I just read and ask locals or online communities, these often tell you the tourist traps to avoid, which are mostly on a company guide list. All the while how to act, what not to.do, what to look out for,.etc. It’s a much more enriching experience. If not with friends,.I’ve teamed.up with backpackers, hotel strangers, and locals I’ve met at bars or online to go around seeing/doing things and exploring.
Tour guides aren’t needed. Nor their buses, speakers, queue cutting, vantage point hogging, street blocking, etc.