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.

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.

Philadelphia and cheesesteaks go hand in hand. Philly by Segway offers a 2-Hour Philly Cheese Steak Tour, which includes stops at five iconic cheesesteak spots. You’ll get to sample the city’s trademark sandwich at each location. You’ll also visit the world-famous intersection that’s home to longtime rival steak shops Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.

If you’re thirsting to learn more about Philadelphia’s beer scene, consider City Brew Tours. This tour company offers a comprehensive journey to some of the city’s craft breweries, including Yards Brewing Company and Love City Brewing. Let one of the company’s designated drivers shuttle you from brewery to brewery. You’ll get to sample local suds while learning more about the brewing process and each individual brewery’s journey.

Photo courtesy of City Brew Tours.

Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, but its elite donut offerings have stayed under the radar. The Underground Donut Tour changes that, bringing visitors to four of the city’s best donut shops. Hungry patrons will try hot and fresh donuts right out of the fryer, unbelievable vegan donuts, and plenty more.

Historical Tours

WeVenture offers a Philadelphia History, Highlights and Revolution Tour, which takes you to all of the quintessential historic sites in the city. You’ll get to visit Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Betsy Ross House.

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.

If you’re more interested in unexpected 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.

Both guests and costumed guides for Ghost Tour of Philadelphia are required to wear masks throughout the tour. Photo courtesy of Ghost Tour of Philadelphia.

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.

Philadelphia Hospitality specializes in custom, private, and behind-the-scenes experiences throughout the region.  You can select from one of their pre-planned excursions or create your own 100% customizable experience.

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