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Deciding whether to take a city tour, and which one, at a foreign destination can be puzzling, particularly when travelers have a limited amount of time.
Usually there are several attractions that have some name value or other recognition factors to justify a visit. Planning which places to visit, and whether on your own or with a tour, can help save money, time and misadventures.
Using the local tourist office can provide valuable insights including the availability of discount programs for all travelers and some tailored for seniors and youths/students. Options in walking tours can also be discovered. Some cities also have city passes which, depending on your interests and time frame, can be better than taking a city tour
Here are some pointers on evaluating city tours:
First, the conventional wisdom is that by taking a city tour you can get an overview of the destination, and that you can then return to those places that most interest you. This is true, but you must have sufficient time to return, which isn't always the case.
Always find out what you will see only from your tour vehicle and what you will get out and visit on foot; and if you emerge from the vehicle, how much time will you have for the visit before needing to reboard? Moving on a group basis invariably eats up some time. There are some tours which allow you to get off and on as you wish on circuits that hit major attractions. And find out if there will be a guide along or just recorded information?
One option is to just take the city tour to a place you particularly want to see (especially if you get a guide at the site) and then go your own way; but you would have to pay full price and return to your hotel or departure point on your own.
One key advantage of city tours is that you get an explanation of what you see in English. Another advantage is often that admission rates as a group should be lower than if you paid independently; and you should get some preferential treatment, moving in and out of places more quickly. You might also get into some exhibits not otherwise open to the public.
Some other specifics: how far an attraction is
from your hotel; what the admission charges, if any, are; hours open, and whether it's in a safe neighborhood to venture to and through if you choose to go on your own. It's quite possible that one or more major attractions may be within walking distance of your hotel but many of the other and lesser places on the city tour may require transportation to reach. Such knowledge can easily influence your decision.
The use of public transportation to get to
and from your hotel to attractions can consume a good deal of time and money, which is why a city pass may work out better than a city tour.
Another important consideration, particularly for places more difficult to reach by foot, is to find out exactly where a public transportation vehicle would drop you. Tour buses would probably take you to the entrance, but a public bus/subway might let you off a considerable distance away.
It's a good idea to pick up material about your destination, specifically on city tours, which can start right at the airport where many tourist organizations maintain desks. The front desks of your hotel often have gratis brochures, and some have concierges who can provide useful suggestions. Overall, a visit to the local tourist
office should be well worthwhile.
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