Say what you will. As slow travel veterans, we have come to appreciate this staple of city tourism. We arrive in a city determined to know it — to walk, live, eat, shop, and cultivate a deep understanding. These city bus tours offer the opportunity to do the once around and orient yourself to a place. Hear the historical overview and pinpoint places for future probing, while snapping pictures and visualizing the directions and locations of key places. City tours are generally reasonably priced, and we like that.
One of our first slow travel experiences and city bus tour was in Granada, Spain. That one gave you 48 hours to get on and off. We planned it so we could visit some out of the way places like the Science Center while we got our bearings in the city. The cost was 17 euros.
More recently we had an important visitor here in Boston and while we have been frequent visitors since 2003 when undergrad school started for our daughters, we had never done the world famous Duck Boat tour. This one is short and there is no getting on and off. Prices vary, go online to get deals. I doubt very many savvy travelers pay full price.
We found a variation of the above in Amsterdam. There are lots of operators. We chose one and enjoyed the canal view. While biking and walking are tailor-made for this wonderful city, we learned a bit, relaxed and enjoyed the water-level perspective.
You can’t find too many cities higher than Quito at 2,800 meters, but you will find city bus tours. The view from the top level of the bus offered a step-ladder perspective and the chance to take some nice photos. Plus the first few days walking in this low-oxygen city will have you gasping for breath. We gained some perspective and once acclimated we started walking and exploring. This one was $12 and you’re allowed on and off.
Edinburgh, a beautiful, walkable city with character, history and charm. We got our first look-see on this tour, then spent the next week walking and busing.
Cuenca, Ecuador. We fell in love with this city, and it started on this tour.
Glasgow, Scotland. This bus tour started in George Square. Glasgow is going to become a must-see city on every smart list. Well worth the time for slow travel.
Buenos Aires. La Boca will stun you with color and character. Get on the bus, get to know this amazing city.
You meet interesting people from around the world, everyone is out for fun, and you learn something while not spending a fortune. Better yet, these tours offer the opportunity to make that first acquaintance with a city and possibly fall in love.