What to do and see in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Walking Tours

May 20, 2022 Jacquiline Delozier

One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia

1. Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Tour

210 W Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA Beyond the Bell Tours
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Availability: Groups of 4 or fewer must book 5 spots to secure your tour. Description: Hit all the main sites in historic Old City and Independence Park, but hear it all from the perspectives often left out of mainstream tourism. If you have any questions or would like to request a private tour - feel free to reach out! We accommodate time requests, content requests and private parties with special pricing.

Inclusions: Local guide

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Reviewed By davidyY6461AK

This tour was really informative and engaging. I really appreciate Rebecca as our tour guide, who explained things in great detail. This tour is highly recommended to those who are interested in gaining more insight into the LGBT history of Philly.

2. Old City Philadelphia Private Guided Tour

Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA Mitchell Kramer Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We offer a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. Ben Franklin takes you around the great city of Philadelphia and the wonderful history it holds, making the experience come to life. While experiencing the great landmarks Philly has to offer, you find yourself wound up in the pages of history. People of all ages can enjoy this experience and leave the tour feeling prouder than ever about the beautiful city and the founding of our country in front of their eyes.

Inclusions: Walking Tour

Exclusions: Transportation

3. Philadelphia Italian Market Small-Group Walking Tour

601 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA Philly Tour Hub
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Along a stretch of 9th Street in the heart of eclectic South Philadelphia lies the Italian Market, America’s oldest and largest outdoor market. This iconic collection of butchers, bakers, and restaurants has been the backbone of this historic neighborhood since its creation in the late 1800s. It has survived throughout the passing decades by welcoming vendors from around the world and, today, remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Join us for a stroll around the Italian Market, among the vibrant fruit stalls, past the fragrant bakeries, into various shops and specialty stores, and weaving through hidden alleys covered in fantastical street art. When possible, you may even get to try a small bite or two. Wherever your guide leads you, your senses will be popping as you explore one of the most unique, thriving, and diverse communities in the City of Brotherly Love. Please note: This is a "market tour," not a "food tour." Samples may vary and will not equal a meal.

Inclusions: Some food samples (depending on availability)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Additional food and drink, Souvenirs or personal shopping

Reviewed By rachelnhenrye

We’ve been waiting to go on this tour for awhile. As soon as my daughter reached 102lbs we booked our tour and traveled 2hrs. Our tour guide Mike was great! He was informative, lively, fun, patient with the training and protective of the kids. The whole experience was great from our 1st step into the meeting place to the end of our tour, the whole staff was awesome, friendly and helpful. We would take the tour again.

4. Underground Donut Tour: Philadelphia's First Donut Tour

Federal Donuts, 540 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA Underground Donut Tour
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5.0 based on 68 reviews

We've always had a passion for donuts, but only recently did we realize just how many others do too. And when looking around, we didn't see anything that truly celebrated donuts in all their glory, hence the Underground Donut Tour was born. This tour is for anyone who truly enjoys donuts. At each location, you'll be able to try a curated sample of that location's best donuts. Many locations offer vegan, gluten or nut free options, however, please make sure to let us know ahead of the tour, so we can make sure to highlight those specifically for you. Our tours include such favorites as Federal Donuts, Dotties Donuts, Sweet Charlies, Beilers Doughnuts and more. We hope you can join us!

Inclusions: Food Tasting

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Reviewed By Marc B

Alanna was an amazing tour guide, she was friendly, very knowledgeable and connected with the group throughout the tour. Her knowledge of the city and her extra hidden facts made the tour even better.

5. Taste of the Italian Market Tour

Italian Market Visitor Center, 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA StrEATS of Philly Food Tours
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4.9 based on 83 reviews

Enjoy a Chef-Led Tour of Philly's Italian Market! Calling all cheese lovers! Cheese mongers serve up their favorite cheese combos during our visit. Enjoy an interactive chance to sip and compare extra virgin olive oils and premium white and dark balsamic vinegars. Sample finishing salts and cocktail mixers too. Observe a 3rd generation family recipe come to life and taste fresh authentic corn tortillas. Enjoy a slice of signature Sicilian square pizza and a salad sourced from the market. Best dessert and coffee samples from a 4th generation run coffee shop.

Inclusions: Food tasting, Lunch, Professional guide

Exclusions: Drinks, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By amyv971

Chef Jacquie is THE BEST! In these weird COVID times, she is incredibly tuned in to providing COVID-safe experiences. She listens well, and is creative. We had a slightly different need than a regular tour - and she was great and accommodating. She has a great network in Philly, and is really helpful in creating/finding whatever you need. Thank you Jacquie!! We are so grateful for your help!

6. Iconic 9th Street Italian Market Experience Tour in Philadelphia

New Image Art & Framing, 601 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA Philadelphia Urban Adventures
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4.9 based on 150 reviews

Stroll for two hours with an informative guide through the labyrinth of food stalls at Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market, considered to be the oldest and largest open-air market in the country. Search for authentic Philadelphia foods, and shop to your heart’s content amid a plethora of cheeses, chocolates, deli items and baked goods. You’ll have a chance to chat with local vendors and view mosaic art in South Philly’s characteristic neighborhoods. For a personalized experience, this small-group tour is limited to 12 people.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Personal shopping, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By dennis14127

The most memorable part of the Founding Fathers Walking Tour was Josh, our host! Knowledgeable, friendly, enthusiastic and respectful. We had only a whisper of awareness of what Philadelphia life was like in the later part of the 18th century. Josh admirably filled in the missing pieces.

7. Lonely Planet Experiences: South Philly Markets, Mosaics, Magic Small Group Tour

601 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA Philadelphia Urban Adventures
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4.9 based on 134 reviews

Art, culture, diversity, and of course, the spirit of Rocky lives on in South Philly! Join this Philadelphia tour to see just how eclectic this gritty city is. From hidden alleyways to Italian markets, family-owned businesses, and public art, South Philly is a slice of the real Philly.

Inclusions: English-speaking Local Guide, Food samples, Admission to Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By ifogle

Our tour guide, Howard, was AMAZING!! This was the highlight of our Philadelphia vacation!! I would recommend this to everyone!

8. Old City Historic Walking Tour in Philadelphia

302 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA Founding Footsteps
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4.9 based on 258 reviews

Tours are led by the founder and owner of the company, a former stand up comedian and history teacher with a love and passion for all things Philadelphia! Trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through the streets of historic Old City on this 1.5-hour walking tour. We'll hit every major landmark in historic old city and guarantee you'll walk away with a great experience.

Inclusions: Local knowledge and recommendations from informed guides who call Philly their home, In depth information about the Revolutionary War and how it has shaped the United States today, History with a side of humor!

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Rachel_nora67

Tim was our tour guide and we had a blast. There was a lot of traffic so we had to detour a bit but he improvised well and the tour was well worth the money.

9. Decadent Gourmet Food Tour

1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA City Food Tours Philadelphia
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4.9 based on 14 reviews

This 2.5-hour gourmet tasting adventure in the heart of Philadelphia will introduce you to tastings of 5 decadent and gourmet treats of the city’s best foodie destinations! Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will start you off at the iconic Reading Terminal Market for an insider’s highlight tour that will introduce you to the market’s history, layout, and 3 food havens not to be missed. Here, you'll enjoy delicious treats, such as: gourmet cheese curds, a sampling of Middle Eastern delights, and a fluffy Amish donut or a decadent cake truffle. Next up, a visit to Philadelphia’s most famous gourmet superstore, Di Bruno Bros, where we’ll lavish you with hearty portions of fantastic farmstead and imported cheeses. The sweet and salty finale to your adventure is from one of the most well-known bakeries in the city, and it'll certainly leave you happy! ​This tasting is perfect for individuals, couples, families, and out-of-town guests! Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and dates!

Inclusions: Bottled water

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Reviewed By GlobeBiker141

Our guide was Kaitlin and she was very nice but under trained and when she Says “the bathroom is at the top of the stairs” don’t believe her. She really needs to check out what her trainer told her and not just repeat what she heard. Very interesting talk about the architecture and the food was ok. I was disappointed with the Philly steak and should have spoken up that I wanted the cheese wiz on it instead of the hint of white cheese I got. Fries were ok. Tomato pie was good and so was the pretzel. Dessert from the Reading Market Terminal was good also.

10. Flavors of Philly Food Tour

1601 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19192, USA City Food Tours Philadelphia
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4.8 based on 76 reviews

The Flavors of Philly Tour is great for out-of-towners! Terrific value--Philly history AND full lunch rolled into one great adventure. Features cheesesteaks, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and 2 desserts at the iconic Reading Terminal Market.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Food tasting, Lunch, Snacks, Local guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Gratuities, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup

Reviewed By GlobeBiker141

Our guide was Kaitlin and she was very nice but under trained and when she Says “the bathroom is at the top of the stairs” don’t believe her. She really needs to check out what her trainer told her and not just repeat what she heard. Very interesting talk about the architecture and the food was ok. I was disappointed with the Philly steak and should have spoken up that I wanted the cheese wiz on it instead of the hint of white cheese I got. Fries were ok. Tomato pie was good and so was the pretzel. Dessert from the Reading Market Terminal was good also.

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