It's often tempting, especially when time is limited, to quickly tour a city by bus or rush between subway stations without paying much attention to the stops along the way. However, if you slow down and explore on foot, you'll be amazed at how much more you can discover. And with the help of a guide, you'll be able to see even more. Here are 5 walking tours that you should experience at least once in your lifetime. Let's get to it!
So what are some walking tours worldwide that you should definitely consider?
1. Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour – Medellin, Colombia
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Colombia is leaving behind its troubled past, and as a result, neighborhoods like Comuna 13 in Medellin are no longer considered dangerous. Instead, they have transformed into safe and vibrant districts with a strong sense of community, making them a popular choice for international tourists. To experience the lively atmosphere, you can join a walking tour that showcases the positive changes that have taken place. Marvel at the street art murals that convey the area's recent history and its transformation. To navigate Comuna 13's steep hillsides, you can ride the "escalera electrica," an open-air escalator, which will make the ascent easier. And for a touch of fun, you can even slide down a playground slide for a portion of the descent, letting your inner child come out to play.
2. Bites of Nassau – The Bahamas
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Food tours are a popular attraction in many capital cities around the world. In Nassau, this particular tour provides an intriguing perspective on the evolution of this Bahamian city and how the immigrants who settled there played a significant role in shaping its character. Of course, the tour includes a visit to Bahamian Cookin' for a taste of the famous cracked conch, accompanied by a refreshing glass of switcha. Exploring the city's culinary scene also involves stops at the renowned Graycliff Hotel to sample their homemade chocolates and indulge in Tortuga rum cake. However, it's not just about the expected. The tour also exposes participants to the unexpected influence of Greek sea sponge traders on the local cuisine. Overall, this Caribbean experience offers a delightful mix of flavors and surprises.
3. Colorful Bo Kaap – South Africa
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The vibrant houses in Cape Town's Bo Kaap neighborhood are highly favored by photographers. This area, previously called the Malay Quarter, is located at the base of Signal Hill, near the city center, making it convenient to take a leisurely stroll through its streets. However, to truly appreciate the essence of Bo Kaap, it's recommended to join a walking tour where you can learn about its history, current state, and future endeavors. Back in the 1760s, the "huurhuisjes" or rental homes were constructed for the enslaved Cape Malays, and were originally painted white. The colorful facades that you see today symbolize freedom. Enhance your walking tour experience by indulging in a Cape Malay meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.
4. Cemetery Tour – New Orleans
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The Big Easy, an easily navigable city, offers plenty of walking opportunities for visitors. Whether you prefer strolling past musicians in the French Quarter or exploring the impressive mansions in the Garden District, the city provides endless options. However, the cemeteries in New Orleans stand out as a particularly intriguing reason to consider a walking tour. While most cemeteries are accessible to the public, the Archdiocese of New Orleans implemented a rule in 2015 that visitors must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. Choosing a cemetery to explore will offer insightful stories, such as those of Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau, the Italian Mutual Benevolent Society Tomb seen in the movie Easy Rider, and the controversial pyramid tomb purchased by actor Nicolas Cage for his future retirement.
5. Aboriginal Heritage Walk – Australia
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This walking tour in Melbourne provides an opportunity to embrace Australia's rich aboriginal heritage and delve into its vibrant music, arts, and cultural scene. Led by a knowledgeable indigenous guide, you will explore the ancestral lands of the Kulin nation, gaining insights into the traditional uses of native plants and participating in a traditional smoking ceremony. This ancient ritual involves burning native plants to cleanse the surrounding area and ward off negative energies.
Park with confidence, explore with joy: let ParkingNearAirports.io handle your airport parking!
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In addition to our ultimate travel guide, we would also like to provide you with some more useful information on traveling, which will be handy for those who prefer doing this by air.
If you use your own car to reach the airport, you know it's critical to park it safely for the duration of your trip. Almost every airport has special on-site parking for this purpose. However, travelers aren't ready to spend a lot of money at the beginning of their trip, as this option is pretty costly. So what should we do then?
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What is actually off-site parking, and which advantages has this parking type, you may ask? So let's take a closer look at this question.
First of all, off-site parking is much cheaper. So you can save money and then spend the most considerable amount on the things you really want to try or see while traveling.
Secondly, off-site parking services are faster. It might seem that it's faster to park your car at the airport, but that's not always the case. Off-site parking offers you the following convenience: when you drive directly up to the entrance, a staff member pulls your luggage out of your vehicle and loads it into the shuttle. Then they park your car for you. After your baggage is loaded, you can take your seat in the shuttle, which will bring you and your bags to the airport. It's a hassle-free option that is usually faster.
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Thirdly, it's much more convenient. People are always stressed before the trip, as there are many things you should keep in mind. Not to be late when taking off, fighting traffic, finding a parking place, wondering how long the shuttle service will take, and more can leave you annoyed before you step foot inside the airport. If you choose off-site parking, you are using the assistance of a private company that caters to travelers' needs. Such services can make your trip much more comfortable when you arrive at the airport and return home.
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Let's look at an example. Imagine that you live in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. If you're planning a trip to Medellin, Colombia, you can choose cheap parking near Atlanta Airport. If you're coming from New Orleans, Louisiana, the situation is the same – you can use affordable MSY Airport long-term parking. So it depends just on where you are flying from.
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