Self-Guided Tour: The Ultimate City Adventure

25 June 2025

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Looking for a new way to explore your favorite city or discover a hidden gem? A self-guided tour with City Game transforms city exploration into an unforgettable adventure — no reservations, no fixed start times, just you, your smartphone, and a world of puzzles, mysteries, and fun!

Why Self-Guided Tours Are Booming

The travel world is changing fast. In 2025, self-guided city exploration, scavenger hunts, and city escape games are among the fastest-growing activities for travelers and locals alike. Walking and hiking tours have surged by 47% year-over-year, and cycling trips are up by 27% — all thanks to the growing desire for immersive, flexible, and experience-driven adventures.

Gen Z is leading the way: Over 82% of Gen Z travelers seek value-driven, authentic experiences, preferring to uncover hidden gems over traditional sightseeing. Social media is a huge influence, with 84% of Gen Z using platforms like TikTok and Instagram for travel inspiration and sharing their journeys.

What Makes a Self-Guided City Game Special?

At City Game, we believe every city is a playground waiting to be explored. Our self-guided city games are designed for anyone — families, friends, solo adventurers, and even corporate teams — who want to experience cities in a whole new way.

Flexibility and Personalization

  • Explore at your own pace: Start whenever you want, pause for a coffee, or take a detour to that quirky shop you spotted.
  • Choose your adventure: Pick from a variety of games and themes, from detective mysteries to photo challenges.
  • Affordable fun: Self-guided tours are often more budget-friendly than traditional guided tours, making them accessible to everyone.

Educational and Engaging

Our games aren’t just about fun — they’re packed with local history, culture, and trivia. Whether you’re solving riddles in the Secrets of Exploration Game or cracking the case in the Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery, you’ll learn fascinating facts about your city while sharpening your problem-solving skills.

  • Great for families and schools: Turn a day out into an interactive learning experience.
  • Perfect for corporate teams: Foster teamwork, communication, and creative thinking in a dynamic, outdoor setting.

Group Dynamics and Team Building

Self-guided city games are designed to bring people together. Whether you’re a couple, a group of friends, or a large corporate team, you’ll collaborate, strategize, and celebrate your victories together.

  • Customizable for any group size: From solo explorers to big company outings.
  • Tailored challenges: Adjust the difficulty and themes to suit your group’s interests and goals.

How Technology Powers the Adventure

Modern self-guided tours are powered by technology. With City Game, all you need is your smartphone:

  • Intuitive app: Receive clues, track your progress, and unlock multimedia content as you explore.
  • Real-time updates: Get hints, see your achievements, and compete with other teams.
  • Social sharing: Snap photos, complete challenges, and share your adventure instantly on social media.

In fact, 33% of travelers now book activities based on AI-powered recommendations, up from 26% just a year ago. Social sharing not only amplifies the fun but also inspires others to join the adventure!

Top Destinations for Self-Guided City Games

City Game offers adventures in cities worldwide, from the bustling streets of San José to the romantic canals of Amsterdam. In 2025, the most popular destinations for immersive city experiences include the U.S., Italy, the U.K., France, and the Philippines. France, in particular, has seen a surge in demand, while eco-friendly hotspots like Costa Rica and Norway are favorites among younger, sustainability-minded travelers.

Ready to start your adventure? Check out our full list of locations!

Signature City Game Experiences

  • The Syndicate City Escape Game: Race against the clock to recover stolen formulas and outsmart the Syndicate.
  • Secrets of Exploration Game: Solve riddles, uncover local legends, and snap creative photos.
  • Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery: Become a detective and solve a thrilling murder case.
  • Capture the City: Join a themed photography tour and capture the city’s best sights.

Each game is crafted to reveal the unique character of the city, blending storytelling, puzzles, and real-world exploration.

Why Choose City Game?

We make city exploration social, accessible, and unforgettable. Our mission is to connect people through inspiring, fun, and flexible experiences. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Global reach: Play in cities around the world.
  • No extra equipment: Just your phone and a sense of adventure!
  • Inclusive and accessible: Games are designed for all ages and abilities.
  • Customizable: Personalize your experience for special occasions or team-building events.
  • Sustainability: We support local businesses and encourage eco-friendly exploration.

Real Stories, Real Adventures

“I love finding hidden gems and exploring destinations through social media inspiration. I’d rather stay in a hostel or home rental than spend money on a fancy hotel.” — Jake, 24-year-old traveler

Our players consistently tell us how City Game helped them discover new sides of their city, bond with friends, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, there’s always something new to uncover.

Best Practices for a Safe and Memorable Self-Guided Tour

  • Plan ahead: Check the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and charge your phone.
  • Stay safe: Follow local guidelines and be mindful of your surroundings.
  • Respect local culture: Learn about the history and traditions of the places you visit.
  • Support local businesses: Take breaks at local cafes and shops along your route.

For more tips, visit our How to Play page.

Things to Do in Your City: Ideas for Every Explorer

Looking for fun things to do with family or friends? Try a city scavenger hunt, join a city escape game, or embark on a self-guided tour with City Game. These activities are perfect for:

  • Weekend adventures
  • Birthday celebrations
  • Corporate team-building
  • Educational field trips
  • Solo explorations

Find your next adventure at City Game!

Useful Resources

FAQ: Self-Guided Tour with City Game

What is a self-guided tour? A self-guided tour lets you explore a city at your own pace using your smartphone. You’ll solve puzzles, complete challenges, and discover hidden gems — all without a guide.

How do I start a City Game? It’s easy! Choose your city and game at citygame.com, book online, download our app, and start playing whenever you’re ready.

Can I play alone or do I need a group? You can play solo, with a partner, or in a group. Our games are flexible and fun for any number of players.

Are City Game experiences suitable for kids? Absolutely! Many of our games are family-friendly and designed to be educational and entertaining for all ages.

Can I customize a game for a special event or team-building? Yes! We offer customized city games for corporate events, birthdays, and special occasions.

What if I need help during the game? Our support team is always ready to assist. Contact us anytime via our contact page.

Ready to turn your city into an adventure? Start your self-guided tour with City Game today and discover the world in a whole new way!