A good team building activity gets people talking to colleagues they rarely work with, without feeling forced. A self-guided city game does this well: small teams walk through a city, solve puzzles at real landmarks and have to agree on the answers. Here is how a city scavenger hunt or outdoor escape game works for a team, and how to organise one with little effort.
What makes a good team building activity?
A good team building activity gives people a shared problem to solve, mixes people who do not normally sit together and leaves room for conversation. It should also be easy to join: no special fitness, no prior knowledge and nothing that puts one person on the spot in front of everyone. And it helps if people enjoy it enough to talk about it afterwards.
Why a city game works for teams
A city game works for teams because every puzzle needs more than one pair of eyes. One person reads the clue, another spots the detail on a facade, someone else works out the logic, and the group has to decide together before moving on. Quiet colleagues often turn out to be the best at noticing things, which changes the usual dynamic in a pleasant way.
It also gets people outside and walking, which suits a day of meetings or a conference trip. The game is played in public spaces in the city centre, so you need no venue, no equipment and no entry tickets. Between puzzles there is time to chat, and the stories about each place give everyone something to talk about besides work.
How it works for a group
- Book online, one ticket per player. The booking reference arrives by email straight away.
- Each player can download the World City Trail app from the App Store or Google Play and enter the reference, so everyone can follow the game on their own phone.
- There is no guide and no fixed start time. Teams start whenever they like and choose where to begin; the order of the stops can be changed in the app, and Google Maps shows the way.
- The puzzles are based on observation and logic. Nobody needs to know the city or its history.
- Teams can pause for coffee or lunch and carry on later. The ticket has no time limit, so the game fits around your schedule rather than the other way round.
Scavenger hunt, escape game or walking tour for your team?
- Outdoor escape game: a puzzle at every attraction, with up to three levels of hints if a team gets stuck. The puzzles are independent, so a team that struggles with one can still do well on the next. It is a natural choice for team building and best started in daylight.
- Scavenger hunt: a riddle at each of about ten stops, followed by stories, legends and fun facts. More relaxed, with more sightseeing, and a good fit for mixed groups or a social afternoon.
- Self-guided audio walking tour: stories at each stop with no puzzles. Useful for colleagues who would rather listen than play, or as a calmer option for part of the group.
How to organise a team game
- Split into small teams of three to five people, and mix departments on purpose.
- Give teams different starting stops so they do not all crowd the same spot at once.
- Agree on a finishing time and a meeting point, such as a café or restaurant, where teams can compare how they got on.
- Ask everyone to charge their phones before you set off, and bring a power bank or two.
- Plan the game for daylight and keep a dry-weather backup day in mind; it works in the rain, but sunshine makes it more pleasant.
- Suggest roles: a navigator, a reader and a note-taker. Swapping roles at each stop keeps everyone involved.
Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part?
Each player has their own ticket, so the group size is up to you. Large groups work best when split into several small teams.
Does anyone need to know the city?
No. The puzzles are solved by looking at what is in front of you, and the app shows the way between stops.
Can we play during a conference or business trip?
Yes. There is no fixed start time, so teams can play in a free afternoon or between sessions, and pause if needed. The ticket has no time limit.
Is it suitable for colleagues with different fitness levels?
The game is a walk through the city at your own pace, with breaks whenever you like. Old towns can have cobblestones and steps, so keep that in mind if someone in the team has limited mobility.
Plan your team outing
World City Trail has outdoor escape games, scavenger hunts and audio walking tours in cities across Europe and beyond. Pick the city where your team is, book a ticket for each player and start whenever it suits your schedule.
Choose your city and start exploring →
Facts checked in October 2026.