Joining one of the free walking tours in Syracuse is a great way to explore the historic city and get to know the fascinating history of this part of Sicily. Not only will you visit the city's main attractions, but also meet other like-minded travelers while spending a fun day outdoors.

After the tour, you will be well informed about the most important things to do in the city while also being able to navigate the busy streets independently.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most fascinating sightseeing activities in Syracuse.

How do free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily work?

The concept of free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily, is quite simple and straightforward. Make sure to book your tour online in advance to guarantee your spot.

It is not advisable to join a free walking tour without pre-booking as tour guides might limit how many people they can take with them. Registering is always free and can be done in only a few minutes.

On the day of your tour, make sure to be at least 10-15 minutes early. Check your emails for detailed instructions on how to get to the meeting point. In most cases, this is at a central location in Syracuse.

You’ll meet a group of other tourists as well as your expert tour guide. After a quick explanation of a rough itinerary for the day, you’ll begin your walk through Syracuse.

Once the walking tour through the city is finished, you will be asked for a small tip to keep the tour free for other travelers in the future.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Syracuse, Sicily?

The amount of the tip should be based on the following criteria:

- Did the tour meet your expectations?

- Did the tour guide interact with you?

- Did you learn anything?

- Would you recommend the tour to others?

Most participants give between €10 to €15 per person on average. This is only a rough guideline and each tour participant is free to decide on the amount themselves.

If you had a memorable experience, a higher tip is, of course, appreciated by the guides. In many cases, the tips they receive make up their wage and they are dependent on gratuities to make the effort of organizing guided tours worth it.

What are the best free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily?

There are many free walking tours to choose from in Syracuse, Sicily, all offering something different. Since tours all operate at different times, the variety to choose from is considerable. If you have time, why not do several free walking tours during your time in Sicily?

Bella Siracusa - Free Walking Tour

This free walking tour of Syracuse is very special. The tour guide, Anna Maria, is responsible for leading the group through the streets of Syracuse. She will tell you all about the city's history, myths, and legends, making the tour both a fun and educational experience.

Itinerary

The meeting point is also the first sight of the tour. The ruins of the Temple of Apollo date back to the 6th century BC and are a popular destination for tourists.

The tour then continues through the historic Graziella district. Besides many intricately decorated churches, there are also historic houses and authentic restaurants to see as you walk past.

Afterward, the walk continues through a market, which is always crowded with locals doing their weekly shopping. Here you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables as well as souvenirs.

Anna Maria then leads the group to Piazza Archimede, the location of the famous Fountain of Diana. This landmark is decorated with beautifully designed sculptures and is well worth visiting. Don’t forget to snap some pictures here!

The second to last stop of the tour is the Piazza Duomo. This is a large square where many historical buildings such as the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral of Syracuse and several more places of interest can be visited.

The last stop of the tour is the Arethusa Spring. With a great view of the ocean, this natural spring is the perfect place to end your tour through Syracuse. Don’t forget to tip your guide and leave a tour review online.

Ortigia Free Walking Tour: Discover history & monuments

This tour is one of Syracuse's best free walking tours and a must-do for those interested in history. The licensed tour guides will lead you through the city of Syracuse, Sicily, visiting many fascinating attractions along the way.

Itinerary

The tour starts at the Greek Temple of Apollo next to the entrance to Ortigia, the small island on which part of Syracuse is built. After the group is complete, the walk begins through the old historical parts of the city.

In addition to the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia and the cathedral in the city center, the tour also visits the Fountain of Diana with its statues, the Piazza Duomo and the Arethusa Spring.
At each stop, the tour guide will give you a detailed account of the history and myths of each site.

At the end of the tour, participants can ask more detailed questions about Syracuse, its history and monuments.

Free Walking Tour Syracuse: Sentimental Walk through Ortigia

Your tour guide, Ivan, will take you on an unforgettable walk through his hometown of Syracuse. This tour will follow the popular route to the Fountain of Diana, Piazza Duomo and Apollo's Temple, like many other free tours in Syracuse, Sicily.

However, the Source Aretusa and the Ponte Umbertino are also part of his free walking tour, making it stand out from others. The guided tour will end on the boardwalk of Porta Marina in Ortigia, which is a popular spot for a sunset picnic. If you’re joining this tour in the afternoon, staying here to watch the sun go down is a must-do.

When the tour is completed, your guide will be happy to answer any questions about the city and its history. The guides are also a good contact to ask for the best restaurants or other attractions in town. They always have incredible recommendations.

In which languages are free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily operated?

The different free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily, are available in several languages. Please keep in mind that the tours in the various languages do not always take place simultaneously and on the same days.

Therefore, check the relevant times and book your tour online to secure the best suitable spot. If you’re interested in a tour in a specific language, make sure to reserve your ticket as soon as possible, as some slots fill up fast.

The following tours are available in several languages:

The Bella Siracusa Free Walking Tour is available in English and Italian.
The Ortigia Free Walking Tour: Discover history & monuments is only available in English at the moment.
The Free Walking Tour Syracuse: Sentimental Walk through Ortigia can be booked in Spanish, French and, of course, Italian.

Where do free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily start?

The meeting point for the Bella Siracusa Free Walking Tour is generally at the Temple of Apollo, which is located very close to the entrance of Ortigia Island. Keep an eye out for a sign with the inscription “GuruWalk” to spot your tour guide.

The tour guides of the Ortigia Free Walking Tour: Discover history & monuments will also await you at the Temple of Apollo. A sign with the inscription “Ortigia tour” makes the tour easy to recognize.

The meeting point for the Free Walking Tour Syracuse: Sentimental Walk through Ortigia is at the so-called Ponte Santa Lucia, located before the entrance of Ortigia island. This is located next to a big parking lot, where you can park your car for a small fee.

How long do free walking tours in Syracuse, Sicily, last?

The Bella Siracusa - Free Walking Tour and the Free Walking Tour Syracuse: Sentimental Walk through Ortigia usually take around two hours. However, the Ortigia Free Walking Tour: Discover history & monuments is slightly shorter and only lasts about 1.5 hours.

However, the duration of free walking tours in Syracuse can be longer or shorter depending on the number of participants. It usually takes longer to move through the city with a large group. Always allow some extra time in case of delays.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Syracuse?

To get to know your way around better, it is best to join one of the free walking tours in Syracuse on your first day in the city or early on in your trip.

Since public holidays and weekends tend to be very popular for taking a free walking tour, it is recommended to do it on weekdays if you’re looking for a smaller tour group.

Furthermore, tours in the early morning are mostly less crowded than in the afternoon or evening. You will also avoid the midday heat by joining one of the earlier tours.

Should Syracuse free walking tours be booked online?

Since some free walking tours in Syracuse only have limited spots available, it is recommended to pre-book to guarantee a place. The tour operators also need to know how many people are attending to organize the number of guides necessary.

Free walking tours in Syracuse can be quickly booked online in just a few minutes. You will not need a credit card to reserve your spot and cancellation is always free of charge.

Free Walking Tours in Syracuse, Sicily