The Origin of the Free Tour: A New Way to Explore

The origin of the Free Tour: A new way to explore

Although free tours are becoming more and more popular and are all over the world, they still keep many secrets… read on to discover its origin and why to opt for a free tour on your vacation!

  The free tour format emerged in Europe in the early 2000s as a response to the need to make tourism more accessible and flexible for travelers.
The idea was conceived by a group of tour guides who wanted to offer an alternative to traditional guided tours, which tended to have a fixed cost and, in many cases, were inaccessible to some tourists.
These guides decided to innovate and change the model: instead of charging in advance, they offered their tours without a set price, leaving it up to the participants to decide how much to pay at the end, based on what they felt was fair.
This approach broke with established norms and quickly gained popularity.
Travelers appreciated the freedom to rate the experience according to their satisfaction and budget, which also encouraged guides to give their best on each tour.
The success of the free tour format was so great that it quickly spread to cities around the world, becoming one of the most authentic and appreciated ways to explore a destination.  

Although its name may lead to confusion, it is important to clarify that “free” does not mean “free”, but “free”.
In a free tour, you decide how much to pay according to how you feel about the experience.
This makes the guide go out of his way to make sure you enjoy the tour to the fullest.

How does a Free Tour work?

Participating in a free tour is super easy.
All you have to do is arrive at the meeting point at the appointed time, no need for complicated reservations or advance payments!
During the tour, the guide will take you to discover the most interesting and authentic corners of the city.
At the end of the tour, it’s up to you to decide how much to pay, valuing the experience according to your satisfaction and budget .
This flexible format is ideal for backpackers on a tight budget as well as for those looking for a unique and personalized experience.  

Why should you sign up for a Free Tour?

Signing up for a free tour has many advantages.
For starters, it’s a great way to see the best of the city without overspending.
With a passionate local guide, you will not only see the most famous monuments, but you will also discover stories, anecdotes and places that only a resident knows.
Another great advantage is flexibility.
You are not committed to paying a fixed rate, but decide the value of the experience once the tour is over.  

Join our Free Tours and discover Madrid and its region.

At Todo Tours, we are excited to offer you free tours designed to give you an unforgettable experience in Madrid, El Escorial and Aranjuez.
Our local guides are full of stories and knowledge that will make you see these places with different eyes.
From the most emblematic sites to the hidden corners that only locals know, our tours will show you the best of each destination.
We invite you to join one of our next free tours and discover Madrid and its region in a free, close and full of surprises way!
We are waiting for you at Todo Tours! Our free tours in Madrid and surroundings:

• Free Tour of Cervantes and the Golden Age: The Spanish Golden Age was an era of literary and artistic splendor, but also of political conflict.
  In our Free Tour we will walk through the emblematic Barrio de las Letras of Madrid exploring the lives of figures such as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca.
  We are waiting for you!
• Royal Love Affair Free Tour: Discover with us the scandals and romancesof the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties in the heart of Madrid.
  Join us on a fascinating tour through the love affairs that marked the history of Spain.
  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the best kept secrets of royalty!
• Free Tour of Chueca and Malasaña: Discover the fascinating history of these alternative neighborhoods of Madrid, known for their LGTBI culture and their role in the Movida Madrileña of the 1980s.
  Join us to explore the diversity and inclusivity that characterize Chueca and Malasaña, and immerse yourself in the most alternative Madrid.
• Free Tour of La Latina and Lavapiés: Want to get to know the authentic essence of Madrid?
  Join us and explore the rich history of these iconic neighborhoods.
  You will meet figures such as Beatriz Galindo and explore the vitality of San Isidro Labrador and the popular festivals of Lavapiés.
  Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Madrid like a true local!
• Free Tour of Aranjuez: Join our free tour of Aranjuez and discover the history and charm of this city just 42 kilometers from Madrid.
  We will visit its emblematic places and finish in its impressive gardens.
  A unique experience for the whole family that will change your vision of Aranjuez!
• Free Tour of San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Discover the history of San Lorenzo de El Escorial on our free tour.
  This charming town, with its impressive monastery, is a place full of legends and secrets.
  Join us for a unique experience not to be missed!
• Free Tour of Capricho Park: Discover the magical Parque del Capricho on our free tour.
  Created by the Duchess of Osuna between the 18th and 19th centuries, this 14-hectare park is full of gardens, ponds and surprising corners.
  What are you waiting for?
• Free Tour of the Spanish Inquisition: Discover the secrets of the Holy Office on our free tour of the Spanish Inquisition.
  For two hours, we will explore the old town of Madrid and meet historical characters such as Diego de Velázquez and Tomás de Torquemada.
  Join us and unveil one of the darkest chapters of history.
• Free Tour of Monumental Madrid: Discover “the other center of Madrid”.
  We will tour the area urbanized during the reign of Charles III, where you will find emblematic buildings and the “Landscape of Light”, a World Heritage Site.
  The Congress of Deputies, Paseo del Prado, Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá are waiting for you to discover all its secrets.
• Free Tour of Forgotten Women: Throughout the tour, we will unveil important forgotten female figures from the 17th to the 20th centuries, exploring their impact on literature, art and society.
  We will also address the conquest of women’s suffrage and remember heroines who have remained in the shadows.
  Join us and give voice to these stories that deserve to be told!