Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to make a reservation or can I just show up?

A: A reservation is now REQUIRED for all tours, both public and private. Public tour reservations must be made through Eventbrite. Please see the Home page for the Eventbrite links. For private tour reservations, please send an email to raleighwalkingtours@gmail.com.

Q: How much does it cost to do a private tour?

A: Please see the Private Tours page for more details.

Q: What happens if we arrive late to the public group tour?

A: Please, please, please try to be on time. I recommend arriving at the starting location 5 minutes before the tour begins. The tour will start promptly at the designated time. If no one shows up at the designated time for a public group tour, I will leave the area 5 minutes after the tour was scheduled to begin. Be late at your own risk!

Q: Do the tours ever get cancelled?

A: YES!!! Tours may be cancelled when the tour guide is sick. Tours are more commonly cancelled on account of rain, very cold temperatures, or other bad weather. When a tour is cancelled, it will be announced at the top of the home page as soon as possible prior to the tour's scheduled start time. There are no indoor stops on the walking tours, and I have found that many people do not like to be out in the rain for 60 to 90 minutes or more!

Public tours are also cancelled when signups are low. I always cancel any time that there are fewer than 15 people signed up for a tour, mainly because there is no guarantee that people will show up since nothing is paid up front. Because all of my public tours are pay-what-you-want, I need a larger number of people on the tour to make it profitable. I cancel tours approximately 24 to 48 hours in advance when fewer than 15 people are signed up. So if you are interested in attending a public tour, please try not to wait until the last minute to sign up!

Q: What is an appropriate amount to pay for a name-your-own-price tour?

A: I feel that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a tour at a price they can afford, so my weekend group tours are “name your own price," otherwise known as "pay-what-you-want tours." I appreciate receiving whatever you feel is fair at the conclusion of the tour. Usually, I receive $15 to $20 per adult, but you are free to give more or less than that, depending on how you feel about your tour at the end. As you can imagine, I have to work hard to earn your appreciation!

Please keep in mind that I am doing this solely because I love my city. I am an independent guide who works on weekends to share my passion for Raleigh with others! I am not paid by the City of Raleigh or any other entity. I genuinely believe that by letting everyone decide what they want to pay, I can share my love for this city with more people, and hopefully help you get the most out of your time here.

Q: Any recommendations for what I should bring on a tour?

A: Some items that you may want to consider bringing include an umbrella if there is a chance of rain, water, sunscreen, a hat, a camera, and a tip for your guide! Tours in the summer are often conducted in HOT weather, so please stay hydrated and dress accordingly. And please wear appropriate shoes for walking!

Q: Are there restroom stops along the tour routes?

A: Unfortunately, the answer to this question is No.

Q: How long are the walking tours?

A: Raleigh Walking Tours has several different tour routes that go through downtown Raleigh. The length of tour routes vary, but most are a little over one mile long. With regard to time, all tours, both public and private, are approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes long.

Q: Do the tours end where they start?

A: No, but the starting points and ending points for public tours are always within 1 to 3 blocks of each other. At the end of the tour, I will give you clear directions on how to get back to the starting point. The starting points for public tours are clearly listed on Eventbrite. On a private tour, I will work with you to find the starting and ending locations that will give you the best experience based on what attractions you want to see!

Q: Are dogs allowed on the tour?

A: As much as I would personally like to allow dogs on the tours, not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Thus, in order to ensure a suitable comfort level for all tour guests, no dogs are permitted on the tours.

Q: Will my kids like these tours?

A: That really depends on your child. But many of my tours are suitable for children. However, please note that due to the graphic nature of one of the stories on the Haunted History tour, the tour may not be suitable for younger children. The True Crime & Curious Tales tour is also not recommended for children under the age of 14 due to the adult nature of the stories. In addition, all of the tours are an hour and 30 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes long, so if you feel that this would be too much for your younger child(ren), please leave them at home. I want the tour to be a pleasurable experience for all guests.

Q: Can I purchase a gift certificate?

A: Yes, gift certificates for private tours are available! To purchase a digital online gift card through Square, click here. To purchase a paper gift card, please send an email to raleighwalkingtours@gmail.com for details.

Q: Are you available for corporate tours?

A: Absolutely! I have served a variety of corporate clients, from law firms to businesses who wanted me to accompany them on a trolley pub tour. And I am happy to create shorter routes to accommodate tours over a lunch hour, etc. Please email me at raleighwalkingtours@gmail.com for details and rates.