The first time I came across tip-based free walking tours was a cave tour in Granada, Spain. I figured there had to be some catch – how could someone offer free walking tours and still make money? But there was no catch. The guide did a great job, I learned a lot, and I paid only a tip. I started searching for free walking tours in all of my travel destinations. Luckily Austin, among other U.S. cities, has a company called Tipster.

What is Tipster Free Walking Tours?

Tipster offers tip-based free walking tours in major cities around the U.S. It's perfect for getting to know a city! Click To Tweet

A group of young travelers that had great experiences like mine in Granada came together to form Tipster and get it started in the U.S. The guides are all volunteer based that want to share something they’re passionate about to improve tourism. The tours are entertaining and create a great experience with great people. You don’t need a reservation, just check the website for when each tour runs and where to meet. The tours are on rain or shine, just show up! Tipster is growing, but they currently offer free walking tours in Austin, Boston, Denver, and San Antonio.

In Austin, Tipster offered free walking tours of Downtown Austin, East Side Art Tours, and Music Tours. For big enough groups, there is a cocktail hour tour or a brewery tour. Since Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, I decided to try the Music Tour.

Tipster’s Free Music Walking Tour in Austin

The tour was awesome. I arrived in Austin for the first time only an hour before, and by the end of the hour and a half tour, I felt like I knew the ins and outs of the city. The guide walked us all around the city telling us tidbits about historical old bars, new clubs, music history, celebrity musicians, festivals, and other specialties Austin has to offer. She said she did not grow up in Austin, but her local friends all admit that she knows more about their city than they do – and I believe it! And best of all, the guide is a musician herself and even sang a little bit for us in front of the ACL Live theater. It was amazing!

Some of the fun information I gained from the music tour is that Antone’s is an iconic blues club in Austin. Sixth Street is primarily cover bands and djs, while the Red River District is more low-key with more original, local music. Stubb’s is the oldest building in Austin, where Lyndon B. Johnson’s secret service hung out and Pink Floyd were told they weren’t up to date enough on American blues to jam with the house band. East of the highway has the bigger Latin influence, but there is a little bit of every type of music everywhere in Austin. And the colorful human-sized guitars you see all around the city were donated and auctioned off, bought by local businesses with the funds going to support local musicians.

Head to Austin and check out the music tours and all the other free walking tours – just remember to tip what you think it was worth!

Who Should Try Tipster?

I went to Austin solo and didn’t get a chance to do much research on the city before I went. Tipster free walking tours were the perfect way to ease into a city and get to know it, especially as a solo traveler. I always recommend tours for solo travelers so you get to sightsee with a big group. Tipster is perfect for solo travelers.

Tipster is also great for groups! If you have more than six people in your group, just email ahead to let the guide know, but all will always be welcome. If you have a big group, you will most likely dominate the group and have a lot more fun – like a semi-private tour. Tipster is great for big groups!

There were a lot of couples on my tour. It’s always nice to have a partner to sightsee with and take pictures with, and it’s a great place to meet other couples. You can grow your group, make new friends, and, at the end of the day, share a few special moments with someone special.

Have you ever done a free walking tour anywhere? Have you heard of Tipster or other free walking tours? How do you feel about the idea of a free walking tour? Talk to me in the comments below!

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P.S. You might also enjoy Iceland’s Ice Cave Tour or The Local Village Tour of Isla Grande