I heard "Nickel tour" is to show you around.
From usingenglish.com we can read:
If someone gives you a nickel tour, they show you around a place.
('Fifty-cent tour' is also used.)
I also read it can also mean a cheap visit. Does anyone have more information about that term and where it comes from?
Best Answer
The nickel tour is a superficial walk through or examination of a place or thing.
When taking a nickel tour, do not expect to be much enlightened. You will usually be allowed to see what you are allowed to see, no more. Don't blink.
The name comes from the price for tours in the past. The tours might have been more comprehensive at one time, but nickel tour now generally means a very basic tour, quickly made.
Today the tour generally comes at no cost, and would be well worth the price.