Top Tours in Philadelphia

Top Tours in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s tour companies offer a variety of walking, driving, and bus tours that cater to an abundance of interests.

Tour Philadelphia’s historic sites and iconic locations and see why the city is known as an arts and culture hub. Or savor the flavors of the city on a tour of Philadelphia’s delectable food scene. When planning a trip to Philadelphia, consider adding one of these tours to your trip’s itinerary.

Arts and Culture Tours

Thousands of murals can be found throughout Philadelphia, making the city the “Mural Capital of the World.” Learn more about these incredible works of art and the artists behind them during a tour with Mural Arts Philadelphia. The organization offers both guided and self-guided tours in most major Philadelphia neighborhoods.

If you’re interested in seeing more of the city’s arts scene, WeVenture offers a South Philly Art Tour. During this tour, a guide will lead you on a stroll through the city’s Queen Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods. You’ll get to explore Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a colorful maze of mosaics found along the city’s eclectic South Street.

The It’s Always Sunny Tour of Philadelphia Tour.

Food and Drink Tours

Want to try the finest foods at Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States? City Food Tours offers a tour of the historic market. You’ll learn more about the 130-year-old market’s history, meet several of the merchants, and sample local foods. They also take guests on different food themed journeys around various Philadelphia neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Fishtown, East Passyunk, and many more.

Experience the legendary Italian Market led by a professional chef on StrEATS of Philly Food Tours. Chef Jacquie grew up in South Philadelphia, and has a passion for introducing her guests to the family-owned businesses, flavors, and stories that have shaped the city’s culinary history.

Courtesy of City Food Tours

Historical Tours

For more history, join award-winning magician and Philadelphia native Robert Malissa on The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk. You’ll get to explore eight historic and offbeat locations while participating in magic tricks along the way.

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk. Photo courtesy of Robert Malissa, Walking Magician.

Beyond the Bell Tours offers inclusive historical tours of Philadelphia highlighting margianlized communities. The guides tell stories and visit important sites that have shaped the city through movements, activism, and resistance. Their tours include the Badass Women’s History Tour, the Gayborhood/LGBTQ History Tour, and others.

If you’re more interested in one-of-a-kind Philadelphia experiences, consider a tour of Philadelphia’s reportedly haunted sites and attractions. Take a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia to wander the city’s historic streets by candlelight. A guide in costume will lead you to some of the city’s most historic sites, including Independence Hall and Washington Square.

@discoverphl This #spookyseason, join #GhostTours of #Philadelphia to explore the haunted stories of America’s most historic square mile. #discoverPHL #october #spooky #ghost #ghosts #spooky ♬ Fall October Halloween horror classic(177261) – rareNote

City-Wide Tours

Philadelphia Trolley Works and Carriage Company, offers multiple bus and trolley tours that transport you around the city. A popular tour option is the Big Bus Hop-on Hop Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour, which includes nearly 30 stops. You’ll likely see these big buses circling throughout the city. On this tour, you can board a double-decker bus as a tour guide offers insights on the city’s iconic sites. You can get off at any stop to explore and then hop back on.

Murals and impressive city views await on the Big Bus Philadelphia tour. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

WeVenture offers a City of Philadelphia Private Driving Tour, which takes you to all of the must-see spots of Philadelphia, including the Museum of American Revolution, Reading Terminal Market, the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, and more.

Fitness and exploration go hand-in-hand with City Fit Tours Philadelphia. Break a sweat while soaking in 300 years of revolutionary history and local flavor on guided running tours through the city’s iconic landmarks.

A1 Specialty Tours offers completely customized tours, itinerary planning, guide services, transportation, and much more. Since 1975, they have offered customized and theme tours led by experienced, entertaining, and multi-lingual guides.

Looking for more ways to explore the city? Check out the things to do page for more fun activities in Philadelphia.