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Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Touring the city’s top attractions for more than 25 years

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Location & Contact:

• 111 S. Independence Mall East Philadelphia PA 19106
• (215) 922-2300
• Visit Website

Explore dozens of Philadelphia’s top attractions aboard the colorful double-decker buses of Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours .

The popular 28-stop tour includes stops at the Liberty Bell , City Hall , the Philadelphia Museum of Art  and loads of additional locations across the city. Tours offer hop-on, hop-off access and guided commentary. All tours leave from the historic Bourse Building on Independence Mall.

Available tours include the 24-Hour Hop On-Hop Off Pass, the 48-Hour Hop On-Hop Off Pass, Twilight Philly and many others. Advanced registration is required for groups and special events.

• For Kids & Families
• Parks & Outdoors
• Tours in Philadelphia
• Center City
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods

The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

The  Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

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• Live Bus Tracking
• Horse Drawn Services
• Transportation Services

Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights

Take the Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker

Christmas Thru July Sale! Book now to save. Save 10% on Public Holiday Light Tours or Save $100 on Private Holiday Light Tours. Use Coupon Code "july23" during checkout. Offer Expires July 31st,2023

• Holiday Lights Tours

Allow Philadelphia's Premier Sightseeing Tour Company to show you the sights and tell you the tales of a city that forged a nation, cheered for Rocky, invented the soft pretzel, and is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall!

Whether you enjoy one of our daily Hop On/Hop Off tours, a Philly by Night tour, a walking tour of Historic Old City, a majestic horse drawn carriage tour, or a private electric car tour, our highly trained staff will enlighten and entertain you with historical tales, cultural highlights, and engaging stories of the city's past, present, and future. To maximize your sightseeing experience, choose a 2 Day or 3 Day Hop On/Hop Off Pass, a combination tour, or a specialty tour from the options below.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour Departs From SW Corner of 6th and Market Streets: 1 Day Pass

Experience Philadelphia from the top of a modern Double Decker Bus! See the cultural attractions and historic sites from one of our open top Double Decker buses. Professional Tour Guides bring old and new Philadelphia to life on our 90 minute fully narrated hop on/hop off tour.

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour Departs From SW Corner of 6th and Market Streets: 2 Day Pass

Big bus hop-on hop-off double decker sightseeing tour departs from sw corner of 6th and market streets: 3 day pass.

Philly By Night Sightseeing Tour Departs from 12th & Filbert Streets

Want a taste of Historic Philadelphia under a starry night sky? The Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker tour from Philadelphia Trolley Works — takes off nightly for a city-wide tour of Philadelphia’s most notable attractions. Suggested Boarding Time 30 minutes prior to departure

*** We offer Private Philly By Night Tours all year for groups of 20 or more! Call 215-389-8687 for pricing. ***

Philly By Night Sightseeing Tour Departs from 12th & Filbert Streets: 1 Day Pass/Philly by Night Combo

Want a taste of Historic Philadelphia under a starry night sky? The Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker tour from Philadelphia Trolley Works — takes off nightly for a city-wide tour of Philadelphia’s most notable attractions. Suggested Boarding Time 30 minutes prior to departure.

Philly By Night Sightseeing Tour Departs from 12th & Filbert Streets: 2 Day Pass/Philly by Night Combo

Want a taste of Historic Philadelphia under a starry night sky? The Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker tour from Philadelphia Trolley Works — takes off nightly for a city-wide tour of Philadelphia’s most notable attractions. Suggested Boarding Time 7:30pm

Holiday Light Tour – Individuals

Hop aboard our classic Victorian trolley to experience the holiday lights in style. Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights. We are the city of Brotherly Love, and a city of neighborhoods, that celebrate the holidays with unique light displays. Sing along to seasonal […]

Holiday Light Tour – Groups

FranklinMobile Electric Car Tours

Philadelphia's Only Climate Friendly Private Tour Electric Mobile Car Tours

Journey through Philadelphia's history with a modern twist

Philadelphia CityPASS®

Sightseeing in Philly? Create your own Philadelphia experience, including a Big Bus/Trolley Works 1 Day pass. Save up to 49% on admission to 3, 4 or 5 of Philadelphia’s 10 most loved attractions with Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets. No need to decide now, choose the attractions as you go.

Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery saves you time and money. Cost starts at $59 (adult); $47 (child 3-12).

Please note: The Philadelphia City Pass is only valid for a 1 Day pass on the Big Bus even if you have a multiple day Philadelphia City Pass.

Go City All-Inclusive Pass

Discover over 30 top Philadelphia attractions and save with Go City. Your All- Inclusive Pass gives you 1, 2, 3, or 5 days to see and experience as much of the city as  possible. Visit the Betsy Ross House, get hands-on at the Franklin Institute of Science, hop on  an entertaining guided tour with Big Bus, meet the critters at Adventure Aquarium and so  much more! 

• Access to 30+ attractions for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days
• Must-do attractions in Philadelphia such as Eastern State Penitentiary and the Philadelphia Zoo
• All on one app – download to your mobile device and scan your pass for  admission

Please note: The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is only valid for a 1 Day pass on the Big Bus even if you have a multiple day Pass.

Franklin’s Footsteps Walking Tour

Private Groups only! Please call 215-389-8687 for more information.

Walk in the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and other Colonial Philadelphians who forged a nation. Walk along Philadelphia’s oldest streets and alleys and discover where the United States was born. The Franklin’s Footsteps Colonial Walking Tour is led by a professional guide in colonial dress and will take you past the Betsy Ross House, …

76 Carriage Company Horse Drawn Tours Temporarily Unavailable

*We are currently in the process of relocating the carriage operation. Our intention is to be back in service sometime this spring. You can refer to the announcements section of our homepage for updates.

Your Carriage Awaits! Sit back, relax, and experience Philadelphia’s history and other popular attractions aboard one of our stylish coaches. Journey back in time on an enchanting carriage ride through the tree-lined streets of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park, Society Hill, and Old City. Your personal Guide will whisk you away on a leisurely ride through historic Philadelphia.

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• Please Call : 215-389-TOUR (8687)
• Fax : 215-389-1279
• Email : [email protected] for general info, charter or special information
• Email : [email protected] for Public Big Bus Tour information
• transportation services
• horse drawn services

Join Our Philadelphia Bus Tours

Welcome to city sightseeing philadelphia.

Our professionally guided 90 minute hop on/hop off bus tours are currently running daily every hour or less, with the first tour leaving stop 1 at 10:00am and the last tour leaving stop 1 at 4:00pm every day.

Night tours and walking to ur s are closed for the season and will reopen in the spring.

The tour schedule is subject to change by season.

Click here to view our route map!

• Most Popular!

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Philadelphia

Experience Philadelphia with an expert-guided tour of the city on our hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing Philadelphia double-decker bus tours . Choose from one-, two-, and three-day tickets, with multi-language audio commentary and a total of 28 stops over a 16 mile loop.

• Hour Glass 1 Day , 2 Days , 3 Days

Trending Philadelphia Bus and Walking Tour Tickets

• Hour Glass 24 Hours

Night Tour of Philadelphia

See the dazzling lights of the city from atop a double decker bus! Learn about Philadelphia history, including iconic people and buildings, from a professional tour guide as the twilight turns to a starry sky above you. Recorded audio commentary is available in 9 different languages.

24-, 48-, and 72-Hour Tickets

Enjoy 24-, 48-, or 72-hour unlimited access to our hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing Philadelphia double-decker bus tours. Learn about our beautiful and historic city from live professional tour guides, with 9 different language options in recorded audio commentary.

• Hour Glass 90 minutes

Founding Fathers and Mothers

Explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. A professional tour guide will lead you on a one mile walking tour through Philadelphia’s most historic square mile in Old City to see some of the city’s most famous sights!

City Sightseeing Philadelphia Is Revolutionizing Philadelphia Tours

City Sightseeing Philadelphia offers the premier daily hop-on, hop-off city tours on board our double-decker buses. Our professionally-guided tours with a live guide on each bus include recorded audio translations in 8 different languages, for a total of 9 language options. With 28 stops across a 16-mile journey, we deliver you to the doorstep of nearly 100 iconic attractions across Philadelphia. See the sights with our convenient one-, two-, and three-day hop-on, hop-off passes; discover the town under the cool cover of night with our Twilight Philly Night Tour; or explore the revolutionary history of Philadelphia’s most historic square mile with our Founding Fathers and Mothers Walking Tour. Group tours, private excursions, event transportation, and airport shuttle services are also available with our world-class fleet of charter vehicles.

Our Philadelphia bus tours speak YOUR language!

We welcome both international and domestic groups. With a live tour guide on each bus and audio tours in French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi, experience Philadelphia with the best!

Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours is a Certificate of Excellence Winner!

We only had a relatively short time in Phily so wanted to see as much as possible. The hop on hop off bus tour was fantastic... we didn't even hop off. Our guide Warren was amazing - so knowledgeable and just a really great guy. Would recommend this tour to anyone in town.

Overwhelmingly satisfied with each department of this company. The women at the desk of the buses' starting point were very friendly and approachable, they didn't stalk us down the sidewalk for attention. The bus came at the exact time of when they said the bus would. And was prompt at each stop as well. The tour guides were very entertaining and kept the bus at a great speed for some great photo taking. We lost our wallet in the bus and contacted the office. They got right to work with going through each bus thoroughly to confirm if they found it. At first they did not but that did not stop them from continuing to look. They went through the other bus that we came back on from and found it there almost halfway through the day. Called us right away and made arrangements to send it over to our address. All I can say is they went above and beyond to make sure they covered every ground. That shows extreme loyal customer service. Can't wait to go on again!

Fantastic. Best way to see the city. I brought my mother and her best friend to Philly as a Mothers day gift. They are both in their 70s. Walking long distances is not a good option for them. Tour company had a shuttle pick us up in front of our hotel and drop us at the starting point for bus tour. We did the 2 day option which worked out perfect. 1st day we pretty much just rode the loop to see where all the sites were and get a lay for the land. 2nd day we got off at the specific places we wanted to spend more time touring. Hopped back on and back to hotel. Would highly recommend this tour. The ladies commented several times on what a wonderful time they had and how much of the city they were able to see by doing this bus tour. We are already planning our next trip.

Me and my girlfriend had a fun time on this bus tour, all the guides were informative but we especially loved earnest allot as he knew alot and was funny and knew alot, especially movie landmarks which I loved alot!!! Definitely will take this tour again if given the chance too.

We were only in Philadelphia one night and two days so we decided to do a bus tour to save time. We loved this tour! Warren was our guide, he was well informed and had a comical delivery that spiced it up. We saw several things that we would not have known about or had time to see on our own. I would highly recommend this company!

Had a wonderful Saturday afternoon with out of town guests. Even though I grew up in Philadelphia, the tour had some very unique facts about the town I was never aware of. Our tour guide, Alexa, was a very informative and interactive host. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who will be visiting the Center City area of Philadelphia. Their main start location is Old City, but if you want to hop on and off to see some sites, you can do this too.

City Tours in Philadelphia

Experience Philadelphia like never before with city tours and city tour packages. As you explore Philadelphia’s famous landmarks, hidden gems, and local hotspots, you’ll uncover the stories that bring the city to life.

• This weekend

Old City Mystery Picnic: Self-Guided Foodie Adventure

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Philadelphia Tours

Explore the heart of philly on the original byob trolley.

Fun Tours In Philadelphia

Welcome to Founding Footsteps Tours! Our unique Philadelphia tours bring American history to life. Join us on a journey through historic Philadelphia. You'll see the sights and hear the stories as you walk in the footsteps of our founding fathers. We guarantee you'll have a whole lot of fun doing it!

For visitors as well as locals, we offer tours in Philadelphia with a unique twist. Join one of our trolley tours where it's always BYOB. Our Stand Up & Drink Tour includes a live comedy show. Take our Beer & Band tour with live music and stops at local breweries and beer gardens.

Looking for something new? Check out our food and history tour. We'll take you through Reading Terminal Market, the historic Old City, the Italian Market, and a few surprise stops. BYOB to drink on board the trolley, with stops to sample iconic food like cheesesteaks and pizza. Or check out our Bad Things Happen In Philly tour and hear about the most disturbing murders and misdeeds from the site where it all happened.

Explore our current activities

The Philly True Crime Tour

Hear chilling stories of the most heinous murders committed in Philadelphia. This BYOB tour is 21+ and contains graphic and disturbing content.

Historically Hilarious BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

An entertaining, comedic story-telling adventure through Philadelphia, covering the city's major attractions. Tours runs for 2 hours. All ages are welcome. 21+ to drink.

Old City Historic Walking Tour

Explore historic Philadelphia on this walking tour of the Old City District, a quick and convenient introduction for first-time visitors. See outside of Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Then wander down Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. Plus, choose from multiple departure times to suit your needs. Our storytelling guide will cover famous historic moments in American history as well as the history that you won't see in textbooks!

Our Old City Historic Walking Tour can also be booked as a private tour!

2024 Holiday Light Tour

Experience the holiday season like never before with Philly's ORIGINAL BYOB Holiday Light Trolley Tour! Immerse yourself in festive cheer as our talented local musicians serenade you with delightful holiday tunes. Join us on a journey to the city's most festive locations, where the twinkling lights and joyful atmosphere will surely warm your heart. Sing along to your favorite holiday songs and let the music fill the air with merriment. Last year, we discovered that the more involved our guests are, the merrier the experience becomes. So, don't hesitate to belt out those tunes and bring your favorite beverages along for the ride. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable together! 🎄🎶✨

Tipsy Trolley Karaoke 21+ BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

Experience an adult-exclusive, entertaining, comedic storytelling adventure through Philadelphia, complete with lively karaoke sessions. Explore the city's major attractions on this 2-hour tour, enjoying drinks along the way with BYOB. Participants must be 21 years old and above to join this adult-only, fun-filled journey through the heart of the city! <><><><> 21+ only. <><><><>

School Tours for Students

At Founding Footsteps, we take pride in creating tours that are not only educational, but also immersive and captivating for students. Our tours are thoughtfully designed to bring Philadelphia's fascinating history and rich culture to life, providing students with an interactive learning experience that goes beyond the walls of the classroom.

We believe that learning should be engaging and memorable, and our tours are crafted with this principle in mind. We strive to make history come alive for students by incorporating interactive elements and engaging storytelling throughout our tours. By doing so, we hope to instill a lifelong appreciation for history and culture in our young learners.

We understand that budget constraints can be a major concern when planning school trips. That's why we offer competitive pricing options, making our tours accessible to as many students as possible. We believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn and explore outside of the classroom, and we aim to make that possible by providing affordable and high-quality tours.

At the heart of everything we do is our passion for education and our commitment to providing students with an unforgettable experience. We take great care in creating tours that are not only informative, but also engaging and fun. We believe that learning should be an adventure, and we invite students to join us on a journey through Philadelphia's vibrant history and culture.

You Call It BYOB Tour

An entertaining, 4 hour adventure through Philadelphia or surrounding areas, covering the city's breweries/bars/restaurants of your choice. You chose the destinations, and the time you spend there. Bring your playlist because we have speakers on the trolley! We will pick you up and drop you off! Tours runs for 3 hours+. 21+ to drink.

Book for your:

• Bachelor/ Bachelorette Party • Birthdays • Because it is Saturday and more...

Private Wedding

Private weddings trolley tours can be a unique and special way to celebrate your wedding day. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider a trolley tour for your wedding:

• Convenient transportation: Trolleys offer a convenient way to transport your wedding party and guests to different locations, without the hassle of driving or navigating unfamiliar streets.

• Unique experience: A trolley tour can provide a unique and memorable experience for your wedding guests, and is a great way to show off the city or local area to out-of-towners.

• Photo opportunities: Trolleys can provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos, and offer a chance to capture memorable moments from your special day.

• Customizable tours: Trolley tours can be customized to suit the specific needs and interests of your wedding party, ensuring that everyone has a fun and enjoyable experience.

• Professional driver: Our professional drivers are knowledgeable and experienced, providing a safe and reliable way to transport you and your guests.

Overall, a private wedding trolley tour can be a fun and unique way to celebrate your special day, providing a convenient and memorable way to transport you and your guests. We love weddings and we love to be apart of your special day. Founding Footsteps would love the opportunity to provide transportation for your loved ones to your special occasion.

We are currently placing packages together now for 2023. If you are interested in learning more, please email us at [email protected].

Corporate Events

We offer fully customizable corporate tours to cater to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to kick off your corporate event with a fun and hilarious tour of Philadelphia or customize an itinerary for your team to experience while in the city, we've got you covered.

We can even stock the trolley with local foods and offer a selection of beers or wine to enhance your team's experience (optional). We understand that each corporate event is unique, and we're here to work with you to create a customized tour that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Give us a call today, and our team will provide you with a personalized quote for your event. We're excited to collaborate with you to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your team in Philadelphia.

Private Events

All of our private tours are fully customizable.

Kick off your private event with a hilarious tour of Philadelphia on a trolley stocked with local foods and beers. Call on us to escort your bachelor or bachelorette party around the city while being entertained by live musicians or stand-up comedians. Have your wedding party arrive at the ceremony or reception in style on one of our historic trolleys.

Why choose us?

Philadelphia Tours With Good Storytelling And Bad Jokes

We are a socially conscious company providing walking tours and bus tours onboard Philly's only BYOB trolley. Our knowledgeable local guides are passionate about sharing history through great stories, bad jokes, and cold beer. We are not another boring tour company, and we don't believe in conducting boring tours! Join a scheduled tour, or call us to customize a private tour. Let's explore the history, the grit, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Philadelphia together.

Actual Historian Guide

Our tour guides are not only extremely knowledgeable about the city's history but also have a talent for entertaining and captivating their audience. Their passion for Philadelphia and its rich cultural heritage shines through, adding a personal touch to the tour, and making it all the more enjoyable for participants. With their expert guidance and engaging storytelling, the tour becomes a truly immersive experience, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city's past and present.

Voted #1 Sightseeing Tour in Philadelphia on TripAdvisor

Visitors have consistently praised the tour's top-rated quality and highly recommended it to others. The high reviews are a testament to the tour's exceptional service, which includes knowledgeable and engaging tour guides who bring Philadelphia's rich history and culture to life. Participants have also appreciated the tour's attention to detail and excellent customer service, making for a memorable and enjoyable experience. Overall, the tour has earned a reputation as one of the best ways to explore Philadelphia's top attractions and hidden gems and is a must-do activity for any traveler to the city.

Supports Community

We not only provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the city's history and culture but also gives back to the community through its charitable donations. By donating a portion of its earnings to various organizations, the tour supports important causes that help improve the lives of others. This commitment to community service is just one of the reasons why participants can feel good about their purchase, knowing that they are contributing to the betterment of society. By choosing to take the tour, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable experience while also making a positive impact on the local community. This reflects the tour's commitment to social responsibility and dedication to creating a better Philadelphia.

Visit The Only UNESCO World Heritage City In The US

In November 2015, Philadelphia received a high honor as the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the US. The city received this designation because of its many historical landmarks, cultural sights, and buildings. The most noteworthy is Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

Philadelphia's most famous founding father is Benjamin Franklin, a man of many great distinctions. Although he had little formal education, he became an author, publisher, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and statesman. As an entrepreneur, he began a successful printing business and published his annual “Poor Richard’s Almanack”. The same entrepreneurial spirit continues in the city today.

Frequently asked questions

Are all of your tours byob.

All of our tours, except our "Philly Phables" walking tour, are BYOB. We encourage that you bring your own bevarages, drink responsibly and have fun!

Where do your tours START and END?

Starting and ending location varies depending on the tour. Please check the tour pages on our website for more details.

Can I book a PRIVATE TOUR?

Yes! All of our tours can be turned into a completely customizable event for you and your group. Our connections to local bars, our excellent tour guides and talended musicians all go hand-in-hand with creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

How long do the tours LAST?

Our tours last anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours depending on the tour. Please check the tour pages on our website for more details.

COMMUNITY CONTENT

9 Fun Activities In Philadelphia For Adults For The Perfect Outing

Fun activities in Philadelphia for adults are abundant. Whether you’re searching for the perfect date night or fun things to do with a group, you’ll find it all. Explore the tourist attractions, indulge in Philly cheesesteak, and get lost in…

School Tours for the Kids

Why do we do what we do, well it is for the kids. We will put together a great walking/trolley tour for your students during the day, during the school year.   The tour would consist of 2.5 - 3…

We Do Weddings

We love weddings and we love to be apart of your special day. Founding Footsteps would love the opportunity to provide transportation for your loved ones to your special occasion.   We are currently placing packages together now for 2023.…

Book your next adventure .

Protect Your Trip »

9 best philadelphia tours: liberty bell, cheesesteaks & more.

Bus tours, walking tours and even "Rocky"-themed excursions are among the offerings.

The Best Philadelphia Tours

J. Smith | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

The "Rocky" statue is one of the sights you'll see along the Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour.

There are so many things to do in Philadelphia that the historic landmarks alone – Independence Hall , the Liberty Bell , the National Constitution Center , the Betsy Ross House – could fill an entire trip. To make the most of your time, consider a guided Philadelphia tour that covers a variety of attractions and experiences, from visiting lesser-known "Rocky" filming locations with a Sylvester Stallone look-alike to tasting your way through the city's best food markets with an expert.

Based on travel expert opinions and recent views from sites like Tripadvisor and Google, these are the best tours in Philadelphia.

The Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour

Price: From $350 Duration: 3 hours

Mike Kunda, a lifelong fan of "Rocky" and the winner of a national "Rocky" look-alike contest, leads private tours to "Rocky" filming locations throughout Philadelphia. You'll visit Rocky's apartment from the first movie, the Front Street Gym featured in "Creed," the infamous site of the Tommy Gunn fight in "Rocky V," the Rocky Steps and Statue and more. Kunda will share stories told to him by actor Sylvester Stallone from his time on set during the filming of "Rocky Balboa," "Creed" and "Creed II," and there will be plenty of "Rocky" trivia along the way. Participants praise Kunda's depth and breadth of knowledge and love his enthusiasm.

The tour is limited to private groups of up to seven people for a flat rate of $350. Tours must be booked in advance on the official website.

View & Book Tickets: The Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour

Philly by Segway – 1 Hour Segway Adventure of Philadelphia

Price: From $65 Duration: 1 hour

This short Philadelphia tour allows up to eight participants to see several of the city's top sights without exhausting themselves. Tour-takers will hop on Segways to glide through sections like Queen Village, Old City and Society Hill. Along the way, guides share information about Philadelphia's history and attractions, and even take photos, which are emailed to riders for free within two days after the tour. Tourgoers say the guides, who make everyone feel safe, are excellent.

Tours run daily at 10 a.m. and 12:30 and 3 p.m. There is also a seasonal 5:30 p.m. outing. Tickets start at $65 per person. Riders must be at least 12 years old, weigh between 100 and 300 pounds and wear a helmet. Philly by Segway also offers a cheesesteak tour .

View & Book Tickets:  Viator | GetYourGuide

B. Krist | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Big Bus Philadelphia – 1-Day Tour

Price: Adults from $36; kids from $17 Duration: 90 minutes or more

If you're looking for a traditional hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Philly, climb aboard the Big Bus Philadelphia for an overview of the city. If any one of the landmarks along the route pique your interest, hop off to explore and hop back on when you're ready; buses frequent stops every 25 to 45 minutes and there's no limit to how many times you can board the bus over the course of a day. If you decide to stay on the bus, the tour lasts about 90 minutes. Stops along the blue route – Big Bus' only line – include the Betsy Ross House, LOVE Park and the Barnes Foundation . Experienced English-speaking guides offer a comprehensive commentary along the route. While this is the highest-rated Philadelphia bus tour, reviews are mixed. Some travelers note the bus is best for transportation only and not for learning about the history of the city, while others say they were pleased with their guide and the overall experience.

Buses run daily from approximately 9:30 a.m. to around 5 or 6 p.m.; hours may vary in the winter months. Tickets start at $36 for adults and $17 for kids ages 4 to 12. Two- and three-day bus tour tickets are also available.

View & Book Tickets: Viator | GetYourGuide

The Constitutional Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $23; kids from $17 Duration: 75 minutes

The Constitutional Walking Tour provides an overview of the Independence National Historical Park area, stopping by more than 20 of the city's historic locations on a 1.25-mile journey. Visitors will see and learn about important sights, including Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House and Old City Hall, among other landmarks. Participants rave about the knowledgeable guides, who they say are excellent historians.

Tours are offered three times every day from April to November; exact times vary by day. Tickets start at $23 for adults and $17 for children ages 3 to 12. The company also offers a combination package, which includes the Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

Grim Philly Twilight Tours – Dark Philly Adult Tour

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Enjoy nearly two tours of haunting history on the Dark Philly Adult Tour from Grim Philly Twilight Tours. Your expert guide – who is either a college professor or a history degree-holder – will take you on a historic sightseeing walk. You'll see the city's top sights – including the site of the first White House and homes of several Founding Fathers – illuminated as guides share stories of ghosts, executions and vampires, among other dark tales. Despite the spooky content, travelers say the guides are great storytellers and make plenty of jokes. The tour is not appropriate for young children, however.

Tickets start at $30 and tours run nightly at 8 p.m., with the exception of Tuesdays in the winter months. Grim Philly offers a variety of other tours, including haunted pub crawls and daytime history walks suitable for all ages.

View & Book Tickets:  Viator  |  GetYourGuide

City Food Tours Philadelphia – Flavors of Philly

Price: Adults from $49; kids from $44 Duration: 2.5 hours

Arrive with an empty stomach for the Flavors of Philly tour, which makes stops at five local eateries (including Reading Terminal Market ) over the course of about 2 1/2 hours. Guides will discuss Philly's food history and the origin of the city's iconic foods, all while participants nosh on local favorites like cheesesteaks, Cheez Whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels and more. No one walks away hungry, according to reviewers. They also say the food is delicious.

The company advises that this tour is not designed for children younger than 5. Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays around noon. Other tours offered include Historic Old City and East Passyunk.

Founding Footsteps – BYOB Tours of Philadelphia

Price: Adults from $48.50; kids from $25 Duration: 2 hours

Bring your own beer or wine and hop aboard a trolley for a different kind of Philadelphia tour. You'll not only see the city's major attractions and learn insider knowledge of lesser-known sites, you'll get to sip your beverage of choice and listen to corny jokes. Travelers say the tour is a hilarious and fun way to see and learn about Philly; even locals say they enjoy the trip.

Tours last around two hours, but the length of the tour can depend on timing and how many stops the group decides to make. The tour is offered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1, 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets start at $48.50 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Keep in mind that though children are welcome on the tour, imbibers must be 21 or older. Founding Footsteps is also known for its Bad Things Happen in Philly tour.

View & Book Tickets:   Viator  |  GetYourGuide

K. Kelly | Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia

Mural Arts Philadelphia Tours

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 1.5 hours

Aside from historic landmarks and good food, Philadelphia has myriad murals; in fact, it's known as the "Mural Capital of the World." You’re bound to see some of the city's more than 4,000 murals no matter where you go, but for a unique perspective, take one of the tours hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia (the largest public art program in the U.S.). Typically available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, the tours provide an in-depth look at some of the city's most iconic murals, including the inspiration and artists behind them. Recent travelers say they enjoyed the experience and only wish they could have seen more murals on the tour.

Tour routes vary from week to week, and are either on foot or by trolley. Tickets for walking tours start at $25 for adults and $18 for kids 12 and younger; tickets for trolley tours cost more. Check the schedule ahead of your trip and note that tickets must be purchased in advance.

View & Book Tickets: Mural Arts Philadelphia

Free Tours by Foot – Independence Mall Tour

Price: $3 reservation fee; tips are encouraged Duration: 2 hours

This Philadelphia tour technically isn't free as advance reservations are required and include a $3-per-person booking fee – but it's still cheap and fun, according to reviewers. On the roughly two-hour jaunt, guides will walk you through historic Philadelphia and discuss the early history of the city with lighthearted humor and trivia. Some of the sights covered include Carpenters' Hall, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Christ Church, Ben Franklin's burial site and City Tavern. The guides earn high marks from visitors, who applaud their vast historical knowledge and entertaining delivery.

Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. daily as well as 2 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; winter hours may vary. Italian Market and Chinatown tours are also available, among other options.

View & Book Tickets: Free Tours by Foot

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

A former resident of Philly, Amanda Norcross now lives in the city's suburbs. She used her personal experiences and recommendations from other locals as well as reviews on Google and Tripadvisor to determine the best tours in Philadelphia.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in Philadelphia
• The Best Places to Visit in Pe nnsylvania
• The Top Romantic Getaways in Pennsylvania

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The Top 20 Excursions and Tours in Philadelphia

The City of Brotherly Love has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years. See our picks for the best tours in Philadelphia!

Steeped in history, Philadelphia has been attracting visitors interested in seeing its fabled buildings and squares for hundreds of years. This was where the idea of democracy really began to form and the future of America, and the world, changed forever. A visit to this historic spot lets you imagine what life was like here in the 18th century when people were just beginning to fight for a better form of government. Thanks to the cobblestone streets to the brick houses, you may even find yourself forgetting what century you’re in!

Located along the Delaware River in eastern Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is conveniently located. New Jersey is right across the river and the city lies about halfway between New York City and Washington, D.C. This makes it the perfect addition to an East Coast road trip or a weekend trip full of history and culture. 

As much as we adore Philadelphia, we know that organizing a vacation can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to juggle work and family and everyone wants to do a million different things while you’re there. To help you get started with your travel itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the top tours and excursions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Expert tip: If possible, try to book directly with the tour operator. The past few years of COVID restrictions have hit many travel companies pretty hard and booking directly helps them keep more money in their pockets. Plus, you’re likely to get better customer service in case anything goes wrong and you need to change, cancel, or reschedule your booking.

A Different Way to See Philly

The City of Brotherly Love is full of historic sights, amazing murals, incredible food, and so much more! All of its attractions make it the perfect place for a plethora of fun tours! We’ve created several scavenger hunt tours in Philadelphia , and each one is exciting in its own way! In the mood to be spooked? Explore the scary side of the city on a ghost tour . Interested in the origins of street art? Check out our art walk ! You could even take over Old City on a pub crawl with friends, if you choose. There’s something for every type of explorer!

20 Terrific Tours in Philadelphia 

Below you’ll find a list of our favorite Philadelphia sightseeing tours and excursions. This has been made using reviews from TripAdvisor and Google Maps along with the experience of our own in-house travel experts. While most of the itineraries and departure times are based on small group tours, most companies are more than happy to accommodate private tours as well.

Philly on Wheels

Thanks to its small size, it’s easy to see much of Philadelphia within a few hours. From double-decker buses to Segways, there are many ways to explore the City of Brotherly on a set of wheels! If you want to see as much of the city as possible, we highly recommend ditching the car and joining one of the guided tours below. These tours will help you learn a lot about what makes the city so unique and it also saves you from the headache of dealing with traffic and trying to find a parking spot!

1. Big Bus Tour

This full-day hop-on, hop-off bus tour by Big Bus Philadelphia offers you a 90-minute bus tour of the city. Unlike most other tours, you get to get on and off wherever you please over the course of a day, giving you the chance to explore as quickly or as slowly as you please. Buses pass top attractions like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Elfreth Alley, and much more. 

The friendly guides will give you insight into the history and architecture of the city and since there are no limitations on how long you can ride or how many times you need to get on and off, you can customize this tour however you like! There is a substantial discount for kids which makes this a heat option for families who want to tour the city on a budget and if you want to extend the experience, you can purchase two and three-day tickets at a discounted rate.

2. City Sightseeing Philadelphia 

Another great bus tour is the hop-on, hop-off tour with City Sightseeing Philadelphia . This bus tour covers 28 different stops all around the city, including most of the must-see tourist attractions. Like Big Bus, this is a great option for people who are short on time but still want to see as much as possible during their trip. 

You can choose from one, two, or three-day tickets and there are two different routes to choose from which take around two hours to complete. Best of all, with your ticket, you’ll receive an exclusive booklet with coupons for restaurants, attractions, and activities inside. 

3. Founding Footsteps Tour

This fantastic, light-hearted guided tour by BYOB Tours of Philadelphia lets you follow in the footsteps of America’s Founding Fathers. During the tour, you’ll see some of Philly’s most popular attractions as well as some off-the-beaten-path sites, and listen as the guide regals you with stories of Philadelphia’s history. 

This is not your typical sightseeing tour because not only will the side-splitting jokes have you chuckling but you can also bring your own favorite alcoholic beverage along for the ride. The tour lasts roughly two hours, so make sure you don’t need an emergency bathroom break! 

4. The Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour

While there have been a handful of movies filmed in Philadelphia, one of the most famous is, without a doubt, Rocky . On this three to four-hour tour, you can visit many of the movie’s filming locations led by none other than Mike Kinda, a diehard Rocky fan and the winner of the national Rocky look-alike contest, including Rocky’s apartment, the Front Street Gym, and the famous “ Rocky steps”. 

During the Rocky Film Tour , you’ll hear insider stories reportedly told by Sly Stallone himself and get your fill of Rocky trivia. All tours are private and the listed price includes up to seven people, making this a great opportunity to round up all your fellow Rocky fans for a great sightseeing activity!

5. One-Hour Segway Adventure of Philadelphia

Thanks to its small size, compact streets, and flat topography, Segways are a great way to explore the city. During a one-hour tour by Philly by Segway, you can view top attractions throughout the Old City, Society Hill, and Queen Village. And if riding a Segway isn’t entertaining enough, the guides will keep you enthralled by stories of the city’s long history. 

Tours start with a 30-minute lesson on riding a Segway so you may want to set aside at least 90-minutes for the total activity. Don’t forget that riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh between 100 and 300 pounds. 

If you’re feeling a bit hungry and want to indulge in Philadelphia’s most gluttonous dish, you can also join their tour focused on the Philly Cheesecake (no, we are not kidding, this tour actually does exist.)

6. How Brewerytown Got Its Name Bike Tour

This entertaining tour by Philly Bike Tours combines a traditional bike tour with a beer history tour to help you learn more about the city’s unique role in the American brewing industry. The route goes through Brewerytown, one of Philly’s oldest neighborhoods, as well as Fairmount and the “Eraserhood’. 

The tour includes three beers at local microbreweries and is perfect for people of riding abilities (you should probably leave the kiddos at home for this one though!).

7. Classic City Bike Tour

If you want to skip the beers and focus on the bikes, Philly Bike Tours also offers a Classic City Tour. Covering 10 miles, the tour visits landmarks including the Rocky Steps, the Liberty Bell, and Rittenhouse Park and makes roughly 12 stops along the way. This gives you plenty of time to take some great photos to remember your trip. The tours last around three and a half hours but can be quite sporadic throughout the week so make sure to double-check their schedule before confirming your travel plans. 

8. Center City Bars Galore Tour

Part bike tour, part pub crawl, the Center City Bars Galore Tour by Big Red Pedal Tours gives you the chance to cycle your way around the city on a giant 15-person bike, stopping at bars and pubs along the way. Tours last about two hours and you can either purchase individual tickets or book the entire bike if you’re traveling as part of a large group. This is a fun way to see the city, grab some drinks, and burn some calories all at the same time! Besides the Center City Tour, they also offer tours of the Old City so make sure to take a look at the itineraries before deciding which one works the best for you!

Philly on Two Feet

Thanks to its compact size, it’s easy to walk around the historic old city and walking tours are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the history of Philadelphia. Below you’ll find a list of tours that we love. Although it’s certainly possible to explore this area on your own, the color, flavor, and flair that tour guides can add not only help you understand more about the founding of the United States but will also help you get a feel for the heart and soul of the city. 

9. The Constitutional Walking Tour

As one of America’s most historic cities, one of the most popular ways to see Philadelphia is on one of the many historical tours. During the 75-minute long Constitutional Walking Tour of the Independence National Historical Park area, you’ll see more than 20 of the city’s historic attractions including Independence Hall, Old City Hall, and the Betsy Ross House. 

The tours are led by historians that help bring the past to life and you’ll finish the tour with a whole new perspective on the role that Philadelphia has played in America’s history. Tours run frequently throughout the day from April to November and if you want to experience the city’s spiritual side, you can combine it with the Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour.

10. Homegrown Freedom Scavenger Hunt

Without much doubt, Philadelphia played an incredibly important role in America’s history. During this exhilarating Homegrown Freedom Scavenger Hunt by Let’s Roam, you’ll roam around the city streets of the historic district answering trivia and riddles about the buildings that helped shape the democracy that we know and enjoy today. 

You’ll learn the answer to interesting questions like, Was Ben Franklin an 18th-century heartthrob? And, where can you quietly work on the Declaration of Independence? Some of the many attractions along the route include Independence Hall, City Hall, and Reading Terminal Market. 

Although most hunts take around an hour and a half to two hours, you can start, pause, and stop the tour whenever you want, allowing you to stay longer at places as you go. By the end of the hunt, you’ll have learned a lot about Philadelphia’s culture and history and have some great photos to remember the experience by!

11. Dark Philly Adult Tour

While the historic sites of Philadelphia are fascinating to see, sometimes nothing quite beats a look into its darker side on a spine-tingling night tour. During this two-hour ghost tour by Grim Philly Twilight Tours , you’ll see the city’s sights from a completely different perspective. 

After your guide shares stories about ghostly encounters, blood-sucking vampires (and no, we don’t mean politicians, and executions, you’ll never see our Founding Fathers and their former stomping grounds the same way again. The entertaining guides serve as excellent storytellers, easily drawing you into the darkness of 18th-century Philly. Note that all participants must be 15 years or over. 

If you want to get a closer look at Philadelphia’s spirits, you can also join their Prohibition Pub Crawl which is offered during the spring and summer, or their Haunted Pub Crawl held during the fall.

12. Independence Mall Tour

If some of the other tours on this list are a bit out of your budget, then you may want to try this pay-as-you-wish walking tour of the Independence Mall run by Free Tours by Foot . During the two-hour tour, you’ll stroll through historic Philadelphia learning about the city’s beginnings complemented with some jokes and trivia to keep you entertained. 

The tour highlights include Carpenters’ Hall, Christ Church, Congress Hall, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin’s burial site, and City Tavern. Reservations are necessary so make sure to book your spot online before heading to the meeting point.

13. Badass Women’s History Tour of Philadelphia

Ok, well hopefully the name makes you want to do this two-hour walking tour of Philadelphia! Brought to you by Beyond the Bell Tours , the Badass Women’s History Tour of Philadelphia focuses on the stories of all the women that worked hard to make Philadelphia, and the United States, what it’s today. 

You’ll hear about the female doctors, artists, activists, politicians, and entrepreneurs who trailblazed their way into the city’s history including Hannah Callowhill Penn, Ona Judge who escaped from George Washington, Barbara Gittings, and countless influential women. The tour departs at 11 a.m. daily and covers around one and a half miles so it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

If you want to learn more about Philadelphia’s ‘alternative’ history, you can also join Beyond the Bell Tours Gayborhood Tour which focuses on the history of the LGBTQ community in Philly. This tour gives a fascinating look into the people who fought for the right to love whoever they wanted.

14. Philly Frights Scavenger Hunt

With its long history, it’s probably no surprise that Philadelphia has more than its fair share of ghost stories. During this ghoulish Philly Frights Scavenger Hunt created by Let’s Roam, you’ll meet some of the city’s most notorious ghosts, including many of the country’s Founding Fathers themselves, as you wander by Philly’s most haunted landmarks, cemeteries, churches, and parks. 

As with all of Let’s Roam scavenger hunts, you can start and stop this hunt as you please in case you want to do some of your own paranormal investigations—if you dare! Just keep in mind that Let’s Roam takes no responsibility for the behavior that ghosts may exhibit during this tour.

Philly by Boat

With its central location along the Delaware River, Philadelphia is a great city to discover by boat. There are many different cruises to choose from, whether you want to hop aboard a one-hour sightseeing tour or have an intimate journey with your friends and family. 

15. Signature Brunch Cruise

Sometimes, it feels like there is no better way to start the day than by cruising along, eating great food, and enjoying the wonderful company. City Experiences ’ Signature Brunch Cruise includes a two-hour journey along the river featuring onboard entertainment and a DJ and sweeping views of the city skyline. If you want to make the experience even more relaxing, it’s possible to purchase alcoholic drinks at the onboard cash bar. Cruises leave from Penn’s Landing located on Christopher Columbus Boulevard.

16. Sea Philly Picnic Boat

If you love the idea of being out on the water but would prefer something a bit more intimate than a sightseeing cruise, Sea Philly is there to help! This classic wooden boat takes you back to another era when people used to ly the waterways of Philadelphia. Offering private charters for u to six people and lasting anywhere from one and a half to four hours, this is a lovely choice for anyone who wants to do something extra special on their trip to the City of Brotherly Love. 

17. Delaware River Harbor Cruise

This one-hour-long sightseeing cruise run by Patriot Harbor Lines gives you the chance to see the Philadelphia Harbor from a ‘duck’s-eye” view onboard a 1920s commuter yacht. This intimate setting provides a relaxing experience and feels like it’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Cruises leave from Penn’s Landing, passing by the Tallshipp Gazela, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Race Street Pier, Camden Waterfront, and the S.S. United States , the largest ocean liner constructed in the United States. The boat is fully stocked with cash bars where you can grab a beer, wine, or mixed drinks and if you prefer to go later in the day, you can join one of their sunset cruises.

Philly in Your Belly

Like many cities located along the East Coast, Philadelphia has an incredible mix of restaurants, markets, and cafes where you can get a wide array of dishes ranging from old school joints where you can get a cheesesteak piled high with layers of cheese, to artisanal cafes where you can get gourmet meats and locally-sourced produce. Food tours serve as a great introduction to the culinary scene and can also serve as a bit of a history tour! 

18. Italian Market Immersion Food Tour

Organized by Intrepid Urban Adventures, this two-hour gastronomy tour leads you through Philadelphia’s iconic 9th Street Italian Market. During the tour, you can indulge in samples, purchase some delicious products to take home, and even meet the shopkeepers and business owners to learn more about how they source their products and how to spot the best quality. 

The helpful guides know pretty much everything there is to know about the market and it’s a good idea to come hungry as they can source a substantial array of samples! Tours typically run from Tuesday to Sunday.

19. Flavors of Philly

While Philly is now for its cheesesteaks, there is so much more to its culinary delights than that! During this two-and-a-half-hour-long Flavors of Philly Tour by City Food Tours Philadelphia , you’ll get to taste just what the city has to offer. During the gastronomical experience, you’ll learn about the city’s history through its iconic foods like cheese fries, soft pretzels, and tomato pie. Make sure to come hungry as the portions are very generous and tasty.

Tours have a quick stop at the Reading Terminal Market. Make sure to ask your guide for recommendations on where else you should try before you finish the tour and if possible, try and do the food tour early on during your trip. This gives you the time to go back to some of the places that you loved and eat even more of their dishes.

20. Old City Tavern Takeover

We know that many of our Founding Fathers liked to finish the day with a refreshing beer so why not follow in their footsteps? Created by Let’s Roam, this Old City Tavern Takeover scavenger hunt takes you to some of the Old City’s most historic bars where you’ll be surrounded by Philadelphia history before hitting some of the newest, and trendiest, hangouts where you’ll be challenged to take photos, play games, and have a few drinks. 

This is a great opportunity to gather up a few friends and spend the night on the town. Best of all, you never have to struggle to find where to go next, this app-based pub crawl decides for you, giving you the chance to fully enjoy the night’s festivities. 

Ready to roam?

We hope that this list has given you plenty of reasons to pack your bags and head to Philadelphia. As always, we would love to hear your feedback and please let us know if there is anything that we may have missed!

If you still need more information on the different things to do there, check out our list of “ The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia ” or our guide to “ The 17 Best Day Trips to Take From Philadelphia .” Alternatively, you can purchase one of our funfilled scavenger hunts. These will have you racing through the city streets solving riddles and trivia along the way. It’s an interesting way to learn more about the city and we promise that you’ll have a great time doing it!

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s fun to explore the City of Brotherly Love on foot! The best walking tours in Philadelphia include scavenger hunt tours from Let’s Roam , the Constitutional Walking Tour, and Grim Philly Twilight Tours.

Pennsylvania is full of terrific tastes from a mix of cultures, and you’ll find phenomenal food tours in Philly ! Try the Flavors of Philly tour from City Food Tours or the Italian Market Immersion Food Tour.

Popular boat tours in Philadelphia include the Signature Brunch Cruise from City Experiences, the Delaware River Harbor Cruise, and the Sea Philly Picnic Boat.

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8 Unique Philly Tours You’ll Actually Want to Take

From badass women to ghost signs, these tours offer eight very different ways to see ( really see!) Philly.

Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.

Society Hill / Photograph by Jon Bilous/Alamy

Look, everybody loves a double-decker bus tour, and why not? It’s the greatest-hits album of the city: easy, breezy, covering all the biggies. But as any true fan can tell you, the lasting love comes from a deeper cut. For that, you’ve got a ton of choices.

PAGP’s Neighborhood Walking Tours Take the neighborhood walking tours by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philly . Tour manager Vinni Cheng calls them “pocket tours” — detailed two-hour jaunts through some small, specific swath of Philly like, say, Queen Village, where you visit the state’s oldest church (Old Swedes’, circa 1698) and learn the vaguely violent way Carpenter Street’s Sparks Shot Tower got its name. Chinatown, Society Hill, the Frank Furness buildings … PAGP covers massive territory, pocket by pocket. Check their site for scheduling.  

Hidden City Philadelphia Tours Hidden City offers similarly niche tours, but with an emphasis on “changing the way local folks look at familiar places.” Maybe that means you explore the secrets of the subway, or Philly’s lost Jewish Quarter … or maybe you make the annual bike ride from Independence Hall to the Wissahickon for the “Hidden Geology” tour, which looks at the way 500-million-year-old rocks shaped the Philly we know today.

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Badass Women of Philly Tour Speaking of hidden: In a city where founding fathers cast a long shadow, the Badass Women of Philly walking tour, offered by Beyond the Bell Tours , finally spotlights some fresh (female!) characters. From forgotten founding mother Hannah Callowhill Penn to Pride pioneer Barbara Gittings, these are stories you haven’t heard a million times — or ever.

Green Book W alking Tour The same could be said of historic preservationist Faye Anderson’s Green Book walking tour, generally offered in the spring and fall. (Check Anderson’s site to stay in the loop.) Everyone associates the Green Book with the Jim Crow South, she says, but Philly was segregated, too. And Anderson, a walking treasure trove of stories, will lead you through a series of landmarks — the luxury hotels that did (and didn’t) allow Black guests, for instance, and the clubs where Philly-born Billie Holiday and Lee Morgan performed — while telling the tales that contextualize this sliver of Philly history.  

Mural Arts Philadelphia Tours Slightly better known are the Mural Arts tours, which are popular for a reason: The art scattered about our streetscapes hits different when you’re up close, on foot, hearing the stories behind the murals and the communities they represent and decorate. MA is always coming up with new tours, too, like the recently added Germantown route.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mural Arts Philadelphia (@muralarts)

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Another crowd-pleaser is the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. Yup, seriously: Get over the spectacle of a cloaked guide leading by lantern light and you’ll enjoy a fascinating, sometimes grisly history lesson. (So many bad marriages in the 1700s!)

City Running Tours If the walking part of all these walking tours feels too, er, pedestrian, try the guided City Running Tours, and jog your way along one of their intriguing routes. (South Philly landmarks! A craft beer trail! A circuit of Philly’s old, faded ghost signs !) They take all levels of runners.

Cara Schneider Bongiorno’s Philly Stories But if you prefer to avoid physical exertion altogether, call Cara Schneider Bongiorno. The 22-year Visit Philly vet has a new gig telling stories of important but little-known Philly moments (ever heard about the Mischianza of 1778?) at public meetups and private events. Shoot her a note via LinkedIn for info on her next event or to bring this fascinating “tour” to you.

>> Click here to return to the Ultimate Philadelphia Travel Guide.

This guide contains additional reporting by Hannah Albertine and Laura Swartz.

Published as “150 Ways to Do Philly Like a Tourist: A Tour for Every Philadelphian” in the July 2022 issue of Philadelphia  magazine.

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City Hall Interior & Exterior Tour with Tower Tour

Perhaps the nation's largest and most elaborate seat of municipal government , Philadelphia's City Hall is open once again for citizens and visitors to explore through guided tours . The tour now includes the Tower Tour.  The City Hall Interior and Exterior Tour explores the history, art, and architecture of the world's highest masonry load-bearing structure , which consists of 88 million bricks!

Learn more interesting facts and view the building's grandest rooms (like the above-pictured City Council Caucus Room ) on this guided tour , which also includes a tour around the building's perimeter that explores the more than 250 sculptures designed by Alexander Milne Calder that adorn the structure.  Tours lasts approximately 2 hours, and meet and depart from the City Hall Visitor Center . 

1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Philadelphia , PA 19107 United States

Directions...

LOVE Park Visitor Center

Flavors of

Weekdays: 1:30pm-4pm saturdays: 12pm-2:30pm sundays: 12:30pm-3pm adults - starting at $49 children (ages 5-10) - starting at $44.

Eat like a local on this Philadelphia-themed tour. Enjoy Philly favorites like cheesesteaks and tomato pie while learning about the history of how some of these iconic foods came to be. This is the best tour to enjoy Philly's unique food culture and history.

All the yummy details

​ This flavorful and entertaining 2.5 hour tour takes place in the heart of Philadelphia. With 5 local stops, taste classic Philly eats like cheesesteaks and cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and two sweet treats from the world-famous Reading Terminal Market.   This one-of-a-kind tasting experience brings you to where the locals really eat: low-key, no frills, independently-owned gems that share the uniquely unpretentious vibe of the city. In addition to some first-class sightseeing, you’ll visit an authentic mom-and-pop pizzeria, a soft pretzel bakery, the historic Reading Terminal Market, and much more. This tour finishes 6 blocks (11-minute walk) from the starting location. 

Give the Gift of Philly

Food tours make the perfect gift for anyone no matter the occasion. Purchase a gift card today and give the gift of food to any prospective Philly phoodie!