stadsgids

Stadsgids is a Dutch term meaning "city guide." It refers to a person, service, or publication that helps visitors discover a city by providing information about its history, architecture, neighborhoods, and culture. A stadsgids may be a professional tour guide, often licensed or certified according to local regulations, or a volunteer affiliated with a museum, cultural institution, or tourism board. It can also refer to printed guides, audio guides, or digital applications that offer guided routes.

In practice, stadsgids services include walking tours, bicycle tours, or themed routes such as medieval city centers, modern architecture, food and markets, or public art. Guides adapt their tours to the interests, language, and physical ability of participants and may work individually or as part of a tour company.

Training and qualifications vary by country and city. In many places guides study local history, culture, and urban development, learn navigation and safety procedures, and obtain language or professional certification. Some cities maintain official lists of authorized stadsgids.

Stadsgids can be live guides, ready-made itineraries, or interactive tools. City offices, museums, and travel platforms publish stadsgids in brochures, websites, or apps to help visitors plan their visit and discover highlights and hidden gems alike.

Stadsgids play a role in promoting local culture and sharing urban narratives with residents and visitors.