Viator, a company owned by Tripadvisor since 2014, gathers countless local tours worldwide into one easy website. For a first-time traveler like me, it was a game-changer.
Suddenly, I could browse hundreds of thousands of experiences (from city walking tours to extreme adventures) all in one place, complete with detailed descriptions and traveler reviews for peace of mind.
Instead of scouring sketchy sites or relying on guesswork, I had an entire world of well-vetted tours at my fingertips, and the journey from overwhelmed trip planner to confident explorer began.
What Is Viator and Why Use It?
Viator is essentially an online marketplace (an “aggregator”) for travel experiences: think guided tours, attraction tickets, cooking classes, day trips, and more.
It partners with local tour operators across the globe – over 200,000 bookable activities worldwide by recent counts, spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.
Because it’s part of the Tripadvisor family, Viator comes backed by millions of traveler reviews and a legitimacy vetting process for listings. In plain terms, this means first-timers can trust that the tours are legitimate and quality-checked.
Why would a newcomer use Viator?
From my experience, the reasons are plenty. Convenience is a big one – you can search and book everything in one place, often with instant confirmation and mobile e-tickets.
It’s also a huge time-saver. Instead of emailing random tour companies or struggling with language barriers abroad, I used Viator’s site to effortlessly find what I needed.
The platform offered me variety (there are experiences for every interest, whether it’s snorkeling with sea turtles in Hawaii or learning pasta-making in Tuscany) and flexibility (many tours on Viator come with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is a safety net if your plans change last-minute).
Perhaps most comforting as a first-timer, Viator has user reviews and ratings on every listing – I could read real feedback and see honest star ratings before booking anything.
Those traveler insights helped me avoid duds and zero in on tours that everyone was raving about. (Pro tip: look for Viator’s “Badge of Excellence” on a listing – it’s a label given to top-rated, consistently well-reviewed tours.)
In short, Viator gave me confidence. It felt like having a well-traveled friend guiding me to the best experiences and steering me away from potential mistakes.
Lastly, Viator often has perks like price guarantees and special passes. It’s not the only tour platform out there (more on that later), but Viator’s sheer size and reliability make it a fantastic starting point for newcomers. With the introductions out of the way, let me share how I personally used Viator to plan tours on my first big adventure.
How I Booked Tours on Viator
Booking with Viator for the first time was much easier than I expected. Here’s a step-by-step of how I navigated the process, peppered with a bit of my own story as I went from clueless to savvy:
Step 1: Search for a Destination or Experience. I began on Viator’s homepage where a big search bar invited me to “Find your next experience.” With my flight to Paris booked, I typed in “Paris” – and was immediately shown a list of categories and suggestions (food tours, Eiffel Tower tickets, day trips to Versailles, etc.).
You can search by destination, specific activity, or even a keyword if you know what you want. Not sure what to look for? Viator lets you explore by broad categories like Food & Drink, Outdoor Adventures, Cultural Tours, and so on. In my case, as a foodie, I simply searched “Paris food tour” to see what came up.
Step 2: Filter the Results. Within seconds, I had dozens of Paris tour options to scroll through. This is where filters saved the day. On the left sidebar (or via a filter button on mobile), I narrowed down the choices by selecting specific dates (to see what was available during my stay), setting a price range (using a slider to stay within my budget), and choosing language (an English tour, s’il vous plaît!).
I also checked the box for “Free Cancellation” to only see tours that I could cancel penalty-free if needed. Viator’s filters are super handy – you can toggle things like time of day (morning/afternoon tours), tour duration (I wanted a half-day, not a rushed 1-hour or a full 8-hour ordeal), and minimum star rating (I usually filter to see 4-star and up tours to ensure quality). These filters whittled down the list to a manageable number of options that fit my needs.
Step 3: Compare Tours and Read the Details. From the filtered list, a few tours caught my eye – specifically one called “Paris Secret Food Tour in Montmartre” that had glowing reviews. I clicked it to open the tour page. Here’s where Viator really shines: each tour page has a wealth of information.
I could see a description of the experience (e.g. “stroll through Montmartre with a foodie guide, sampling cheese, wine, pastries…”), the itinerary or highlights, what's included (food tastings, guide, etc.) and what's not (maybe extra drinks – always good to know!), plus the meeting location and departure times.
Scrolling down, I found photos from past travelers and a section with user reviews. I made sure to read a mix of recent reviews – paying attention to what people loved and any minor complaints.
One thing I appreciated was that many listings show a Q&A section where you can see if previous travelers asked things like “Is this tour wheelchair accessible?” or “How spicy is the food?” – and the answers from either the tour operator or past guests. All this helped me set my expectations.
I noticed this particular food tour had the Viator Badge of Excellence (a good sign) and over 500 five-star reviews. That gave me confidence to proceed. Before deciding, I compared it with another food tour (just to be sure I was picking the best value).
Viator makes comparison easy – you can open multiple tabs, or use the wishlist heart icon to save and revisit favorites. In the end, I stuck with the Montmartre food tour that had stellar feedback.
Step 4: Choose Dates and Options. I clicked the “Check Availability” button on the tour page, selected the date I wanted (a Tuesday afternoon) and the number of people (just me, in this case).
The site showed a few time slots still open, so I picked 3:00 PM. Some tours have options like different languages or add-ons; in my case the only choice was standard or “VIP upgrade” for a smaller group.
I opted for the standard group to save money (we were about 10 people, which was fine and still felt intimate enough). Viator clearly displayed the price per person and calculated the total. No hidden fees popped up – just a note about taxes being included.
Step 5: Book and Pay Securely. With the details set, I hit the “Book Now” button. The checkout process was straightforward: I entered my traveler info (name, email, phone) and payment details. Viator accepts major credit cards and even PayPal.
As a first-timer, I was a little hesitant about paying a foreign operator, but because it was through Viator, I knew the transaction was secure and in my own currency. (A nice perk: Viator and similar sites often let you pay in your home currency to avoid big bank fees.
I was charged in USD, which saved me from conversion surcharges.) I also noticed an option to “Reserve Now & Pay Later” on some tours – meaning I could book without paying upfront, and only get charged closer to the tour date. This is awesome if you’re planning ahead but want flexibility.
In this case, I paid immediately since my tour was just a week away. Before finalizing, I reviewed the cancellation policy one more time: it said “Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.” Good – I had until the day prior if something came up.
Step 6: Confirmation and Tickets. Within a minute of hitting submit, I received a confirmation email from Viator with all the details of my booking. The email (and the Viator app, which I later downloaded) showed a voucher/ticket with a confirmation code.
It had the meeting point address, Google Map link, the guide’s contact (in case of emergency), and a reminder of what to bring (comfortable shoes and an appetite!). I printed the voucher just in case, but I learned I didn’t need to – mobile tickets are widely accepted.
In fact, I eventually just used the Viator app on my phone to show my booking. Everything I had booked appeared neatly in the app’s “Trips” section, which made keeping track a breeze.
Step 7: Enjoy the Tour (and Review Afterward). The day of the tour, I simply showed up at the meeting spot and met my guide and group – easy as that. The experience itself was fantastic (fresh baguettes and cheeses in Montmartre – yes, please!).
After the tour, Viator emailed me inviting me to leave a review. As a travel newbie, I found reading reviews helpful, so I made sure to pay it forward and write my honest impressions for future travelers. Viator’s review system only allows people who actually booked the tour to review it, which keeps the feedback genuine.
This step-by-step process repeated itself across each destination I visited. Whether it was booking a skip-the-line ticket for the Colosseum in Rome or a sushi-making class in Tokyo, the workflow was similar and consistently user-friendly. In short, search, filter, select, book, and go – Viator held my hand through it all.
My Tour Highlights
One of the joys of using Viator was that it encouraged me to try a mix of experiences across different continents. Instead of just wandering on my own, I dove into guided adventures that became the highlight of my trip.
Here are a few real examples of excellent tours I booked through Viator (and why they stood out), spanning Europe, Asia, and North America. These experiences not only showcase the range of tours available, but also how Viator made them accessible to a first-timer like me.
Europe
Wandering the cobbled lanes of Prague at night with a lantern-toting guide remains one of my favorite travel memories. In Europe, I booked the “Prague Ghosts and Legends of Old Town Walking Tour” on Viator, and it did not disappoint.
As a history buff, I loved how this tour combined folklore with sightseeing – we explored medieval architecture while hearing spine-tingling tales of alchemists, princes, and restless spirits.
This particular tour was actually an award-winning experience, recognized as one of the top cultural tours in Europe. I discovered it thanks to Viator’s “Top 10” list for Prague, and its 5-star rating and Badge of Excellence gave me confidence to join.
The group was small (around 8 of us), which made it easy to ask questions and feel immersed in the storytelling. Our guide was a Prague local with a flair for the dramatic – at one point she led us down an alley lit only by her candle lantern, as she whispered about the famous golem of Prague. Spooky and awesome!
What made this tour excellent wasn’t just the content, but the convenience of booking it: I reserved it the day before, after realizing my own unguided walks missed so many hidden gems.
With Viator, I saw an available slot, booked in two clicks, and showed up the next evening ready to discover Prague’s secret side. The tour had hundreds of rave reviews on Viator, and afterward I gladly added mine to the list, praising the guide’s knowledge and the seamless booking process. It felt like having a friend in the city show me around – a friend I found through Viator.
Asia
Asia can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor – it’s thrillingly chaotic. I wanted an authentic slice of Hanoi, Vietnam, but didn’t know where to start. Enter Viator. I found a “Hanoi By Night Street Food Motorbike Tour” led by local women guides (yes, you ride pillion on a scooter through the crazy Hanoi traffic!). It sounded adventurous and had a perfect 5-star score.
Booking it was straightforward, and soon I was zipping through Hanoi’s maze of streets at dusk, helmet on and excitement in the air. We darted between food stalls, stopping to devour sizzling pancakes and noodle soup at places I’d never have found alone.
The tour blended food with culture – my guide, Anh, not only fed me (a lot!) but also taught me Vietnamese phrases and shared stories about each dish and the neighborhood we were in. I later learned this exact tour was honored in Viator’s annual awards as a top experience in Asia – and I can see why.
It was immersive, hands-on, and utterly authentic, just the kind of offbeat adventure I hoped for. Viator’s platform connected me to these young entrepreneurial local guides, which is something I really appreciated; it felt like my booking supported real people passionate about their city.
A highlight of the night was when we parked our bikes by Hoan Kiem Lake and joined locals in a spontaneous public dance session – something I’d never find in a guidebook!
By the end, I was confidently weaving through traffic like a local (okay, almost), my stomach full of delicious street eats and my heart full of Hanoi’s energy. This experience taught me the value of reading reviews and descriptions carefully: I knew it’d be a bit adventurous (riding a scooter) but also saw so many comments about how safe and fun it was, which gave me the push to go for it.
Thanks to those fellow travelers’ reviews on Viator and the clear tour info, I had one of the best nights of my life in Hanoi.
North America
For my North America leg, I wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream: seeing the Grand Canyon. While you can certainly drive yourself to the canyon, I stumbled upon an experience on Viator that sounded straight out of a James Bond movie – a Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas.
The thought of flying over the canyon and even landing down inside it for a picnic had me sold. It was a splurge, no doubt, but Viator’s reviews (over a thousand 5-star ratings) convinced me it was worth it. I booked the tour for a sunny Saturday morning.
The helicopter company even offered hotel pickup in Vegas, which was super convenient (this detail was clearly noted on Viator’s listing, so I knew exactly what to expect). That morning, a limousine (yes, a limo!) gathered our small group from our various hotels and brought us to the heliport.
Soon I was buckling into a sleek chopper, headphones on, lifting off for a bird’s-eye view of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and at last the unreal expanse of the Grand Canyon opening beneath us. It’s hard to put in words how breathtaking it was to hover over ancient cliffs glowing red in the sun. We landed at a secluded spot inside the canyon for champagne and snacks – a moment I’ll never forget.
Viator made this complex experience easy to book as a single package; I didn’t have to coordinate a thing with multiple providers. And interestingly, I later compared prices out of curiosity and found booking via Viator was on par with (if not a bit cheaper than) going direct, thanks to a seasonal deal.
One reviewer on Viator even mentioned they got a better price through Viator than the helicopter company’s own site – I believe it, since Viator sometimes secures special rates or offers a lowest price guarantee. The tour was popular (several helicopters were running that day), and I was glad I reserved early – a note on the Viator page said “Likely to Sell Out,” which I’ve learned to take seriously for high-demand activities.
In the end, the Grand Canyon helicopter ride became a highlight of my North American travels – and it was completely stress-free to arrange. Viator had connected me with a top-notch operator (with all safety credentials listed online), so I felt safe the entire time.
For anyone craving adventure, I can’t recommend this enough – and seeing that “instant confirmation” on my booking gave me the thrill of knowing It’s booked – I’m really doing this!.
(Of course, North America has plenty of other tour gems too – from Niagara Falls boat cruises to New York City walking tours. If helicopters aren’t your thing, Viator offers everything from gentle wine tasting tours in Napa to aurora borealis viewing trips in Alaska. The point is, whatever your dream, there’s probably a tour for it.)
Each of these tours across different continents taught me something new and made my solo trip far richer than it would have been if I’d tried to go it alone. Booking through Viator gave me structure on some days (a set meeting time and friendly guide to show me around), which was a nice balance to days I spent exploring by myself.
It also connected me with fellow travelers – I met an Australian couple in Prague, a foodie group in Paris, and a new friend from Brazil on that Hanoi bike tour.
Those social connections are harder to come by if you’re not on a tour. Overall, these experiences showed me the value of a well-chosen tour: they can reveal layers of a destination that you might miss otherwise, all with the convenience of having logistics handled for you.
Tips for Using Viator (or Any Tour Platform) Like a Pro
After booking dozens of tours and activities as a first-time (and then second-, third-time) traveler, I’ve picked up some personal tips to get the best value out of Viator and similar platforms.
Think of these as advice I’d give my best friend before her first big trip – the kind of insider know-how that turns a good experience into a great one. Here are my top tips for spotting the best tours, maximizing value, and avoiding common pitfalls:
Read the Reviews
And Read Between the Lines: Reviews are your best friend. Don’t just look at the star rating; dive into the written comments. Look for patterns: if 10 people mention that a guide is funny and punctual, it’s likely true.
If multiple reviews mention rushed stops or a crowded bus, that’s a red flag about the tour’s pacing or group size. Also check recent reviews (tour quality can change over time with new guides or operators). I found that traveler reviews often contain hidden gems – like tips on the best seating position on a bus, or a reminder to bring a jacket for that windy mountain top.
One example: before my Rome Colosseum tour, reviews alerted me that “the lines get super long by 9am” – so I chose the 8am tour slot. The result? We breezed in with minimal crowds.
Another pro tip: Viator’s “Badge of Excellence” is a quick way to identify consistently top-rated tours, so use it as a shortcut – but still read some reviews to ensure it matches what you want. On platforms like GetYourGuide and Klook, similarly look for badges or “bestseller” tags as cues.
Compare Similar Tours to Spot the Best Value
Often, especially in popular destinations, you’ll find several tours offering nearly the same itinerary. Don’t be afraid to open a few tabs and compare. I usually check the duration, what’s included, group size, and price.
A cheaper tour isn’t always better if it crams too much or has hidden extra costs (like “price excludes entry tickets” – which might make it more expensive in total). On the other hand, sometimes a tour is pricier simply because it includes hotel pickup or a meal that you might not need.
Viator’s detailed inclusion lists help a lot here – make sure you know what you’re paying for. I saved money in London by choosing a tour that didn’t include the lunch (I prefer finding my own food) versus another that included an average meal in the price. Also, consider group size: smaller groups often cost more, but offer a more intimate experience.
Decide what matters to you. I’ve done both large coach tours and tiny group excursions – each had its merits. If you value personal interaction with the guide, a small group or private tour might be worth the extra cost.
Viator usually mentions the “maximum travelers” for a tour in the description; pay attention to that. I once opted for a slightly more expensive Kyoto walking tour because it capped at 8 people, whereas a cheaper one allowed 20 people.
No surprise, my experience with 6 other travelers felt more special and unrushed. In essence, value isn’t just about price – it’s what you get for that price. Viator and others let you see this at a glance, so use that info.
Use Filters and Sort to Your Advantage
This might sound basic, but those filter tools are gold when you have tons of options. If you have a short trip, use the date filter to see exactly what’s available on the days you’re in town (no point falling in love with a tour that only runs on Fridays if you’re leaving Thursday!).
If you’re on a tight budget, sort by Price: Low to High – but do read the descriptions to ensure those low-cost options cover what you expect. Sometimes a $10 walking tour is cheap for a reason (shorter, no extras). Conversely, sorting by Rating or Popularity can surface the tours everyone loves, which is a great starting point.
Viator often labels certain tours as “Viator Exclusive” or “Likely to Sell Out” – those can be hints towards unique value or high demand. I snagged a Viator Exclusive tour of the Vatican Museum early entry, which was a bit pricier but let us in before the general public – totally worth it. That was advertised prominently on the listing, and I might have missed it if I hadn’t used the filter/sort tools.
One more filter I love on Viator: “Duration.” If you only want to spend a half day, filter out the full-day stuff, and vice versa if you want an all-day excursion. These little tricks saved me a lot of time and ensured I found tours that perfectly fit my schedule and style.
Check the Cancellation Policy
As a newbie traveler, I felt reassured knowing I could cancel many tours if plans changed. Still, not every tour allows last-minute cancellation. Always double-check the cancellation policy before you book.
Viator usually states “Free cancellation up to 24 hours” on many tours (and GetYourGuide does similarly). If your trip is uncertain or you’re booking far ahead, lean towards tours with flexible policies. I also recommend booking well in advance for must-do experiences, especially in peak season.
Popular tours (like a sunrise Taj Mahal tour or a famous Broadway behind-the-scenes tour) can fill up weeks or months ahead. If you see “Likely to Sell Out”, believe it – reserve your spot. Remember, with free cancellation, you can always cancel later if needed, but you might not be able to snag a spot last minute if you procrastinate.
I missed out on a Tokyo fish market tour because I waited too long and it was fully booked; lesson learned! Now I reserve early and cancel if I must. Also, consider setting a reminder to review your bookings a week before your trip to ensure everything still fits your itinerary – that way you can cancel within the free window if your plans shifted.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
A few mistakes are easily preventable with a bit of forethought.
One: Don’t cram too many tours in a day. It’s tempting to book a morning city tour and an afternoon adventure back-to-back. But remember to allow for downtime, travel delays, or just the unexpected.
Tours can be tiring, and you’ll enjoy them more if you’re not rushing from one to the next. I try to do at most one structured tour per day, with the rest free to explore or relax.
Two: Pay attention to the meeting point and time zone. Sounds obvious, but if you’re traveling across time zones or countries, make sure your phone is showing local time so you don’t accidentally miss a 8 AM tour because you thought it was 9 AM. Also, some tour meeting spots are tricky (a specific plaza entrance, or a hotel lobby in a city full of hotels).
Viator’s info is usually precise – use Street View or ask your hotel concierge to be sure you know where to go. I nearly missed a kayak tour in Sydney because there were two ferry terminals with similar names. Now I double-check addresses the day before.
Three: Keep an eye out for additional costs or requirements mentioned in the listing. If a tour says “transportation not included” or “temple dress code applies,” take it seriously. I always carry some local cash for entry fees or tips just in case. And yes, tipping – in many places it’s customary to tip guides (though usually optional).
Check online or with the tour description; some operators mention if tips are included or not expected. It can be awkward if you’re caught off guard, so I prepare small bills in advance for tips when appropriate (for instance, a few dollars for a free walking tour, or 10-15% for a full-day guided tour, depending on local norms).
Four: Don’t be afraid to ask questions from the operator. Viator has a feature where you can send messages or see Q&A; use it if you have dietary restrictions (“Can they accommodate vegetarians?”) or other concerns. I’ve asked whether a hiking tour had a place to store luggage (answer: yes, the guide let me stash my bags in the van). Better to ask and know than assume.
Mobile App and Offline Access
I highly recommend downloading the Viator app (and/or the GYG or Klook apps if you use those). Having your bookings in your pocket is a lifesaver. The app will show tickets, update you on any schedule changes, and often provide offline access to your voucher.
Once, I was in a country with no data service, but I had my Viator voucher saved in the app and PDF – so I could show the guide my ticket without needing internet. Some apps (like GetYourGuide’s) even have built-in maps to the meeting point and send push notifications as reminders.
It’s like having a personal travel secretary. Plus, using the app means no need to print papers (greener and less stuff to carry). One more hack: I screenshot the critical info (meeting time, guide contact) in case my app won’t load at the crucial moment. It’s rare, but I like redundancy.
Mix and Match Platforms to Your Benefit
As discussed in the comparison, don’t feel you must use only Viator for everything. Sometimes another platform might have an exclusive deal or a different selection.
For example, I used Klook for a Tokyo Disneyland ticket because they had a small discount and immediate mobile ticket, whereas Viator was selling the same at full price.
Conversely, I stuck with Viator for a multi-day tour in Peru because I trusted their coverage if anything went wrong. It’s absolutely fine to shop around – these sites often list the same tours (many local operators list on multiple platforms).
One operator told me they prefer Viator bookings because the integration with Tripadvisor reviews brings them more customers, while another operator liked GetYourGuide because of the easy payment system.
As a traveler, you can’t really tell the difference on the tour itself – a Viator-booked customer and a GYG-booked customer will be on the same bus if they bought the same operator’s tour.
So use that to your advantage: find who’s giving the best price or perks for the tour you want. All these sites are safe, so it comes down to convenience and cost. On big trips, I ended up with a mix of bookings: some on Viator, some on GYG, some on Klook – and I kept track of them easily on each app.
Trust Your Instincts and Have Fun
Finally, a tip beyond the technicalities – use these tools to empower your travel, not restrict it. If you feel a spark of excitement reading a tour description, that’s a good sign!
Some of my most memorable experiences came from taking a chance on a slightly unusual tour that just felt right for me. I once booked a “photography walking tour” in Paris on a whim because I love photography. It wasn’t heavily advertised, but the few reviews were glowing.
It ended up being a fantastic afternoon of learning camera tips while strolling Paris – something I wouldn’t have known how to arrange myself. Viator (and its peers) opened my eyes to activities I might not have considered. So, keep an open mind and allow yourself to be inspired by the possibilities.
At the same time, don’t overload your schedule with bookings; leave room for serendipity. Use Viator as a safety net and springboard – a way to ensure you see and do the important things, with the security of a plan, while still leaving space to wander.
If a tour doesn’t feel like a fit for you, trust that and find one that does. The options are vast. And if you ever feel unsure, check those reviews or ask questions – the information is there to guide you.
With these tips in mind, you’ll navigate Viator or any tour platform like a seasoned traveler. You’ll snag the best experiences, dodge the headaches, and hopefully make incredible memories on your journey.
Conclusion
Writing this now, with my first big solo trip behind me, I can’t help but feel grateful for tools like Viator that helped turn daunting travel dreams into doable plans.
What began as an overwhelming itinerary of places and landmarks transformed into a series of stories – the time I tasted my way through Paris, the night I zoomed through Hanoi’s alleys, the thrill of flying over the Grand Canyon at sunrise.
Each tour I booked wasn’t just a line on my schedule; it was a meaningful chapter of my journey. Viator, with its user-friendly platform and trove of options, served as the bridge between my curiosity and the real world out there waiting to be explored.
For any first-time traveler reading this: I encourage you to take that leap. Yes, going to new places can be scary, and planning can feel like a lot. But with resources like Viator, you’re never really alone out there – you have a kind of travel buddy in your pocket.
They handle the nitty-gritty (tickets, guides, timing, safety checks) so you can focus on soaking up the experience. And if my personal story is any indication, you might find that using these platforms not only makes travel easier, but also more enriching.
Your first trip is just the beginning. With each tour booked and each fear conquered, you’re writing your own story – one that I promise will be full of color and wonder. So go ahead: plan that trip, book that tour, and get out there. The world is waiting, and now you know how to navigate it like a pro.
