Do I tip a tour guide?
Tipping a tour guide is customary, with the amount swinging by tour. A useful baseline is $5–$10 per person for a group half-day, scaling up for a private guide or an all-day trip.
The big exception is the free walking tour. It's advertised as free because tips are the guide's actual income, so skipping there is closer to skipping the bill than declining a bonus.
Judge the amount on knowledge, energy, and care. A guide who handled a big group, adjusted for the weather, and told you things you couldn't have Googled earned the top of the range.
A 2-hour group tour for two: about $10–$20 total. A free walking tour you loved? Tip as if it had a real ticket price.
When to tip more
Go to the top of the range or beyond for a private or all-day guide, a free walking tour, or someone who went off-script and made it memorable.
Quick questions
How much do you tip a tour guide?
About $5–$10 per person for a group half-day, more for private, all-day, or free walking tours where the tip is the guide's pay.
Do you have to tip on a free walking tour?
Yes, in practice. The tour is free because the guide works for tips, so a real tip is expected at the end.
Related situations
Verdict based on: NerdWallet (2025), Consumer Reports (2024).
Tipping guide · Methodology.
General etiquette guidance, not financial or legal advice. Norms vary by region and situation, and tipping is always your call.