app for self guided tours

18 Best Websites & Apps for Self Guided Tours

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Don’t like traveling in groups? Do you prefer to experience a destination on your own?

Discover the best apps and sites for self-guided tours and enjoy an interactive way to navigate through an attraction or a location while also getting the benefits of a traditional tour guide.

Pick your favorite provider and be your own tour guide for your next holiday. 🙂

Best Apps & Websites for Self Guided Tours

We hope you enjoyed our selection of self guided tours sites & apps. Don’t hesitate to comment below if you wish to recommend other providers.

Wishing you an excellent time and travel safe!! 🙂

10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps to Explore More for Less!

• October 27, 2023
• Lauren Stuttaford

Let’s step into a world of self-guided exploration and uncover the hidden gems of iconic destinations like London, Rome, New York City, and Paris. That’s right, we’ve put together a list of the best self-guided walking tour apps. Imagine strolling long cobblestone streets, discovering charming neighborhoods, and immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, all at your own pace. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best self-guided walking tour apps that will transform your tourist experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Say goodbye to rigid itineraries and hello to the freedom of discovering these renowned cities on your terms. Lace up those walking shoes!

10 Best Self-Guided Walking Tour Apps

Perfect for Scavenger Hunt-Style Exploration

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Location: Available worldwide

Available: iOS and Android

• Create thrilling scavenger hunt adventures for friends or family.
• Customize challenges and missions for an interactive experience.
• Real-time tracking to keep an eye on your fellow explorers.
• Engaging leaderboards for competitive outdoor fun.
• Ideal for team building, parties, and educational quests.

Goosechase turns any location into an exciting scavenger hunt. Whether you’re exploring a new city or simply want to add an adventurous twist to a day out, this app takes your outdoor escapades to a whole new level. Whish is why it’s earned a spot on our list of best app for self-guided walking tours. It’s perfect for families, friends, and team-building activities, making every step you take an opportunity for adventure and fun.

PocketSights

Perfect for Exploring With a Wealth of Historical Insights

• Access a rich library of self-guided tours in various cities.
• Offline maps and GPS navigation for seamless exploration.
• Dive deep into history with engaging audio guides and multimedia content.
• User-friendly platform ideal for tourists and history enthusiasts.
• Explore hidden gems and untold stories in popular tourist destinations.

PocketSights isn’t just like ordinary self-guided walking tour apps, it allows you to learn historical and cultural knowledge as you explore the streets and landmarks. Offline maps and user-friendly features, mean you can explore the past and unearth fascinating stories that bring each destination to life.

STQRY Guide

Perfect for Immersive Cultural and Historical Tours

• Explore a diverse collection of interactive stories and tours.
• Immerse yourself in museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.
• Enjoy offline content availability for uninterrupted tours.
• Share your experiences with fellow travelers.
• User-friendly platform designed for tourists and history enthusiasts.

STQRY Guide is undoubtedly one of the best free self-guided walking tour app. It’s ideal for travelers looking for immersive cultural and historical tours in popular tourist destinations worldwide. It’s got an extensive library of interactive stories, so you can explore museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks like never before. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, STQRY Guide provides a seamless, offline experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace and share your discoveries with others.

Roadside America App

Perfect for Discovering Quirky and Unique Attractions

Price: $4.99

Location: Covers the United States and parts of Canada

• Unearth offbeat and bizarre roadside attractions.
• Navigate with detailed maps and directions.
• Discover hidden gems, oddities, and curiosities.
• Plan memorable road trips with customizable itineraries.
• User-friendly interface for all adventure seekers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, this one offers up something no other apps do. The Roadside America app helps you uncover the weird and wonderful world of offbeat roadside attractions across the United States and Canada. From giant rubber band balls to quirky museums and oddball landmarks, this app is perfect for discovering hidden gems and curiosities. Plus, detailed maps, directions, and customizable itineraries, mean you can plan unforgettable road trips filled with unique experiences.

Perfect for Curated City Tours and Local Recommendations

Location: Covers popular cities worldwide

• Access a treasure trove of expert-curated city tours.
• Discover hidden local gems, foodie hotspots, and cultural experiences.
• Offline maps and navigation for seamless exploration.
• Create custom itineraries based on your interests.
• Capture memories with in-app photo and journal features.

TripScout is a well-loved option on this list of best self-guided walking tour apps, mainly because it offers authentically curated city tours and insider recommendations in popular cities across the globe. It gives you access to a wealth of expert-curated content, so you can easily find hidden local gems, savor culinary delights, and immerse yourself in cultural experiences. You can also explore even when you don’t have an internet connection, since the app provides offline maps and navigation. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or simply an adventurous traveler, TripScout is worth download one of the best self-guided tour apps!

Rick Steve’s Audio Europe

Perfect for In-Depth Exploration of European Destinations

Price: Free

Location: Covers various European cities and destinations

• Access a library of immersive audio tours personally narrated by Rick Steve.
• Dive deep into European culture, history, and local insights.
• Offline audio content for on-the-go exploration.
• User-friendly interface suitable for tourists and independent travelers.
• Save and organize your favorite tours for future reference.

Looking for the best self-guided walking tour apps in Europe? Rick Steve’s Audio Europe offers an immersive exploration of European cities and destinations. Be guided across the country by travel expert Rick Steve, and you’ll quickly see why this is one of best city travel self-guided tour apps. Access offline audio content and explore at your own pace, even without an internet connection. Plus, you can save and organize your favorite tours!

Perfect for Guided Tours with Local Narrators

Location: Offers tours in various global destinations

• Explore with captivating audio-guided tours narrated by local experts.
• Discover hidden stories, historical insights, and cultural gems.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted adventures, no need for an internet connection.
• GPS integration ensures you never miss a point of interest.
• Create personalized tours and share your experiences with fellow travelers.

VoiceMap is another one of the best self-guided walking tour apps you should consider downloading. It offers an immersive exploration led by local narrators across diverse global destinations, as well as offline mode and GPS integration – so you never miss a point of interest along the way! Plus, VoiceMap lets you get creative and craft your own personalized tours, making it easy to share your experiences and insider knowledge with fellow travelers.

When it comes to the best self-guided tour apps, VoiceMap is one of our top picks.

Perfect for Self-Guided City Tours and Exploration

Location: Covers numerous cities worldwide

• Access an extensive library of self-guided city tours and travel articles.
• Turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems.
• The flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Ideal for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers.

GPSmyCity is your go-to app walking tour guide app offering a vast library of guided city walks and travel articles. With offline maps and GPS navigation, you can effortlessly explore your chosen destination, receiving turn-by-turn directions to popular landmarks and hidden gems. This walking tour guide app provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it suitable for both first-time tourists and seasoned travelers looking for a deeper dive into a city’s culture and history.

Perfect for Engaging, Location-Based Storytelling

Location: Offers tours worldwide

• Explore destinations with captivating location-based audio tours.
• Access a diverse range of tours covering cultural, historical, and natural highlights.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted travel, no need for an internet connection.
• Create your own tours and share your personal stories with the world.
• A user-friendly platform suitable for curious travelers and history enthusiasts.

GeoTourist offers an immersive, location-based storytelling experience as you explore destinations around the world. And that’s why we think it’s one of the best self-guided walking tour apps. It’s captivating audio tours provide cultural, historical, and natural insights, plus, the app’s offline mode means you can explore, even without an internet connection. You can also become a storyteller yourself by creating your own tours and sharing your personal stories with the world. Nifty, eh? It’s another reason, GeoTourist is one of our favorites for the best self-guided tour apps.

izi.TRAVEL Audio Tours

Perfect for Exploring with Expert-Guided Tours

Location: Covers numerous cities and cultural sites worldwide

• Access a vast collection of expert-guided tours at your fingertips.
• Offline mode for uninterrupted exploration without an internet connection.
• Rich multimedia content enhances your tour experience.
• Personalization options to create a tailored adventure.
• User-friendly platform suitable for tourists and history enthusiasts.

izi.TRAVEL is our final one on the list of apps for self-guided walking tours, and it’s also one of THE best self-guided audio tour apps. It offers expert-guided tours in numerous cities and cultural sites around the world, and personalization options, mean you have the flexibility to create a tailored adventure that suits your interests. Whether you’re a tourist or a history enthusiast, izi.TRAVEL makes every step of your journey more enriching and memorable.

How Air Doctor Can Help

Air Doctor  is an easy-to-use app that connects you with a global network of multi-lingual doctors and specialists so you can access medical care anywhere, anytime.

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Most common medical specialties
• Valid, local prescriptions
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Active in 75 countries
• Telemedicine services in up to 21 languages
• Transparent pricing, and reviews

Download the Air Doctor app and experience the world worry-free.

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Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air dr ceo & co-founder.

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

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Keyboard_arrow_down, explore the places you travel and want to travel., free gps self-guided audio tours - for travelers and virtual travelers, build tours to reach new audiences, interested in building a tour of your location our team is here to answer your questions.

Winner of April 2018 Awards - Best Mobile App Design

Every Place Has A Story To Tell. Expand Your Audiences Even During COVID-19 - TravelStorys high quality tours can be built and enjoyed onsite and remotely, especially designed to enjoy from anywhere.

Find A Tour Near You. Drive, walk, bike or paddle along a tour route at your own pace. Stories about where you are — the history, wildlife, culture, and more — will automatically play as you go.

Hands-Free. Heads Up. Start a tour and let our technology do the rest. Less like an app and more like a private tour guide, TravelStorys works offline and inside a pocket. Download a tour, hit the play button, and focus on your surroundings instead of your device.

Featured tours, check out our newest tours, piermont on the hudson, the history, the river, the village, welcome to arco, idaho, first in the world, explore kirksville, a historic downtown & more.

Explore the early beginnings of the vibrant village of Piermont. Learn about its connection to the Hudson River, its role in the American Revolution, its industrial past and its commercial significance to the country.

Welcome to Arco, Idaho! Arco is a place of transition, where the desert plain meets the mountains, blue streams disappear into black lava, and the urban of Idaho gives way to the wilds of Idaho.

Welcome to this walking tour of Kirksville, Missouri! This tour will take you to Kirksville’s most fascinating and historically significant landmarks, while sharing the stories of the people who made this such an interesting city.

What Users Are Saying

“Awesome App - A must have app for anyone who enjoys learning more about the area they are in. While being entertained by great stories and information. Great job!!!”

“Great idea! - What an innovative idea! So enjoyed my first tour (of Red Mountain Park) by using your app. I look forward to using it at other attractions in the future and have high hopes that all cities will offer this first class format to help enhance the experience of traveling.”

"We used this app in Jackson,WY and through Teton National Park. As we drove through Teton NP, we listened to the historical story of the area. It gave us so much more understanding of the area and added so much to our drive. It’s really easy to use and added so much to our trip. Would gladly use it again."

“Awesome app - This app is great when traveling around Wyoming. The stories told make you appreciate what you are driving or walking through! A must have whether you are a local interested in the history and wildlife or a tourist on the go!”

- Travelstorysgps lover!

“Excellent app! - I love this app! We used it on a recent trip through Grand Teton Park and it provided us with a depth and breadth of information (regarding the park) to which we would not otherwise have access! I look forward to seeing what other tours will be added. Great work!”

- IloveWyomingandtheTetons

“Fantastic road tripping tool! - My family used TravelStorys to plan our trip to Jackson Hole and this app was indispensable! We listened to several of their tours through the Tetons and absolutely loved it. The app spoke to us while driving, so we didn’t have to look at the phone once!”

“Great app for traveling families - When you approach a destination, the app will automatically start, you don’t need to do anything but listen. If you don’t want the audio, you can read the text. There are also great photos for each section. The stories are quirky and fun and both kids and adults will find them interesting.”

- onealmond.com

“Great app with great potential - I can’t wait until there are even more stories! Great idea.”

“Great App. A must have for self guided, easy to use interface!”

“What fun - Turns a normal drive into a fascinating history lesson”

“Fun tour app! - Learned so much without hassle!”

“Sooooo cool!! This is the best app I've ever used. If your traveling to new places use this app to learn the history! Couldn't live without it!”

- Ray Kennedy

“Eye opener My family and I have traveled to Wyoming many times but we always seemed to visit the same old places again and again. However this app allows me to check out new places I've never even considered before. I guess there is a lot more to the state than Yellowstone. Can't wait to plan new adventures.”

“Indispensable! Used this app to plan and then tour the Tetons and surrounding areas. Our whole family was entertained and we learned so much! And it's free. Thank you TravelStorys.”

“I like it, great idea! Music and Radio only lasts so long on road trips. This app is awesome because it tells you stories about what you are driving by, and gives you cool info about the area. Great idea!”

- William Davis

“Loved this! My sisters, mom, and 7-year-old niece used this app as we visited the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. It was wonderful! It really helped us feel a connection to the mountains and places we toured. I want this for everywhere I go now!”

- R. Tynker

“Love it, learn the history of where your traveling too via this awesome storytelling app. Love the vocals for the great Smoky Mountains! Grateful!”

- JillianPress

“Great! Local travel info & stories. I love this app. I learned a lot about the Jackson, Wyoming area & Grant Teton Nat’l Park. I have already recommended it to folk who connect with my own local Jackson based business, xcDogs. Everyone I speak to about it loves the idea…”

“Excellent adventure stories for the Grand Tetons”

- Rick Aune

"For new visitors paddling on a sunny day, the new TravelStorys app is an opportunity to understand the ecological and culture significance of the area. At home or in the classroom, the voice narration coupled with photos can entice and enhance the experience before a canoe even launches."

- NewJersey.com

"Great app for visitors & locals - This app rocks. Learned so much about Jackson Hole and the surrounding areas just by having my phone on me. Anyone who is adventuring in the wild Wild West should consider having this app on their phone. You’ll be surprised with how much you can learn on your trip!"

- Austin Hopkins

Neat app! Great for a frequent traveler or history buff! Very interesting stories about pikes peak! Can't wait for the Garden of the gods tour!

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5 Top Apps for Self-Guided Tours: Create Unique Experiences for every Guest

It's always a thrill to see visitors flock to your doors. Whether you're a museum operator, give guided tours of historic sites, or manage the entertainment at a ski resort, your ultimate goal is to give guests the experience of a lifetime. That's what all the planning, organizing, pomp, and circumstance is about, after all — enriching people's lives and leaving them fuller than when you met them.

When you make your visitors' experience and engagement a priority, your guests are more likely to share the love for your destination. Encouraging folks to explore independently is one of the ways to ensure they have a totally unique experience.

Now, how do you do that? Support your efforts with interactive experience and self-guided tour apps that allow your guests to learn, discover, and explore at their own pace. And what a difference that can make!

How a Self-Guided Tour Can Enhance Your Visitor Experience

An app is the simplest way to implement a self-guided tour for visitors. Their phones are already an extension of how they view and communicate with the world. Your visitors don't want to roam your premises with paper maps. Beyond the environmental implications (and mess for you 🗑), they'll spend so much time trying to follow directions that they won't have the opportunity to be present. Today, self-guided tour apps make it possible (even...easy?) to connect your guests to information without distracting from their environment and surroundings. And they'll stay engaged long after they’ve visited!

Self-guided tours give people the opportunity to explore at their own leisure. Apps provide the support your visitors need to get the most out of the experience. They can include interesting facts and trivia about your destination or exhibit, for example. They can gamify the tour by incorporating a scavenger hunt or a mystery for visitors to solve. Of course, apps are also there to provide the bare-bones support that every participant requires, including routes and maps.

5 Best Apps for Self-Guided tours

If you’re ready to elevate the experience for your visitors, these apps make an enormous difference. Here are five of the best apps for self-guided tours to consider:

Goosechase lets you create interactive experiences that coax curiosity and joy out of every guest. Founded over 10 years ago as a scavenger hunt app, Goosechase has evolved into an app you can build virtually any kind of interactive experience on. Trivia game with strangers? Photo tour of your sculpture garden? Scavenger hunt in a maze of local graffiti alleys? It's all possible.

Use the three Mission types (Photo/Video, Text, and GPS) to construct a checklist of fun things to do or discover at your destination. Used as an interactive tour guide, you can have your guests test their knowledge by answering trivia questions about your latest exhibit or hunting down easter eggs in your art work.

Drive friendly competition amongst guests and see who can do the most ski runs in a weekend by having riders post pics of themselves at the start of every trail. (Even better if they have to strike a pose that represents the trail name!) Inspire exploration at your park by having people GPS check-in at each interest point. The more involvement you ask of your visitors, the more fun they’ll have immersing themselves in your attraction — and walking out far richer in knowledge and enjoyment than they would have otherwise.

Loquiz is a walking tour guide’s dream because it makes gamifying locations simple. The app includes a variety of built-in templates that are easy to apply to your business. Among the templates is one for tours that makes it simple to create fun and engaging routes for each stop on the tour. Whether your tours take place indoors or outdoors, you can use the app to create useful maps that help people feel more connected to the attraction they’re visiting.

PocketSights

Designed especially for universities, colleges, community organizations, and historic sites, this app allows administrators to create tour routes from scratch. This is especially useful for organizations that may have attractions in unusual locations, like fields or parking lots: your visitors can go anywhere you tell the app to guide them! Using GPS, the app makes it easy for your guests to navigate the tour on their own. Plus, it allows you to include valuable and engaging content about each of the stops, giving people extra incentive to stop and explore while on their tour.

If you’re all about scavenger hunts, Scavify is a great option that allows for a ton of customization. Guests respond to a variety of photo, video, GPS, QR code, and question prompts that get them to engage with your material. Maybe you’re highlighting a new attraction at your museum and want to call attention to its rich subject matter - guests can scan QR codes that reveal more information, or answer trivia questions directly in the app.

STQRY has a variety of platforms to support all types of programming - walking tours, group tours, and even kiosks. Whether you work at a department of tourism or run historic walks through heritage sites in your city, you can use their platforms to create audio experiences, self-guided tours, and even your own apps to introduce visitors to your premises.

FAQs About Self-Guided Tour Apps

Q: how can these apps accommodate users with disabilities, such as visual or hearing impairments, to ensure the self-guided tours are accessible to everyone.

Self-guided tour apps can enhance accessibility through features like audio descriptions, text-to-speech functionality, and sign language videos for users with visual or hearing impairments. Interactive maps and voice navigation can assist users with mobility challenges. Developers also incorporate adjustable text sizes and contrast settings for better readability.

Q: What are some specific examples of how these apps have been used successfully in educational settings, such as schools or museums, to enhance learning?

In educational settings, self-guided tour apps are used to create immersive learning experiences . For instance, museums use apps to provide detailed explanations, historical context, and interactive quizzes related to exhibits . Schools might employ these apps for educational field trips , enabling students to explore historical sites or nature trails with curated information and tasks designed to complement their curriculum.

Q: Can these self-guided tour apps integrate with social media platforms, allowing users to share their experiences in real-time with friends or the public?

Many self-guided tour apps offer social media integration, allowing users to share their journey and discoveries in real-time. This feature encourages user engagement, as participants can post photos, videos, and comments directly from the app to their social media profiles, fostering a community of explorers and learners. The specifics of how each app integrates with social media platforms can vary, so for detailed capabilities regarding social sharing features, it's best to consult the respective app's feature list or support documentation.

Ultimately, it’s all about the experience — and finding the right interactive experience platform to partner with makes all the difference. You’ll take every single visit to the next level when you make your self-guided tour a journey that gives guests plenty of opportunity to surprise themselves along the way. That’s how the best memories are made.

What is Goosechase?

At Goosechase, experience is everything. Originally inspired by scavenger hunts, Goosechase is an online platform that enables organizations and schools to engage, activate, and educate their communities through delightful interactive experiences. Sign up and try creating a free recreational game, or contact us to learn more about our enterprise solutions!

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dlcheyne 3 days ago

So glad I this app made our trip great saw things we wouldn’t have seen and learned about the areas and history. Even got to see sea turtles on the beach due to the information on the tour and such easy directions to follow. Looking forward to some of other tours they have now that we are back on the main land. It’s like having your own personal tour guide and flexibility.

NedB91 3 days ago

The best one so far! I highly recommend it! This app made our experience 100 times better! Loved it!

Honest Risa 3 days ago

I have never written a review on an app and this app made the trip unforgettable! The best part is it works on airplane mode and still navigating. Loved how each speaker explained each area of each park as well as the history. Loved how it navigated you through all areas of each park, had us doing things we didn’t even think of! I have been recommending to all my pears that travel and explore nature.

SanDiegoSully 3 days ago

Absolutely a must have guide! Fascinating sites, history and music. Different information on the way back along the Highway to Hana! So incredibly useful as we rented a car and turned on the Shaka Guide and had the best day ever on the Road to Hana!!!

Guz and Kat 5 days ago

We learned, laughed, enjoyed all the history and legends, plus really enjoyed the food recommendations! The tour was easy and on point! Can’t wait to do Road to Hana tomorrow! Thank you ♥️♥️🌺🌺🌺

Headsup123 6 days ago

What a great app and tour. Excellent narrator and great job all around. I heavily recommend it.

Stews58 1 week ago

We just finished 2 weeks in Hawaii and we used the Shaka Guide almost every day, with excellent results. The guiding was almost perfect and we were really happy we bought it. Pros - the app gave a nice balance of: - great narration - routes choose interesting locations to visit - well-timed directions that made it easy to get the correct turn - stories of history local to where we were driving (family-friendly, without talking down to us) - humor - music Cons: - Sometimes we missed what the narrator was saying, but we found if we backed up 30 seconds, the directions would get out of sync to where we were. When that happened, the narrator might start a story, which got cut off to tell to turn or it missed giving the turn. - It sometimes got confused if we started a route in the middle, even if we followed all the steps (use Google/Apple Maps to get on-route).

Happy Travelers T&C 1 week ago

My husband and I debated driving the Road to Hana ourselves, but didn’t want to do a tour bus either! Downloaded the app and it was literally the best decision ever! Took all the guesswork out of figuring things out, gave lots of options to customize what you want to see and experience!!! Great advice for safety and tips too and the stories with some history were very entertaining! Wonderful how it just picks up where you are when you start the tour and pause it!!!

3Q569 1 week ago

Thank you so much for this guide. Enjoyed listening and learning about Big Bend while driving thru, looking at overlooks and hiking. Will use this guide at other national parks on your apps.

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5 Top Apps for Self-Guided Tour: Create Unique Experience For Every Guest

October 17, 2023

For every tour planner or HR/manager who is in charge of the team-building trip, planning and running tours can be challenging and time-consuming. You need to be there to guide them to new places and it's not easy to immerse the visitors in the experience. It would be more exhausting for you if there were lots of groups, scattered around the city. 

Try a self-guided tour ! We'll introduce you to the top 5 apps for self-guided tours, each offering a unique and personalized experience for every guest. From the highly customizable to the delightfully simple, Read on to discover how these apps can help you out. 

1. PlayTours - The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour App

PlayTours, the ultimate scavenger hunt app , offers a range of versatile features that engage visitors of all ages, making it ideal for educational outings, corporate team-building events, and tourism adventures. With more than 25 task types to choose from, you have the flexibility to create a self-guided tour that matches your specific vision and preferences. 

With PlayTours' advanced GPS feature,  you can set up location-based challenges that add a thrilling dimension to exploration. Visitors can follow real-time navigation, ensuring they discover exciting locations and complete tasks seamlessly. What's more, from the organizer's perspective, PlayTours' facilitator map feature offers effortless location tracking. This means you can guide visitors effortlessly, ensuring they have a memorable and hassle-free experience. You can also make the tours your own by adding pictures, videos, and sound to make them interesting and informative.

PlayTours offers a flexible free trial period, granting access to all features without time or device limitations, as long as the concurrent devices stay within the specified limit. PlayTours is a remarkably flexible self-guided tour app, tailor-made for individuals who desire the freedom to create personalized tasks and embark on their unique self-guided tour experiences.

2. Goosechase - User Friendly Companion

Goosechase is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a straightforward self-guided tour experience. The app offers three primary mission types such as Photo/Video, Text, and GPS-based task type, forming the foundation for creating engaging challenges such as trivia questions and riddles. 

With the GPS feature, you can easily highlight places of interest and create missions centered around specific locations. It has quite limited variation for task type, one thing superior is their pre-made missions. Users can select from a variety of pre-existing missions or themes, which can be customized to align perfectly with your preferences. This is especially helpful if you're looking for a quick and easy way to set up a self-guided tour.  For those who desire more control and creativity, Goosechase also allows you to create missions from scratch. Goosechase offers a free version, but it comes with limitations.  While it may have some limitations compared to PlayTours in terms of testing various task types and potentially limiting your creativity and the range of experiences you can create, Goosechase excels in its simplicity and straightforwardness.

3. Let's Roam - Ticket to Ready-Made Tour

For people who like having their trip plans ready, Let's Roam is perfect. You just buy a ticket for the tour plan you like, and you're all set to go. Let's Roam takes you to lots of cities and tourist spots all around the world. They have over 400 places to pick from. 

While Let's Roam offers an extensive library of tour plans and ready-made challenges, it's important to note that it's not a DIY app. Travelers who prefer to follow a tour plan crafted by experts will find Let's Roam to be their ideal companion. Customization isn't an option here, simply purchase a ticket for your chosen tour plan, and you're all set to embark on your adventure. 

When it comes to ticket pricing, Let's Roam offers a range of plans to suit different preferences. For specific pricing details and to explore the options, simply visit their website.

4. Scavify - The All-In-One Self-Guided Tour Solution

Scavify is a versatile platform that combines features from other apps like Goosechase and Let's Roam. This platform offers a task-based system where participants can complete tasks in any order, similar to Goosechase. It also provides ready-to-go adventure experiences in over 100 cities, similar to Let's Roam. 

One of the strengths of Scavify seems to be its variety of task types, which include QR code scans, GPS check-ins, photo/video submissions, and multiple-choice formats. If you're interested in using Scavify, it's a good idea to request a free demo to explore its features and functionality before deciding to purchase a paid version. This can help you determine if Scavify is the right platform for your needs and objectives when it comes to city exploration and self-guided tours.

5. Action Bound - Engaging Adventures with Ease

Action Bound has evolved from its roots in education to become a dynamic tool for creating self-guided tours and adventures. The platform empowers users to design immersive experiences that combine GPS coordinates, multimedia content, quizzes, and more. 

This versatile app has the potential to enhance how we explore and learn about places of interest, making tours not only informative but also fun and interactive.  Similar to PlayTour but with a more basic interface, Action Bound empowers users to design customized challenges and adventures for places of interest, enhancing the way we explore and learn. You can use Action Bound for free, but only for non-commercial purposes.

Summarizing 

These apps aren't exclusively tailored for self-guided tours, but they cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring that every guest can find their ideal adventure companion. Whether you're a tour planner/organizer, or simply an explorer, these apps are here to enhance your journeys, making each one a unique and memorable experience. So, go ahead, make your selection, and embark on the self-guided tour of your dreams.

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Be Your Own Tour Guide With These 7 Self-Guided City Apps

Going on solo adventures around town is one of the great pleasures of city living. And with these self-guided tour apps in hand, it’s about to get even better.

Download these seven apps, and you won’t just be taken on a perfunctory sightseeing trip. Instead, you can tune into little-known anecdotes, listen to stories from your city’s local legends, discover hidden-away restaurants, and even go for offline adventures on your next international city break. Skip the cheesy, open-top bus tours…and discover an entirely different way to get your urban adventure on.

1. GEOTOURIST: Beyond the professionals, your fellow city dwellers are an excellent resource for finding interesting spots around town. That’s the premise behind GeoTourist , which hosts hundreds of user-designed tour itineraries in cities around the world. Using GPS autoplay, the app pinpoints your location and triggers its audio guides when you’re in the vicinity of local points of interest. Have a tour idea of your own? Pay it forward by creating your own itinerary and spotlighting your favorite urban finds.

2. GPSMYCITY: Like to indulge in some flâneur -style walking trips around town? Complement your wanderings with the GPSMyCity app, which contains self-guided walks in more than 100 cities in the US alone. But it’s also a good buddy to have when embarking on trips abroad. The combination of resources like offline maps and a database of over 750 cities worldwide means you’ve got a lot of exploring to do. (Best get a move on.)

3. CITIES TALKING: If your city could speak, what would it say? If the examples on Cities Talking are anything to go by, you can expect inspiring travel ideas, surprising anecdotes, eyebrow-raising tales, and little-known facts (all communicated with the help of engaging voice artists, naturally). This GPS-based (but roaming-free) app is the perfectly chatty companion for solo urban adventuring. 

4. DETOUR: “Immerse yourself in the story of a place,” reads Detour’s tagline. For those after a self-guided tour app that tends towards evocative details and hidden corners, Detour more than lives up to its name. Instead of leading you directly to a city’s A-list attractions, Detour points out magical, often-overlooked details and locations. Its impressive audio editing and personality-filled narratives make it a perfect option for podcast fans , and its roster of cities includes San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and beyond.

5. ROADSIDE AMERICA: Not all self-guided tour apps require explorations on foot. Roadside America is a delightfully kitschy resource that compiles all of the weirdest and most wonderful roadside attractions in the country. From giant balls of twine to buildings shaped like ice cream cones, it’s a killer resource for road trip entertainment —just make sure you leave it to your co-pilot to handle the navigation duties.

6. SOUNDWALK: Soundwalk ’s beguiling tours are so rich and multi-sensory that they’re akin to short stories in audio form. Unique urban soundscapes, from the noise of rattling subway cars to street music, provide a backdrop to a range of specialist itineraries. In New York, author Teju Cole contributes to a guide to the city’s Museum Mile, while Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow gives you his personal take on San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood (in a tour produced in partnership with Detour, coincidentally). Plug in your headphones, and prepare to be transported.

7. FIELD TRIP: Reality is good…but when it comes to exploring your city, augmented reality might be even better. The Field Trip app (made by Niantic Labs—i.e., the people who brought you Pokémon Go) runs in the background of your phone, allowing you to receive notifications when you stroll past places of interest, from historic landmarks to cool neighborhood restaurants. The app also works in tandem with Google Maps, so you can embark on an impromptu sightseeing mission whenever, wherever. 

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14 Advantages of App-Led and Self-Guided Tours

Visiting a new city and want to see the sights solo? Curious about self-guided tours? This post as has all you need to know!

Over the past decade, app-based and self-guided tours have become a more and more popular way to explore the world around us. They became especially popular during the COVID pandemic as they offered a safe way to see a city without having to worry about coming into contact with too many other people. 

Below you can find several advantages to doing self-guided tours based on my experience as a full-time traveler. While I love a good guided tour, sometimes I feel like I am missing out on something and that I don’t have enough time to venture out on my own. I’ve found app-based tours to be a great alternative to a more traditional guided tour for the many reasons below.

Make every adventure unforgettable!

Let’s Roam offers more than 400 different activities in hundreds of locations around the world. We have everything from fun-filled scavenger hunts , boozy bar crawls , spooky ghost tours , classy art walks , and even date nights with a difference . So whatever you’re looking for we’re confident we have an adventure that’s perfect for you and your group! If you find a few that you love, you can even get a monthly membership which gives you access to all of our app-based activities at a lower price. Now that’s exciting!

1. It’s a great way to learn more about your destination.

First and foremost, app-led and self-guided walking tours can be a phenomenal way to learn more about a new destination. Rather than blindly following a tour guide, app-based tours give you the chance to immerse yourself in a destination since you’re the one that is navigating through the city. This is great for people who want to learn as much as possible about a destination but don’t want to be led around a city by a guide. 

2. You can do it on your own schedule.

Sometimes there’s nothing worse than reading about a fantastic tour and then realizing that there’s no availability when you’re visiting a city. The great thing about doing a virtual tour is that you can do it whenever suits you best whether that means going out first thing in the morning for your very own sunrise tour or in the mid-afternoon as some post-lunch exercise. It also means that you can do it at your own pace, meaning you can stop to check out the interesting-looking museum that you passed, try a few balls of that delicious-looking gelato that is beckoning to you, or stop for a much-needed coffee after a long day of pounding the pavement.

3. It’s a great family activity. 

We all know that traveling with kids can get pretty tricky and that planning a family vacay is hard work. While self-led tours are a great addition to any getaway, they are particularly useful if have kids in tow and you’re struggling to find ways to keep them entertained. There are many interesting kid-oriented app-based tours to choose from which give information in digestible chunks so that visitors young and old can learn more about a place. 

App-based tours can often be a better solution than standard guided tours for families since they allow you to move at your own speed and stop for as many bathroom and snack breaks as necessary. Since you’ll likely be doing the tour with only your small group, it also means that you won’t have to worry about bothering other travelers which we all know can get very stressful very quickly!

4. You can tailor them to your own interests.

When you’re on a walking tour, you’re kind of at the mercy of the tour guide and need to stop at all the dedicated stops along the way. However, on a self-guided tour, you can skip places that you’re not interested in. This gives you the chance to spend more time at the places that are calling to you and less time at the places that you aren’t particularly interested in. This tailor-made tour helps you make the most of your limited vacation time and honestly, what is not to like about that? 

5. There are tons of options to choose from.

Companies such as Let’s Roam have created a slew of app-led scavenger hunts and walking tours covering not only the highlights of a destination but also some of the lesser-known aspects of it. These “niche” tours are perfect for people who have a particular interest in a city and since there’s no minimum of people needed for the tour to run, you’re guaranteed to be able to go on the tour. 

For example, you can spend the morning exploring the Murals of Manhattan and then the evening on a Greenwich Ghost Hunt. In between, you can take a long walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or the Hudson River, explore the Financial District, or even catch a Broadway matinee. Also, if you happen to be thinking about going to college in a new city, you can check the place out with a campus tour first. Or if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore in your city, you could take a tour in your local Chinatown-international district or similar.

6. You can save time.

Researching for and planning a big trip can be very time consuming and can easily begin to feel like a major hassle. App-based and self-guided tours can help you save a ton of time by allowing you to see many of the highlights of a destination. From there, you can decide where you want to return to. The time that you save hurriedly Googling the best things to do in a place can instead be used to enjoy your vacation.

7. You can save money.

Unless you’re an enormous travel budget, there’s a likelihood that you’re trying to save some money at some point during your trip. App-led tours are the perfect way to do just that! Self-guided tours are often considerably cheaper than having a guide present, especially if you’re traveling alone or with a small group. They can also give you the privacy of a private tour without the hefty price tag that usually comes with it, making it perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to spend quality time together with no distractions. This is a great way to save money while traveling on a budget .

8. You know what you’re getting.

Hiring a tour guide can sometimes feel like a bit of a crapshoot. Often you booked up towards your company and you have no idea who the guide will be until the tour actually starts. The quality of the guide can make or break a tour and for people who love to plan everything to the very last detail, this can be a little stressful. With an app-based tour, you can usually read reviews of what past guests have experienced and decide for yourself whether or not you want to go on the tour.

9. You can interact more with locals.

Many travelers hate feeling like they are being herded from one place to another and some guided tours can make you feel like you’re a sheep in a big crowd. Worse, they can make you feel disconnected from the local community. A self-guided tour gives you the time that you need to connect with people rather than feeling like you’re being rushed from one place to another.

10. You don’t have to interact with anyone.

While app-based tours can give you more of an opportunity to interact with locals, they also let you be completely alone if you want to be! Traveling can be exhausting and sometimes, you simply want to walk around on your own and not talk to anyone else (trust me, I know how that is!). With a self-guided tour, you only need to worry about pleasing yourself. That means no small talk with other tour guests, no need to answer a guide when they ask questions, nothing. This can give you the time that you need to replenish your energy without losing valuable travel time.

11. It can help you feel a sense of accomplishment. 

Finding your way around a new destination can feel empowering, especially if you don’t speak the local language. However, this feeling of accomplishment can sometimes be lost when you’re simply following a tour guide around. Meanwhile, venturing out completely on your own can feel a bit overwhelming and you may waste a lot of time trying to figure out the layout of a city and what exactly you want to do there. 

However, an app-led, self-guided tour gives you the best of both worlds. You get the ease and security of having a “guide” while still feeling like you’re doing it on your own. Best of all, once you get your bearings a bit thanks to the self-guided tour, you’ll then feel even more confident venturing off the beaten track. 

12. You can make new friends.

Imagine this… you’re sitting in a hostel in Nashville chatting with some of your fellow backpackers. Someone mentions that they have a fun, app-based scavenger hunt of Music Row on their phone that will take you to all the best places in the city and asks if anyone wants to come. A few hours and some great travel memories later, you’re sitting around a pub or cafe, drinking beer with your new friends! Better yet, you could be on an exciting Nashville Pub Crawl checking out some of the city’s best honky tonks!

App-based tours, scavenger hunts, and pub crawls can be the perfect icebreaker and are a great way to connect with other travelers, even the ones that you haven’t had the chance to meet yet! And since they are very economical, it won’t break the bank either!

13. It allows you to forge your own path.

When you’re on a guided tour, you normally have to stick to a predetermined route and are unable to veer off of that (unless you’re on an expensive guided tour that is!). However, a self-guided tour allows you to forge your own path, regardless of whether that means skipping a few spots on the tour route or even deviating a bit so you can get a closer look at that adorable little alleyway or fascinating church that you just walked past. 

Having this kind of flexibility can help you feel like you have gotten the most out of your time in a destination. It also means that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time backtracking after a guided tour is over or, even worse, having to figure out where something was again. As you leave on your next flight, train, or bus, you can feel confident that you didn’t miss a thing!

14. You can go on the tour early in the morning.

While getting up super early in the morning during your vacation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, dawn is one of the best times to take photographs. It’s also a time when most cities are still pretty sleepy and you have the chance to see some of their most popular attractions with no one around. App-based and self-guided tours let you pick your own starting time, allowing you to incorporate your photo session with a tour and effectively kill two birds with one stone.

I know, I know. Waking up early isn’t always fun but believe me, this can be really, really helpful in many European cities that tend to be thronged with tourists most of the year. Rather than fighting the crowds to try and get a good photo of Notre Dame or Florence’s famous Duomo, you can grab a cup of espresso (you may need it by early afternoon!) and relax as you watch the tour groups go by.

Ready to roam?

We hope that this list has given you enough reasons to consider doing an app-led tour on your next trip! 

If you still need help choosing a destination, make sure to check out our Explorer Blog . Here, you’ll find articles written by our in-house travel experts detailing the best places to visit, stay, and play all around the world. Make sure to also download the Let’s Roam app which features user-generated content from across the country to help you find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided tours are a great way to explore the city at your own pace and at a much lower cost than hiring a tour guide.

One of the biggest advantages of app-based tours is that you can do them on your own schedule which allows you to fit it in when it works best for you.

With more than 400 tours to choose from all around the world, Let’s Roam is one of the leading providers of app-based, self-guided tours .

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• Legendary Hollywood
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• Historic Philadelphia
• Washington DC – Walking Tour
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• The French Quarter
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• Paris La Cité
• Prague – City of Hundred Spires
• San Antonio River Walk & Alamo

About SelfTour

Here are the reasons selftour surpasses all other tours....

All turn-by-turn directions and descriptions are spoken for easy to easy navigation and understanding. Our tours are a complete circle so you end up where you started… not some unknown location!

All information is activated by GPS as you move.

No waiting at a specific time for others to show up. Go when you want, take a brake anytime, and resume at your own pace and schedule.

Should you make a wrong turn, there is a complete map indicating all the sites along the way. Also pictures of the individual sites are available to insure you are looking at the right sight.

Our travel experts do intense research choosing the best sites to see and the accurate information you want to know about each.

Both are available. The platform used in our apps is new technology engineered by iApp Tours using exclusive mobile software.

No more straining or pushing to get close to hear the tour guide. The audio comes directly to your ear buds or car stereo system.

If you missed something in the audio description, or didn’t understand the directions, no problem! Simply touch the position on the phone or tablet map and it will play again.

Excellent writers and professional voice actors, music, sound effects and a light delivery style make the listening fun.

Tour at a fraction of the cost of other paid guided tours. Even “free” guided tours pressure you for a “tip” or to purchase something in the guide’s “favorite store”. Our tours have no advertising or referrals.

If there’s a tour worth taking, it’s worth taking a SelfTour™

Download an App and start your tour now!

LEGENDARY HOLLYWOOD

Language: English Type: Walking Tour

NAPA & SONOMA VALLEYS

Language: English Type: Driving Tour — Great for Biking Too!

Wearing ear buds or headsets while driving is against the law in California.

HISTORIC PHILLY

WASHINGTON DC - WALKING TOUR

ROME ETERNAL

WASHINGTON DC - DRIVING TOUR

Language: English Type: Driving Tour

THE FRENCH QUARTER

BARCELONA GOTHIC QUARTER

DUBROVNIK WALLED CITY

PARIS LA CITÉ

PRAGUE - CITY OF HUNDRED SPIRES

SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK

MUCH MORE TO COME!

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Loved the ghost stories.

I found the GPS to be a little off at some of the site locations.  It didn’t get us lost, but it was a little confusing at times.

I really enjoyed the SelfTour GPS guide app of the historic area of Philadelphia.  I was very impressed with how easy it was to follow along.  And I like the way various founding fathers were brought to life through hearing them speak their famous lines.  Wonderfully entertaining and a great learning experience.

You need to have a children’s version of the tour.  They would learn so much about the history of the founding of our country and actually experience the history.

I took this tour on a very hot, humid day and thought I was going to die.  Thank God for the snack vendor outside the Air & Space Museum.  Since I found the tour very worthwhile, my recommendation to others is to break it up over two days.

We particularly enjoyed the back roads the tour featured.  Narrow tree lined roads, picturesque landscapes, charming houses, and some hidden wineries where you could sample some very good wine for less.  A beautiful tour through a beautiful area.  I’d do it again.

Developed & Produced by: SelfTour Audio Adventures

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I Visited 14 National Parks In One Year. Here Are the Apps I Used to Plan and Pull Off Those Trips.

Updated April 4, 2024

In 2021, I visited 14 national parks spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. I hiked up mountains for stunning 360-degree vistas, ventured underground to explore cave systems, and wandered through slot canyons in the desert heat—and to do it all successfully, I relied on a few trusted apps. Whether I’m searching for campsites, organizing a packed itinerary, or navigating long hikes safely, I’ve found these apps extremely useful in pulling off my national park trips. Here are the apps that can help you plan your own adventures.

Learn about the national parks

The app: National Park Service ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Information about every single national park site across the country—including national parks, monuments, and historical sites.

The nitty-gritty: All of my trip planning begins with this handy app released in 2021 by the National Park Service. Easy to use and free to download, the NPS app (which you can also use offline as long as you download content beforehand) offers interactive maps of each park, self-guided tours curated by park rangers, and news and current events, along with lists of amenities (such as food services, restrooms, and gift shops). You can get as involved with the app as you’d like, whether you want to keep detailed lists of the overlooks and points of interest you want to see or you just need to check the park hours and entry fees.

The NPS app gives real-time updates on conditions within the park—such as road closures, long entry lines, weather advisory warnings, and whether you need a reservation to enter—allowing you to find all the pertinent information you need to know before heading to or traveling throughout the park. I didn’t use the NPS app on my trip to Big Bend National Park—but if I had, I could have avoided a two-hour wait at a trailhead when important roads were blocked off for construction.

Discover the best hiking trails

The app: AllTrails ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Finding and researching all possible paths through a park.

The nitty-gritty: With a free membership, you can search for hiking trails using a name, city, or park and then filter your results based on difficulty level and length. From there, you can read through hiker reviews to learn more about the trail and assess whether it’s right for you. You can also save your preferred routes on curated lists; for example, I created separate lists for each of the parks in Utah I planned to visit so that I could easily refer back to them while preparing for each trip. And AllTrails isn’t just for hikers, as you can also use the app to plan out mountain biking, snow sports, mountaineering, trail running, and climbing excursions.

If you plan to hike a few different trails during your trip, the AllTrails Plus Membership might be worth investing in. For $36 a year, you have the ability to download maps for offline access, something that comes in handy if you find yourself veering off-trail in an area with limited service. Just make sure you’ve downloaded the map prior to your hike. The Plus Membership comes with other perks, too, but I’ve found the ability to see my GPS dot moving alongside the correct trail worth the yearly membership fee all on its own. If you’re not sold, you can sign up for a one-week free trial—but make sure to time it so that the period lines up with your next trip.

After your trip, return to AllTrails to leave reviews of the trails you hiked. If you relied on information you learned about certain trails to choose and execute a hike safely, repay the favor by leaving thoughts about your experience in the comment section. Prospective hikers will appreciate your updates on trail closures, maintenance issues, and tricky-to-follow trails.

Find a place to sleep

The apps: Recreation.gov ( iOS and Android ), The Dyrt ( iOS and Android ), Hipcamp ( iOS and Android )

What they’re good for: Finding campsites suited to your budget, expertise, and comfort level.

The nitty-gritty: Which app you use to reserve a campsite or lodging for your trip ultimately depends on the kind of experience you’re looking to have.

Recreation.gov lists only federal camping options, so if you know you’d like to stay in the national park or forest you’re visiting, this app should be your first stop. Each campsite listing shows site details including rules, amenities, and availability. You can book directly through the app, and you can also use Recreation.gov to apply for permits and pay your park-entry fees.

The Dyrt is a good option for campers looking for free and discounted campsites, as it offers a repository of more than 500,000 campgrounds around the country on both public and private land. Similar to the listings in Recreation.gov, each Dyrt listing gives a rundown of the amenities and rules of the campsite, but rather than allowing you to book through the app, Dyrt redirects you to the campground’s website. You can also look through Dyrt user reviews and photos as you make a decision. The Dyrt is a free app, but if you want the ability to search for campgrounds offline or to download maps, you can sign up for The Dyrt Pro for $36 per year. You can sign up for a free seven-day trial if you’re not ready to commit.

Hipcamp is perfect for folks who would rather glamp than camp. Through this app, you can find Instagram-worthy private glamping sites (think decked-out RVs, yurts, and cabins). These sites tend to be more expensive, but they offer more amenities and creature comforts for those who aren’t comfortable pitching their own tent or sleeping on the ground. Like Airbnb (which can also help you find glamping and camping sites), Hipcamp lets you read through each host’s bio, flip through photos of the listing, and scroll through reviews before booking directly in the app. You can use Hipcamp to find cheap DIY campsites, as well.

Explore the park without leaving your car

The app: Just Ahead ( iOS )

What it’s good for: A narrated car ride through the parks.

The nitty-gritty: This app is useful for folks who want private guided tours. Employing your phone’s built-in GPS (offline use is also an option), the Just Ahead app automatically begins narrating as you drive by certain markers on the map, and you can learn about scenic views, geology, and park history as you pass them. Each guide is professionally written and narrated by journalists and authors who have written for National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Just Ahead isn’t without its limitations, though: It offers guides to only a handful of the more popular US national parks (such as Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Rocky Mountain), and each guide must be purchased separately, starting at $15.

Organize your travel plans

The app: Notion ( iOS and Android )

What it’s good for: Keeping important travel information and documents in one place.

The nitty-gritty: You can plan your trip however you’d like, be it in Google Docs, detailed Excel sheets, or the notes app on your phone—but I love using Notion, a free project-management and note-taking app that you can access on both your phone and your desktop. Because you can use this app to organize all parts of your life, it can feel a little overwhelming at first, but Notion provides a dedicated travel template that can help make trip planning more streamlined. You can pull all the essential details of your trip into one highly organized spot by creating tables for different kinds of information (such as your budget or flight details), embedding Google maps specific to your trip, and assigning tags to certain categories so they’re easier to find. You can create a general overview of your trip, linking out to other important documents, files, and websites—and you can make more in-depth, filtered views for each day of your trip with all the information you’ll need. Notion also makes collaborating with others simple, so you can share your plans with travel buddies ahead of time and work together to create the perfect trip.

This article was edited by Treye Green and Annemarie Conte.

Further reading

The Best Gear for Your Road Trips

by Kit Dillon and Wirecutter Staff

After 120 hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, we’ve singled out the gear that’s absolutely essential for your next journey on the open road.

The Gadgets We Bring on Every Trip

by Haley Perry

You don't have to be a digital nomad to travel like one. Here are a few gadgets and accessories to make travel as painless as possible.

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

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Booking self-guided travel with Macs Adventure offers you flexibility, ease, and adventure.

We might be biased, but self-guided travel is one of the best ways to experience the world. It’s active travel, led by you. It’s all the best bits of adventuring on your own plus support from a professional team that handles all of your logistics and knows all the local secrets. 

If you’ve never tried a self-guided hiking or self-guided biking trip, here’s what you need to know about how it works, and who it’s best for.

How Does Self-guided Travel Work?

On a guided trip, you’d join a group for a set itinerary, led by someone else who sets your departure times, detours, lunch breaks, and pace. On a self-guided walking or cycling tour, however, we’ll plan your adventure and then you’ll take the lead for a self-paced, individualized journey. 

We handle all the logistics, from booking unique, hand-picked accommodations with inns, bed & breakfasts, or hotels to transferring your luggage between them, so you only need a daypack for hiking or biking. Our app has maps with detailed information about points of interest between your start and end points each day, so you won’t miss any of the scenic or historic detours that elevate your experience. 

All you have to do is select which trip you’d like to go on, and we’ll handle the rest.

Why Choose Self-guided?

The biggest benefits of booking self-directed adventure are: 

A unique, tried-and-tested journey that’s completely your own

Choice and flexibility to travel at your own pace

Expert recommendations 

We’ve been planning self-guided hiking and biking tours for decades, and we’ve developed hand-crafted adventures in places we know well. Our app offers local insights and accurate, easy navigation for each route, and our network of partners is tried and true. We know many of the best places to stay along every trail we serve, and most of these places are small, family-owned businesses that don’t work with online booking platforms. That means we can save you hours—if not days—of research by booking all your accommodations for you, which gives you more time to train for your trip and enjoy when you get there. 

We’re also doing our best to help you travel more responsibly. We prioritize working with local businesses that operate with the environment in mind. You can check out our inaugural impact report  as we pursue B Corp certification. 

Many of our partners have been hosting Macs adventurers for years, which helps us ensure you have a quality stay with hosts who understand the small details of what an active traveler needs. You’ll generally find it easy to arrange a packed lunch, for example, and we make sure your stay comes with a hearty breakfast to fuel your day on the trail. 

If something doesn’t quite go to plan, you’ve got someone looking out for you on the ground. Our partners know to call us if you haven’t checked in by a certain time, so we’ll be proactively looking out for you — great peace of mind. And if you ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. 

Who Should Do Self-guided Travel?

Self-guided travel is great for almost everyone. At Macs, we serve walkers, hikers, and bikers who are active and independent travelers. Here are a few types of people especially well-suited to our trips:

• Couples who love hiking or biking: Traveling in a pair with a partner or friend is the most economical way to book. You can book a room with one bed, a room with two beds, or separate rooms entirely. Whether you’re looking to hike , bike , or take a self-led road trip, we’ll handle all the logistics for both of you so you can focus on prepping for the adventure.
• Small groups: If you’re traveling with a few friends or family members, having help with booking and planning can go a long way. With a self-guided tour booked by Macs, you can outsource all the decision-making to us, and each individual or couple can book and pay separately so that one person doesn’t have to carry all the deposits for hotels.  
• Solo travelers : Whether you’re a seasoned pro or traveling alone for the first time, booking through Macs gives you peace of mind that you’ll be staying in comfortable, safe places, and that someone is looking out for you. If you don’t arrive at your accommodation by the expected time, our partners will contact us so we can make sure you’re alright.

What Type of Self-Guided Trips Can I Do?

At Macs, we focus on walking, hiking, and biking from town to town, self-drive road trips to hike in gorgeous places, and rail and hike trips so you can cover more ground on public transportation. 

Our trip types include:

Classic Routes : From Ireland’s Dingle Way to the Mountains & Lakes of Slovenia’s Julian Alps , our classic routes highlight some of the world’s most beloved journeys.

Slower Adventures : Our Slower Adventures maximize your time to explore. You’ll enjoy shorter distances each day, so you have more free time to visit museums, vineyards, cafes, or even learn how to make cheese in a Swiss Alpine village.

Pilgrimages : Across the world, pilgrimages are often rooted in ancient tradition, and offer incredible opportunities for growth, relaxation, and meeting other travelers. These trips are some of our longest, ranging from a few days to nearly two months. Our routes include the ever-popular Camino de Santiago in Spain and the lesser-known (and underrated) Via Francigena , which winds through Europe from France to the Swiss Alps to Rome. 

In-Style : If you’re looking for something truly special, In-Style trips are built to impress. We’ve scouted the most stylish boutique hotels , Italian agriturismos , French chateaux , grand British estates , eco beach retreats, and other unique accommodations across the world. These trips may include extras such as dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant. 

Discovery : Our Discovery trips give you freedom to cover more ground with easy to moderate walking, such as taking two weeks to drive the entire coast of Iceland . You can choose between Drive & Hike , Rail & Hike , or Self Drive road trips , all of which come with suggestions for gorgeous trails, scenic detours, and personal recommendations for how to spend your days. And of course, we’ll handle all your accommodations. 

Start Your Self-Guided Journey Today

Self-guided adventure combines all the best elements of solo exploration and DIY travel. Get started by exploring our destinations to find your perfect adventure—booked by us, led by you.

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We elevate tours to lease conversions by keeping leasing offices open – after hours and on the weekends or when leasing agents are unavailable – to deliver property tours and maximize on NOI (net operating income).

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“Tour24 has proven their worth as a critical tool in our leasing toolkit and they are a valuable part of our strategy for continued growth and success.”

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“Our first couple of months on Tour24 has been great! Offering an option for prospects to tour when we are closed has significantly increased our traffic. We are now seeing 30% of total traffic coming through Tour24.”

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Create self-guided tours with Loquiz Tour Builder

Create rich self-guided tours for tourism using Loquiz Tour Builder

Design your walking tour using our builder platform and make it available through our app! With our Tour Builder you can build self-guided, audio, bicycle, walking, nature and bus tours for your customers. Using rich content - from audio guides, images, and video to optional gamified elements - will give you the possibility to create truly exciting tourism experiences.

Your self-guided tour will work indoor and outdoor, in cities and nature

Any smart device can become a virtual tour guide using the Loquiz app. Once downloaded to the smart device, tours work offline. This allows you to create tours in remote areas in nature without wifi or mobile data connection. Tour operators, museums, theme parks and hiking trails can make their destination interactive and accessible for groups and private visitors alike.

Add your languages and branding quickly to personalize the self-guided tours

Loquiz Tour Builder allows you to include logos, brand colors, your own designed map pins, hand-drawn and historical maps or even client-specific details. Personalization boosts the experience of both alike: tailor-made tours for one client and city tours, guiding thousands of visitors. Loquiz app is available in any language- real or fictional.

Start free trial to create amazing tours!

Sign up and create self-guided, audio and city tours that delight your customers! Start from the scratch or use existing templates for a speedy start!

Create tours that delight visitors and grow your business

Watch how tourism professionals create self guided tours with the loquiz tour builder platform:.

Integrate to ticketing systems and scale up your sales

Using Loquiz Tour Builder you can integrate the tours you create with ticket sales platforms Fare Harbor, Bókun by Tripadvisor, Shoproller to automate and scale your sales. You can give your team more time to create quality tours and expand the business. Learn more about booking platforms

Powerful tour content management

Loquiz Tour Builder allows you to create location descriptions, arrange them on the map, add audio guide and visual materials, change, and reuse tour content quickly.

Clear analytics about the visitors

You will get an overview of customer statistics, locations visited, feedback and interactions with the content you created for their tour. Built in gamified survey questions, photo tasks and chat make it effortless to use data to drive new sales

Try live example Paris tour from your home!

Download Loquiz from Google Play or Appstore Scan QR with Loquiz app and start your virtual travel to Paris. If you are in Paris, you can play it also in the city! This is just one example of tours you can build with Loquiz!

How to create a self-guided tour?

There is a special tool under game templates that allows you to create tours quickly and easily. Tours template allows you to add layers for points of interest into the tour i.e. cafes, museums, photo locations, rentals etc. Tours can be made from scratch with the Loquiz creator as well with as many gamification elements you need. Check out a sample tour in Paris! 

How are tours with gamification elements different from audio guide solutions?

Tours can have gamification elements but they are not compulsory. You can add interactivity with photo and video tasks or use the classic audio guide sound files.

Can I have the app in my own language?

Yes you can have tour app in any of the over 6000 languages on Earth and even imaginary ones. All content within the Loquiz app – from buttons to menus – can be edited by you.

Is Loquiz a web-based or app-based tool?

Loquiz Tour Builder which lets you create the tours is a web-based platform, meanwhile, once you create the tour they are made available to the users through the Loquiz app, which is available on Android and iOS. Your customer’s smart device thus becomes their virtual tour guide, and the app can be used both online and offline.

How much does Loquiz tour builder cost?

Loquiz has several pricing packages – you can find out more about them on our pricing page. You also have the option to try it free for 14 days before you start your subscription.

Privacy Overview

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Self Guided Tour Software with Audio

With our Self-Guided Tour Software with Audio, your visitors can easily access an image and listen to an audio description by scanning a QR code directly on their smartphones. Our Self-Guided Audio Tour Software is a modern way to link visitors to fascinating sites in a city or area of interest. Self-walking tours provide a flexible way to explore and discover an area at one's own pace. Our software enables businesses to design custom walking tours that highlight the unique features of their city or display. With ease, businesses can create tours featuring descriptions, photos, and audio for each site. The Self-Guided Walking Tour Software is an effective tool for promoting the area and boosting tourism, while also allowing visitors to explore and learn about new areas on their own terms. Visitors can access images and audio descriptions directly on their smartphones by scanning a QR code. No app is needed to be downloaded by your customer.

• Visitors can use our system without the need for an app.
• It's easy to use and set up.
• Our system provides customers with instant access to useful information.
• Our system is touch-free.
• Audio playback allows visitors to listen and learn about your exhibit.
• Hi-res QR codes are generated for printing by our system.
• You can help offset the cost by selling ad space at the bottom of your exhibit mobile pages.

Self Guided Walking Tour Software

Our Self-Guided Walking Tour Software is versatile and has multiple applications. It's not limited to exhibitions such as museums or halls of fame, but can also be utilized in various settings to educate and guide visitors. Our software can be integrated into college campuses, hospital buildings, office complexes, and other locations. Using our Self-Guided Audio Tour Software, visitors can simply scan a QR code to access an image and listen to an audio description on their smartphones.

How can we pay for it?

Our solutions is based on how many visitors you have coming through your guided tour. You'll also have the option to showcase an advertisement at the bottom of mobile web pages by scanning the generated QR code. this could be a local restaurant or discount at your gift shop. You are able to also add a link to the restaurant or not add one. You have full control over the content of your ad and you can set your own ad pricing to cover expenses. Each stop will have it's own ad. We do not take a portion of your ad profits, as our only aim is to see you continue using our platform.

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Our mobile tour guide app will guide your visitors from one point of interest to the next using GPS. Our tour builder allows you to create a tour route that takes your visitors anywhere you want — you're not restricted to roads or major pathways.

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Our enterprise tour builder accounts are for CVBs, DMOs, universities, businesses, non-profits, and other tourism organizations interested in features such as analytics, visitor engagement, data collection, and commercial use (local advertising).

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30 Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tours of Greater Philadelphia

How to do philly your own way — and at your own pace....

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Sometimes the best way to learn something new — or discover history that’s hidden in plain sight — is to explore on your own.

Take advantage of these self-guided driving and walking tours of Greater Philadelphia that put you in control of when and how you explore top attractions and important historical sites.

Great for solo excursions or small groups, these self-guided explorations (many of which are free!) are an excellent way to uncover interesting facts about Philadelphia — and encounter surprises along the way.

Philly’s self-guided tours also span a wide range of interests. Get an immersive history lesson on the nation’s Founding Fathers; take your time exploring significant stops along the Underground Railroad; learn the story behind the city’s jaw-dropping architecture; or indulge in a curated culinary journey sampling the city’s most quintessential foods.

Want a little more interactivity? Some experiences offer scavenger hunts that let you upload photos of their finds, while others include augmented reality apps that transform the world in front of your eyes.

Check out our guide below for a list of great self-guided walking and driving tours to help you explore Philadelphia and the Countryside on your own.

History: Black History

7th ward legacy reclaimed self-guided tours.

The art and history experience Legacy Reclaimed: A 7th Ward Tribute honors the lives — and lesser-known history — of 19th-century Black residents of Philadelphia’s old 7th Ward. An important part of the Underground Railroad and Great Migration, the 7th Ward was the former home to 15,000 Black residents including Octavius V. Catto and W.EB. Du Bois. Legacy Reclaimed ’s self-guided tour brochure takes you to two dozen historically significant homes, landmarks and institutions throughout what is now known as Society Hill and Washington Square West .

Where: Various locations including Church of the Crucifixion, 807 Bainbridge Street

Anti-Slavery Walking Tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphians were heavily involved in the abolitionist movement, and the Underground Railroad passed through the city, helping enslaved people find freedom here and north into Canada. Two free audio tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer guide people through Old City and Society Hill and around Northwest Philadelphia to visit anti-slavery landmarks like Congo Square (now Washington Square ), a convening space and burial ground for the Black community; and Germantown’s Johnson House Historic Site , which served as an Underground Railroad stop and may have even hosted Harriet Tubman.

Where: Various locations including Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, 419 S. 6th Street

Black History Historical Marker Tour from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia’s history is rich with important moments involving the Black community , many of which aren’t tied to a specific attraction. Fortunately, historical markers around the city help preserve these legacies. This map from The Philadelphia Inquirer can help you wind your way through the city and learn more about 19th- and 20th-century painter Henry Ossawa Tanner; the Christian Street YMCA, where a young Wilt Chamberlain got his start; and Laura Wheeler Waring, who painted portraits of W.E.B. DuBois and Marian Anderson.

Where: Various locations including the Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut Street

Sweet Chariot: The Long Journey Through Time

Part walking tour, part high-tech scavenger hunt, Sweet Chariot empowers visitors to uncover history that is often hidden in plain sight. Using a map and a smartphone app, visitors search for murals, plaques and other landmarks to unlock immersive videos and clues as they trace hidden stories of the Black struggle for freedom in Philadelphia. The experience begins in Washington Square and ultimately leads to the final resting place of Amelia Brown, who was uncovered in an 18th-century graveyard during a construction project in 2013.

Where: Various locations including Washington Square Park, 210 W. Washington Square

History: The American Revolution

The nps app for independence national historical park.

The National Park Service’s free official app offers a complete guide to what’s been dubbed the most historic square mile in the United States . Choose from one of five self-guided audio tours (on topics like civil rights and Benjamin Franklin ) or use the interactive map to explore the 35 included sites at your own pace. Bonus: Kiddos can sign the Declaration of Independence, ring the Liberty Bell and more in a separate Junior Ranger app .

Where: Various locations including Franklin Court, 317 Chestnut Street

Official Audio Tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park

No battles were fought in Valley Forge , but the time the Continental Army encamped here in 1777 and 1778 went down as one of the Revolutionary War’s most trying periods. Take a deep dive into Valley Forge’s history at your own pace via the park’s official audio tour, available for purchase to stream or on CD . Drive through the park, accompanied by period music, while character voices help you envision the 18th-century encampment during a 60-minute tour.

Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

History: LGBTQ+ History

Lgbtq+ history tour from the philadelphia inquirer.

Philadelphia was the site of the country’s first major demonstration for LGBTQ+ rights, the Annual Reminders , in 1965. But Philly’s history of equality activism long predates that and continues today, as evidenced by the city’s public art, historical markers and notable LGBTQ+ institutions that honor people and events that paved the way. This self-guided LGBTQ+ history tour from The Philadelphia Inquirer visits many of these sites, including the historic marker for John Fryer, who helped declassify homosexuality as a mental illness, and Giovanni’s Room, the country’s longest-running LGBTQ+ bookstore.

Where: Various locations including Annual Reminders Marker, South 6th Street & Chestnut Street

History: Specific Attractions

Audio tour of old pine church.

Founded in 1768, Old Pine Church became known as “the Church of Patriots” during the Revolutionary War, thanks to parishioners like John Adams and other prominent Founding Fathers. Today, the church grounds serve as the final resting place for more than 200 veterans of the Revolutionary War. Visitors can download a free smartphone app to hear narrated stories about those who are buried at Old Pine and their enduring impact on the nation’s history.

Where: Old Pine Street Church, 412 Pine Street

IWalk at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza

Tour the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza with interactive testimonials from real Holocaust survivors and witnesses . The IWalk app offers custom self-guided tours of the space spanning three major topics (history, propaganda and antisemitism) along with historical pictures, contexts, maps and discussion questions. All tours are available in both English and Spanish, and tours can be tailored to middle school, high school or general public audiences. IWalk is free to download and available on iOS or Android.

Where: Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, 16th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery

This circa-1836 Northwest Philly cemetery with picturesque views of the Schuylkill River offers more than pleasant outdoor strolling. Download the cemetery’s free app and venture out on one of three themed tours — Art & Architecture; Pop Culture & Contemporary Stories; and Lore & Legends — to visit permanent residents like Sarah Josepha Hale (author of Mary Had a Little Lamb ) and former Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. Pair a visit with gorgeous bike- and pedestrian-friendly Kelly Drive via the park’s southwest entrance , or explore nearby East Falls’ dining offerings (like pasta at the romantic BYOB Fiorino, or rustic wood-oven pizza from In Riva).

Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue

History: Assorted

Philadelphia's lost waterfront.

Before highways and new construction, Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront was a national hub of trade and commerce. There, businesses were built, deals were struck, fortunes were made and devastating diseases were spread. This 2-mile audio tour along the Delaware River waterfront dives deep into Philly’s maritime history, from the enterprises that began on Philly’s riverside to the long-lost caves where early Quakers once lived.

Where: Starts at Christ Church, 20 N. American Street

Philadelphia Historic Architecture Tours

As the nation’s birthplace, nearly every brick and stone in Philly has a story to tell, and Philadelphia Historic Architecture Tours offer two compelling self-guided tour options. The Road to Revolution: A Colonial Philadelphia Walking Tour explores some of the most significant events that took place in and around Old City, while the Philadelphia Architecture Tour: From the Gilded Age to the Postmodern Present highlights the stylings of iconic buildings throughout Center City and around City Hall , spanning Baroque, Victorian Gothic, Art Deco and more. Tours are available to purchase through VoiceMap website or via the VoiceMap iOS and Android app.

Where: Various locations including Masonic Temple, 1 N. Broad Street

Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Barns of Bucks County

Have you checked out the historic barns of Bucks County ? No? Well, you’re missing out. Our partners at Visit Bucks County have partnered with the Heritage Conservancy to create this self-guided driving tour of more than 30 historic barns, split between Upper and Central Bucks County. Look forward to rolling hills, pretty back roads and, as promised, cute barns.

Where: Various locations including the Thompson-Neely Barn, 1632 River Road, Washington Crossing

Self-Guided Driving Tour of Brandywine Valley's Covered Bridges

Charming covered bridges dot Chester County ’s Brandywine Valley, located south and west of Philadelphia. Explore 14 of them — with one dating all the way back to 1850 — via this self-guided driving tour from our partners at the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau. Don’t forget your camera!

Where: Various locations including the Pine Grove Covered Bridge, Forge Road, Oxford

Self-Guided Driving Tour of Bucks County’s Covered Bridges

Bucks County, less than an hour north of Philadelphia, is home to 12 picturesque covered bridges, each over 150 years old. Visit Bucks County’s self-guided driving tour guides you through the preserved bridges (literally), as you explore the innovative construction style pioneered by legendary American architect Ithiel Town. Each bridge also has its own story to tell, from the illuminated Pine Valley bridge (nearly 200 years old!) to the totally-not-haunted Van Sant bridge.

Where: Various locations including Van Sant Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Road, New Hope

Self-Guided Tours from USHistory.org

Seven free and enlightening self-guided walking tours of Philly await online, courtesy of the nonprofit Independence Hall Association. Each comprehensive tour shines a small light on sights both iconic ( Independence Hal l, LOVE Park ) and sometimes overlooked ( American Street in Society Hill, Musical Fund Hall in Washington Square West) in Center City and Northwest Philly.

Where: Various locations including Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street

SelfTour of Historic Philadelphia

For a comprehensive look at one of Philly’s most history-rich neighborhoods, check out the SelfTour of Historic Philadelphia (available for $9.99 for both Apple and Android ). Users embark on a two-and-a-half-mile journey to more than 50 sites, including stops at lesser-known spots like the Dolley Todd House and the site where Ben Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment. Bonus: Hear a recreation of the sound of the Liberty Bell, last heard in 1846. Can’t do it all in one day? Maybe a stay in one of the district’s hotels is in order.

Where: Various locations including The Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

The Constitutional Walking Tour App

Learn more about the many historic sites throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District on this 75-minute, 1.25-mile self-guided walking tour from the folks behind the popular Constitutional Walking Tours . More than 20 attractions are included, from the iconic (Independence Hall) to the lesser-known (Old City Hall). The app costs $18.99 and is available for both Android and Apple .

Where: Various locations including the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

Arts & Culture

Overtime from monument lab.

Explore the living history of Philadelphia starting from atop the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art via this free augmented reality app . Created by public art and history studio Monument Lab , the app offers self-guided tours of the space and art around the museum through three different tour options guided by Philly poet-activist-heroine Ursula Rucker. The app is currently available for iOS and for Android .

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Tours from Mural Arts Philadelphia

See how Philadelphia earned its “City of Murals” moniker on one of two free self-guided tours from Mural Arts Philadelphia . The Mural Mile tour guides users to 50 Center City murals mostly on or near Broad Street, while the Love Letter Market Frankford Trail Line follows 30 lovely West Philly murals that can be viewed from the elevated Market Frankford subway line or on foot. Or create your own tour using the site’s mobile-friendly interactive map (then learn more about specific artworks here ).

Where: Various locations including Untitled Amy Sherald Project, 1118 Sansom Street

Self-Guided Tours from the Association for Public Art

Take a deep dive into one of the largest collections of public art in America on the Association for Public Art’s free self-guided tours. The biggie is the Museum Without Walls audio program, which offers expert insight into more than 75 outdoor artworks in Center City and Fairmount Park (available via mobile app , phone, audio download or online.) The organization has also compiled eight smaller tours , focusing on works on Kelly Drive, around City Hall, around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and more.

Where: Various locations including the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Walking Tour by Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

A winding, tessellated labyrinth designed by local artist Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is known for its vibrant ceramics, colored glass, mirror tiles and found art. This free self-guided excursion takes you to see over a dozen different Zagar mosaic sites around South Street , and provides the stories, history and insights behind the artist’s distinct works.

Where: Various locations including Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street

The Rocky Tour Experience

Experience Philadelphia by retracing the steps of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. Stops on this self-guided tour include the Italian Market, Mickey’s gym, Adrian’s restaurant and the iconic “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Protip: The Rocky statue now rests at the bottom of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, so strike a pose and snap a picture before you run up those 72 stairs. Take the tour at your own pace, and feel free to provide your own soundtrack. Getting strong now!

Where: Various locations including the Italian Market, South 9th Street

Food & Drink

Authentic flavors of philly self-guided tour.

This one’s for the foodies. Eat all the Philly staples on your own time with this self-guided edition of the popular Flavors of Philly food tour. The tour treats you to Philly history tidbits and fun food facts, and hits five different local stops, featuring classics like cheesesteaks, tomato pie, soft pretzels and snacks at Reading Terminal Market . Tour tickets are $16 and are good for one week after activation. All food items are pay as you go, but show your tour ticket to a cashier at any of the stops to get a sweet discount.

Where: Various locations including Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street

North 5th Street Food Guide Tours

Eat your way across the globe with these two pay-as-you-go food tours along North 5th Street in North Philadelphia. The Where Global is Local Self-Guided Food Tour lets you sample some of the neighborhood’s best internationally inspired restaurants, from Korean barbecue at Kim’s to Colombian sweet treats at La Caleñita Bakery & Cafe. Or if you’re all about that cake life, the Bakery Blocks Self-Guided Food Tour connects you to some of the neighborhood’s tastiest sweet pastries and savory breads. Full belly making it hard to walk? The Route 47 bus runs down 5th Street every five minutes.

Where: Various locations including La Caleñita Bakery & Café, 5034 N. 5th Street

Lights of North Broad Augmented Reality Tour

Augment your reality on this futuristic tour of North Broad Street. Install the free Lights of North Broad app , visit one of five featured locations along a 2-mile stretch of North Broad Street, tap the location in the app and watch history come alive. Through the magic of augmented reality, your virtual tour guide — NBC10’s Aunyea Lachelle — appears in front of you to explain the past, present and future of some of North Broad’s most pivotal spaces. Current stops can be found at The Rail Park (an urban greenspace built atop a retired railway), the Divine Lorraine (a historic hotel complex first opened in 1892), Blue Horizon (a legendary boxing venue) and more.

Where: Various locations including The Rail Park, North Broad & Noble streets

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt

Charge up your mobile device (consider bringing a portable charger!) and put on your detective’s hat for this outdoor scavenger hunt that starts on Independence Mall. Great for solo adventure seekers or small groups, this 150-object hunt is a game, knowledge test and history lesson all rolled into one. Take photos of your finds to score points and complete the challenge.

Where: Starts at Independence Mall, Chestnut and South Fifth Streets

Our Market Public Art & Visual Stories at the South 9th Street Italian Market

Created and led by artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, the Our Market project is revitalizing Philly’s South 9th Street Italian Market (also known as the 9th Street Market) with public artwork, renovated produce stands, light installations and an archive of video interviews with the market’s diverse community members. Video interviews and art descriptions can be accessed online or via QR codes at eight different stores and stalls along Ninth Street.

Where: Various locations along the South 9th Street Italian Market including Mole Poblano Restaurant, 1144 S. 9th Street

Self-Guided Tour from GPSMyCity

Download this app from the App Store or Google Play for a walking introduction to Philadelphia. Concentrated in the Historic District and around City Hall, this two-hour tour provides a crash course on 13 top attractions. Use your mobile device as both a map and an audio guide for a two-mile walk to spots like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market.

Where: Various locations including Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

More Self-Guided Tour Options

Top free things to do.

Can’t get enough of these independent excursions? Satisfy your spirit of exploration (with no commitment) at any of Philly’s free attractions and public spaces . Many of these attractions also offer self-guided tours, like the self-guided tour of the United States Mint , which highlights America’s first coining press, stunning 120-year-old glass mosaics and a view of the coining operations on the factory floor. Or stroll verdant pathways, explore 50 acres of flora and view historic landscape photos with the self-guided tour and interactive map of Bartram’s Garden .

Where: Various locations including Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard

• Tours in Philadelphia
• Center City
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods
• Public Art & Architecture

Come for Philadelphia. Stay (Over) for Philly.

The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.

Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.

Which will you choose?

Related Articles

Top Things to Do with Kids in Philadelphia

Iconic Philadelphia Foods and Must-Have Philly Eats

Philly Voted Most Walkable City in America by USA Today

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Tourific Self Guided Tours 17+

Self guided tours, prathamesh dhole, designed for iphone.

• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Discover the world at your own pace with Tourific, the ultimate marketplace for self-guided audio tours. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, our app provides an immersive and engaging way to explore your favorite destinations. Key Features: Explore with Freedom: With Tourific, you have the freedom to embark on self-guided audio tours whenever and wherever you want. No more rushing to meet tour groups or following strict itineraries. Enjoy a personalized journey at your own pace. Vast Selection of Tours: We offer an extensive collection of audio tours created by passionate locals and expert storytellers. Dive into history, unravel hidden gems, and uncover fascinating stories behind famous landmarks. Our tours cover a wide range of destinations, ensuring there's something for everyone. High-Quality Audio Guides: Immerse yourself in captivating narratives and engaging commentary as you explore each location. Our audio guides are professionally recorded to ensure crystal-clear sound quality, making your journey both informative and enjoyable. Offline Mode: No internet? No problem! Tourific allows you to download tours in advance and listen to them offline. Whether you're wandering through remote areas or experiencing network limitations, you can always rely on our app to provide a seamless audio tour experience. User-Friendly Interface: Our intuitive interface makes navigating the app a breeze. Find and select tours based on your interests, filter by location, and easily manage your downloaded tours. Enjoy a hassle-free experience as you embark on your next adventure. Interactive Maps and GPS Navigation: Never lose your way again. Our app features interactive maps with clear markers and directions to guide you along your chosen tour route. GPS functionality ensures you stay on track, providing a seamless and stress-free exploration experience. Unlock the wonders of the world and embark on extraordinary journeys with Tourific. Download now and start exploring on your terms!

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The developer, Prathamesh Dhole , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

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Wonderful walking tours in the Golden State

T here is no better way to experience a city than to take to its streets, walking. Many self-guided walking tours are available throughout the Golden State exploring architecture, history and more. Tour maps are easily accessible for downloading on smart phones or printing on a home computer.  

Many guided walking tours for purchase are also available throughout the state for those who enjoy learning more about their chosen destinations.  

Here is a list of some of the best free self-guided and volunteer guided walking tours in California.

Newhall Walking Tour 

Info walkingtour.oldtownnewhall.com 

Start your exploration of California walking tours with a tour in your own backyard. If you haven’t taken the Newhall Walking tour, it’s a “must see” destination.  

It’s great way to learn the history of Newhall, which you can pass on to your family and visiting guests. The tour includes not only historic buildings but also film and television locations. Dazzle out-of-town guests by showing off locations used by “NCIS,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Goliath,” “This is US” and many more.

Old Sacramento Waterfront  

Info anytimetours.stqry.app/1/tour/17762 

This tour of the Old Sacramento Waterfront is easily to access on your phone. Walk the Old Sacramento Waterfront and uncover the hidden stories behind the city’s first business district.  

The tour includes 30 stops of buildings, most from the 1850s and 1860s.  

On this tour, you will notice each building is described as either … reconstruction — buildings that were re-built in recent decades based on what we know they looked like in the past or restoration — original buildings that have been preserved.

Jeff Shelton Architectural Walking Tour 

Info bit.ly/3Jv1e2h 

When wandering the streets of Santa Barbara, some may notice unique buildings that stand out from the rest.  

Follow the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour by requesting a free map (from the website above) for one-of-a-kind designs and to see a playful and captivating twist on the Spanish Revival architectural style Santa Barbara is known for.  

Shelton’s designs range from the Ablitt Tower, which appears to be straight out of a Dr. Seuss dream, to Vera Cruz, a lime green house “tiled” in paintings.  

Each building tells its own story using intricate ironwork, whimsical sculptures and colorful tiling.

Strolling on Seventh Downtown Los Angeles 

Info www.laconservancy.org 

Map bit.ly/3W9DxEB 

There are many walking tours of downtown Los Angeles but one of the most fascinating tours is Strolling on Seventh, a walking tour that explores the architecture and history of Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles.  

Best of all you’ll walk through the heart of the Los Angeles jewelry district where you can find something beautiful to buy.  

For other walking and driving tours around Los Angeles visit the L.A. Conservancy website.

Get Away to Julian  

2129 Main St., Julian 92036 

Info visitjulian.com/ 

Map bit.ly/3Ukt2wK 

Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Gold rush history comes alive as you stroll by historic buildings and museums.  

Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites. After your walk enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie, a Julian specialty.

San Francisco Free Walking Tours 

Info sfcityguides.org/find-your-tour/ 

San Francisco City Guides is a non-profit organization with roots in the San Francisco Public Library. They welcome all walkers, free of charge, and include a large number of available tours. All tours are led by volunteers who love to share their knowledge and passion for San Francisco with walkers.  

The tour guides do not accept tips, however they will ask for donations to keep the doors open to the City Guides non-profit.  

Among the tours offered is a San Francisco Chinatown tour which explores the Chinatown that rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to evolve into a Chinese community that has flourished for more than 150 years. Explore the alleys, the family associations, temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewelry shops that make this Chinatown world famous. 

Another fascinating tour is the Mission District Murals tour. Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area’s identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood. 

The Women’s Building at the corner of 18th Street and Lapidge Street boasts one of San Francisco’s largest and best known murals.  

Meaning “woman teacher of peace,” the Maestrapeace Mural stands five stories tall and is the jewel of San Francisco’s Mission District.

The post Wonderful walking tours in the Golden State appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal .

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