5 unusual tours of European cities

Guided tours are a familiar and fail-safe way to see the best of a city. But if you want to go one step further or delve a bit deeper into a new destination, these alternative tours in European cities are for you.

‘Worst’ Walking Tours in Porto

With a name that seems to work via reverse psychology, Porto’s ‘Worst’ Walking Tour gives tourists a rare perspective on this Portuguese city. In 2012, three out-of-work architects decided that instead of emigrating after the financial crisis hit, they would launch a project to highlight the impact of the crisis on Portugal and show visitors the unpolished reality. In turn, doing their bit to boost tourism and providing a powerful experience for tourists, all the more enriching for their evident adoration of Porto. Instead of instagrammable tiled walls and tourist traps, you get to see abandoned buildings, old markets and crumbling local shops in graffiti-strewn neighbourhoods. Your guides will tell stories about all the sites you come across, helping you to understand it all in the context of Portugal’s politics and culture. Stay in the central Poets Inn.

Rooftop tour in Stockholm

For adventurous travellers, a rooftop tour is the best way to see Stockholm. Suited up with all the necessary harnesses and helmets, visitors get to clamber across the roof of the Old Parliament House, enjoying 360-degree views of the city’s historic Old Town (Gamla Stan). At 43 metres above the busy streets, it’s not for those with acrophobia but it is a real thrill and includes a run-down of the city’s history. Hotell Skeppsbron is a plush but affordable accommodation in the Old Town.

Alternative tours in Berlin

If you like sightseeing but want to see a bit more than just the traditional Berlin monuments, Alternative Berlin Tours offer fantastic free walking tours based on several themes, such as Green Tours, Street Art Tours and Craft Beer Tours. For travellers who like meeting new people and interacting with locals, Urban Living Tour introduces you to three different Berliners in three different neighbourhoods. From flashy penthouses to subterranean studios, at each house you’re invited in for a drink and a chat, with sightseeing in between the visits. For imaginative design and a convenient location in a trendy district, check into the Hüttenpalast.

Unseen Tours in Prague

Pragulic is a company that employs many homeless and ex-homeless people as Prague tour guides. One of the company’s most established guides, Václav, is an incredibly warm man with a playful sense of humour, who has been living under the Hlavka Bridge with his dog and cat since 2006. There is a range of tours, each with completely different itineraries, depending on whoever you choose as your guide. Regardless of who you pick, you will be see a completely different side to Prague, hear fascinating personal stories, engage in discussions of gentrification and see all the hidden sights. Check into MOOo by the Castle for a luxurious stay in a historic building.

BonAppetour in Rome

BonAppetour links you up with hospitable Rome locals who either take you out for an authentic meal or invite you for a meal in their home. It’s an invaluable service if you like discovering small eateries off the beaten path, want to chat about Roman city life over an aperol in a characterful neighbourhood bar, or want to sample some home-cooked Italian food. The company also offers cookery courses if you want to master the art of homemade Italian pasta, too. Stay at the minimalistic, bright and roomy Attico Laterano penthouse apartment.