Planning activities and sightseeing can be overwhelming when you’re visiting a new city. GetYourGuide makes the process simple by connecting you with thousands of tours, attraction tickets and local experiences around the world. This guide is designed for first‑time users. It explains how the platform works, shows you how to create an account, search and filter tours, book and pay for experiences and understand what happens after you’ve booked. You’ll also learn how to use the mobile app and discover helpful tips to ensure your first tour booking feels smooth and stress‑free.

TL;DR - GetYourGuide for First-Time Users

  • GetYourGuide connects travelers with over 150,000 tours and local experiences worldwide.
  • You can book skip-the-line tickets, food tours, outdoor adventures, transfers, and more in one place.
  • The booking process is simple: choose an activity, pick a date, confirm, and get your voucher instantly.
  • Many tours offer free cancellation and reserve-now, pay-later options.
  • The app lets you store offline tickets, track bookings, and get directions.
  • Reviews are verified, cancellation terms are clear, and support runs 24/7 in multiple languages.

Jump to: How It Works • Creating an Account • Browsing Tours • Reading Reviews • Booking & Payment • After Booking • Managing Bookings • Using the App • Tips • FAQ

Traveler researches tours on GetYourGuide website
Traveler researches tours on GetYourGuide website

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What GetYourGuide Is and How It Works

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for travel experiences. Instead of scouring multiple websites, you can search and book everything—from skip‑the‑line museum tickets to food tours, outdoor adventures and airport transfers, all in one place. The company partners with vetted local tour operators and attractions in more than 150 countries and lists over 150,000 experiences. Their inventory spans large cities and tiny villages, with options to suit every interest: culture and history, nature and adventure, food and drink, family‑friendly activities, day trips and multi‑day tours. GetYourGuide does not sell flights or traditional package holidays, and accommodation is only offered as part of multi‑day tours.

How the platform works

  1. Search and browse. You enter a destination or attraction and browse activities available on your chosen dates. Each listing includes descriptions, photos, what’s included, meeting points and verified reviews. Filters allow you to narrow options by category, duration, language, price or rating.
  2. Select and book. Once you find something that appeals, you select the number of participants and date, choose a time slot and any options, then enter your details and pay. Most experiences offer instant confirmation, meaning you receive a booking voucher immediately.
  3. Receive a voucher. Your confirmation email contains a voucher with the activity details and your booking reference. For many activities the mobile voucher is all you need; others may require you to exchange the voucher for a physical ticket, which will be noted in the description.
  4. Show up and enjoy. On the day of your activity, you present your voucher at the meeting point. After the tour, you’re invited to leave a review, which helps future travelers choose wisely.

GetYourGuide is loved for its ease of use, variety of activities and flexibility. Many listings include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Select activities also offer “reserve now, pay later”, allowing you to secure a spot without immediate payment. The company provides 24/7 multilingual customer service in case you have questions or issues.

Creating an Account

You don’t need an account to browse activities, but registering makes booking and managing reservations much easier. Here’s how to create your account:

1. Go to the website or install the app. You can register on the GetYourGuide website or via the iOS/Android app. In the app you’ll have offline access to tickets and your booking details.

2. Choose “Sign Up.” When prompted, click Sign Up. Enter your name, email address and a password. For convenience, you can also sign up with your Google or Facebook account.

3. Complete your profile. After registering, you can add a profile photo and select a preferred payment method. Providing more information allows GetYourGuide to personalise recommendations.

4. Verify your email. To protect your account, GetYourGuide sends a verification email. Click the link to confirm your address.

5. Adjust notifications (optional). Once logged in, you can set your email preferences in Settings to decide which promotional emails you want. Note that support or account-related messages cannot be unsubscribed.

After these quick steps, your account will be ready. Registering is free and does not require any payment method until you actually book.

Browsing and Filtering Tours

A well‑structured search is key to finding the right experience. GetYourGuide’s interface is intuitive: a search bar at the top allows you to enter a destination, activity or landmark. Below the search bar you’ll see main categories like Tours & Attractions, Day Trips, Nature & Adventure, Food & Drink and Shows & Musicals. You can browse through these if you’re just exploring or type in something specific like “Colosseum” or “wine tasting.”

Tips for effective searching

  • Be as general or specific as you like. You can search the entire country (e.g., “Italy”) or a specific city (“Florence”). For broad searches, expect more results, while narrower terms help you zero in on the exact town or attraction.

  • Use filters. After running a search, click Filters to refine results. You can filter by time of day, language, price range, duration, rating, category (e.g., cultural, food, adventure), and special services like wheelchair accessibility or hotel pickup. Applying filters helps you identify the experiences that fit your schedule and interests.

  • Check availability before deciding. When you click an activity, a calendar shows available dates. Blue dates indicate availability, while grey means sold out or unavailable. Enter the number of participants to see real-time availability and to avoid surprises later.

  • Explore “Top Things to Do” sections. For many destinations, GetYourGuide organises lists like Top Sights, Uniquely [City], and Day Trips. These curated sections highlight popular and highly rated experiences.

  • Read itineraries carefully. Each listing includes a detailed itinerary and “What’s included/not included” section, cancellation policy, meeting points and additional information. Taking a few minutes to read these ensures there are no surprises.

Reading Activity Pages and Reviews

After you click on an activity title, you’re taken to its dedicated page. Understanding what you’re buying will enhance your experience:

  • Overview and itinerary. At the top you’ll find the title, price, duration, whether pickup is available and if the provider has been certified by GetYourGuide. The description includes a comprehensive itinerary, where the tour starts and ends, what’s included/excluded and whether equipment (e.g., helmets, life jackets) is provided.

  • Meeting point and logistics. Under “Meeting point”, you’ll find an address or link to a map. This tells you exactly where to go on the day. Some experiences offer hotel pickup; others require you to meet the group at a specific location.

  • Photos and videos. Activity pages show images provided by the tour operator. For more candid visuals, scroll down to the review section; travelers often upload their own photos.

  • Reviews and ratings. Only people who have actually booked can leave a review, so the rating system is reliable. You can filter reviews by traveler type (solo, couples, families) and by star rating. Reading both positive and critical reviews provides balanced insight.

  • Check what’s included. Some tours include admission tickets, transportation or meals; others might require additional fees. The “What’s Included” and “Not Included” sections clarify these points.

Take advantage of this transparency. Many travelers highlight that reading the itinerary and reviews in detail leads to better choices.

Booking and Payment Process

Once you’ve decided on an activity and ensured availability, booking is straightforward. The process is similar on the website and in the app.

Step‑by‑step booking

  1. Select date and participants. On the activity page, choose the number of participants, then select your preferred date. Available dates appear in blue; after selecting a date, available time slots and packages will show.
  2. Choose options. Some tours offer different packages (e.g., standard ticket versus VIP access). Compare what’s included, the cancellation policy and price for each package before selecting.
  3. Click “Book Now.” You’ll be taken to the checkout page. Here you review your selection, see the total price per person and in total, and proceed to payment.
  4. Enter traveler details. Provide the full names of participants and the primary contact information. Some activities may ask for your hotel address or phone number to coordinate pickup.
  5. Select payment method. GetYourGuide accepts major credit cards, PayPal and Apple Pay. Payment is processed securely, and if “reserve now, pay later” is available, you can choose to pay closer to the activity date.
  6. Add extras (optional). For some activities you can add extras like cancelation protection or travel insurance. The help center notes that if an activity is eligible for a “cancelation upgrade,” you can add it during checkout.
  7. Confirm booking. Review your order and submit payment. Most tours provide instant confirmation, so you’ll receive your voucher by email immediately.

Tips for paying safely

  • Use a card with travel protections. Many credit cards offer dispute resolution and travel insurance that can be useful if anything goes wrong.

  • Double‑check currency. GetYourGuide supports multiple currencies. Ensure you are paying in your preferred currency to avoid conversion fees.

  • Apply discount codes. Occasionally, GetYourGuide partners or travel blogs offer promo codes for first‑time users, saving you a few percent off your booking.

What Happens After You Book

Understanding what to expect after payment helps you arrive prepared and reduces anxiety.

Confirmation and voucher

  • Email confirmation. Immediately after booking, GetYourGuide emails a confirmation with your booking reference. The email includes a voucher with the date, time, meeting point and what to bring.

  • Mobile vs. paper voucher. Most providers accept mobile vouchers, so you can simply show the QR code in the GetYourGuide app. In rare cases, a printed voucher is required; this is indicated on the activity page under “Mobile ticketing”.

  • Meeting point instructions. The voucher also repeats the meeting point details and may include directions or a map link. If the meeting point is a ticket office, the voucher will specify if you need to exchange your voucher for a ticket.

  • Provider contact details. The voucher lists the activity operator’s phone number or email so you can contact them if you’re running late or have questions.

Before your tour

  1. Check the meeting point. Familiarise yourself with the address and instructions. If you’re unsure, contact the operator or use the in‑app map to plan your route.
  2. Bring required documents. Some tours require passports, driver’s licences (for vehicle rentals) or student IDs for discounts. The voucher lists what to bring.
  3. Arrive early. It’s wise to arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time; guides often leave promptly.
  4. Know the cancellation window. If your plan changes, cancel within the free‑cancellation period (often 24 hours) to receive a full refund. Cancelations after this window may incur fees.
  5. Leave a review. After your activity, you’ll receive an email asking for a review. Sharing your honest feedback helps other travelers make informed choices.

Managing Bookings

Your account dashboard or the mobile app allows you to view and manage reservations.

  • Access your bookings. Log into your account and click “My Bookings.” You’ll see all upcoming and past activities, each with options to modify or cancel.

  • Modify details. For some bookings you can change the number of participants or the date within the free‑cancellation period. Others may require you to cancel and rebook.

  • Cancel when necessary. If permitted by the provider’s cancellation policy, you can cancel directly from the booking details. Refunds are typically processed within a few days.

  • Contact customer support. GetYourGuide’s support team can be reached via live chat, email or phone. They are available 24/7 and speak multiple languages.

Having your bookings in one place (especially in the app) makes trip planning easier and ensures you never misplace a ticket.

Using the Mobile App

GetYourGuide’s mobile app acts like a pocket travel assistant. While the website is user‑friendly, downloading the app offers several advantages:

  • Offline access to tickets. The app stores all your booking vouchers offline, so you can access QR codes even without internet. This is useful when traveling abroad without data.

  • Flexible booking and payment options. The app lets you reserve now and pay later for popular experiences and provides instant confirmation. Booking last‑minute tours while on the go is quick and secure.

  • Map directions and reminders. According to travel blogs, the app sends reminders and provides map directions to meeting points, ensuring you arrive on time.

  • Manage everything in one place. All your reservations are stored under the “Bookings” tab. You can import bookings by entering your email and verification code if you booked on the website.

  • Customer support. The app includes built‑in customer support with live chat and multilingual help 24/7.

  • Multi‑language and multi‑currency. You can browse and pay in your preferred language and currency, which is convenient for international travel.

Overall, the app acts as a travel planner, storing reservations, guiding you to meeting points and keeping your tickets accessible. Many travelers find that having offline tickets and reminders reduces stress and keeps them organised.

Tips and Best Practices for First Time Users

To make your first GetYourGuide experience smooth and enjoyable, keep these practical suggestions in mind:

Before booking

  • Plan ahead during peak seasons. Popular attractions like the Colosseum or Vatican Museums sell out weeks in advance. Booking early secures your place and often lets you skip the ticket line.

  • Check cancellation policies. Not all activities have the same cancellation window. Always read the specific policy before booking so you understand your flexibility.

  • Compare similar tours. Many operators offer similar experiences. Compare durations, inclusions (e.g., transportation, meals), group size and reviews to pick the best fit.

  • Use traveller reviews wisely. Filter reviews by season and traveler type for more relevant feedback. Reviews from the same month you plan to travel can reveal weather‑related or seasonal issues.

  • Consider booking combinations. Some experiences combine tickets and transportation (e.g., Blue Lagoon admission with transfers in Iceland). These packages can save time and money.

  • Check operator credentials. The activity provider’s name appears on the listing. Search for additional reviews online to ensure they’re reputable.

During booking

  • Enter the correct number of participants. Availability and pricing depend on accurate participant numbers.

  • Double‑check dates and times. Confirm you’ve selected the right date/time before paying. Some activities run only on specific days or offer multiple departure times.

  • Add extras wisely. If an activity offers an optional cancelation insurance or upgrade, weigh the cost against the benefit. You’ll rarely need it if you’re booking free‑cancellation tours.

  • Look for “reserve now, pay later.” If you’re undecided or want to secure a spot with minimal commitment, choose this option if available.

After booking

  • Import bookings into the app. Even if you booked via the website, open the app, go to Bookings and import your reservations by entering your booking email and verification code.

  • Check your voucher. Read the meeting point information, note what to bring and review any special instructions (e.g., dress code for religious sites). If the voucher says “This is not a ticket,” you’ll need to exchange it at a booth.

  • Stay organised. Add your tour times and meeting points to your travel calendar or set reminders on your phone. Arrive early to avoid missing departures.

  • Leave feedback. Honest reviews help fellow travelers and encourage quality service from operators. Rate your tour after completion and mention any highlights or issues.

General advice

  • Have realistic expectations. Tour times, weather, traffic and group dynamics can affect experiences. Go with an open mind and be flexible.

 

  • Reach out if you’re unsure. The activity page lists the operator’s contact details. Don’t hesitate to ask about accessibility, age restrictions or other concerns before booking.

 

  • Use the wishlist feature. Clicking the heart icon on an activity page saves it to your wish list (favourites), making it easy to compare and plan later.

 

  • Explore Trip Inspiration. GetYourGuide’s Trip Inspiration section provides destination guides, insider tips and curated lists, helping you discover experiences you might not have considered.

 

  • Look out for promotions. Travel bloggers and GetYourGuide occasionally offer discount codes for first bookings. Use them on pricier tours to maximise savings.

Final Thoughts

Booking tours and activities should enhance your trip, not complicate it. GetYourGuide streamlines the process by bringing together an extensive range of experiences, easy‑to‑use search tools, secure payments and flexible cancellation options. For first‑time users, creating an account, browsing tours with filters, reading the details carefully and following the straightforward booking process will ensure that your first experience is smooth.

Remember to import your bookings into the mobile app, check your vouchers and arrive at the meeting point with time to spare. After your tour, share your feedback to help the community. With this complete guide, you’re ready to explore the world confidently and discover unforgettable travel experiences one booking at a time.

FAQ

What is GetYourGuide used for?
It’s an online platform for  booking tours,  attractions, and  local experiences  around the world.

Do I need an account to book on GetYourGuide?
No, but creating one helps you track bookings, manage reservations, and use the mobile app easily.

Can I cancel my tour for free?
Many experiences allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Always check the listing details.

Is the GetYourGuide app necessary?
It’s optional but helpful — it stores offline tickets, reminders, and maps to meeting points.

Is GetYourGuide legitimate?
Yes. It partners with verified local operators and provides secure payments and 24/7 multilingual support.