If you’re someone who enjoys the excitement of new places and faces, travelling is typically the best way to scratch that itch. There’s only so much to see in your home town or city.
Now the world has opened back up to international travel, more people than ever are saving up their coins to get out there and see the world. Some travellers take great pride in meticulous research into a destination, planning their route from A-Z and hour to hour.
However, travel can and should be an act of leisure. If you gain no satisfaction from the preplanning that can go into an excursion, why complicate things?
Not every destination is worth forking out for a private tour guide, however, we have identified ten cities which have so much to offer, it’s completely worth it.
Our top 10 cities for a private tour are:
- London, England
- Paris, France
- New York, USA
- Dublin, Ireland
- Bruges, Belgium
- Athens, Greece
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Rome, Italy
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
1. London, England
Originally a Roman settlement over 2000 years ago, England’s capital city London oozes heritage, history and culture.
What strikes many visitors to the capital is the array of buildings. Thanks to the Blitz, a great deal of Victorian and Edwardian-era buildings were destroyed. This is a double-edged sword.
The subjective standout for the best pre-war era buildings is the Houses of Parliament. This collection of buildings boasts The House of Commons, The House of Lords, Westminster Hall and of course, Big Ben (and its clock tower).
A gorgeous collection of buildings that host the members of parliament who dictate the local, national and international economies that are governed by the UK. A truly unique site to see.
On the other more modern side of London buildings, we have The Shard and The Gherkin. The Shard is the tallest building in the city by almost double the runner up. With delightful sightseeing opportunities on the 68th and 69th floors, you can catch some of the best views of London from there.
The Gherkin, named for its vegetable-like shape, is not open to the general public. However, you may eat at its restaurant for a truly unique eating experience.
If you’re into your historical art, why not check out the British Museum or National History Museum – incredibly popular.
At Yellow Moon Tours, we are able to curate an entirely private day tours from London for you and your loved ones. Families, couples, intrepid solo travellers, adventurers, history buffs, younger, older – whoever you are, we are brimming with unique ideas. Simply tell us what you’d like to see and we’ll craft something unique just for you.
So, if you’re interested in booking a private tour with us, get in touch with a member of our friendly team today or check out more travelling tips on our tour planner blog.
Whether you’re visiting London in the Summer, Winter, Autumn or Spring, there is always something to do and popular attractions to see.

2. Paris, France
Filled with history, romance, art and fashion coupled with some of the finest food money can buy, Paris is a true diamond on the international stage.
The history heritage in art is where Paris can really stand out. The famous yet troubled artist “Picasso” walked the very streets of Paris and is enough of a reason to visit the city. You can retrace his steps in Montmartre, a delightful authentic village set in the heart of Paris.
One cannot mention Paris without mentioning the Eiffel Tower. Once the tallest building in the world, it is now the most famed icon of the Parisian streets.
Lastly, Le Marais is a very in vogue spot for food and cultural tours. A district full of food markets, historic spots and quirky boutiques, a tour around Le Marais is likely to give you the full experience of Parisian life and culture.
Here are our top tips for visiting Paris for the first time, and if you’re only in Paris for 2 days, we got you.
3. New York, USA
Also known as The Big Apple, New York is a city that has so much to offer that you should consider delegating to a professional to take you around the city to get the most out of your experience.
The city consists of delicious delis, Central Park as the crown of various parks throughout the city, intriguing markets and ionic museums that will truly open your mind and eyes to the New York way of life. Whether you’re visiting New York on a couples getaway, a solo adventure or with the whole family, there is an abundance of things to do and see.
If you’re a fan of city views, New York has some of the best skyline views in the entire world, especially from the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and the Empire State Building.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll need to take the immigration tour throughout the various cultural melting pots that are in the city.
Places like Little Italy, Chinatown and the Jewish Quarter are all places that are a fusion of their origins with a taste of NYC. Discover more must-try food experiences in New York here.
At Yellow Moon Tours, we live and love New York City, which is why we will work with you to maximize your New York private tour and squeeze the juice out of every mouthful of the city. Get in touch so we can get to know you and make sure that your time visiting this incredible city is truly unforgettable.
If you’re visiting New York for the first time, here are our top tips.

4. Dublin, Ireland
The capital of the Republic of Ireland has a turbulent history filled with rebellions, tyrants and Guinness.
A truly fulfilling private tour may take you to the likes of the famed O’Connell street where the “Battle For Dublin” took place. This is the widest street in the city, which hosted one of the most important battles of the Irish Civil War in the 1920s.
Another stop that is a must-visit is Dublin Castle. This is a fascinating bastion with a troubling and illuminating past, a place where Irish history, fables and legends come together to tell the story of Dublin in a glorious clash of Celtic contrasts.
A little chef’s cut of a place to visit near Dublin is the fishing village of Howth. With a photo worthy harbour, stunning beaches and cliffs covered in wildflowers, this village has the delights of a remote area while being just a 25 minute train ride away from the city centre.
Additionally, you can’t visit Dublin without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, a brewery experience that you’re sure to remember for years to come.
For more travel tips when visiting Dublin, check out this blog.
5. Bruges, Belgium
From the gothic architecture dating back to 1421 to the city which played set to the BAFTA award-winning ‘In Bruges’ starring Brandan Gleeson and Colin Farrell – Bruges is a truly unique city bathed in history and quirks to be discovered.
Historic Centre of Bruges
Firstly, the city’s historic city centre (which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site) sits tidily within the main ring-road of the city and has a width of around 2km, making it the perfect city to walk around and see all the main sites over a weekend.
Bruges Has Something for All Age Groups
Secondly, despite Farrell’s character ‘Ray’ spending much of ‘In Bruges’ lamenting over the city, the centre features attractions for a wide range of interests and ages including the following:
- Explore religious history by stopping at the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
- Enjoy a boat trip through the canals.
- For those who aren’t claustrophobic, climb up the Belfry Tower for the best view of the city.
- For darker interests, visit the torture museum – possibly not one for the kids.
- For couples, there’s the Lovers’ Bridge and Lake of Love.
- For food lovers, there’s the Bruges Markt and Chocolatier Dumon.
The best part is, by organising a private tour you can request and arrange to visit one or all of these popular destinations and make life-long memories.
Affordable to Travel To
Thirdly, if spending on a private tour is stretching the travel budget then you may get peace of mind from the cost and ease of travelling to Bruges. Flying to Brussels Airport from London costs as little as £25.00, and from there it’s a 15-euro train to Bruges.

6. Athens, Greece
A long weekend trip to Athens is only enhanced by booking a private tour for you and your travel companion – the Greek capital combines ancient history with unique shopping experiences and beautiful cuisine to create a trip to remember.
6.4 million tourists flock to Athens each year to visit some of the famous sites such as:
- The Acropolis – a 2,500-year-old dreamy rocky viewpoint with monuments that are considered some of the greatest architectural achievements in Greek history.
- Lycabettus Hill – one of the highest peaks in Athens with breathtaking views and a cable car if you’re not fancying the walk.
- The National Museum of Contemporary Art – including painting and video works, the EMST is praised as one of the most diverse and engrossing art museums in Europe.
Lesser-Known Athens
However, by joining a private tour you can escape the crowds and make unique memories by exploring the lesser known gems of Athens such as the Open Air Cinema in the National Gardens, the recycled furniture filled restaurant of NEW Taste or the food market of Varvakios Agora.
As with any private tour, ensure you share your interests and curiosities with your tour guide so they can build a unique Athens experience just for you and your travelling party.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Another must-visit city that you should tick off your list is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
Known for its glorious sunshine, vibrant streets, and delicious food, Lisbon is relatively laid back for a capital city, making it ideal for wandering around and getting lost.
From Belém Tower to Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon is packed with sightseeing spots that lend themselves well to a private tour of the city to give you a deeper perspective and understanding of the history of the city.
While Lisbon is great to visit all year round if you wish to visit when it’s cooler, the autumn and winter are preferable for sunny days with a cooling breeze.
With so much to see in Lisbon, there’s no way you’ll regret booking a private tour in this thriving city.

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Known for its long canals and lively nightlife, the city of Amsterdam is one of the best cities for booking a private tour.
From the Van Gogh Museum to Ann Frank’s house, Amsterdam is teeming with history and culture.
Despite being a bustling hub for locals and visitors, there are plenty of luscious parks you can go to relax and read a book, and the streets are scattered with cosy coffee shops and restaurants to grab a bite to eat.
The public transport around the city is well-connected and incredibly easy to use, making it ideal for small and big groups alike.
Cycling is also a huge part of the culture, providing a convenient way to get around the beautiful city and tick off a number of sights in one trip.
As such, there are many cycling tours as well as canal tours if you’d prefer to see the city by boat on the endless network of canals.
9. Rome, Italy
Home to indulgent and simple dishes and stunning architecture, Italy’s capital of Rome is any history lover’s dream.
Perfect for a weekend city break, Rome is a popular tourist destination for groups and couples alike.
From The Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, there are a variety of sights to see in Rome, not to mention the endless Italian restaurants and bakeries that are sure to entice your taste buds and make your visit a memorable one.
As Rome can get extremely hot in the summer, it’s best to visit during the spring or early summer, as by August, Romans tend to leave the city to escape to cooler lands such as the coast and the neighbouring hills.
That said, Rome is equally beautiful in the autumn and the winter if you’d prefer a city break toward the latter half of the year that will allow you to see the sights without baking in the summer sun.

10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Last, but not least, a city you won’t regret booking a private tour in is Dubrovnik, in Croatia.
Boasting stunning architecture and beautiful views, Dubrovnik is a walled city on the edge of the Adriatic Sea.
Famous for its Old Town and home to some of the most iconic filming locations of the television series, Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik is truly a gem you have to see.
If you’re a fan of the show and are looking to do something a little different, you can even do a dedicated Game of Thrones tour that takes you to famous landmarks in the series, including The Red Keep (Lovrijenac Fort) and Black Water Bay (Dubrovnik West Pier).
If you’re looking for a city break with the sea right on your doorstep, then Croatia provides the best of both worlds and is the right destination for you.
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There is no end to the possibilities when it comes to private tours, and they don’t need to be as expensive as you might think. Our recommendation is to identify a list of sightseeing spots and attractions that you’d like to see at one of the above locations before arranging your tour.
At Yellow Moon Tours, our private tours are tailor made to fit around you, so please contact us for a quote. Simply fill out the form and let us know your interests and any special requests. We’ll send you back a possible itinerary, prices and experience created just for you.
You can also email or call us for any inquires or questions at info@yellowmoontours.com | +44 (0) 20 3290 3665
Written by Zac Marley for the private tour company, Yellow Moon Tours.