Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, see below. In some cases, it depends on which city you’re visiting and which tour you’d like to take but the most up to date information can always be found on the cities individual website – from which tours are offered when on the Tour Calendar to our private tour policies.
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre las excursiones en Nueva York
Q: Why do you offer free tours?A: Free Tours by Foot offers tours at no upfront cost. In fact, our tours operate on a pay-what-you-like model. We believe that everybody should be able to enjoy an educational tour experience and discover and learn about the cities we tour in, regardless of your budget. We also strongly believe that you should not have to pay for a tour in advance, without having experienced it first. We think that you should decide how much you think the tour was worth when the tour is finished. As you can imagine, our tour guides have to work extra hard to earn your appreciation. You name the price.
Q: Do I have to make a reservation or can I just show up?
A: Yes. Reservations are required for guaranteed spots on all tours. Reservations help us determine the number of guides we need to ensure that our groups remain manageable and enjoyable, and they allow us to notify you of changes to the tour due to weather or anything that could disturb the tours. . Groups MUST follow the specific city’s group policy before reserving. Some tours require prepayment for groups of 4+ while others can accommodate up to 6 without prepayment. We do consider two families travelling together as a group. Walk-up guests for these tours will be permitted if space is available. However, we strongly suggest contacting us before walking up to a tour.
Q: Why should I submit my phone number when making a reservation?
A: This is optional. You will receive your reservation confirmation and a reminder on the day before your tour via email. We do recommend, however, that you hand in a phone number by which you can be reached on the day of the tour. This way, your tour guide can get in touch with you if there are any short notice changes to the tour.
Q: Do I need to include children/babies in my reservation?
A: Yes. Reservations are required for all persons, regardless of age. Some sites limit the number of people.
Q: We are a group of six or more. Why can’t we make a free reservation online?
Groups of 10 or more must contact us for private tour.
Q: What happens if we arrive late to the tour?
A: Please, please, please try to be on time. We recommend arriving at the starting location ca. 10 minutes before the tour starts. We also recommend checking with your concierge or online how much time you need to make it to the tour on time and allow some extra buffer time. You don’t want to be the person arriving late and having to call and interrupt the guide in the middle of a tour. Your email reminder that you receive the day before the tour should list the tour guide’s name and phone number. Any late arrivals with reservations who do not contact us may have their reserved spots allotted to walk-up guests. Not contacting us or at a very late notice might affect your future reservations.
Q: I have changed my mind and cannot come to the tour. Do I have to let you know?
We do work on the honor system, so please understand that if you make a reservation and don’t show up or bail on us last minute, that this might affect your future reservations.
Q: Can I attend a morning and afternoon tour on the same day?
Q: Can my children attend a tour without me?
Q: Do the tours ever get cancelled for weather?
Q: Can we bring our dog/cat/horse?
Q: Where does the tour start and end?
Q: What is an appropriate amount for a name-your-own-price tour?
Q: Will my kids like these tours?
Q: How long are the walks?
Q: I bought tickets on your website. Now I can't go. Can I get a refund?
Q: What do I need to bring to the Food Tours?
Q: Are your tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?
Q: Do you offer private tours?