Actress Shu Qi narrates Soundwalk’s Hong Kong tour (Stephan Crasneanscki/courtesy Soundwalk) How four innovators are making the audio tour cool. (Really!) Soundwalk Founder Stephan Crasneanscki revolutionized audio tours eight years ago by focusing on under-the-radar neighborhoods and recruiting pop-culture narrators. The company’s latest endeavor: partnering with Louis Vuitton to create guided walks through Shanghai, Beijing, and Hong Kong in which Chinese actresses weave local folktales into their narratives. soundwalk.com , hourlong tours from $10. Audissey Guides Locals take you far beyond the tourist spots in seven American cities. In Seattle, DJ Michele, who hosts a late-night rock show on KEXP, introduces you to the Lusty Lady peep show and anarchist-themed Left Bank Books. As you ride the El on the Chicago tour, hip-hop poet Kevin Coval raps his ode to the train. audisseyguides.com , 60- to 90-minute tours, free.

Original Source 4 cool audio tours for cities worldwide