B1English

At the Tourist Office

Use these phrases when you visit a tourist information office to get maps, find out about sights, and plan your trip.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking for a map · 2 ways to say it

Do you have a map of the city?

neutral

Could I grab a free map?

casual

Friendly and direct — fine with staff in an informal tourist office.

Asking for sight recommendations · 2 ways to say it

What are the top sights to see around here?

neutral

What would you recommend for a first-time visitor?

polite

Shows you value the staff member's personal opinion — often gets a more helpful answer.

Asking about opening hours · 2 ways to say it

What time does it open?

neutral

Could you tell me the opening and closing times?

polite

Use this if you need both times in one go, for example when planning a tight schedule.

Asking about ticket prices

How much is the entrance fee?

neutral
Asking about discounts

Is there a discount for students?

neutral

You can swap 'students' for 'seniors', 'children', or 'groups' depending on your situation.

Asking where to buy tickets

Can I buy tickets here, or do I need to go online?

neutral
Asking about tours

Do you have any guided tours?

neutral
Asking about tour duration

How long does the tour usually take?

neutral
Asking for directions / transport advice · 2 ways to say it

What's the best way to get there?

casual

Could you tell me how to get there from here?

polite
Checking if a place is walkable

Is it within walking distance?

neutral

A quick way to decide between walking and taking transport without asking for full directions.

Asking about free activities

Is there anything free to do nearby?

casual

Natural and common — staff expect this question and usually have a ready answer.

Thanking and closing the conversation

Thanks, this has been really helpful.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Traveler
Hi, do you have a map of the city?
Tourist Office Staff
Sure, here you go. We've also got one that shows all the main sights.
Traveler
Perfect. So, what would you recommend for a first-time visitor?
Tourist Office Staff
Well, the Old Quarter is definitely worth seeing. The river walk is great too, especially in the morning.
Traveler
Nice. What time does the Old Quarter museum open?
Tourist Office Staff
Nine a.m. It closes at six, but the last entry is at five-thirty.
Traveler
How much is the entrance fee? Is there a discount for students?
Tourist Office Staff
It's twelve dollars. Students get in for eight — you'll need your ID.
Traveler
Got it. And what's the best way to get there from here?
Tourist Office Staff
It's about a twenty-minute walk, or you can take the number four bus. Stops right out front.
Traveler
Is there anything free to do nearby while I'm in the area?
Tourist Office Staff
Yeah, the riverside park is free, and there's a small market on weekends — pretty popular with locals.
Traveler
Great. Thanks, this has been really helpful.
Tourist Office Staff
No problem — enjoy your visit!

More Travel & Transport (B1)

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