Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is a city best explored on foot. Its compact historic center is packed with medieval buildings, Renaissance facades, and lively streets that beckon to be wandered through. Whether you want a detailed, guided experience or a quick insider’s glimpse, Dijon offers a variety of walking tours that cater to different interests and schedules. We particularly like the Dijon: Discover the city’s history and heritage on a private tour for its personalized approach and its focus on landmark sites like the Gothic Notre-Dame church and the iconic Owl symbol. If you’re pressed for time but want a rapid taste of the city, the Dijon: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes hits the spot with its lively, insider perspective.
Dijon’s walkable layout, rich architecture, and friendly guides make it ideal for exploration. Plus, many tours include local tastings and secret spots that bring the city’s character to life. From detailed historical narratives to quick cultural snapshots, these tours help you make the most of your visit.
1. Dijon: Historic Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour guided tour hits many of Dijon’s top sights, including the Liberation Square, the Palace of the Dukes, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. It’s perfect for travelers who want a rundown without feeling rushed. The tour takes you through two distinct architectural styles—Gothic and Renaissance—and offers glimpses into the city’s medieval past. A highlight is discovering the legendary Maille shop, famous for its mustard, which is a symbol of Dijon’s culinary fame.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from nine reviews, travelers praise this tour for its insightful commentary and friendly guide. It’s especially recommended for first-timers or history lovers who want an engaging intro. The tour is not cheap at $455 per group of up to 20, but considering the depth of sights covered and the expert guidance, it offers good value for a cultural experience. The small group size and focus on key landmarks make it accessible and informative, giving a well-rounded taste of Dijon’s historic core.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a detailed, guided experience that covers Dijon’s most iconic sites in a relaxed two hours.
2. Dijon: Private Walking Tour – Discover History & Heritage
For those who prefer a tailored experience, the Dijon private walking tour offers a 2-hour exploration led by a dedicated guide. This tour is priced at $210 per person, making it a more personal and flexible option. The guide focuses on the city’s medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed historic town center, giving you the chance to ask specific questions and delve deeper into topics that interest you most.
You’ll start at Place Notre Dame and wander through picturesque streets, admire Gothic architecture, and learn about Dijon’s history through stories about the Owl, its symbol. The tour also includes an exterior view of the Ducal Palace, adding a regal touch to your walk. Guests love the personalized attention, and the guide’s knowledge about the city’s past and its role in Burgundy’s history makes this tour stand out.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a private, flexible experience or are visiting in a small group. The focused itinerary allows you to explore at your own pace, making it perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a personalized, in-depth introduction to Dijon’s iconic landmarks with the comfort of a private guide.
3. Dijon: Express Walk with a Local in 60 minutes
If your time in Dijon is limited but you still want to get a genuine feel for the city, the 1-hour express walk is an excellent choice. For around $81, a local guide will take you through the medieval core, showing you the main landmarks and sharing insider tips. This tour emphasizes Dijon’s vibrant culture, offering a quick yet authentic experience.
The tour is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their short stay, especially if they’re keen to uncover hidden gems and learn about local recommendations for cafes and bars. With a maximum of 8 travelers, it maintains an intimate feel, allowing for questions and personalized insights. Participants have noted the friendly local guide and the chance to see Dijon’s essential sights in a condensed timeframe.
While it’s a quick tour, it packs a lot into an hour or two, making it a good choice if you’re on a tight schedule or want a lively overview without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: An ideal option for travelers short on time but eager for a genuine local perspective and quick introduction.
4. Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour
This customizable 1.5-hour private tour is perfect if you want to decide what to see and learn about. Starting from the Place Notre Dame, your guide will craft an itinerary that could include the Liberation Square, Palace of the Dukes, or other sites you find interesting. The tour can be tailored to focus on history, architecture, or culinary highlights, including visits to the legendary Maille mustard shop or exploring Dijon’s Neolithic roots.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 14 reviews, travelers love the flexibility and depth of this tour. It offers a chance to explore Dijon at your own pace and get a personalized narrative. The cost is $322 for up to 15 people, making it good value if you’re traveling with a group. The guide’s insights into Burgundy’s historic Dukes and wartime history add layers to your understanding of the city.
This tour works well for those who want a private, flexible experience with the ability to customize the route or focus on specific themes.
Bottom Line: An adaptable, private tour suitable for those wanting a tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Dijon: 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local
For a well-rounded introduction, the 2-hour tour with a local is hard to beat. Rated 5/5 from two reviews, it offers a mix of Dijon’s top sights and hidden corners. The guide will take you through main landmarks, share local tastings (a typical regional product), and give insider tips on where to eat and drink.
This small-group experience—maximum 8 travelers—focuses on making the most of your limited time with a personal touch. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want to get a feel for the city’s cultural and culinary highlights in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Guests appreciate the guide’s enthusiasm and the chance to connect with Dijon’s traditions while discovering some lesser-known local spots.
Bottom Line: A highly recommended overview for new visitors who want a friendly, intimate experience with local flavor.
6. Dijon – Historic Guided Walking Tour
This 2-hour private tour is designed for those who want a flexible yet comprehensive introduction to Dijon. It includes highlights like Liberation Square, the Palace of the Dukes, and the Museum of Decorative Arts. The tour’s main appeal is its ability to be customized—your guide can focus on history, architecture, or special interests.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 from nine reviews, travelers value the personalized approach and the chance to learn about Dijon’s role in Burgundy’s past. The impressive Porte Guillaume and Rue de la Liberté are key stops, with special attention given to Dijon’s medieval foundations and the city’s resilience through wartime.
The tour is suitable for those who want a relaxed, cultural stroll with the flexibility to explore specific sites. The cost is $425.23 for up to 15 people, making it a good deal for groups seeking a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: A flexible, introduction-level tour perfect for culture and history enthusiasts who want a private experience.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Dijon
When selecting a walking tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For an in-depth, guided experience with a focus on architecture and history, the Dijon: Discover the city’s history and heritage is hard to beat. If you’re short on time but still want a taste of the local scene, the Express Walk with a Local offers quick insights. For a personalized, flexible tour, the Private Guided Tour is ideal.
Consider also whether you prefer a small group for conversational intimacy or a private guide to tailor the experience. Booking early is wise, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Dijon’s compact size makes it perfect for walking, and its variety of tours means there’s something for every type of traveler. If you’re after a rundown, the Historic Guided Tour offers a rich narrative. For a more intimate experience, the Private Tour provides tailored insights, while quick explorers will appreciate the Express Walk or Intro Tour.
No matter your choice, taking a guided walk helps unlock Dijon’s secrets—so pick one that fits your interests and schedule. Booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on this charming city’s unique stories and sights. Happy strolling!