How to prepare a tour?

Choose Your Favorite Area

Find the part of your city you love most — a place you think visitors would truly enjoy.

Explore and Research

Walk around, take notes on interesting spots, then go home and dive deeper. Read books, watch documentaries, ask locals. Talk to fellow guides or people in the industry — when I was in Paris, we were always willing to help each other, and I loved that spirit.

Test Your Tour with Friends

Once your route is ready, invite friends and give them the tour just like you would to real guests. Ask them to hold their feedback until the end. Practice, then do it again. And ask for honest feedback — it’s the only way to improve.

You’re Ready When…

When your friends and family say, “Wow, that was great!” — you’re good to go.

Pick a Clear Meeting Point

Choose a spot that’s easy to find — like in front of a bar, outside a metro station with only one exit, or next to a statue. Keep it simple.

Be Easy to Recognize

Let your guests know how to spot you: wear a t-shirt with your logo or name, carry a sign, or even use a distinctive umbrella.

Set the Duration

Tours typically last 1.5 to 2.5 hours. I found that around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours works best, especially in hot weather.

Keep Group Size Manageable

While you can host as many as you like, 20 people is a good number. It keeps things personal and ensures everyone can hear you — quality over quantity!

End Near Public Transport

Try to finish your tour close to a metro or bus stop. Even with GPS, it’s always appreciated.

Final Check

Make sure everything is ready — route, timing, signage, meeting and end points.