Looking back from 2026, the tipping standards in 2023 for European tour guides were fairly consistent and remain a good baseline today. For a "Free Walking Tour," it was customary to tip between €10 and €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour. For a standard group tour (pre-paid), a tip of €2 to €5 per person was appropriate. If you hired a private guide for a full day, a tip of €20 to €50 for the entire group (about 10–15% of the total cost) was considered generous. It is important to remember that in many European countries like Spain, Italy, and France, tipping is not mandatory, but for guides who are often freelance or working for low base wages, it is highly appreciated. In 2026, we see a shift toward digital tipping via QR codes, but in 2023, carrying small Euro denominations for cash tips was still the primary way to show appreciation for a job well done.