Local walking tour guide

Tourists, visiting friends and family, school or club groups, and companies looking for a team activity.

Price per person for public tours, or a flat fee for private groups. Listing on booking platforms brings in visitors, and you can also sell directly through your own simple website.

• Storytelling and public speaking
• Knowing your city's history and sights
• Planning routes and timing
• Friendly, confident customer service

• Some cities require a tour guide license or permit, check with your city or county and any park or historic site authority
• General liability insurance, and check what platforms or venues may require
• Bookings drop in bad weather and off-season, so plan for uneven income
• Booking platforms take a commission, factor it into your prices
• Group size limits or rules about blocking sidewalks or entering private property

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on your route planning, marketing and booking setup. These are estimates, so check what platforms and venues may require before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many tours you run and the season. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week. Bookings can drop in bad weather and off-season.

Some cities require a tour guide license or permit, so check with your city or county and any park or historic site authority. Also check liability insurance, group size limits, and rules about blocking sidewalks or entering private property.