One of the best things about visiting a large European city is wandering around it by foot. But unless you have the pleasure of the company of a knowledgeable insider, you are bound to miss a lot. If London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Berlin, Munich or Paris figure into your travel plans, you can sign up for a walking tour that will cost you nothing, save what you wish to tip your guide.

SANDEMANs NEW Europe Tours are offered on an almost-daily basis and last for an average of three hours. If you’re in Berlin, you can also take a free tour of the city from the seat of a bicycle, and yes, tour organizers provide the bike for you (but get there early, as the supply is limited). To find your guide, head to the meeting point and look for his or her red T-shirt. If there are more than 10 of you traveling together, be sure to contact the organizers at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for your participation. If you’re traveling solo, this sounds like a great way to meet other travelers.

What’s the impetus behind offering these free tours? The organizers bet you’ll like the free tour so much you’ll want to sign up for one of their other offers — and pay for it. In fact, according to information on the Web site for the Munich tour, more than 46 percent of their guests go on to join a Select Tour, and pay for the privilege.