When it comes to tourism, few issues are as controversial as the question of free tours vs. private tours in Spain. On the Internet you will find defenders and detractors of both options, all of them very passionate. Don’t you think it’s about time you got informed about this in a truly objective way?
Susan and Anthony want to go sightseeing in Segovia. While planning their trip, the big question arises: is a free tour or a private tour better? If you are like this couple, here you will find the answers you are looking for.
Free and private tours in Spain: what are they?
Let’s start at the beginning. Whether on foot or by bus, the tour is an itinerary led by a guide who takes us to the city highlights. During the successive stops, this cicerone explains the history and curiosities of the places we visit.
- Private tours in Spain are paid tourist activities. They always include a qualified guide and their taxation is transparent. They are characterized by offering a high-quality personalized experience.
- Free tours in Spain are carried out without the need to pay an exact price, but may include indirect costs. This is a growing phenomenon that arises to satisfy the needs of mass tourism.
Does it really cost nothing to take a free tour in Spain?
“Free” is a powerful word. Any marketer knows this. By nature, we prefer free goods and services over those that cost us money. But if we don’t want to end up disappointed, we better be cautious. Remember: “All that glitters is not gold”.
If free walking tours were not profitable, no one would bother to organize them. Who would spend their time on a job that gives them nothing in return? It is one thing for these tours to have no “official” price, but quite another for them to be 100% free for tourists.
A consuetudinary payment
The feeling of reciprocity is deeply rooted in society. So, if someone does you the favor of showing you around the city, it is normal to show your gratitude by giving them a tip. In practice, 8 out of 10 tourists pay between €10 and €20 for this type of service.
Hidden expenses
It is no coincidence that the vast majority of free walking tours include visits to certain shops and restaurants in their itinerary. The reason? The guide and the organizers will take a commission from what tourists spend in these establishments.
What free tours cost the public coffers
Despite being free, these activities generate profits… which do not pay taxes (schools, hospitals or pensions depend on them). Participating in this type of tours means supporting dubious practices from an ethical and legal point of view (e.g.: black economy).
“Buy cheap, buy twice”
This is the most obvious difference when comparing free tours vs. private tours in Spain. It would certainly be naive to expect the former to give us as much as the latter. The saying “You get what you pay for” is shown to us here in all its splendor.
The private guide is an experienced professional who does not live off tips. As a result, he is trained and motivated to offer the traveler the special itineraries and secret places that the city has to offer. His level of commitment therefore achieves a more authentic and memorable tour.
Free tours vs. private tours in Spain: The Ultimate Comparison
The question of free tours vs. private tours in Spain has gained a lot of traction over the last decade. After all, free tours are constantly on the rise (especially in southern Spain). Don’t decide on any of them until you see their pros and cons in our table.
| Free tours | Private tours | |
| Cost | Indirect costs (about €50 between tips, shopping and meals) | Fixed price |
| Personalization | No | Yes (they adapt to your tastes and needs) |
| Guide | Amateur | Professional |
| Flexibility (start and cancellation) | Poor | High (Tailored to your times) |
| Compliance with tax and labor laws | Doubtful | Full |
| Duration | Variable | Adapted to your request |
| Entrances to places of interest (churches, museums, palaces, etc.) | Excluded | Included |
Free tours vs. private tours in Spain: What Type of Travelers Are They For?
The eternal debate about free tours vs. private tours in Spain is resolved based on your way of doing tourism. In fact, what is satisfactory for one type of traveler may not be for another. Which of these two profiles do you identify with?
Free tours in Spain are for you if…
- From your point of view, tourism is just another way to pass the time.
- You need very little to be satisfied when you go on a trip. You just need to know and do what everyone else knows and does.
- You don’t need to discover the places you visit in depth: you just want to pass by.
- You’re impulsive and easily bored, so you value flexibility over customization.
Private tours in Spain are for you if…
- You see tourism as a valuable and enriching experience.
- You are a demanding traveler and you don’t settle for just anything.
- You want to discover the city highlights in depth. What you find in tourist brochures and travel blogs is not enough for you.
- You value individualized experiences.
Conclusion
Madrid, Segovia, Toledo… some of Spain’s top tourist destinations are far away from countries like the United Kingdom (+1,700 km) and the United States (+8,000 km). Visiting them is not like going to a neighboring city! Therefore, the smartest thing to do is to make the most of your trip with premium activities (such as private tours).
Are you one of those travelers who appreciate unique tourist experiences? Then, for you, the free tours vs. private tours in Spain confrontation clearly leans in favor of the latter. Check out why they are your best option with Madrid Tour Experience, true experts and experienced private guides..
