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City Unscripted Reviews 

164
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 140 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the guides for their exceptional knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to create personalized and memorable tours. Many people highlight the staff's accommodating nature, ensuring individual needs are met and making interactions pleasant. The overall service and user experience are frequently described as excellent, with consumers appreciating the smooth processes and the deep, meaningful insights provided by local experts. The booking process is generally found to be straightforward and efficient, with many people noting positive pre-tour communication. However, some reviewers were not happy with certain aspects of their experience, mentioning that some guides were less interactive or clear in their communication, and occasionally perceived as too serious.

What people talk about most

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, frequently highlighting their knowledge, helpfulness, and... See more

Service

Customers consistently note positive experiences with service, highlighting the flexibility and knowledge of... See more

Location

Reviewers mention positive feedback about location, with many expressing satisfaction with their experiences... See more

User experience

People report positive experiences with user experience, highlighting the memorable and fun tours, with many... See more

Booking process

Reviewers highlight positive aspects of the booking process, with many finding it easy and smooth. Customers... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had 17 experiences over a 29 day period throughout Italy. Only one guide was poor, all the others were exceptional. You helped create an unforgettable travel experience by firsthand encounters of p... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

From the reminders, to connecting with our tour guide well in advance, the whole experience was enjoyed thoroughly. Francis (our tour guide) was sincerely mindful of us (my brother and I) - what we sp... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Cillian picked us up at our hotel and took us on a walking tour in Dublin. He was a wealth of knowledge, not only about history, but also art, culture, music, food and more. He even serenaded us wit... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our guide, Shin, was a joy to have as our guide. It was like walking with a friend who was proud of his home city, and to be able to show us around. We were very fortunate to have his deep local knowl... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Sightseeing Tour Agency
  2. Cultural Tours Provider
  3. Tour Agency
  4. Tour Operator
  5. Tourist Attraction

Written by the company

City Unscripted is a different kind of city experience. Instead of fixed itineraries and crowded group tours, we pair you with a local host who shapes the day around you — your pace, your interests, and the things you actually want to see. Our hosts aren't tour guides reading from a script. They're passionate locals showing you their city the way they'd show a friend visiting for the weekend. The iconic landmarks, yes — but also the neighbourhoods, cafés, and stories you'd only find with someone who genuinely lives there. Every experience is private and built around you. Tell us a bit about what you're curious about, and your host takes it from there. No two days look the same, because no two guests do either. If you're after something more personal than a standard tour and more structured than going it alone — that's us.

Why travelers choose City Unscripted

Written by the company

Personalized experiences hosted by locals
City Unscripted isn't a traditional tour company. Every experience is tailored to your interests and hosted by a local who shares the city they love through stories, hidden gems, culture, and everyday life. It's like exploring with a knowledgeable friend, not following a script.

Book with confidence with City Unscripted

Free Cancellation • 24/7 Human Support

Enjoy complete peace of mind when booking with City Unscripted. We offer a free cancellation up to 24 hours before your experience, and 24/7 support from a real human team with responses in under 10 minutes for urgent enquiries. From booking to experience day, we're here whenever you need us.

Contact info

A different kind of City Experience

No scripts. No groups. Just a day shaped around you.

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

164 reviews

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Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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4.7

All reviews

(164)

147 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Masay our tour guide today for a view…

Masay our tour guide today for a view of Kyoto was brilliant! He provided a professional expert and friendly delivery throughout our comprehensive walking around key areas of Kyoto. We would not have discovered the locations without Masay. Thank you to him and what a personal delivery he gave to us. First class for sure! Julie & Carl 26 May 2026.

26 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Julie and Carl,

We appreciate your lovely review and know it will mean so much to Masay as well! Delighted he could make your time in Kyoto feel so personal while showing you places you may never have discovered otherwise.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great walking tour

Our guide Jan, was very friendly and informative. Related well to everyone on our tour. Great day discovering places we would never have found on our own. We really enjoyed our walking tour in Amsterdam.

24 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Helen,

Amsterdam is full of surprises, and we’re so glad Jan helped you uncover some spots you may never have discovered otherwise!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Our guide Jay was very informative and…

Our guide Jay was very informative and helpful with Korea’s history and culture and gave great insight of Seoul’s past and current events. He was easy to understand and friendly during our private walking tour and a fantastic tour guide! He even met us at our hotel so we would not get lost even using Seoul’s many subways and transportation that made our destinations easier. It was a good 2 hour walk full of history and culture!

23 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Nelson,

Jay sounds like such a wonderful host to spend time with in Seoul! We’re so happy he could make the city feel easier to navigate while sharing so much history and culture along the way. Thanks a lot for your lovely recommendation!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

They couldn't fulfill my booking

Company contacted me a few days before the tour (but weeks after the booking) telling me that, in effect, they couldn't find a host for our private tour. They asked if I could adjust my programme to accommodate them (with no options of availabilty given). I had no other time available so they told ME to cancel with Viator (through whom I booked)😡. I presume this was to preserve their "reputation"😇 and put the onus on me to do the cancellation🤬. I did so but it was a hassle. They've offered me a 50% discount on a future booking but I am not sure I can trust them !🤔
UPDATE 26th MAY: An "explanation" and apology was added as a response to my review which I can understand HOWEVER nothing connected to the fact that it was I who had to do the cancelling 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️.

14 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Clive,

We completely understand your frustration, especially after your experience had already been confirmed and your travel schedule allowed very limited flexibility. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a host for your experience, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this caused.

We also appreciate you raising the point about the cancellation. As bookings made through Viator can only be cancelled directly by the customer, we understand this added unnecessary hassle at an already disappointing moment. We are reviewing this internally as we work to improve both our host availability process and how we communicate these situations moving forward.

While we understand your hesitation, we hope the voucher offered will allow us to show you how amazing our experiences are.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Flexible and helpful recommendations

Since we had no overview of the huge city of Tokyo, our tour guide suggested a route based on our wishes and interests. Everything worked out perfectly and the organization was excellent. We really enjoyed the tour and appreciated the helpful recommendations and flexibility. Thank you for the great experience!

7 May 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Maurice,

So glad your host could help make Tokyo feel a little less overwhelming! We love hearing that the experience felt flexible, personal, and perfectly suited to what you wanted to see. Thanks so much for your kind words!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

OUR BEST EXPERIENCE IN TOKYO

Our last full day in Tokyo was our best memory of this city due to our tour with Sherilyn from City Unscripted. Although we had seen many of the Tokyo tourist oriented locations previously with another tour company, Sherilyn provided us with a unique experience that we will treasure.
Prior to leaving for Japan, Sherilyn had made contact with us, and based on our preferences, had suggested some places we might want to see. She also helped describe how the trains operated and how we could get a pass to pay for them. This was invaluable and helped ease our concerns on getting around cities in Japan. The night before we met up with her, Sherilyn further customised the tour based on what places we had already visited.
Our tour with Sherilyn covered many off the beaten trail places giving us an insight into how the people of Tokyo lived. She had selected stops for refreshments that catered to our vegetarian preferences including a very small tea shop that served a fermented rice beverage that became our quintessential Japanese experience. We also visited shrines and temples that were not overrun with many tourists which helped touch on their serene atmosphere.
Sherilyn was a very warm and friendly person and shared information about herself and her family that helped us better understand life in Japan. Over the eight hours we spent with her, she became more of a friend and less a guide.

30 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Vern,

What a special way to end your time in Tokyo! We’re so happy Sherilyn could create such a thoughtful and personal experience for you, from the hidden local spots to those memorable tea shop moments that made the day feel uniquely yours.

Hearing that she felt more like a friend by the end of the day truly means the world to us, as that connection is exactly what we hope every experience brings. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely review!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful option for 'insider knowledge'

Excellent communication with the company, and absolutely wonderful guide (Indira) - highly recommend this experience.
We got a terrific balance between the expected "must see" sites and more under the radar bits that really made it a thoroughly enjoyable walking tour

3 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi curious traveler,

So glad you had such an enjoyable time with Indira! We love hearing that the experience gave you the perfect mix of iconic sights and those hidden local spots that make a city feel truly special. Thanks so much for the recommendation!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting tour in Munich

Joel has a great knowledge od Munich and its history - we had a very interesting and informative three hours with him.

6 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi David,

We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Munich with Joel! His passion for the city and its history really shines through, and it’s wonderful to know the experience was both interesting and informative for you.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing campany that looks after the guests

The company matched our personalities with the host, which really made the whole process seamless.
The host took the time to really listen to what we would like to do and see during our experience. Everything was amazing from start to finish. I would recommend City Unscripted if you really want to have a wonderful experience and not just another walking tour. Making memories this way is so much better

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Jacques,

It means so much to hear this, thank you! We love that we could match you with a host who really suited your style and helped create such a personal experience from beginning to end. Making memories this way is exactly what City Unscripted is all about!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Forget the chaotic and touristy Bangkok!

If you want to experience the hidden and non-touristy Bangkok, then go with City Unscripted!
Our host Kat made us forget about the chaotic capital by taking us to a peaceful cruise in the canals where we could enjoy stunning temples and local houses, as well as the giant golden Buddha statue. During the cruise Kat was really great in explaining us the local lifestyle, culture and history and she was always open to answer all the questions with her contagious smile.
After the cruise she took us to a urban natural oasis where (believe me!) we didn’t feel like being in such a chaotic city and were we ate the best pad thai we had in Thailand.
Shout out to Kat, we’ll come back!

26 April 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Edoardo,

What an amazing way to experience Bangkok! We love hearing that Kat helped you discover such a peaceful and authentic side of the city, from the canal cruise to that hidden urban oasis and unforgettable pad thai. Thanks so much for the lovely shout out — Kat will be thrilled to read this!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best Budapest Experience!

My friend, our kids and I visited Budapest this this Easter and we were hosted by Lorinc and he was really awesome! We asked him to show us places that are not the main tourist sites and we discovered the best playground ever and a part of the city that had a tiny entry in our Lonely Planet Guide, so we would not have visited it and it would have been a shame! Lorinc was super nice and so knowledgeable so we really got great historical context, in a non-boring way. He also gave us great recommendations for places to eat and a secret teahouse that we really loved! 100% recommend seeing Budapest with Lorinc!

12 April 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Yunna,

Reading this made us smile! We’re so happy Lorinc could show you a side of Budapest beyond the usual sights - that hidden neighborhood, playground, and secret teahouse sound like such special discoveries. Thanks a lot for your lovely recommendation and for spending Easter with us in the city!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very poor experience - no trust, inconsistent Comms.

Very poor experience.
Booked through Viator.
All confirmed. Filled in pre host allocation questionnaire. Confirmed receipt. Allocated Host. Received emails from host to confirm everything..
Then 14 hours before start of the tour received messages saying unable to find a host. Would I like to find another host on another date.. For info. I'm on a cruise with one day in this location... I obviously questioned this.. ultimately told host no longer available and tour now cancelled.. but they keep hold of my money for up to ten days.. does this add trust?

19 March 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi curious traveler,

We understand how frustrating and disappointing this situation must have been, especially after everything had already been confirmed ahead of your visit. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a replacement host at short notice once your original host became unavailable.

Since then, we’ve reviewed and strengthened our processes around last-minute host availability, guest communication, and refund handling to help prevent situations like this in the future.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A thoroughly enjoyable day with host Naveen in Munich

It was an amazing experience to walk through Munich with a very flexible host, who was completely accommodating to your needs and I’ve got heaps of knowledge in-details to certain intense history stuffs .
I Highly recommend him and the city unscripted team for a last minute change, easy as it comes .

1 January 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi John,

We’re so happy to hear you had such an enjoyable day exploring Munich with Naveen! Thanks so much for the recommendation and for choosing City Unscripted for your last-minute plans!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Discovering Edinburgh Like a Local: A Personalized City Unscripted Experience

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a City Unscripted local tour in Edinburgh with local host James, and it was absolutely fantastic! From the very start, the level of customization offered was impressive. The host reached out before the tour to understand my preferences and interests, tailoring the experience perfectly to what I was looking for.

What truly set this tour apart was the opportunity to explore places that only a local would know. Instead of sticking to the typical tourist hotspots, I was guided through hidden gems—charming alleys, tucked-away cafes, and scenic spots that I never would have found on my own. Each location came with fascinating stories and a personal touch that made the experience feel unique and authentic.

This wasn’t just a tour; it felt like spending time with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely cared about showing me the best of Edinburgh. If you're looking for a personalized and truly local perspective of the city, I can't recommend City Unscripted enough!

18 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Gabe,

Reading this truly made our day! We’re so happy James gave you such a personal and authentic look at Edinburgh, from hidden gems to those local stories that make a city feel special. Thanks so much for your kind recommendation - we’d love to welcome you back for another experience someday!

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant Experience

I booked the 4 hour experience named “Bangkok’s hidden gem - the Floating Market.” I had a great time from start to finish. I explored the Floating Market, which was great, and then I was taken to the less known markets which were equally brilliant. Chalita was caring and attentive while not being overbearing. As a solo-traveller, her company was much appreciated.

18 January 2025
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Charlie,

We’re so glad you had such a wonderful time discovering Bangkok’s markets and hidden gems! It’s lovely to hear that the experience felt both exciting and comfortable as a solo traveler.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This is a manipulation scam

This is a manipulation scam. We have booked a private local guide for Milano. We thought there will be a licensed guide who was born in Milano and show us some interesting things.

We have met with an Indian girl who was studying in Milano! I could not say anything to break her heart but she literally does not have enough capability to be a guide. She did not give any information properly. I have just felt i booked a person to walk 3 hours! While we were walking i saw an old italian guide was telling his guests some stories with passion. I felt regret why i did not choose that cheaper and better option.

The indian girl was not bad but what we saw in post before book and what we were expecting was different. Do not book from this company. Better search and find some local guides yourself from government places. Guide must be a person from that nationality. Otherwise how will you feel the soul of the city and culture!

22 December 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience in Milan did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to respond.

Our aim is to provide unique and authentic city experiences led by local hosts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and personal insights. While our hosts come from diverse backgrounds, they all live in the cities they guide and are carefully selected and tested to ensure they can provide meaningful and engaging experiences.

We’re sorry to hear that the experience didn’t feel aligned with your expectations. We understand the importance of clear communication and will take your feedback on board to improve how we set expectations before bookings.

Your experience matters to us, and we’d love to have the chance to provide a tour that better matches your vision. Please feel free to reach out directly so we can assist further.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE - DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY

I had booked a four hour private tour with a guide with city unscripted for Florence, Italy with my children. The day prior to the tour my daughter became very sick and needed to be hospitalized. It was 20 hours before the scheduled start time for the tour. It is quite scary and upsetting to be in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and need to seek hospital treatment for your child. When I asked about a full or partial refund, I was told that their policy is that they will not give refunds if the tour is not canceled within 24 hours. They refused to make any exception or even provide any refund of any kind , but only offered a discount on a future tour. This is no way to run a business. They went back and forth time after time in email just reiterating their apologies for my daughters hospitalization and offering absolutely no monetary reimbursement. I fully understand if they wanted to give some sort of payment to the guide, but to refuse any sort of refund is absolutely unacceptable. it is a very busy time in Italy right now, and I am sure that the tour guide was used for another tour.

20 August 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. First and foremost, we’re deeply sorry to hear about your daughter’s hospitalization. That must have been an incredibly stressful and worrying experience, especially while traveling. We truly hope she’s feeling much better now.

We completely understand your disappointment regarding the cancellation policy. It’s never our intention to add to anyone’s distress during such a challenging time. Our policy is in place to ensure fairness to our guides, who prepare extensively and reserve their time exclusively for our guests. However, we recognize that exceptional circumstances, like yours, call for a more human touch.

While we couldn’t offer a refund at the time due to the policy, your feedback has prompted us to re-evaluate how we handle situations like this. As a gesture of goodwill, we’d like to extend our offer of a discount on a future city experience and are happy to explore additional ways to support you should you choose to travel with us again.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything else we can do to make this right.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

MY VIEW AS A GUIDE

I used to work here as a guide and then changed the company.

I tell you why guides here might not be so motivated or good:
The good ones leave the company.

Cityunscripted keeps ALL YOUR MONEY and pays only 19€/h (in Germany) to the guides.

Example:
3 guests book a 3 hours tour and pay 312€.
-> The guide receives 57€

There is an other company that is not only much cheaper, but also much fairer.

And there the good guys go to. It's hard to do a good tour for 10€/h net after taxes.

They also take everyone who applies. I was a total beginner. It's nice that they gave me the chance and I always have the best reviews, but they honestly don't care! My new company wanted to zoom twice with me first!

25 June 2023
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi Anna,

We’re sorry to hear that your experience as a host left you feeling this way. We know that expectations around support, pay structure, and hosting style can vary, and we genuinely appreciate you sharing your perspective from your time with us.

Since then, we’ve continued reviewing and improving our onboarding, communication, and support processes for hosts as we keep evolving the experience for both guests and locals alike. We wish you all the best in your current role and future hosting journey.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Food tour in Stockholm for…

Booked a food tour in Stockholm for £223.37. Cancelled by this company the evening before the event. Told I would receive a refund straight away but 4 weeks on I'm still waiting. They don't answer emails or calls chasing the refund. Absolutely appalling experience and I'm out of pocket despite them cancelling the event said to be due to Covid. Only 1 star because there isn't a zero. Based on my experience I wouldn't use this company.

18 July 2022
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Hi curious traveler,

Unfortunately, we were unable to secure a replacement host for your experience, and we understand how disappointing this cancellation must have been, especially with the added frustration around the refund delay.

We’ve since reviewed and strengthened our processes around host availability, refunds, and guest communication to help prevent situations like this in the future.

Ruslan and the City Unscripted team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Making new friends in new places

We used City Unscripted to book 2 sight seeing tours while in Europe. It was an excellent decision. We enjoyed seeing the cities and finding the hidden gems of a city through the eyes of a local. The most appealing aspect of our tour was not feeling like another body in a mass of people. Our guides provided private tours that left us feeling like we had made a new friend in a foreign country. We would definitely use this company again.

26 January 2020
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Unscripted

Thank you so much for your review, it's great to hear! I love that you felt like you had not only found the hidden gems in the city but also made a new friend which is the absolute goal. Thanks again, we look forward to hosting you again in the future, please tell your friends! Nick

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