesn’t have many visitors and stays pretty quiet. It’s a great time to visit even though most of the roads in the park are still closed. […]

Bozeman, MT Spring Virtual Walking Tour

It’s a fine spring day and we are back in Bozeman to check in with all the changes that have been happening. The Virtual Treadmill Walk Bozeman, MT Virtual Walking Tour and Treadmill Walking Video in 4K The sun is shining and despite the cold of April hanging around, the light makes everything nicer and full of hope. We’re back in Bozeman for a pleasant spring Saturday virtual walking tour. It’s a quiet and peaceful Saturday and we once again start off downtown near the Emerson Center. It’s fairly quiet this afternoon but things will pick up in summer as […]

Mission Creek – Bruffey Lane Walk

This one was by request and I’m excited to be able to fulfill this one. I’m especially happy because I’d forgotten how stunning it is back in here. Montana Back Roads Treadmill Walking Video Country Road Virtual Walk in Montana – Treadmill Walking Video We have another rural country walk today. We are exploring Bruffey Lane, just outside of Livingston. This one was requested by a viewer and I was excited to be able to make that happen. And, the views blew me away. It was such a typical spring day: a bit chilly, a bit cloudy, but stunningly beautiful. […]

Belgrade, MT Virtual Walk

We’re back in Belgrade, MT. Our last walk was nearly 4 years ago. Belgrade Treadmill Virtual Walk: Virtual Walk Through Belgrade, MT – Virtual Walks for Treadmill – 4k City Walks It’s a grey day but we return to Belgrade, MT, the biggest city in MT that isn’t a county seat. Just 10 miles from Bozeman, Belgrade has it’s own charm and history. Belgrade used to be a agricultural center. It’s still a fairly small city with 12K people but it’s dwarfed by the growth of Bozeman. In fact, it used to be the place where a lot of people […]

Livingston MT Spring Tour

We have some nice spring weather even though I know it’s a lie and winter is waiting in the wings yet. Livingston Walking Video for Treadmill: False Spring in Livingston MT – Treadmill Virtual Walking Tour – 4k City Walks We have a lovely sunny morning to walk around town. I’m a day late b/c I took Easter off but in return I’m doing a new route around town to give even more robust view of the town. We start up at the north side soccer fields with views in most directions, especially down to Paradise Valley where the fictional […]

Austere Winter Virtual Walk in Montana

March is showing its winter fangs in Montana! Virtual Walk for Treadmill Video: 4K Montana Winter Walk – Bleak but Beautiful – Old Swingley Road Virtual Treadmill Tour – City Walks The weather has shifted and it’s gotten cold and blowy. Never the less, let’s have a walking workout in the wind and snow along Old Swingley Road just east of Livingston. We get some ominous views of cloud shrouded mountains and frost covered forests from the open stretches of desolate winter prairie. We start out on small promontory out in the open prairie with cloudy views of Sheep Mountain […]

Virtual Spring Walk along Wineglass Road Montana

We’re getting a taste of spring here in Montana. Enjoy the brief taste. Virtual Walk for Treadmill Wineglass Road 4k Nature Virtual Walk – Wine Glass Road in early Spring – CityWalks Virtual Walking Tours Today we take a pleasant afternoon stroll down the Wine Glass area. We start up high on Hideaway Trail which is a spur off of Wineglass Road. From there we make our way down hill to the highway with glorious sunny views all around. The snowy Montana mountains do not disappoint today. The snow is melting down low but the peaks are still heavy with […]

Snowy Virtual Walk on Peets Hill, Bozeman

We haven’t walked on Bozeman’s Peets Hill in awhile and we had a nice day. I figured let’s do this and save Sourdough for next time. Video for Treadmill Virtual Walk: Peets Hill Bozeman Montana Virtual Walking Tour – 4k City Walks Video for Treadmill Quick note, searchable city walks live on the drop downs and search bar over on the right. Well, I was all set to take you up to Sourdough trail but as I drove past Peets Hill I remembered that it’s been awhile. And, since it’s such a beautiful clear day with lots of happy little […]

Livingston, MT Virtual Walk

We are back in Montana and finally starting to get some snow. The Virtual Walk for Treadmill: Livingston Montana Winter Walking Tour – 4k City Walks Video for Treadmill This fun little walk starts out on the “Veterans Bridge”, aka 89 Bridge, aka KPRK Bridge. As mentioned above, we’ve gotten some snow the last few days but it’s been unusually warm. The snow was wet, melted a bit and refroze. This has made the walking a bit icy in places. However, Today we have some blue sky for our walk. From the bridge, I’ll take you into town past some […]

Destinations

• Austria Walks 6
• Croatia Walks 1
• Estonia Walks 8
• Finland Walks 2
• France Walks 9
• Hungary Walks 10
• Ireland Walks 4
• Italy Walks 42
• Montenegro Walks 1
• Russia Walks 3
• Serbia Walks 1
• Slovakia Walks 11
• Sweden Walks 4
• Switzerland Walks 10
• England Walks 5
• Scotland Walks 18
• Alaska Walks 7
• Arizona Walks 8
• California Walks 25
• Colorado Walks 29
• Georgia Walks 2
• Idaho Walks 22
• Iowa Walks 1
• Kentucky Walks 1
• Minnesota Walks 1
• Missouri Walks 2
• Montana Walks 170
• Nebraska Walks 2
• Nevada Walks 6
• New Mexico 2
• New York Walks 2
• North Carolina Walks 8
• North Dakota Walks 4
• Ohio Walks 3
• Oregon Walks 5
• South Carolina Walks 1
• South Dakota Walks 5
• Tennessee Walks 7
• Utah Walks 17
• Washington D.C. Walks 3
• Washington Walks 4
• Wyoming Walking Tours 21
• Belize Walks 1
• Guatemala Walks 2
• Honduras Walks 2
• Mexico Walks 1
• National Park Virtual Walks 27
• < 30 Mins 62
• 30-40 Mins 133
• 40-50 Mins 171
• 50-60 Mins 85
• 60+ Minutes 45

Advertising To Fund This Site

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The 50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City & Scenic Tours]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3303 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

50+ best virtual walking tours around the world, nature and hiking walking tours, city walking tours, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

While COVID-19 meant travel came to a standstill, it also ushered in the golden age of virtual travel! Searches for virtual tours became increasingly popular, which lead to a rise in the quality and availability of some pretty incredible videos. Many of these virtual walking tours are even offered in 4K! Even now that travel is returning, we’re still able to count on technology to visit almost any place on the planet with the click of a button.

We’ve compiled a list of 50+ virtual walking tours that you can experience all around the globe. The great thing about these walking tours is that you can use them while you’re on your treadmill, to relax, as travel inspiration, or as simply an inexpensive way to experience another culture.

We’ve separated this list of virtual walking tours into nature and city sections, but we’ve also taken the time to put together a ton of other comprehensive lists. Whether you’re interested in national parks , museums , or  educational tours for the whole family , we’ve got you covered!

Walking in nature is incredibly restorative. The good news is that you can get to experience this — even from the comfort of your own home! Check out these nature-centric virtual walking tours.

1. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

National parks certainly saw an increase in tourism due to COVID-19. But even if you don’t want to deal with the increased crowds at Bryce Canyon , you can still explore the unique red rocks. This virtual 1.5-hour hike takes you through narrow canyons and desert paths and the views only get more stunning.

As the video recommends, this would be the perfect walk to put in front of a treadmill or exercise bike as well!

To start your virtual walking tour,  click here .

2. Giant’s Causeway (U.K.)

This short virtual tour of Giant’s Causeway allows a great way to take in the beautiful views of this unique landscape. Step around the basalt rock columns at sunset as you listen to the waves crashing below. This is a great way to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site!

3. Godrevy Lighthouse (Cornwall, U.K.)

Take in the beautiful countryside of Cornwall for a little over an hour as you walk to the Godrevy Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll stop in at Mutton Cove to catch a glimpse of a seal colony. Bonus: You’re accompanied by an adorable cocker spaniel on your walk!

4. Great Wall of China (China)

Walk along the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture. While the whole wall stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, you can explore a few different sections with this 30-minute virtual walking tour.

5. Havasu Falls (Arizona)

Being able to hike on the Havasupai tribal lands requires scoring a reservation and sleeping under the stars for a few nights, but now you can experience it virtually instead.  Located in the Grand Canyon, this 40-minute virtual tour leads you between mesas and the red desert — all leading up to the stunning turquoise-green Havasu Falls.

6. Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park (Washington)

This 40-minute video walks you along 2 short nature trails — the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles). The vibrant moss-covered trees really make you feel like you’re walking on another planet. The soothing nature sounds only add to the ambiance.

7. Indian Beach Trail (Oregon)

Escape to the Oregon Coast and hike the popular Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park. This 1-hour virtual hike lets you walk along the rugged Oregon Coast on a sunny day. You’ll be able to experience the rocky beaches, mossy forests, and some stunning ocean views.

8. James Irvine Trail in Redwood National Park (California)

It doesn’t get more other-worldly than walking amongst some towering redwood trees. This trail takes you from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to the beach at Fern Canyon. Take a nearly hourly-long hike paired with soothing music and explore these majestic trees.

9. Juan de Fuca Trail (Vancouver Island, Canada)

This 40-minute virtual hike takes you along for the first part of the beautiful Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. You will witness endless water views, abundant wildlife, pounding waves, and the occasional views of the Olympic Mountains along this coastal path. The sounds of nature will accompany you and contribute to the sense of relaxation.

10. Kuliouou Ridge Trail (Hawaii)

Take a nearly 2-hour stroll through the Kuliouou Ridge Trail on Oahu, Hawaii. This trail is perfect for people who love walking in a beautiful green rainforest. You’ll get to experience a unique Hawaiian landscape while walking past lush vegetation and rocks covered with moss — all while listening to the leaves rustling and birds chirping.

To start your virtual walking tour, click here .

11. Macchu Picchu (Cusco, Peru)

Walk one of the world’s most famous hiking trails — the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! This 1.5-hour hike features the highlights of the shorter 2-day trek, including arrival by train, walking along the “Royal Road,” and ending at Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun.

12. Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (Canada)

Enjoy a short 25-minute virtual hike alongside beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park . This glacially fed lake is world-famous for its bright blue waters. Whether you want to use your treadmill or simply watch this hike, it’s a great way to feel like you are outdoors experiencing some fresh air.

13. Mt. Everest (Nepal)

This tour of Mt Everest is pretty unreal, especially since most of us will never be able to experience this climb for ourselves. Over 4 “chapters” you’ll follow 3 climbers as they attempt to reach the peak of the tallest mountain in the world. You’ll have an interactive, 360-degree view of this adventure, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the trek.

Note: If you have a virtual reality headset, your experience will be even better!

14. Nambung National Park (Australia)

You’ll think you’re on Mars as you walk through Nambung National Park near Perth, Australia. This unique locale, called the Pinnacles Desert, is full of red sand and otherworldly limestone formations everywhere you look. This short 20-minute virtual flyover at golden hour is a great way to experience this unique and remote place.

15. The Narrows in Zion National Park (Utah)

Experience the most popular hike at Zion National Park — no wetsuit required! This 35-minute virtual hike will take you through the Narrows at the river bed of the Virgin River. You’ll see the sandstone canyon walls tower thousands of feet above and enjoy the views of the canyons with the sounds of the river to accompany you on the way.

16. Panorama Trail (Grindelwald, Switzerland)

Walk around some of the most beautiful peaks of Switzerland, including Jungfrau. This virtual hike will travel along the popular mountain path above Grindelwald and down through the valley. You will pass Aplen cows, stunning vistas, and many charming restaurants along the way.

17. Positano (Italy)

Grab a glass of limoncello and settle in for a virtual walk around Positano, a cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. This walk begins high up on the hill and you’ll walk down through steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. The walk finishes as you head down towards the beach at the base of the town.

18. Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Experience the last wonder of the ancient world thanks to ProWalk Tours. This 2-hour walking route starts at the Mortuary Temple of Khafre, passing by the pyramids of Khafre, Khufu, and Menkaure before ending at the iconic Sphinx. You’ll also be able to experience a virtual horse ride around the plateau.

19. Son Doong Cave (Vietnam)

Explore the world’s largest cave and learn interesting facts along the way, thanks to this incredible tour from National Geographic. You’ll start by navigating through the Vietnamese jungle before descending into this massive cave system. The tour shows you the 360-degree sights and sounds of this cave.

20. Sossusvlei Dunes (Namibia)

Walk up the beautiful sand dunes and deserts in Namibia, with bonus footage of Botswana. See the bird’s eye views atop the 650-foot-high “Big Mamma” Sand Dune at Sossusvlei, explore the salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, and see miles of canyons and coastline. View the starry night sky over the beautiful desert, see the famous trees at Deadvlei, and more.

21. South Kaibab Trail (Grand Canyon, Arizona)

The South Kaibab Trail is 1 of the signature hikes of the South portion of the Grand Canyon. Join along with the 1-hour hike and witness some truly awe-inspiring views. The virtual walk offers sweeping vistas of red rock and the canyon at every twist and turn.

22. Tulip Fields (The Netherlands)

A trip to see the neat rows of brightly colored tulips in Keukenhof might be a good addition to your next gloomy day at home. This virtual walking tour through the garden lets you see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty, and variation of color among the tulip fields. You’ll definitely understand why the tulip fields are a constant draw for travelers from all over the globe.

23. Tunnel of Love (Ukraine)

The Tunnel of Love looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re in need of a dose of relaxation, spend 3 hours virtually walking on this abandoned train track that’s surrounded on all sides by bright green foliage and chirping birds.

24. Virtual Gorilla Trek (Uganda)

Tag along on a gorilla trek Uganda with East African Jungle Safaris and search for endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This 360-degree video gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the trek — and see gorillas of course!

25. Wailea Beach Path (Maui, Hawaii)

Hawaii is a top destination for many Americans with its year-round tropical climate and seemingly endless stretches of beautiful beaches. But if you don’t want to wade through all of the quarantine and vaccination requirements, you can still experience the islands! The tour takes you from the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort to the Fairmont Kea Lani and along the Wailea Beach Path.

If you’re wanting to experience city life instead, you’ll want to click on these next virtual walking tours!

26. Acropolis Tour (Athens, Greece)

The Acropolis is a must-see when you visit Athens. Start at the Entrance Gate and see other famous sites including the Athena Nike Temple, the Monument to Agrippa, and the famous Parthenon. These beautiful sites are made even better since they are set high above with a fabulous view of Athens.

27. Barcelona (Spain)

If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona, this virtual walking tour will only make that desire stronger! Over 2+ hours, stroll over 9 miles while you walk through Barcelona’s gorgeous squares, the beach, and parks. This walking tour is super comprehensive, so you’ll see most of the main sites!

28. Berlin (Germany)

Settle in for this in-depth 3-hour virtual walking tour through Berlin, Germany. Walk the streets and see the Parliament Building, Brandenburg Gate Arch, and the famous Linden Alley. Listen to the city noise, enjoy the picturesque views, and soak up the outstanding architecture of Berlin.

29. Bologna (Italy)

In this 1-hour virtual walking video, you will enjoy exploring the streets of Bologna in Northern Italy. This foodie city has so many fascinating medieval historic buildings, narrow streets, lovely arches, majestic towers. Enjoy a leisurely virtual city walk through this charming city.

30. Buenos Aires Street Art Walk (Argentina)

Google Art Project presents this Street Art walk through the La Boca and Barracas neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A foundation was created to promote urban artists, and there is even an audio guide that explains the context for all of the art you see and tell you how it was created. Take this virtual tour at your own pace!

31. Cappadocia (Turkey)

Cappadocia, Turkey is a popular tourist destination known for unique volcanic landscapes with mountain ranges, cave dwellings, and balloon rides. This virtual tour walks you around various cities in the region, including Goreme and Uchisar, exploring cave dwellings and city streets along the way. At the end of the tour, you’re treated to an aerial view from a balloon.

32. Forbidden City (Beijing, China)

If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this virtual tour. You’ll pass through all of the top attractions, like the Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden during this 1.5-hour virtual walking tour.

33. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, CA)

Spend a clear afternoon running across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, and back. When this famous bridge was built in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world! This is the perfect video to put in front of your treadmill to jazz up your at-home exercise routine.

34. Helsinki (Finland)

Spend an hour taking a morning walk around Helsinki. This virtual walk begins at the train station, heads to the Helsinki Music Centre, and then back over towards the Hietalahti area towards downtown. Enjoy the city sounds, clean streets, and Scandinavian architecture on this peaceful walk.

35. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is famous for its neon-lit skyline, silhouetted against towering mountain peaks. See unique parts of this beautiful and exciting city by exploring the walking and biking paths of Kowloon and Central Hong Kong. Bike through city parks, along the waterfront, and even experience a beautiful sunset.

36. Ibiza (Spain)

Take a virtual walking tour around Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the sea, picturesque marinas, walled fortress, and charming cobblestone narrow streets. After watching this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll feel like you just went on holiday!

37. Krakow (Poland)

To start, use the legend at the top to select from your desired language. Then, click through the countless options! There are incredible aerial views of the city and walking tours,  as well as views of iconic buildings and museums. Most options include video or audio commentary, but not all are in English. Still, a fantastic way to experience Krakow!

38. Manhattan (New York)

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this is a great introduction to the borough of Manhattan. It is the city’s historic birthplace, and the most densely populated of the 5 boroughs of New York City. During this 3.5-hour walking and bus tour, you’ll get to take in all the biggest sites at various points throughout the day, including Times Square, Central Park, and more.

39. Moscow (Russia)

Moscow is among the most enchanting cities in the world and you can really step inside this beautiful city on this virtual walking tour. Enjoy the famous sites of Red Square and the Kremlin at Christmastime over the course of an hour.

40. Naples (Italy)

No, this tour doesn’t include Italian food. But if you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples, this interactive 360-degree video walking tour is still a treat! You start with a map and overview of your route and then walk through Naples’ historic center. Enjoy the street ambiance and wander in and out of famous buildings.

41. Old Town Taormina (Sicily)

Take a wonderful virtual walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily. One of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, Taormina is perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast. This means that the views from every vantage point are outstanding, and this tour makes you feel like you’re almost smelling the sea breeze.

42. Paris (France)

Walk around the City of Lights with this almost 6-hour (!) virtual walking tour. This walk includes insightful captions about all the sites you’ll see. You will see the most famous streets, monuments, and parks in Paris including the Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.

43. Pompeii (Italy)

Making the short journey from Naples to Pompeii, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth the trip. This 2-hour virtual walk through the city really makes you feel like you’re walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Get lost strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii.

Hot Tip: We’ve only included a couple, but ProWalk Tours also has some other fabulous virtual walking tours of Italy you should check out!

44. Quito  (Ecuador)

This tour is a bit different from the others on this list. In this Airbnb virtual experience, you’ll book a time slot and let a local guide you through Ecuador’s capital via 360-degree photos, videos, and traditional music that will heighten the virtual experience. Your host will also teach you how to make an Ecuadorian drink or dessert to enhance the experience. The cost for this tour is $10 per person.

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in other tours led by locals, check out our article on the best Airbnb Online Experiences !

45. Singapore

This hour-long virtual walk throughout Singapore lets you experience the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city. The walk starts at Suntec City Mall, goes to Marina Bay Sands, and crosses the famous Helix Bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see a stunning view of the Singapore skyline at sunset.

46. Tokyo (Japan)

Take a walk through 1 of the most famous parts of Tokyo under the night sky — Shibuya — known for its various street musicians, microbars, and bustling nightlife. During this 45-minute virtual walk, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the architecture and the vibrant metropolitan area.

47. Tremé Neighborhood (New Orleans, LA)

This 45-minute tour is a super informative introduction to Tremé — the first African American neighborhood in the U.S. As the birthplace of jazz, there is much to learn and experience in New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and this is a great start!

48. Tuscany (Italy)

From the opulent art galleries of Florence to the postcard-worthy cypress alleys, Tuscany is a traveler’s dream. During this 4-hour virtual walking tour, explore the rolling hills and ancient olive groves as well as the charming towns with narrow alleys and stunning architecture.

49. Ubud (Bali)

This 3-hour virtual walking tour will take you through the city of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is where traditional Balinese culture is evident in every corner of the city. Enjoy the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk, discover local markets with colorful handicrafts, local delicacies, street food, and see the famous Ubud Monkey Forest — all while motorcycles zip by you!

50. Vancouver (Canada)

Vancouver is a beautiful city surrounded by nature.  Enjoy this hour-long virtual walking tour through Vancouver, Canada. You will see Vancouver Waterfront, walk along the Canadian Trail, and more. Be sure to stick around so you can enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline at night at the end of the tour!

51. Venice (Italy)

If you have 1 hour, you can see experience the magic of Venice! From the canals sparkling at sunset to the famous plazas and bustling marketplaces, Venice is the city of romance! This walking tour is a relaxing way to immerse yourself in 1 of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As you can see, there are virtual walking tours of all shapes and sizes to fit your mood, activity, and interests. While we can start to travel again as restrictions lift, there are still many benefits to taking a virtual tour.

Just to name a few, you won’t have to leave the comfort of your bed to experience beautiful national parks or walk along the Oregon Coast, and you can enhance your workouts by walking along the Great Wall of China or to the top of Mt. Everest. We hope you enjoy your explorations!

Explore more of our virtual tour guides at the links below:

• Virtual Tours of Aerospace Museums [Aviation, Military & Space]
• Virtual Tours of Iconic National Parks Around the U.S.
• The Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]
• The Best Virtual Tours and Field Trips for Kids and Students
• Virtual Tours of Popular Tourist Attractions Around the World
• The Best Virtual Train Rides Around the World [Asia, Europe, Peru, U.S.]
• Magical Virtual Disney Rides and Attractions Across the World

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do a virtual walk.

It’s simple to do a virtual walk. Simply click on any of the links above and watch along! You can also choose to place the video in a place that will help enhance your workouts — like a treadmill, VR device, or exercise bike. Just make sure to watch your surroundings if you’re actually walking along in person!

How do you plan a virtual walk?

If you’d like to plan a virtual walk for a group, make sure to send them a link to the walk you’d like to complete together. This way, you can enjoy the same sites and sounds as your group!

Once everyone is ready to go, just set up your video on a treadmill, exercise equipment, VR device, or your smartphone and start walking!

Are virtual tours free?

There are literally hundreds of free virtual tours available for every possible interest — national parks, forest walks, desert walks, city walks — you name it! There are also paid options that might be more interactive, such as conversing with a local guide or paying a small donation as a tip.

Are online walking tours interactive?

There are many options for interactive virtual walking tours. Be sure to check out our list above for some of these options. Typically searching for words like “interactive” or “click” will help you narrow down your search for these interactive walking tours.

What’s the best walking tour?

The best walking tour is whatever matches your interests the best. For example, if you’re in the mood for a relaxing nature walk, a tour that will walk you along the Oregon Coast may be best. But if you’re missing the hustle and bustle of a city, a walking tour around Barcelona may be the best choice for you. The good news is that we have tons of great options for you to choose from in the article above.

Was this page helpful?

About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free  (even if you’re flying economy!).

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy  and  terms of service  apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Virtual Walking Tour

Select a city to walk in:.

Don't want to walk? Click here to drive, fly or view live cams!

Berlin, Germany is the central technolgical, cultural and tourist center within the nation of Germany.

Milan resides in the Lombardy region of Italy. Enjoy it's nature, fashion, views, parks and much more.

San Francisco is the tech hub of California and currently has amassed a population of 800,000 people.

Moscow is the capital of Russia, as well as the most densely populated region within Russia's border.

Barcelona is one of the most densely populated regions within Spain, it sits just behind Madrid.

Beijing is the most populated region within China. In 1949, the name was reverted to "Peking".

Damscus, Syria has a population of 1.7M+ and is the most dense location within Syria.

New York is the most populous city within the United States, with a 8.3M population.

Filled with interesting monuments, Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region.

As the most populated in Illinois, it is situated by Lake Michigan, one of the great lakes.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and is the most populous, ahead of Busan. Busan tour coming soon.

Helsinki is the capital of Finland. It sits on a penninsula and is the most populous and dense city within Finland.

As the State Capital of Hawaii, it is situated on one of the five islands. The island it is on is named Oahu. (2nd Largest)

Paris is the most populated city in France, and is famed for its Seinne River, coffeeshops, and architecture.

The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco County and Marin County. It was completed on April 19th, 1937.

Venice is famed for it's canals and powerful Italian Culture & Cuisine. Is Rome or Venice better?

Tokyo Japan is famous for it's neon advertisements, capsul hotels, and fast bullet trains. (300MPH+)

Tehran is the capital of Iran. Previously, it was the center of power for the famed Qajar Dynasty.

Right over Tokyo, Osaka is the second most known city. It is also known for it's bright billboards!

Montreal Canada is famed for it's cold weather and green roofs that once previously used to be golden!

Toronto, home of the NBA's Toronto Raptors is one of the largest cities within the nation of Canada!

Reykjavik is famous for it's hard to spell name and cold weather. Did we mention it's Icelands's Capital?

Some say that Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy? Start walking and see if you agree with them!

The Louvre in Paris is basically a glass pyramid. Also, a famous painting is stored within it! Come check it out!

New Delhi is the capital of India. It remains as a center for international trade, commerce, and business in India.

Mumbai is one of the coolest cities in India! It's famed for it's street life, motor bikes and fast moving scooters!

The Republic of Singapore is a city-state located just under Malaysia. It boasts a population of nearly 6 millon.

London is the capital of the United Kindgom! If you every stop by, ask a local for some tea. Hopefully no tax!

The city of angels they call it! Take a walk through and you'll know why they call it the "city of angels!"

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. You'll enjoy viewing some Bangkok Streetlife and Night Life!

Click the button below to head to the homepage. After that, you'll be prompted to view more modes of travelling. We currently support, walking, driving, flying and live video. Choose wisely! The choice is yours!

Take a Sunday Drive in the city of your choice! As you take in the scenery, try to think admire the cultures of each location. See how the leadership and culture directly corelate into the prosperity of their people and lands.

Monument Explorer lets you experience the wonders of monuments around the world. For example, take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Or even experience a 1,070 foot skyscraper building!

View the city of your choice from above and enjoy a magnificent sightseeing adventure. As you watch, think of the differences in culture, wealth, and prosperity in each country you view from above. Each skyline tells it's own story.

Click the box to view live footage from around the world. While viewing, you'll be able to see the true face and culture of people around the world. Have fun and admire the scenery!

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Athens, Greece
• Barcelona, Spain
• Basel, Switzerland
• Berlin, Germany
• Bogota, Colombia
• Bologna, Italy
• Bordeaux, France
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Budapest, Hungary
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Busan, South Korea
• Changsha, China
• Chania, Greece
• Chefchaouen, Morocco
• Chengdu, China
• Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Chicago Illinois, United States
• Chongqing, China
• Cologne, Germany
• Daegu, South Korea
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Dublin, Ireland
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• El Nido, Philippines
• Florence, Italy
• Guangzhou, China
• Hamburg, Germany
• Hanoi, Vietnam
• Heraklion, Greece
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Izmir, Turkey
• Jakarta, Indonesia
• Jerusalem, Israel
• Kazan, Russia
• Kharkiv, Ukraine
• Kobe, Japan
• Krakow, Poland
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Kyiv, Ukraine
• Kyoto, Japan
• Larnaca, Cyprus
• Las Vegas, United States
• Lisbon, Portugal
• Liverpool, England
• London, England
• Lyon, France
• Madrid, Spain
• Malaga, Spain
• Marrakech, Morocco
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Miami, United States
• Milan, Italy
• Montevideo, Uruguay
• Montreal, Canada
• Moscow, Russia
• Nanjing, China
• New Delhi, India
• New Orleans, United States
• New York, United States
• Newcastle, England
• Novosibirsk, Russia
• Osaka, Japan
• Oslo, Norway
• Paris, France
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Quebec City, Canada
• Rawalpindi, Pakistan
• Rethimno, Greece
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Rome, Italy
• Saint Petersburg, Russia
• Salt Lake City, United States
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Sapporo, Japan
• Seattle, United States
• Seoul, South Korea
• Seville, Spain
• Shanghai, China
• Stockholm, Sweden
• Sydney, Australia
• Tainan, Taiwan
• Taipei, Taiwan
• Tel Aviv, Israel
• Tokyo, Japan
• Toronto, Canada
• Vancouver, Canada
• Venice, Italy
• Vientiane, Laos
• Vilnius, Lithuania
• Volos, Greece
• Wroclaw, Poland
• Wuhan, China
• Yokohama, Japan
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Aberdeen, Scotland
• Ankara, Turkey
• Belfast, Ireland
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Dusseldorf, Germany
• Jersey City, United States
• Leeds, England
• Manchester, England
• Melbourne, Australia
• Pattaya, Thailand
• Portland, United States
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Saigon, Vietnam
• Utrecht, Netherlands
• Vienna, Austria
• Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia
• Burriana Beach, Nerja Spain
• Cala Mariolu Beach, Italy
• Clearwater Beach, Florida
• Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
• Elafonisi Beach, Crete Greece
• Fort Myers Beach, Florida
• Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles California
• Kailua Beach, Oahu Hawaii
• Leblon Beach, Rio de Janeiro Brazil
• Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia Greece
• Pampelonne Beach, Saint-Tropez France
• Postiguet Beach, Alicante Spain
• St Pete Beach, Florida
• Stafylos beach, Skopelos Greece
• Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Hawaii
• Waimea Bay Beach, Oahu Hawaii
• Zuma Beach, Malibu California
• Hsinchu Taiwan
• Cairo, Egypt

Social Experiment

In her SHOES is part of a movement that takes a stand against casual sexism. All over the world, a simple walk on the street is the start of worse problems that women face every day due to their appearance or the way they dress. Even in 2021, indulging in beauty is often seen as vain, selfish, or a call for attention. We believe that beauty is a source of strength, and a woman’s beauty should not be restricted, dictated, or judged.

SPONSORED by

Quick facts

Choose a city from the menu on the right to display some interesting information about it.

I hope you're enjoying your ride here, would you like to buy me a coffee? Or spread the word on social

Five Easy Steps To Make great 4K Travel Walking Tour Videos

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by gregor

4K Walking Tour Videos are gaining more and more popularity on video-sharing platforms like the popular video platform YouTube . I watched some of these Walking Tour videos because they were recommended to me, and as someone who really likes walking tours, I decided to try making one video myself.

My first 4k Walking Tour video(s) turned out badly. They were either too bright or too dark or kept constantly refocusing.,… They went straight into the trash on my computer. It was a little frustrating, but obviously, I’m not going to be perfect on my first try.

I was out again, trying different cameras and different settings, and after a few walks, figuring out what is the best camera for Walking Tour and what are the best camera video settings for filming this kind of 4k Walking Tour videos.

A 4K walk video often showcases a walking tour or journey filmed using a camera capable of recording in 4K resolution. These videos aim to provide viewers with a more immersive and visually stunning experience, as the higher resolution allows for greater detail, sharpness, and overall image quality. The term is commonly associated with content creators who produce walking tours or vlogs filmed in 4K resolution to offer a more lifelike and engaging viewing experience.

5 easy Steps to Make 4k Travel Walking Tour Videos

Ready to share your travel adventures with the world in amazing 4K quality? Here’s a super simple guide to creating captivating walking tour videos:

Step 1: Gear Up (Equipment)

• Camera:  While a fancy camera is great, you can start with a smartphone that shoots in 4K. Many modern phones offer fantastic video quality.
• Stabilizer:  Shaky footage is a no-go. Invest in a gimbal (a small handheld stabilizer) for smooth, professional-looking shots.
• External Microphone (optional):  Built-in mics can pick up unwanted noise. An external mic improves audio quality, especially in windy or crowded areas.

Step 2: Plan Your Route (Pre-Production)

• Pick a theme:  Focus on a specific area or highlight hidden gems.
• Map your walk:  Plan your route beforehand, considering interesting sights and stops.
• Research local tips:  Learn some fun facts or historical tidbits to share with viewers.

Step 3: Hit the Streets (Filming)

• Walk at a steady pace:  People watching your video will be virtually walking with you, so maintain a comfortable speed.
• Narrate as you go:  Share your thoughts, interesting facts, or personal anecdotes about the places you pass.
• Capture variety:  Don’t just film straight ahead. Get close-up shots of landmarks, interesting details, and even food!

Step 4: Editing Magic (Post-Production)

• Editing software:  There are many free and paid editing programs available. Choose one that’s user-friendly for you.
• Cut and trim:  Remove unwanted footage or long pauses. Keep your video engaging and concise.
• Add music and text:  Upbeat background music and titles/captions enhance your video and keep viewers informed.

Step 5: Share Your Adventure (Distribution)

• YouTube:  A popular platform for travel videos. Create a channel and upload your masterpiece!
• Social Media:  Share your video on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms.
• Travel Blogs:  If you have one, add your video to your blog to showcase your destinations.

Bonus Tip: Be yourself and have fun! Let your personality shine through, and your passion for travel will be contagious!

Videos with 4K Quality

A 4K walk typically refers to a walking video or footage that has been recorded and produced in 4K resolution. In the context of video resolution, 4K refers to a display or content with a horizontal pixel count of approximately 4,000 pixels, providing higher image clarity and detail compared to lower resolutions.

A “4K walk” video often showcases a walking tour or journey filmed using a camera capable of recording in 4K resolution. These videos aim to provide viewers with a more immersive and visually stunning experience, as the higher resolution allows for greater detail, sharpness, and overall image quality. The term is commonly associated with content creators who produce walking tours or vlogs filmed in 4K resolution to offer a more lifelike and engaging viewing experience.

4k Walking Tour video cameras:

Dji pocket 2 + creator combo.

Camera settings (they are overall easy to find in the app and in the menu)

Image Quality: 4K

Frame rates:

• – 25 or 50 (for slow-motion only – to be slowed down 50% when editing): for Europe (PAL in general)
• – 24 or 48 (for slow-motion only – to be slowed down 50% when editing): for US (NTCS in general)

Personally live in Europe and I slow down everything that I shoot, only sometimes do I keep a normal speed, so my go rate is 50fps. Slowing down the video gives it a more magical look and will reduce the shakes from the camera

Antiflicker : auto

you need to set it before activating pro mode!

Pro mode: enabled

This will give you access to manual settings of exposure

Color profile : d-cine like

Note: only if you plan to color grade in the post (which I highly recommend), if not then stick to the standard

Shutter speed/ISO:

I always set it to Auto . You could fine-tune by setting it manually, but the AUTO Mode on the DJI is pretty amazing.

White Balance: AUTO

I am so far happy to shoot with continuous autofocus, but be aware that it sometimes fails and you will need to point to the subject you want to have in focus.

GoPro Hero 10 + Sennheiser MKE-400 Microphone

The Sennheiser Microphone is a perfect companion, not only for your DLSR. With the GoPro MediaMod, you can set up the GoPro 10 with the Sennheiser MKE 400 within a couple of minutes. If you are really serious about your audio quality it is a very good investment.  #mke400

Resolution: 4K-50 |  

Lens: WIDE or LINEAR or LINEAR + HL

HyperSmooth: High

Pre-Walking Tour Preparation

Preparation is the mother of success! This is also related to the making of 4K Walking Tour Videos.

Define your Storyline for the Audience

Before you even select the walking route, I am really trying to find a good storyline for the audience, which I am going to tell as an overall “arching theme” for the walk. As we all know, telling a story is much more captive than just wandering around without any “preparation & plan”. (Which I did at the beginning, to be honest;-

Here are some examples of 4k Walking Tour Video Storylines 

• Vienna Night Walking Tour – Top things to see at night
• Berlin – Walking Tour if you just have 4 Hours to spend
• Budapest Travel Guide – Must See Places Walking Tour
• Vienna Food Walking Tour

Find the Best Places that set your Walking Tour Video Screenplay

So once you have your “story” you want to tell, then you need to find the best places, spots, and areas,… Which do you want to be included in the walking video? Sometimes the story can be “Greatest Public Parks to Relax in XXXX” or just “An After Business sunset walk”. This story sets your screenplay and the frame you need to plan the walk accordingly.

Video elements that will support your Walking Tour Video Story

If you know you’ll be visiting the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, for example, you’ll want more than just a video from the top. Here’s an example of supporting walking tour video elements you might make for this specific experience:

• Establishing shot of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral from the street (Push in)
• Shot of the base of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Rise up)
• Shot of purchasing your ticket (Over shoulder camera)
• Shot of taking the elevator to the top (Push in)
• Panning shot from the top overlooking Vienna

Pin the places in Google MAPS to create the Walking Tour

Once I have my story I create a tour on Google Maps, pinning all the places I intend to visit during my walk. 

Top Tip: Please make sure you plan enough time for your tour, get comfortable clothes and shoes, your gear with enough spare batteries (for the GoPro), and most importantly get into a good positive energetic mood, you will need that believe me 😉

Video Walking Tour – Tips and Tricks

Get out of your comfort zone.

Filming videos on the street requires a bit of courage at the beginning. Especially if you are a bit introverted like me, it took a couple of walks until I realized that the vast majority of the people actually don’t care about your video recording on the street.

Very few people stare at you, so give them a bright smile, or simply ignore them. I never had anybody complaining or even yelling at me. It helps if you respect their privacy and do not run with the video camera explicitly into a person, but take a step or move left or right so you can record other interesting sceneries like beautiful architecture. 

There is also an easy way to blur people’s faces in post-editing your video. (More below in the Editing section)

Walking Tour Video Speed

The walking speed is important because you want to be able to see things that you’re not familiar with. The walker may have been through that area time and time again, but you haven’t.  Keep in mind that the speed of the walk also relates directly to the smoothness of the camera, as I mentioned above.

Video moves : I use during my walk

• Push in – walk towards the scene – good entry move to establish location and show landscape
• Pull out – walk away from the scene – good exit move to close the shooting from the scene
• Round – use active track and move around the person or subject
• Rise up – show scenery and subject
• Reveal – show subject, from the other object – good for transitions
• Tilt-up / down – use for anything interesting above the scene, like trees
• Low mode – shoot for example the foot of a person while walking on the beach

How do you film a smooth walking Video?

Walk slowly and bend your knees slightly. Keep concentration high, and use the Highest Stabilization settings on your camera

FOUR – Walking Tour Video Editing & Software

There are many Video Editing Programs on the market. Editing my Walking Tour videos, I use the software program Final Cut Pro X which runs on macOS only. There are many alternatives also for Windows, if you search on Google, I am sure you will find the one that fits your needs; including tons of Tutorial Videos on YouTube.

Blurring People Faces in post-editing

The one thing special to walking tour videos is that you also capture people and want to protect their privacy by blurring their faces. Here is a video that shows you how to do this in Final Cut Pro X

EASIEST Way To Blur Faces | Final Cut Pro X Tutorial

FIVE -SHARING Your Walking Tour Video on YouTube

I upload my walking tour videos on my Gregor Sideris YouTube Channel . There are other video-sharing Platforms like Vimeo, but I think YouTube is vastly accepted and billions of people have access to it.

Creating your own YouTube Channel is easy, there are a lot of tutorial videos available on YT.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

[email protected]

4k Walking Tour Videos on YouTube

Please check my 4k Walking Tour Videos on my YouTube channel, leave a comment, and subscribe if you found that this article was helpful! Many thanks!

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

The “best walking style” and the “walking tour method” can vary based on personal preferences, goals, and the specific context of the activity. Let’s break down each concept: Best Walking Style: The “best walking style” is subjective and can depend on individual comfort, health considerations, and the purpose of walking. Some common walking styles include: Brisk Walking: A faster pace that elevates the heart rate and provides cardiovascular benefits. Power Walking: A more exaggerated arm movement accompanies a brisk pace. Strolling: A leisurely and relaxed walking style suitable for casual walks. Nordic Walking: Involves walking with poles to engage the upper body muscles. The best walking style often depends on factors such as fitness goals, health conditions, and personal preferences. It’s essential to choose a style that aligns with one’s fitness level and objectives.

Walking Tour Method: The “walking tour method” typically refers to a structured approach to conducting guided walking tours, whether for tourism, education, or entertainment. Key elements of an effective walking tour method include: Planning and Research: Thoroughly researching the route and points of interest to provide accurate and interesting information. Engagement: Interacting with participants, answering questions, and fostering a dynamic and enjoyable experience. Narration: Effectively conveying information about historical sites, cultural landmarks, or scenic spots. Logistics: Managing the logistics of the tour, including timing, breaks, and any necessary equipment. The walking tour method aims to offer participants an informative and immersive experience while exploring a specific location on foot. Tour guides often play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the walking tour by combining knowledge, storytelling skills, and a friendly demeanor.

Best Free Walking Tour Videos of Vienna – (+Video Tour Guides)

Vienna city center – snowfall walking tour video winter in austria asmr.

London City Tour Video – A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Welcome to the wonderful city of London! If you are planning a trip to London or just want to explore the city from the comfort of your own home, a London city tour video is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of this vibrant metropolis. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of your London city tour video.

Why Watch a London City Tour Video?

London is a city with a rich history, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods. Watching a city tour video allows you to explore London’s top attractions, get a feel for its vibrant atmosphere, and discover hidden gems you might not have known about.

Whether you are planning a future trip or simply curious about the city, a well-made London city tour video can provide you with a visually captivating experience and valuable insights.

Top London Landmarks to Look Out for in the Video

During your virtual tour, keep an eye out for these iconic landmarks:

• The Tower of London: Discover the history behind this medieval fortress and marvel at the Crown Jewels.
• Tower Bridge: Admire the famous bascule bridge that spans the River Thames.
• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: See the iconic clock tower and seat of the British government.
• Buckingham Palace: Get a glimpse of the official residence of the British monarch.
• The British Museum: Explore the world’s largest collection of art and antiquities.
• The London Eye: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from this popular Ferris wheel.
• Trafalgar Square: Experience the bustling heart of London and the famous Nelson’s Column.

These are just a few examples of the many incredible landmarks you can expect to see in a London city tour video.

Types of London City Tour Videos Available

London city tour videos come in various formats, catering to different interests and preferences:

• High-Level Overview: Some videos provide a general introduction to London, covering different neighborhoods, landmarks, and attractions.
• Themed Tours: You can find videos focusing on specific themes, such as history, art, food, or shopping.
• Virtual Walking Tours: These videos allow you to virtually stroll through famous streets and neighborhoods, immersing yourself in the city’s ambiance.
• Aerial and Drone Footage: Experience London from a unique perspective with stunning footage captured from above.

Choose a video that aligns with your interests or explore a variety of options to get a comprehensive view of London.

Tips for Enhancing Your London City Tour Video Experience

To make the most of your London city tour video, consider the following tips:

• Create a Comfortable Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space to watch the video, preferably on a large screen for an immersive experience.
• Take Notes: Jot down the names of places that pique your interest. This way, you can do further research or plan a visit in the future.
• Follow Along with a Map: Open a map of London on another device to track the locations mentioned in the video.
• Immerse Yourself: Put yourself in the shoes of the person filming the video and imagine being in each location.
• Research Further: If a particular landmark or neighborhood captivates you, dive deeper into its history, culture, and attractions.

A London city tour video is a fantastic way to explore the city’s remarkable landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are planning a future trip or simply want to satisfy your curiosity, these videos offer an immersive experience that can inspire and inform. Follow our guide, keep an eye out for the key landmarks, and make the most of your virtual tour. Enjoy your London adventure!

Table of Contents

Related Posts

Duna Corso Budapest Sightseeing Boat: Explore the Beauty of Budapest from the Water

Budapest, the breathtaking capital of Hungary, is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the

How Long Does it Take to Reach Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, you might be interested in exploring the nearby historical site of

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read

The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour ©Rajesh Gathwala/500px

We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.

While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.

Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.

See the seven wonders of the world

If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world:  the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .

With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.

Best virtual museum tours

In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.

In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis  Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight,  the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History,  the National Women's History Museum  and Boston's History of Science Museum .

While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum,  the Frick , and others.

You might also like:  Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home

Explore national parks

While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well. 

Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .

Digital safaris

Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.

You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the  San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.

You may also like:  These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals

Virtual hiking

Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet:  Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.

Famous landmarks

You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with  AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .

Travel to outer space

The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google. 

You might also like:

Listen to the sounds of forests around the world Cook your way around the world with these travel-inspired kitchen essentials Rome watchlist: films to see before your trip

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this  means for travelers . 

This article was originally published March 2020 and was last updated October 2020.

This article was first published Mar 18, 2020 and updated Oct 8, 2020.

Explore related stories

National Parks

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

Here are 8 national parks where you can learn more about the history of the Native American peoples first-hand.

Jun 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

• State of New York
• New York City
• United States

24 Best NYC City Tours for an Unforgettable Exploration of the Big Apple

• 6 Pinterest

It’s America’s tourism posterchild — and the best NYC city tours manage to communicate the raw, unique essence that has made New York the city of all cities.

With so many things to do in NYC , you could spend weeks here and barely scratch the surface. That’s exactly why first-time travelers opt for guided city tours; in the space of just a few hours, you’re treated to a highlight reel of New York City – its art, history, food and architecture.

See my top 3 New York City tours below, or keep reading for a thorough breakdown of the tours and their offerings.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• NYC city tours

1 – Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 6011 reviews )

“Nice quick ride to the Statue of Liberty and back. Good guide and good music and good boat.” Jeffrey, Getyourguide

Once a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. On this hour-long sightseeing cruise , you’ll sail past Lady Liberty herself, getting an up-close look at her stunning features and learning all about her transformation into a national monument.

You’ll also cruise past Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, with plenty of stories to be told by the Statue Walks LLC team. Besides being blessed with a unique perspective of these two historical landmarks, you’ll also be treated to wonderful views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. What’s not to love?

Summary of tour:

• 1-hour cruise
• See Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and Freedom Tower
• Cash bar on board
• check this offer

No visit to NYC is complete without the Statue of Liberty. So you might as well see her on a wonderful boat ride! The crew are extremely friendly (sometimes they let you steer the boat), the boat has restrooms and a bar, and views across the harbor are spectacular. Given the reasonable price, this gets out tick of approval.

Read more: Best boat tours in NYC

2 – New York City: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 2493 reviews )

“It was very cool not having to worry about transportation all day and just being able to get on and off pretty much anywhere and at any time. This way you can get a good overview and check out the most famous sights. It was really fun!” Sam, Getyourguide

The big, double-decker buses are touristy for good reason: they hit up almost all of the best tourist attractions in New York City , with the bonus of being able to hop on and off whenever and wherever you like.

The Big Bus Tours sightseeing adventure is all about convenience and flexibility. Whether you opt for the Downtown Loop (which passes places like Battery Park, SoHo , Chelsea and Greenwich ), the Uptown Loop (Grand Central Terminal, Central Park and more), or both, you’ll see a huge range of notable landmarks.

All buses come with an audioguide to give you the rundown about each attraction too. What’s not to love about a classic NYC bus tour ?

• Hop on and off at your leisure
• Choose between 2 different routes
• Choose between a 1 or 2-day ticket
• book this tour
• Prices vary depending on which route you choose and any extra add-ons you wish to purchase.
• The classic 1-day Downtown Loop ticket is the cheapest, at US$54 for adults and US$45 for kids (3-12).
• The 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo costs US$72 for adults and US$63 for kids.
• The 2-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo ticket costs US$90 for adults and US$81 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loops combo plus a cruise around Liberty Island costs US$100 for adults and US$90 for kids.
• Add-on: A 1-day Downtown and Uptown loop combo plus entry to the Empire State Building AND a ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands (museum access not included) costs US$130 for adults and US$120 for kids.

A fantastic way to get your bearings! These are more affordable than small group tours AND you can also see the sights at your own pace. You won’t get the personalized feeling of a private tour, but you can spend more time at the places that interest you most.

We recommend the Uptown+Downtown loops at the beginning of your NYC trip.

3 – 20-Min Ultimate NYC Helicopter Tour from Downtown Manhattan

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 2591 reviews )

“This was a brilliant experience, a unique birds eye view of the Big Apple.” Theodore, Headout

Short, sweet, and serving up incredible views of America’s posterchild, helicopter rides invite you to ditch the foot traffic and see the entire Manhattan Island from a whole new perspective.

Taking off from the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, the chopper soars high above famous sights like the Statue of Liberty , Central Park , the Brooklyn Bridge , and the Palisade Cliffs.

But it’s not just sightseeing; with a professional pilot doubling as your VIP tour guide, you’ll learn all about the city’s major landmarks too.

Being such a quick experience, you’ll have stacks of time to do a few of the other top things to do in Manhattan afterward.

• Spend 20 minutes in the air
• Aerial view of over 12 attractions
• Shared helicopter

A bucket list activity worth splurging on, this exciting helicopter tour is worth every penny. The views are second to none, and the insightful pilot comments make this experience even more special. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC veteran, seeing the Big Apple from above is worth doing once in everyone’s life. 10/10.

4 – Guided Bus and Walking Tour with Staten Island Ferry

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 152 reviews )

“We saw and learned so much. Hit so many iconic sights and loved the walk in Central Park.” Marcia, GetYourGuide

See all the best New York City has to offer on this whirlwind excursion by USA Guided Tours that will see you covering both land and sea. Tour some of the most iconic locations in Manhattan including the Rockefeller Center and the Flatiron District . Then, board the Staten Island Ferry for the best perspective of the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline.

On your return, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Pools by bus to pay your respects. End off your experience with a sightseeing walk down glittering Fifth Avenue. All along the way during your tour, you’ll benefit from the insightful commentary of an expert guide who will open your eyes to a different side of NYC.

• check offer

If you’re short on time and want to squeeze in as many iconic New York City as possible into a day, this tour is a great option! Your guides are experts in all things NYC – history, architecture and local lore – so you’ll learn plenty as you cover most of Manhattan.

5 – Boroughs of NYC: Harlem, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn & Coney Island

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1378 reviews )

“As a first timer to New York, this is a great tour to give you a high-level understanding of 4 of the 5 boroughs.” Jack, Viator

With skyscrapers aplenty, Manhattan steals the spotlight. But in reality, it’s only one of five boroughs that make up New York City, and each boasts its own energy, landmarks and fantastic attractions.

On the Amigo Tours USA Boroughs Tour , you’ll get to discover Harlem , the birthplace of jazz and hip hop, Queens , home to the most diverse population in the world, the Bronx , renowned for its eccentric street art and Brooklyn , the NYC hipster capital.

Throw in an optional stop at historic Coney Island (widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Long Island ) and you’ve got yourself an all-encompassing, highly educational day out!

• After meeting your group near Grand Central Terminal, your local guide will first take you up to Harlem, where you'll see the iconic Apollo Theater. Next stop is the Bronx, where you'll pass by the Big Pun Mural and the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge.
• You'll then head toward Queens where you'll have some time to explore the Flushing Meadows Corona Park before crossing the Kosciuszko Bridge to Brooklyn. After wandering around Crown Heights, Williamsburg and DUMBO, you'll then either cross the Brooklyn Bridge and finish your tour or head to Coney Island.
• The tour's finishing point is up to you: choose from Coney Island, DUMBO, or Grand Central Terminal.

Very few tours cover as much ground as this one. With stops in all 4 boroughs, you’ll get a real taste of the distinctly different vibes that, when put together, make up the NYC charm. The guides are professional and humorous too.

If you want to learn about the history and culture of each neighborhood, plus see the sights, we’d certainly recommend this tour.

6 – Private Custom New York City Tour by SUV

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 387 reviews )

“Absolutely great experience, my kids will remember it for ever. Even the car was perfect Thank you Ryan!!!” Manuel, Viator

All about that VIP feeling , this tour ditches the touristy big buses and cookie-cutter itineraries; you choose the route and the duration, and then your very own tour guide will make sure that your day is as fun and insightful as possible — that’s the beauty of New York City private tours .

Of course, you’re more than welcome to leave your destiny in the guide’s hands, who’ll happily whisk you to iconic landmarks and hidden gems while sharing insights into each neighborhood.

Whether you want to spend your day shopping at designer boutiques, indulging in delicious food, or snapping selfies at famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, Best New York Tours ‘ SUV adventure has got you covered.

If you want to craft your own experience, the private SUV tour is ideal. Bernice, Sheldon, Ryan and the team are so incredibly caring and helpful. It’s amazing how much sightseeing and storytelling they can squeeze into half a day.

The downside is the price; however, if you’re traveling with a large group it becomes much more reasonable. A fantastic option!

7 – SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1592 reviews )

” would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of these 3 very unique neighborhoods!” Judith, Viator

A huge part of Manhattan’s charm comes from the dynamic subcultures scattered throughout its streets, and this walking tour shows off three of the most unique enclaves one after the other.

Led by knowledgeable guides from ExperienceFirst , you’ll wander through SoHo , a neighborhood renowned for its high fashion and trendy stores, before heading to Little Italy where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and learn about the area’s 19th-century architecture as well as the decades of gang violence.

On top of Soho and Little Italy , throw in Chinatown , where buzzing markets and bustling streets will immerse you in Eastern culture and tradition, and you’ve got yourself quite the whirlwind tour!

Affordable, enjoyable, and an excellent way to dive into the NYC cultural melting pot, this walking tour is a must-do. Mindy, Andrea, Esa, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew know so much about SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown – not just their modern sides, but also about their rich histories. We would certainly recommend this activity.

Read more: Best walking tours in NYC

8 – Private New York Walking Tour with Photoshoot

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 28 reviews )

“I had the best time with photographer Mike, he made cool shots for me in spite of the heavy weather, and Sasha made amazing photo works. It became one of my wonderful experiences in New York City.” Toshifumi, Viator

If crowded walking tours and cliché big buses give you the ick, a private tour is the perfect antidote. Sure, you’ll get to witness quintessential landmarks, but you’ll do it in style, with your very own passionate guide.

The other standout part of this tour is the photos . Forget about selfies all day; your private guide doubles as a professional photographer . You’ll end up with around 30-90 high-quality snaps when it’s all said and done!

The best part? The tour is completely customizable based on what YOU want to see. Pick locations such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Times Square and Grand Central to be your incredible backdrop.

• A 1-hour photo shoot costs $350 per group and includes 30 photos at 1 location.
• A 2-hour photo shoot costs $595 per group and includes 60 photos at 2 locations.
• A 3-hour photo shoot costs $700 per group and includes 90 photos at 3 locations.

It may seem a little touristy to have your own photographer, but make no mistake, this tour is one of the best for tourists wanting to capture their time in NYC! For first-timers, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and to also memorialize your journey.

9 – NYC TV & Movie Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1053 reviews )

“Loved this tour! Comfortable ride, awesome sights, and Benji was so knowledgeable and kind! I would highly recommend this tour!” Heather, Viator

Forget about Tinseltown because when it comes to movie and TV filming backdrops, New York City is the real star.

From the iconic Central Park Home Alone bridge to the Empire State Building (King Kong, When Harry Met Sally, and dozens more), and countless locales featured in titles like Seinfeld, Friends, and SATC (see #20), this movie tour lets you relive all your favorite cinematic moments.

Led by an On Location Tours actor-guide, you’ll get to drive around Midtown and Central Park, checking off places like the Wollman Rink, Fifth Avenue, the Friends Building , and even the GhostBusters Firestation . All the while, you’ll hear stories and fun facts about the movie sets, characters and actors. How good!

Cinephiles, this one is a non-negotiable afternoon activity! Benji, Chris and the team have phenomenal energy and are undisputed experts in all things NYC film and TV.

Besides snapping selfies at dozens of famous movie locations, you’ll also hear all the insider gossip about your favorite shows. Highly entertaining and certainly worth doing!

Read more: Best TV & movie locations tours in New York City

10 – New York City: Highlights of Central Park Bike Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 414 reviews )

“We stopped at the sights and were given some time to take a better look around. It was definitely worth it and you get to see the park well at a fast pace.” Ricardo, Getyourguide

If you’re on the hunt for family things to do in New York City with kids , you can never go wrong with Central Park . Spread across 843 acres, this slice of world-famous greenery acts as a much-needed breath of fresh air from the loud, crowded city streets.

Due to its size, you’d need at least an entire day to cross off all the main things to do in Central Park . Instead, why not speed things up with Unlimited Biking ‘s Central Park Bike Tour ?

Led by local New Yorkers, you’ll pedal through the park, stopping at locations like Strawberry Fields , the Bethesda Terrace , and The Central Park Zoo , as well as lesser-known gems like the Alice in Wonderland statue and Belvedere Castle .

Central Park is world-famous, but it’s hard to cover all of it on foot, especially in just a few hours. That’s why Unlimited Biking’s tour is a great option. On top of the amazing sightseeing, the tour guides are also super knowledgeable about the history and fun facts of the park. We recommend this tour, especially for families.

Read more: Best bike tours in NYC

11 – Broadway Theaters and Times Square with a Theater Professional

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 435 reviews )

“Loved learning about the history of the theater district! Our guide was very informative! I will look at the theaters in a new light now.” Jennifer, Viator

NYC’s beating heart is its Theatre District – from Times Square to the dozens of Broadway theaters , the energy and excitement is palpable year-round.

Led by the theater-obsessed ExperienceFirst crew, this walking tour shows off the history, the culture, and the behind-the-scenes magic of Broadway . From the first show in 1866 to today’s record-breaking hits, you’ll learn about the evolution and impact of Broadway on New York City – and hear all about the best Broadway shows to see right now as well.

Tours usually run at 4pm, leaving you with plenty of time to catch a show afterwards (one of the quintessential things to do in New York City at night ) or check off some of the other things to do in Times Square .

Keith, Chris, Tim and the ExperienceFirst crew make sure this tour is well worth your time. For budding performers and theater enthusiasts alike, it’s one of the best city tours in NYC.

Times Square can get very chaotic, so having a local by your side to navigate the crowds is a huge plus. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, it’s a great option.

Read more: List of Broadway theaters – which one is best?

12 – Manhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 702 reviews )

“This was a great way to look at all of New York famous buildings and learn about their history! I would go again!” Jessica, Viator

All about luxury, sophistication and (as the name suggests) architecture, this NYC cruise is definitely one for those who like to travel in style. Once on board the 1920s-style yacht, you’ll spend almost 3 hours cruising around the Hudson and East Rivers while taking in stunning views of staple Manhattan landmarks .

While you’ll pass by the Freedom Tower, the Chrysler Building , the Brooklyn Bridge , Roosevelt Island and more, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill sightseeing boat cruise. The expert American Institute of Architects guide waxes commentary about the city’s rich history, making it a thorough architectural tour .

With an architectural landscape that changes daily, if there were ever a city to study the different styles of buildings, bridges and monuments, it’s this one.

While more expensive than regular cruises, the architecture yacht tour dives into themes of which other tours barely scratch the surface. The crew are experts, and the boat itself is stunning. Highly recommended!

13 – New York City Ghost Tour of Greenwich Village

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 331 reviews )

“My friends and I loved the tour, it was very interesting! I definitely have some new facts to share with my family 🙂 The tour guide was amazing and was able to answer all of my dumb questions about the city!” Caroline, Viator

Modern-day Greenwich is known as the home of Manhattan counterculture; a hipster, groovy district with art galleries and trendy bars around every corner. But dig beneath the glamorous surface and you’ll discover that this neighborhood also has a long history of hauntings, crime and paranormal activity.

And there’s no better group to share the spine-tingling stories than Top Dog Tours . Taking a moonlit walking tour through the Village’s winding streets, you’ll hear tales of murder, mystery, and mayhem as you visit haunted places like Washington Square Park, the Jefferson Market Library, and the Cherry Lane Theatre, to name a few.

A refreshing alternative to the traditional sightseeing tour, this bone-chilling Village walkthrough truly brings the spooky history of Greenwich to life. Luke, Katie and Rory are expert storytellers, keeping the tour engaging from start to end. If you want to venture off the beaten path, we highly recommend this tour.

14 – Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4/5 ( 127 reviews )

“Extremely knowledgeable regarding Harlem; very pleasant personality; enjoyed the music and atmosphere; food excellent!” Melody, Viator

Undeniably one of Manhattan’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Harlem is renowned for its rich history as the birthplace of jazz , hip hop and everyone’s favorite soul food. On this private evening tour (run by the great team at Harlem Spirituals ), you’ll get to wander through the lively Harlem streets, popping into jazz clubs , passing by well-known landmarks and, of course, tasting some traditional soul food dishes at the one and only Sylvia’s restaurant.

All the while, you’ll learn all about how this dynamic enclave rose to fame in the 1920s, becoming a hub for African-American culture. Being a private tour, you can guarantee a more personalized, intimate experience too.

If you prefer budget-friendly experiences, look elsewhere. If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for a personalized tour that covers everything from history and culture to music and food, then this Harlem walkthrough is unbeatable. The live show at the Cotton Club, in particular, is top-notch. Worth doing!

15 – NYC: 3-Hour Gossip Girl Sites Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 321 reviews )

“It was a very nice experience for my family to be able to enjoy this experience and see serious places that I liked so much.” Cesar, Getyourguide

Calling all Gossip Girl fans ! Get ready to step into the glamorous world of Manhattan’s elite, following in the footsteps of Blair and Serena as you make your way to a stack of the 40+ NYC locations (!) featured in the hit TV series.

From Grand Central Terminal to the beautiful Upper East Side, you’ll be whisked away to the Vera Wang boutique where Blair tried on her wedding gown, the candy store where Dan helped Vanessa shop, Chuck Bass’ new business, and a whole lot more.

And since the Gossip Girl tour guides are usually diehard fans of the show, you’ll hear all sorts of insider trivia along the way.

This tour isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of the show, it’s as bucket list-worthy as they come. Abby and co. are nice, engaging and funny (doubling as photographers) and the sites are all really interesting. The macaroons at Ladurée are a bonus! The verdict? Worth doing for diehard fans.

Read more: Gossip Girl tours in New York – everything you should know

16 – The Original Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 737 reviews )

“This was a great tour of Brooklyn. We learnt so much about the culture and history from our amazing tour guide Laurie. And to top it all off, the food stops were absolutely delicious!” Ian, Viator

Move over, Manhattan! NYC’s most hipster borough is a smorgasbord of cultural and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Renowned as one of the best NYC food tours , this half-day foodie adventure (led by the experts at New York Fun Tours ), takes you on a lip-smacking journey through the premier Brooklyn eateries.

Sure to tantalize the tastebuds, you’ll get to dig into shawarma , pierogies , pizza , cannolis , and French bonbons . But it’s not exclusively about eating. You’ll get your fair share of sightseeing too, passing by the likes of the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the top things to do in Brooklyn ), Prospect Park, DUMBO, and Williamsburg.

The Best of Brooklyn excursion is a non-stop highlight reel of the city’s biggest, most dynamic borough. Regardless of where you go on any given day, expect exceptional food tastings from all kinds of international cuisines. For the amount of food you get, the price is very reasonable too. We consider this a must-do tour for foodies!

Read more: Best food tours in NYC

17 – Free Walking Tour: VIP Financial District Stroll

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 1008 reviews )

“Omar was a great guide. It was a great introduction to the city. I will highly recommend this tour to everyone visiting NYC for the first time.” Sameer, Guruwalk

Where modern skyscrapers contrast centuries-old churches and taverns; where the oldest immigration hub meets Wall Street ; where the sobering 9/11 Memorial stands, the Financial District is so much more than finance.

This tour highlights the district’s most iconic landmarks — think the New York Stock Exchange , Trinity Church, Federal Hall and the Freedom Tower . Like you would on Wall Street tours , you’ll wander through the story-filled streets, hearing all about the city’s rich history, its status as the nation’s economic heart, and the impact of major events like the 9/11.

The best part? It’s a totally free walking tour, making the Guru Walk one of the best cheap things to do in New York City .

• free walking tours in NYC

Informative, entertaining, and totally free! What’s not to love? Besides being experts in local history and culture, Omar, William and the Guru Walk team are also happy to give recommendations on what to do later on. If you’re on a budget, we couldn’t speak any higher of this tour.

18 – High Line and Chelsea Small Group Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 699 reviews )

“We loved the entire tour. Especially the stories about the meatpacking district were fascinating. Great mixture of History, current facts and humour.” Clara, Viator

A former elevated railway line transformed into a modern urban park , the High Line has rapidly risen the ranks to become one of the Big Apple’s must-visit attractions.

The ExperienceFirst small group tour reveals the history and architecture of the area, showing off the hidden gems in gentrified Chelsea and the Meatpacking District too (where great food, quaint bars and designer boutiques are aplenty).

Come hungry; a highlight of the tour is a walkthrough of the buzzing Chelsea Market – a hundred-year-old former factory that’s now home to more than 50 shops and eateries.

Based on the flawless 5-star ratings, the people have voted this one of the best NYC city tours.

Chelsea and the Meatpacking District have so much character! Jon, Ben, Evan, Maki and the whole ExperienceFirst team share great stories as you stroll through the charming streets.

You’ll learn about the economy, the architecture, the history and the culture all in one — we’d definitely suggest giving this tour a go!

19  – New York City: The Sopranos Filming Locations Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 146 reviews )

“Great tour which took us to most of the sopranos regular filming sights! Would recommend to get better insight and little places you wouldn’t think of as we had considered hiring a car and doing ourselves but never would have spotted so much.” Katie, Viator

Walk in the shadows of Tony, Jennifer, Christopher and the rest of the Soprano gang on this fascinating Sopranos tour that takes you to all of their famous filming locations .

With the On Location Tours experts (read: diehard Soprano fans) leading the way, you’ll see fan-favorite spots like the Bada Bing, Pizzaland, Fr. Phil’s Parish, and no less than 40 more TV-featured haunts. Along the way, expect to hear all kinds of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this beloved show.

If you love the Sopranos, this is easily one of the best NYC city tours.

If you’re a Sopranos diehard, this tour is truly unmissable. You squeeze heaps into 4 hours but everything runs seamlessly. The major haunts are well-documented, but this tour shows off stacks of little places you wouldn’t even think of visiting (or know where to find).

20 – Sex and the City Hotspots Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 1119 reviews )

“Seeing all the places that were important, the tour covered all the seasons. The behind-the-scenes stories were very entertaining. Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar was the best.” Joni, Viator

Whether you’re a Samantha, Carrie, Miranda, or Charlotte, this Sex and the City tour screams out “join me!” for any true fan.

From Steve and Aidan’s Scout Bar (Onieal’s) where the girls have gossiped to cupcake stores they’ve shopped at, even Carrie’s West Village brownstone, you’ll get to see over 40 locations featured in the beloved show.

The On Location Tours team aren’t just chaperones either; they’re SATC fanatics who have carefully crafted this tour to be the ultimate experience for diehard fans – and they’ll share countless behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way.

This is a fantastic way to see lovely parts of Manhattan and discover locations from the beloved series at the same time. Expect loads of interesting trivia, plenty of jokes, and a few delightful SATC surprises. The highlight? Having a Cosmopolitan at Steve and Aiden’s bar, of course! Definitely a must if you love the show❤️

Read more: Sex and the City tours in New York – which one is the best?

21 – Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 264 reviews )

“Great tour of Brooklyn street art. The guide was superb and introduced us to the origin of graffiti in this legendary district of New York. My teenage son loved doing this activity.” Kia, Getyourguide

While Manhattan sits in the spotlight, its East River neighbor flies under the radar. With world-class eateries, stunning waterfront views and a hipster art scene that’s as colorful as its street murals, Brooklyn deserves your daytime attention.

On this street art tour of Bushwick , you’ll uncover the secrets of what’s dubbed the “largest outdoor street art gallery” in NYC , checkout out graffiti (by Fumero, Giz, Dasic and Danielle Mastrion), colorful murals and thought-provoking installations that liven up the area.

You’ll get to meet a real graffiti artist as well, and the Wandering Barman coffee is the cherry on top.

If you like to venture off the beaten path and discover the cultural gems of a city, then this Bushwick street art tour is a great shout.

You’ll learn about the history of graffiti art in New York and don’t have to walk too much to do so! Audrey and the team are knowledgeable and enthusiastic with a sense of humor too. Affordable and worthwhile!

22 – New York City: The Ride Interactive Bus Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 210 reviews )

“The Ride experience totally made our trip to NYC. The reviews and photos on line do not do it true justice. (…) I would recommend this to all ages and guarantee a great time. I would do it again tomorrow.” Clare, Getyourguide

Part city tour, part Broadway musical, and collectively a whole lot of fun!

Combining sightseeing with music and theater, The Ride is an interactive 75-minute bus tour that whisks you through the characteristic streets of Manhattan while entertaining and educating you with live performances .

Unlike typical bus tours, you actually face sideways , with the streets becoming the stage. That means one moment you’ll be serenaded in front of Grand Central, and the next you could be seeing a live ballet show at Bryant Park or a freestyle rap performance at Columbus Circle!

With 3 rows of stadium-style seats, unlike your typical Broadway theater, there’s no bad seat in the house on The Ride .

Embodying the essence of New York, The Ride is one of the best ways to experience the city’s deep-rooted musical theater culture. It combines the best of both worlds – Broadway talent and landmark sightseeing – to show off the city in a way you’ve never seen before.

It’s one of our top picks for NYC city tours!

23 – NYC: Speakeasy Drinks and Prohibition History Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 297 reviews )

“The speakeasy tour was a highlight of our trip for sure! Our guide Jack was awesome and had great drink recommendations. The three bars we went to had great atmosphere and delicious drinks and weren’t places we would have found on our own. Highly recommend!” Brianne, Getyourguide

These days, NYC is chock-full of craft breweries and lavish cocktail bars. But it wasn’t always this way. In the 1920s, Prohibition forced New Yorkers to drink in hiding.

On this NiteTables Experiences walk down memory lane, you’ll travel back in time to experience the roaring ’20s , popping into 3 historical watering holes around Midtown Manhattan.

Unlike most pub crawls in New York City , this one’s heavily educational. Cocktails in hand, you’ll learn about infamous bootleggers, notorious gangsters and the women of the Gilded Age. Overall, not only is it one of the best New York City night tours , it’s one of the best NYC speakeasy tours , period.

The perfect combination of fun and educational, this thirst-quenching tour makes a point to venture away from the cliché tourist spots.

Since drinks aren’t included you have the freedom to order whatever libations take your fancy too. Thanks to Jack, Ariel and the guides being so welcoming and insightful, this tour is an excellent option.

24 – Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 486 reviews )

“After Dyker Heights we got to stop at a great photo spot for the Brooklyn bridge perfect quick pit stop to get some photos before heading back. Highly recommend and would do it again!” Nicole, Viator

When the annual festive season rolls around, the Big Apple lights up like no other city. But there’s one quiet Brooklyn neighborhood that puts the rest to shame: Dyker Heights .

Sure to ignite the holiday cheer , the Tour America excursion whisks you to the most elaborately decorated streets in Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, passing by hundreds of animatronic and inflatable toy soldiers, Santa Clauses, elves and reindeer.

But you’re not just stuck on the bus – on foot , you’ll wander through the neighborhood and get to witness the dazzling, often music-synced houses up close.

The view of the lit-up Brooklyn Bridge at tour’s end is the cherry on top of this Christmas lights tour .

A lovely way to embrace the holiday season magic, this tour shows off a typically unseen part of NYC. Luiz, Alan and the team make it fun, entertaining and insightful, and the lights – well, they’re on another level! We rate this as one of the best NYC Christmas tours.

How to book city tours in NYC?

Don’t wait until you’re in NYC to book your tour. To secure the best price and your preferred timeslot, you need to book in advance.

But rather than spending hours scouring different tour companies, make your life easier by using an all-in-one search engine like TourScanner.

With TourScanner, you can compare all of the tours, prices, reviews and discounts to ensure you’re scoring the best possible deal.

• compare city tours in NYC

Cuenca Tour: The Best of Cuenca Ecuador in 12-Video City Tour

Visiting Ecuador and looking for a great Cuenca tour ? In this post, you’ll get to see the best of the city of Cuenca Ecuador in this 12-video tour of the city.

In this post, I’ve put together our 12 best videos for a great Cuenca driving tour. On this virtual Cuenca tour, you have two options:

• Just sit back and watch. Start the video playlist below – and enjoy your 90-minute Cuenca tour.
• Choose the area you want to see most. Below this video, you’ll see a list of the areas we’ve covered – and you can choose the video of the specific area you want to see most.

Ready to get started? Let’s go – your Cuenca tour bus is now departing!

Cuenca City Tour (12 Video Playlist)

In this playlist, you’ll visit the most popular areas of the city. The first video is a time-lapse of a bus tour around Cuenca.

Then we slow it down as we visit the main streets and neighborhoods in the city.

Cuenca Tour: Street by City Street:  For a time lapse bus trip around Cuenca, jump to the end of the post.

Tour of Baños in Cuenca Ecuador (Driving via a Baños)

On this drive, we start on Avenida de las Americas and travel the full length of via a Baños to the large blue church.

For many years, we lived at the foot of via a Baños and know it well. We’ve hiked extensively in the roads and hills above the blue church. There is a small produce market in front of the church on the weekends. The views from the parking lots are amazing.

You’ll also find a number of hotels with hot springs in Baños.

Tour of Avenida Remigio Crespo in Cuenca

Av. Remigio Crespo runs from Avenida de las Americas (at the Feria Libre), crosses Avenida Loja and continues to Avenida Solano (by the stadium).

Remigio Crespo runs through two parroquias (parishes):  El Batán and Sucre.

There are many nice restaurants on the lower (Solano) end of Remigio Crespo. There are also a number of apartment towers, furniture stores and bike shops in this area. SRI (Ecuador’s national tax office – like the American IRS) is located here.

Why I Like Avenida Remigio Crespo:  Remigio Crespo Avenue is one of my favorite streets for walking. It has really wide sidewalks, plenty of trees and a lot to do. There are a couple of parks, a number of coffee shops and lots of stores. What’s not to like?

Tour of Avenida Loja, Cuenca, Ecuador

Now we’ll tour the length of Avenida Loja in Cuenca, Ecuador. Starting at Avenida de las Americas and ending at Avenida 12 de Abril (runs parallel to the Tomebamba River).

This area is affectionately known as Gringolandia by both expats and locals. Because of the number of apartment towers and its closeness to Supermaxi (a high-end grocery store) many expats start their lives in Ecuador on this street.

Tour of Gringolandia in Cuenca, Ecuador (Avendia Ordoñez Lazo)

Within walking distance of Gringolandia, you’ll find the Cuenca Orchidarium, an  English-speaking dentist , and Plaza de las Americas – home of Supermaxi (1 of 3 in Cuenca) and SuKasa .

This area is close to both the city center and the airport. There are many stores nearby and there are nice walking trails along the Tomebamba River which runs parallel to the Avenue.

The majority of buildings in this area are security buildings and the area is known to be safe. After we were robbed , we moved to one of the apartment towers for a year.

Avenida Ordoñez Lazo is located in the parroquia (parish) of San Sebastián.

How Do You Spell Ordoñez Lazo?  It’s a good question. We’ve seen it spelled at least three different ways:

• Ordoñez Laso
• Ordoñez Lasso
• Ordoñez Lazo

We’ve noticed that consistent spelling isn’t that important in Ecuador. Many towns have multiple spellings – even multiple names. Sometimes two signs within sight of each other will spell the town name differently.

Visiting Supermaxi El Vergel in Cuenca

This is an area you’ll come to know well. There are a number of government offices, TV Cable (internet/cable provider), and Supermaxi. 

This video shows how to get to Supermaxi (El Vergel) and Parque de la Madre from Avenida Solano.

What’s Nearby Supermaxi (El Vergel) and Parque de la Madre:  This video travels from Avenida Remigio Crespo, crossing Avenida Solano and going around Estadio de Cuenca – where the local soccer team plays.

After passing Supermaxi, we continue on to Parque de la Madre (with the new McDonalds restaurant on the right). We continue past Millennium Plaza and merge into Avenida 12 de Abril.

Supermaxi Grocery Stores in Cuenca

The Supermaxi shown in the video is just one of three here in Cuenca. Here are the three Supermaxi locations:

• Supermaxi El Vergel:  as shown on the video, it is located just two blocks from the stadium on the corner of Alfonso Cordero Palacios.
• Supermaxi Las Americas: on the corner of Avenida Ordoñez Lazo and Avenida de las Americas in the Plaza de las Americas. Enter the Plaza off of Camino del Tejar.
• Supermaxi Miraflores: located just two blocks from the airport on Av. Elia Liut and  Gil Ramirez.

Cuenca Tour: Driving to Mall del Rio

Mall del Rio is the largest shopping center in Cuenca, Ecuador. In this video, you’ll see how to drive there from the old city along Avenida Solano.

Drive Avenida Don Bosco on Your Cuenca Tour

On this drive, we start at Tres Puentes (3 Bridges) on Avenida Solano and travel the full length of Avenida Don Bosco to Avenida de las Americas. This road runs almost parallel to Avenida Primero de Mayo.

Avenida Don Bosco is famous for its roast cuy and pork – sold right on the street. Read more about pork and cuy .

Cuenca Tour of Avenida Primero de Mayo

On this drive, we start on Avenida de las Americas and travel down Primero de Mayo. On the left, is the Yanuncay River.

As we come to the end of the video, we arrive at the redondel tres puentes (Three Bridges Rotary) and turn right onto Avenida Don Bosco.

What’s Nearby on Primero de Mayo?  This road is great for walkers. There is a nice sidewalk – separated from the main road and runs along the Yanuncay river. There are many green areas and parks the length of the road.

Cuenca City Tour of Avendia 10 de Agosto, Parque Paraiso and Solca

On this drive we’ll start on Avenida del Paraiso by Solca (Cuenca’s famous cancer clinic) and pass Parque Paraiso. We travel the full length of the Avenue to Avenida Loja.

To the left of Avenida 10 de Agosto is the Yanuncay River. As we drive, we go through a number of redondels (traffic circles or roundabouts).

Driving Tour of Avenida Solano, Cuenca

We begin on 12 de Abril (at the foot of the stairs heading to El Centro) and travel toward 3 Puentes. At the beginning of the Avenue, you’ll see the headquarters of Banco Pichincha.

What’s Nearby on Avenida Solano, Cuenca?  At the corner of 12 de Abril and Solano (where the video begins) you can go left (on foot) and head up into the city center on a walking tour.

Also at that intersection, you’ll see the main office for Banco Pichincha in Cuenca. If you follow Solano from one end to the other, you’ll cross Remigio Crespo, 10 de Agosto, Primero de Mayo and Don Bosco. Avenida Solano ends at Tres Puentes (Three Bridges). From there, it’s super close to Mall del Rio.

And there you have it. Our top 12 Cuenca tour videos. 

How did we shoot these videos? These were all shot with a GoPro and Fat Gecko Suction Mount  mounted to the inside of the windshield of our ’94 Trooper. The bus tour time lapse was shot with our GoPro mounted on the UltraClamp  on top of a double-decker bus.

Double-Decker Bus Time Lapse in Cuenca

Over the past year, we’ve published a number of driving videos around Cuenca Ecuador . In this video, we want to share something a little different. This video is a complete timelapse of the two-hour double-decker bus trip around Cuenca.

We shot this video on top of the large red double-decker bus. You can catch it at Parque Calderon in Cuenca’s downtown.

Note:  As you’ll notice in the video, the bus loops around the main park (Parque Calderon) before leaving the downtown.

Tour of Cuenca Ecuador: Double-Decker Bus Time Lapse (7:24)

This video lasts 7 minutes 24 seconds. Would you like to see more detail? Check out the second video for the same trip at half the speed.

Tour of Cuenca Ecuador: Time Lapse Video (Half Speed 15:06)

This video is identical to the first one, except that is slowed to half speed. If you are thinking of moving to Cuenca, this might be the one for you.

Have you taken a city tour of Cuenca? What’s your favorite area? Planning a trip? What area do you want to see most?

Hi, I'm Bryan Haines . And I'm a co-founder of Storyteller.Travel . I'm a traveler and photographer.

I also blog about photography on Storyteller Tech .

Similar Posts

10 Tips for Shopping at an Open Market in Ecuador (11 Spanish Phrases)

The attraction for many gringos, of traveling and living in a foreign country, is the thrill of traditional open markets. When we first arrived here, we heard everything from: “everything is so cheap” and “its such nice / fresh / beautiful / unique products here” to “don’t go there – you’ll get robbed or mugged”…

Guide to Mall del Rio in Cuenca Ecuador (Maps and Photos)

Today, we’re going to visit Mall del Rio in Cuenca, Ecuador. The largest mall in the city, Mall del Rio, will have you wondering if you even left your hometown. This probably isn’t what you thought would be in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains. A large multi-screen theater, bowling alley, huge food court, and over 220 other…

Guide to Visiting Salinas Ecuador: How’s the Beach?

Ecuador is for hiking and jungle exploring – right? Who goes to Ecuador for the beach? That’s what Mexico and Aruba and the D.R. is for, isn’t it? Check out this new video – and let us know what you think. This guide is a work in progress. We’ll be updating this in the coming…

How to Send and Receive Mail and Shipments in Ecuador

We receive lots of review materials. Mostly books, but some software too. Some publishers are hesitant to ship to Ecuador, telling me that their shipping department is “unable” to ship out of the US. Other publishers (especially Wiley) must have broken the difficult shipping secret because I regularly receive review copies from them. I have…

How to Buy a Vehicle in Ecuador (Plus Ownership Costs) What I Learned

Buying a car is something we swore we would never do when we moved here a year and a half ago. We were terrified of the style of driving and the apparent lack of road rules. Well, we’ve loosened up a lot since then, and we are ready to be independently mobile once again. Our…

Can I Bring My Pets to Ecuador? Flights, Litter, Culture Shock

Our pets often become a part of our families. So when we relocate, it opens up the question of how to move them to our new city. In this post, we’ll cover moving pets to Ecuador, how to fly with a pet, litter training a dog for apartment living, and how a new pet can…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports

Jelly Roll adds stop in Kansas City for “Beautifully Broken” tour

by: Olivia Johnson

Posted: Jun 26, 2024 / 08:55 AM CDT

Updated: Jun 26, 2024 / 08:55 AM CDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jelly Roll, the “multi-genre hit-making entertainer” and musician, has extended his “Beautifully Broken” tour with 15 new dates, including a stop at Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center this year.

Jelly shared the news about his added tour locations at Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday where he also debuted a song from his new and upcoming album, “Burning.”

The new shows will also feature opening performances from “breakout newcomers” ERNEST, Shaboozey and Allie Colleen.

The Grammy-nominated and Nashville-based singer will make his pit stop in Kansas City on Nov. 13, following two other performances in Missouri and a stop in Kansas. Here are the dates:

• Wichita, Kan. at INTRUST Bank Arena — Oct. 15
• Springfield, Mo. at Great Southern Bank Arena — Oct. 16
• St. Louis, Mo. at Enterprise Center — Oct. 23

Pre-sale tickets will be available for the Kansas City show to Citi cardmembers and Verizon Access customers and will open on Thursday at 10 a.m. and end on Sunday at 10 p.m. General on-sale tickets begin on Monday, July 1 at 10 a.m. at jellyroll615.com .

Fans will also be able to purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium seats, a backstage tour, group photos, access to a VIP lounge, a limited edition tour poster and more depending on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com .

Suggest a Correction

Stanley finally invented a way to carry your big, ….

Stanley just announced its newest product: The Cross Bottle, a tumbler that’s absolutely made for people who are on the go.

Get up to 50% off during Best Buy’s Fourth of July …

Best Buy is having a huge Fourth of July sale on major appliances where you can save up to thousands of dollars.

Stay safe from fires and mosquitoes with these solar …

If you are new to electric solar-powered torches, we have you covered with the information you need to find the flame-free torches that will work best outdoors.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Daily Headlines

Entertainment newsletter, breaking news, trending stories, extras wanted for chiefs hallmark movie in kansas …, 25 kc-area grocery stores to close early tuesday, crews respond to house fire at former kc mayor’s …, “don’t drown. turn around.”: leavenworth preps for …, 119th street ramps closed in overland park, missouri woman accused of poisoning husband’s soda, bestreviews.com - top picks to make everyone happy, amazon announces prime day will return july 16 and …, viral tiktok products on sale for prime day, best prime day home deals 2024, our diy expert weighs in on the best father’s day …, best prime day electronics deals 2024, best prime day kitchen and cookware deals 2024, kansas city area events.

Utah & Salt Lake City Tours

Choose your tour.

• Calendar Monday – Saturday
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour

Our most popular tour for 40 years! Join us on a comprehensive 20-mile adventure around Salt Lake City, including several stops at top attractions.

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Great Salt Lake Tour

Hear the myths and mysteries of Great Salt Lake from a local expert on this two-hour sightseeing bus tour filled with entertaining stories and fascinating facts!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 1.5 hours

Trolley Adventure Tour of Salt Lake City

A one-of-a-kind sightseeing show-tour of Salt Lake City’s historical attractions! We blend the theatrical performance and storytelling of professional actors with a 90-minute guided tour to create a unique experience that’s fun for all ages.

• Calendar Sunday and Thursday
• Hour Glass 3.5 hours

Tabernacle Choir Performance with Salt Lake City Tour

Experience the world-famous Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square combined with the bestselling Ultimate Salt Lake City Tour!

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Copper Mine of Utah Tour

Experience this engineering wonder of the world known to be the biggest excavation in history on a 75-mile adventure.

Search for an Upcoming Tour!

Searching available tours for . . .

Showing Tours for -

Salt Lake City Tours

City Sights is Salt Lake City’s premier sightseeing bus tour company for over 40 years running. We offer several guided tours of top Utah attractions every day. Our tours include entertaining narration by expert local guides, each with over a decade of professional experience. Explore the sights of Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake, Bingham Canyon Mine of Kennecott Utah Copper, attend a Tabernacle Choir performance, and experience the one-of-a-kind “show-tour” of Salt Lake City: the Trolley Adventure! Join us on a tour today.

Five-Star Rating on TripAdvisor!

Highly recommend the Salt Lake City Tour w/ Tabernacle Organ Performance. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided a great history of the city as well as points of interest along the tour. The Tabernacle Organ recital was spectacular. Thanks to the tour guide for a great experience for two first time visitors to Salt Lake City!

I did all 3 tours..The 5 hour City tour on a Sunday, so saw the Tabernacle choir..a must! I also did the Copper mine and the Great Salt Lake tour. The weather was poor for the copper canyon tour, but it was lovely by the afternoon for the Lake tour! All the buses arrived on time and all 3 drivers drove with care and were really informative!

There is a lot to see during this tour, the highlight being the choir performance - visually and musically beautiful. With so much to see, our guide was a key component to making the tour the fun time it was. He was very knowledgeable and did a great job. You could tell he loved talking about his city and its heritage.

Our guide and bus driver was an excellent people person. Gave us all an indepth talk on history of Salt Lake City whilst showing travellers all of the city's attractions. He got to know where we all came from ,made us feel at ease and offered great loal advice. Overall a very enjoyable 3.5 hr tour.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• New York City

And Just Like That, NYC's 'Sex and the City' Bus Tour Is Back

Grab your friends and pour yourself a cosmo.

And just like that, everyone is talking about Sex and the City again.

In December 2021, HBO Max gave Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda fans (sorry, Samantha stans) the gift of a Sex and the City reboot. With the shows re-emergence, it's only fitting that one more time-honored SATC-era tradition resurface: the wildly popular Sex and the City bus tour. After a pandemic-related hiatus, the iconic tour returned to the streets of New York City last year, and now, it includes plenty of nods to And Just Like That .

"Go on location and shop, drink, and gossip at real NYC locations," On Locations Tours shares about its Sex and the City bus tour on its website. "This tour includes more than 40 locations featured in the Sex and the City series and the movies, a journey that will have you wine-ing and dining at fashionable places all over New York City."

Along the way, the company says, guests will see all the bars, restaurants, bakeries, and shops featured in the show. Passengers will even get to participate in games and score special discounts right from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus.

"So whether you're in the city looking for a job, a boyfriend, or maybe even an apartment, we can at least promise…a drink along the way," the tour adds.

The tour departs near Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (exact location given upon ticket purchase). The public tour costs $66 for adults and is offered daily at 2 p.m. Private tours are also available daily at $135/person (for a minimum of three guests), and a limo buyout option is available for $750 (for up to five guests).

Key stops include Carrie's famous brownstone stoop in the West Village, a stop in at Scavolini, an Italian kitchenware company in SoHo, which was converted into a cafe featured on Sex and the City , and of course, a stop at Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake.

Related Articles

Recommended

Taylor swift and travis kelce leave london eras tour show hand in hand after onstage surprise.

• View Author Archive
• Follow on X
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

So long, London.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift left her third and final Eras Tour show in London hand in hand, as seen in a fan video .

The Kansas City Chiefs player, 34, was spotted waiting for the pop star in an all-white outfit and a bucket hat as she chatted with someone on Sunday.

THEY ARE DRESSED NICE WHERE ARE THEY GOING?! pic.twitter.com/5h9AUKB8aP — Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) June 23, 2024

After wrapping up her conversation, Swift stepped into frame in a pink dress and heels, reaching for her partner’s hand as they walked down a ramp.

“THEY ARE DRESSED NICE WHERE ARE THEY GOING?!” one X user asked.

Another gushed , “going on a date after a 3+ hour show?! and they say love is dead.”

Swift, also 34, kicked off her England performances on Friday and rolled right into another show on Saturday.

Kelce was spotted at Wembley Stadium for all three concerts, even making a surprise onstage appearance for the final show.

He joined two of her backup dancers during the “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” transition, fanning himself during the songwriter’s subsequent wardrobe change.

Swift will have a few days off before hitting the stage in Dublin next week.

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

Please provide a valid email address.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

Kelce, who is in his NFL offseason, last attended one of his girlfriend’s shows in Paris in May, making headlines for dancing with Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid .

The athlete remained abroad for a Lake Como getaway with Swift.

The couple stayed in a luxurious private villa , which cost $21,000 per night, and he filmed his and brother Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast from somewhere “in Europe.”

The tight end gushed about Swift’s “unbelievable” skills while urging listeners to catch her upcoming tour stops.

“It has her new ‘Tortured Poets Department,’ a handful of those songs in the new show, which means  there’s a new segment , new lights, new dancing and everything,” Travis said at the time. “I enjoyed every bit of it.”

The three-time Super Bowl winner hadn’t met Swift when he first attended an Eras Tour show in Missouri in July 2023 — although he did try to give her his phone number on a friendship bracelet.

While he was “disappointed” Swift didn’t talk to him at the time, news broke two months later that the duo were dating .

When the “Catching Kelce” alum next attended one of her shows in Buenos Aires in November 2023, the couple were caught on camera embracing and kissing .

He has since watched Swift perform in Singapore and Sydney, showing PDA both times.

Share this article:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Advertisement

Advertisement

Supported by

Pilgrim Deaths in Mecca Put Spotlight on Underbelly of Hajj Industry

More than 1,300 people died, and a Saudi official said most of them were not registered for the pilgrimage. That left them with little protection from the heat.

• Share full article

By Emad Mekay and Vivian Nereim

Emad Mekay reported from Cairo and Vivian Nereim from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

More than 1,300 people died making the Islamic pilgrimage of hajj in Saudi Arabia this month, the vast majority of whom the Saudi government said did not have permits. Many walked for miles in scorching heat after paying thousands of dollars to illicit or fraudulent tour operators.

While pilgrims with permits are transported around the holy city of Mecca in air-conditioned buses and rest in air-conditioned tents, unregistered ones are often exposed to the elements. In recent days, as temperatures surpassed 120 degrees, some pilgrims described watching people faint and passing bodies in the street.

On Sunday, in an interview on state television, the Saudi health minister, Fahd al-Jalajel, said that 83 percent of the 1,301 reported deaths involved pilgrims who lacked permits.

“The rise in temperatures during the hajj season represented a big challenge this year,” he said. “Unfortunately — and this is painful for all of us — those who didn’t have hajj permits walked long distances under the sun.”

Mr. al-Jalajel’s remarks came after days of silence from the Saudi government over the fatalities during the hajj, an arduous and deeply spiritual ritual that Muslims are encouraged to perform once in their lifetimes if they are physically and financially able.

With nearly two million participating each year, it is not unusual for pilgrims to die from heat stress, illness or chronic disease. It is unclear if the number of deaths this year was higher than usual, because Saudi Arabia does not regularly report those statistics. Last year, 774 pilgrims died from Indonesia alone, and in 1985, more than 1,700 people died around the holy sites, most of them from heat stress, a study at the time found.

But because so many of those who died had no permits, this year’s toll exposed an underbelly of tour operators and smugglers around the world who profit off Muslims desperate to make the journey.

The deaths also laid bare what appeared to be a wide-scale failure of Saudi immigration and security procedures aimed at preventing unregistered pilgrims from reaching the holy sites, including a security cordon around Mecca that locks down weeks before hajj.

Despite those efforts, an estimated 400,000 undocumented people tried to perform the pilgrimage this year, a senior Saudi official told Agence France-Presse, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The hajj has also been the scene of several catastrophes over the years, including a stampede in 2015 that killed more than 2,200 people .

Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment.

In interviews with The New York Times, however, hajj tour operators, pilgrims and relatives of the dead described easily exploited loopholes that allow people to travel to the kingdom with a tourist or visitor visa ahead of hajj, usually assisted by tour operators in their home countries. Once they arrive, they find a network of illegal brokers and smugglers who offer their services and sometimes abandon them to fend for themselves, they said.

The number of unregistered pilgrims appears to have been driven up this year by rising economic desperation in countries like Egypt and Jordan. An official hajj package can cost more than $5,000 or $10,000, depending on a pilgrim’s country of origin — beyond the means of many hoping to make the trip.

Marwa, a 32-year-old Egyptian woman whose parents performed hajj without an official permit this year, said that they had paid around $2,000 for their journey, facilitated by an agent in Egypt and a broker in Saudi Arabia. They felt that they had to go soon because, as Egypt’s currency loses value , their savings shrink every year, she said. Marwa asked to be identified only by her first name to avoid legal repercussions.

Several countries with large numbers of deceased pilgrims have moved quickly to contain the fallout.

On Friday, the president of Tunisia, which counted more than 50 pilgrims among the dead, fired the country’s religious affairs minister. In Jordan, which recorded the deaths of at least 99 pilgrims, the public prosecutor opened an investigation into illegal hajj routes. And in Egypt, the authorities said that they would revoke the licenses of 16 companies that issued visas to pilgrims without providing adequate services.

“There’s so much greed around this business,” said Iman Ahmed, a co-owner of El-Iman Tours in Cairo.

Ms. Ahmed said that she refused to send unregistered pilgrims on hajj packages but that other Egyptian tour operators and Saudi brokers made big money doing so.

One unregistered pilgrim who died was Safaa al-Tawab, a grandmother from the Egyptian city of Luxor, according to her brother, Ahmed al-Tawab. Ms. al-Tawab, 55, had not been able to obtain a hajj permit but found an Egyptian tour company to take her for around $3,000, he said.

Ms. al-Tawab did not realize that she was violating the rules when she traveled to Saudi Arabia, her brother said, and after she arrived, she told relatives that she had been put in inadequate housing and prevented from going outside. While the tour operator had promised air-conditioned buses to take the pilgrims around Mecca, she instead found herself walking for miles in the heat, Mr. al-Tawab said.

Before the hajj, the Saudi authorities posted billboards and sent a barrage of text messages reminding people that it is illegal to perform the pilgrimage without a permit; violators face fines, deportation and bans on re-entering the kingdom.

Entry to Mecca was barred weeks before hajj for visitors without permits. Yet many pilgrims were able to evade the restrictions, arriving in Mecca early and hiding out, or paying smugglers to ferry them into the city.

One Jordanian pilgrim, who asked to be identified only as Um Abdulrahman, a nickname, because she feared repercussions, said that she encountered several smugglers to help her move around Mecca, including one who charged around $200 to drive her into the city over a rocky mountain route. But she ended up walking for hours in the sun without access to water or bathrooms, she said.

At one point, the police briefly detained her group, wrote down their names and left them in the middle of nowhere, she said. Um Abdulrahman, 49, said she knew her journey was illegal, but that she had not fully grasped the risks.

Even for the young and fit, the hajj is a physically challenging event, and many pilgrims are elderly or ailing by the time they can make the journey. Some believe that the hajj might be their final rite, and that dying in Mecca will confer great blessings.

The Saudi government deploys measures to reduce the effects of extreme heat, including spraying pilgrims with mists of water. One recent study estimated that the incidence of heat stroke at hajj had actually declined — although the researchers warned that could shift as worsening heat caused by climate change outpaces measures to mitigate it.

Abdulhalim Dahir, 31, a Kenyan pilgrim who made the hajj with his brother and father using official permits, said that his journey was smooth, with air-conditioned tents, air-conditioned buses and easy access to water.

“It was an amazing experience — once in a lifetime,” he said.

But even some who were in Mecca legally complained about inadequate facilities for the heat.

Makhdoom Ali, 36, a Pakistani computer engineer who traveled there with his 65-year-old mother, said he had seen several pilgrims collapse from heat exhaustion with no immediate assistance available.

“Many lives could have been saved with better government arrangements,” Mr. Ali said.

Mr. al-Jalajel, the health minister, said that one quarter of the health services provided during hajj were rendered to undocumented pilgrims. “We look at them as a pilgrim, regardless of their permit, race or nationality,” he said.

Among the dead were at least two Americans.

Isatu Wurie, 65, and Alieu Wurie, 71 — Maryland residents — had saved for years to make the pilgrimage, paying $23,000 to a local tour operator, said their daughter, Saida Wurie.

But after they arrived in Mecca, the operator told them to stay in their hotel until permits were issued for them, they told their daughter. Her parents were frustrated because they had believed they were going “by the book,” Ms. Wurie said.

They were still able to perform some of the initial rituals of hajj, and they were “so excited to see the Kaaba,” she said — the cubic structure that Muslims believe was the first house of worship.

The last message she received from her mother said that a bus to take them to one of the sites had not arrived, and that they had been walking for two hours instead.

Despite her frustration at the tour operator, as well as the difficulty of locating their bodies — buried in Mecca — Ms. Wurie believes her parents were filled with joy in their final days.

“They died doing exactly what they wanted to do,” she said. “They’ve always wanted to make it to hajj.”

Hager ElHakeem, Rana F. Sweis , Zia ur-Rehman , Saif Hasnat , Mujib Mashal , Safak Timur , Aida Alami and Muktita Suhartono contributed reporting.

Vivian Nereim is the lead reporter for The Times covering the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. More about Vivian Nereim