If you asked me 10 years ago to join you on a city walk I might have raised my eyebrows. What a shame! Because I learned in the last years how fantastic city walks can be. And what a perfect way it is to discover a city.

There are a lot of initiatives for free city walks. The idea is simple. Someone shows you the town and if you enjoyed the walk you tip your guide.

In Chile and Argentina I joined 5 city walks with Tours4Tips. Online I found out when the city walks started and where the meeting points were. Tours4Tips offers ‘traditional’ walks, but ‘off the beaten track’-walks as well. I decided to several tours. And I didn’t regret it.

Where is Wally? (Tours4Tips (in Chile and Argentina))

Finding the guides was easy, they all wore a white and red striped ‘where is Wally’-shirt and would also listen to ‘Wally’ if you forgot their names. All the guides I met were very humoristic, honest and enthusiastic about their cities. They gave insider views and told us about pretty delicate (political) subjects. In Chile I learned a lot about the recent history of the country. About the coup in 1973 and about Salvador Allendes famous speech, with the sound of bombing on the background, before he was executed.  

Workers of my country, I have faith in Chile and its destiny. Other men will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason seeks to prevail. Go forward knowing that, sooner rather than later, the great avenues will open again where free men will walk to build a better society.

Goosebumps all over, if you listen to it: 

. And a good way to better understand the way people are still affected by this dark period of time.

Not just politics

The tours weren’t just about politics. One guide showed us the buzzling markets of Santiago, and many guides let us taste some of the typical local food ánd drinks of Chile. In Valparaiso I learned a lot about the beautiful street art and culture of this city. And lastly some of the best restaurants I visited, were recommended by the guides. At the end of the tours they take the time to answer all questions you have about the city!

So, next time someone asks me to join a city walk I won’t hesitate and definitely go!