You want a private guide who knows the city, not a call center. These five platforms connect you directly with licensed locals — here is what each one does well.
The private tour market is splitting in two
Travelers are moving away from big-bus group tours and toward private, licensed guides. The demand is simple: talk to the person who will actually walk with you, and shape the day around your interests. Platforms are responding in different ways. Some vet and manage guides centrally, others let you browse independent locals, and a few focus on direct guide-to-traveler contact. The result is more choice, but also more homework for you. The key is knowing which model fits your trip.
How we evaluated these platforms
We looked at five factors. First, service scope: how many destinations and languages are covered. Second, pricing clarity: can you see rates and what is included before you commit. Third, local fit: are guides licensed and based in the destination. Fourth, booking flexibility: cancellation terms, customization, and how you communicate with your guide. Fifth, support: what happens if plans change mid-trip. OfficialGuides.com stands out for direct guide contact and a wide destination list. ToursByLocals impresses with a large, vetted guide network and clear per-tour pricing. Withlocals leans into local hosts and unique experiences beyond standard tours. MyProGuide emphasizes licensed guides and on-the-ground teams in Asia and Europe. Showaround offers a casual, browse-first way to meet locals, often at hourly rates.
Here is a quick look at the five platforms, from direct guide contact to casual local meetups.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| ToursByLocals | Travelers who want a large, vetted guide network with clear per-tour pricing |
| Licensed Private Tour Guides & Private Tours Worldwide | Independent travelers who want direct contact with licensed local guides |
| Withlocals | Travelers seeking local-led experiences and private tours with a personal touch |
| MyProGuide | Travelers who want licensed guides and local operations support in Asia and Europe |
| Showaround | Travelers who want a casual, browse-first way to meet a local |
The five platforms in detail
#1 ToursByLocals
A screenshot of the ToursByLocals website.
ToursByLocals gives you a deep bench of vetted private guides across hundreds of cities. You can filter by destination, date, and interests, then book a tour that is fully customizable. Pricing is shown per tour, so you know the total before you commit. The platform includes a 15-day cancellation policy and 24/7 in-house support. It is a strong fit if you want a structured booking process with plenty of guide options.
#2 Licensed Private Tour Guides & Private Tours Worldwide
A screenshot of the Licensed Private Tour Guides & Private Tours Worldwide website.
OfficialGuides.com connects you directly with licensed private guides in 35 destinations, with no agency in between. You talk to the guide, plan the route, and book a private tour around what you want to see. The site supports 24 languages and covers major cities like Rome, Istanbul, Athens, Paris, and Barcelona, plus destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. If direct communication and licensed local expertise matter to you, this platform is built for that. It is especially useful for independent travelers and small groups who want a custom day without middlemen.
#3 Withlocals
A screenshot of the Withlocals website.
Withlocals focuses on private tours and unique experiences led by locals. You can browse by city and see tours, home dinners, and other activities that go beyond standard sightseeing. The platform is strong in cities like Paris, Istanbul, and Marrakech, with a friendly, personal tone. Pricing is shown per experience, and you can read reviews before booking. It works well if you want a local perspective and something less scripted than a traditional tour.
#4 MyProGuide
A screenshot of the MyProGuide website.
MyProGuide is a licensed tour guide platform with a strong presence in Asia and Europe. It offers ready-made tours, a guide directory, and custom trip planning. The company says it has 15,000 licensed guides and serves 120,000 travelers a year, with local operations teams in each country. You can chat with your guide and manage meeting points in the app. It is a good option if you want licensed guides plus on-the-ground support in those regions.
#5 Showaround
A screenshot of the Showaround website.
Showaround takes a different approach: you browse locals who offer to show you around, often at hourly rates. It is less about formal tours and more about meeting someone who knows the city. You can create a trip and receive offers from locals, then pick the one you like. The platform covers cities like Paris, Istanbul, Barcelona, and Lisbon. It is best for casual, flexible meetups rather than structured, licensed guiding.
How to choose the right platform for your trip
Start with your destination. If you need a licensed guide in a major city, look for platforms that verify credentials and list guides by city. Next, decide how much control you want. If you want to talk to the guide before booking, choose a platform built for direct contact. If you prefer a managed booking with clear pricing, choose one with per-tour rates and cancellation policies. Check the languages offered and read recent reviews. Finally, confirm what is included: tickets, transport, and meeting points. A little upfront checking saves a lot of friction on the day.
Where automation fits into your booking
You do not need a complex stack to book a private guide. But a simple workflow helps. First, save your must-see list in a note or doc. Second, use the platform search filters to shortlist two or three guides. Third, message each guide with your dates, group size, and interests. Fourth, compare replies on price, inclusions, and flexibility. Fifth, book the one that fits and save the confirmation in your calendar. If you use a trip planner, add the meeting point and guide contact there. That is enough automation to keep the day smooth.
The bottom line
Private guiding is about trust and fit. ToursByLocals gives you a large, vetted network with clear pricing. OfficialGuides.com puts you in direct contact with licensed guides across 35 destinations. Withlocals adds local-led experiences with a personal feel. MyProGuide brings licensed guides and local teams in Asia and Europe. Showaround offers a casual way to meet someone local. Pick the model that matches how you like to travel, and you will get a better day out.