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Philadelphia Tours for Landmarks, Food and Museums

Intro to Philadelphia Tours

Philadelphia is more than America’s birthplace — it’s a living city of neighborhoods, flavors, and stories that shine brightest when explored with a guide. Imagine standing before the Liberty Bell with a historian recounting its role in shaping a nation, sampling cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches on a food crawl, or paddling the Schuylkill River with the skyline as your backdrop. Tours bring the city’s heritage and modern culture into focus, turning a visit into a personal connection.

From Old City’s cobbled lanes to vibrant Italian Market stalls, Philadelphia tours simplify logistics and uncover hidden corners. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, art lover, or family traveler, guided experiences reveal the many layers of Philly.

To dive even deeper into the city, see our complete Philadelphia Travel Guide.

Why Book a Tour in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is compact yet dense with landmarks, museums, and food culture. Exploring independently can mean missing context or spending hours in lines. Tours solve that by pairing expert commentary with efficient itineraries. Historians bring Revolutionary sites alive, chefs guide tastings of beloved dishes, and local guides reveal neighborhoods you might otherwise overlook.

From mural walks that showcase the world’s largest public art collection to day trips to Amish Country, tours provide insight, convenience, and safety. They transform Philadelphia from a checklist of monuments into a vivid story you’ll carry long after your trip.

Best Tours in Philadelphia

Independence Hall & Liberty Bell Tour

Walk where the Declaration of Independence was signed with a guide who unpacks the debates and ideals that shaped America. The Liberty Bell visit adds symbolic power.

Philadelphia Museum of Art & “Rocky Steps” Tour

Guided tours highlight masterpieces from Van Gogh to Duchamp, ending with the famous steps for a cinematic moment.

Italian Market Food Tour

Join a local guide through South Philly’s legendary market. Tastings range from cheeses to cannoli, with stories of immigrant heritage woven in.

Eastern State Penitentiary Tour

Step into a historic prison with a guide narrating stories of inmates and reform. Dramatic architecture and haunting history make it unforgettable.

Mural Arts Walking Tour

Philadelphia boasts over 4,000 murals. Guided walks explain their social impact and the city’s identity as an outdoor gallery.

Reading Terminal Market Tour

Food lovers explore this bustling indoor market with stops for soft pretzels, Amish baked goods, and iconic sandwiches.

Philly by Night Bus Tour

Illuminated landmarks and skyline views make this guided tour magical. Narration highlights the city’s evolution after dark.

Revolutionary War History Tour

Dive deeper into Old City with guides revealing sites like Betsy Ross House and Carpenters’ Hall.

Schuylkill River Kayak Tour

Adventure guides lead paddles along the river, offering unique city perspectives and fitness in one.

Philadelphia Zoo Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Families enjoy access to animal care areas and conservation insights with expert staff guides.

Handpicked Guided Experiences of Philadelphia

Ghost Tour of Old City

Lantern-lit guides share eerie tales of historic streets, blending folklore and fact.

Brewery & Craft Beer Tour

Sample Philly’s growing craft scene with guided tastings and brewery insights. Transportation often included.

African American History Tour

Guides spotlight key figures, Underground Railroad sites, and cultural landmarks central to Philadelphia’s Black heritage.

Franklin Institute Science Tour

Family-friendly guided experiences reveal the museum’s interactive exhibits and scientific breakthroughs.

Amish Country Day Trip

From Philadelphia, guided tours head to Lancaster County, where you’ll learn about Amish traditions and craftsmanship.

Let Philadelphia Inspire Your Next Trip

Tours reveal how Philadelphia balances its revolutionary roots with a modern cultural beat.
Families enjoy interactive science museums, zoo tours, and food markets.
Couples find romance in sunset skyline tours and intimate food tastings.
History buffs and art lovers connect through guided storytelling that adds meaning to every landmark.

Discover the best Philadelphia tours and explore unique local culture, paired with top things to do in Philadelphia. Book early to lock in flexible options. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Add-On Trips Near Philadelphia

Valley Forge National Historical Park Tour

Guides explain Revolutionary encampments, statues, and trails where Washington’s troops endured winter.

Longwood Gardens Tour

A horticultural wonder, guided visits showcase themed gardens and elaborate fountains.

Atlantic City Excursion

Day tours combine beaches, boardwalks, and casinos for variety beyond the city.

Brandywine Valley Wine Tour

Nearby vineyards welcome visitors with tastings guided by local vintners.

Must-Do Activities in Philadelphia

Revolutionary History – Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Old City made richer by guides.
Food Culture – Market and food tours showcase cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and global flavors.
Public Art – Murals and sculptures interpreted through guided walks.
Museums – From the Art Museum to Franklin Institute, tours add context.
Neighborhood Life – Walking tours reveal Italian Market, Chinatown, and South Street.

Local Secrets You’ll Love

Elfreth’s Alley Tour – Guides reveal stories from America’s oldest residential street.
Chinatown Dumpling Tour – Taste authentic bites with cultural context.
Magic Gardens Mosaic Tour – Discover Isaiah Zagar’s immersive art environment with insider interpretation.
Hidden Bars & Speakeasies Tour – Local guides unlock the city’s secret nightlife spots.

Culinary Tours & Tastes of Philadelphia

Cheesesteak Crawl – Guided tastings compare classic and modern takes on the city’s signature sandwich.
Craft Cocktail Experience – Mixologists share recipes and techniques in intimate bars.
Farmers Market Tour – Explore farm-to-table trends with chefs at neighborhood markets.
Dessert Walk – Sample water ice, butter cake, and local chocolates on guided tastings.

Sample Day Plans

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old City walking tour with Independence Hall.
Day 2: Museum of Art and mural tour.
Day 3: Italian Market food crawl.

5-Day Itinerary

Days 1–2: Explore Revolutionary landmarks and museums.
Day 3: Lancaster Amish Country day trip.
Day 4: Food tours in Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown.
Day 5: Evening skyline cruise or night bus tour.

7-Day Itinerary

Days 1–3: History tours in Old City, Independence Hall, and Franklin Institute.
Day 4: Valley Forge guided excursion.
Day 5: Art Museum and mural walks.
Day 6: Brewery crawl and ghost tour.
Day 7: Longwood Gardens day trip.

10-Day Itinerary

Days 1–4: Old City history tours and Revolutionary excursions.
Day 5: Food markets and Italian Market tastings.
Day 6: Amish Country day tour.
Day 7: Philadelphia Museum of Art and Magic Gardens.
Day 8: Brewery and nightlife tour.
Day 9: Brandywine wine region trip.
Day 10: Schuylkill River kayak tour and farewell dinner.

Ideal Seasons to Explore

Spring (March–May) – Mild weather, cherry blossoms, and lively festivals make tours ideal.
Summer (June–Aug) – Hot but full of energy; outdoor tours thrive.
Fall (Sept–Nov) – Cooler air and colorful foliage enhance walking tours.
Winter (Dec–Feb) – Holiday lights and indoor museum tours add warmth.

What to Know Before You Reserve

Independence Hall requires timed entry; tours secure slots.
Food tours often sell out on weekends — book early.
Wear good walking shoes; cobblestones and distances add up.
Many tours include transit passes or pickups — confirm details.
Cash is useful for tipping guides (10–15%).
Ghost tours run rain or shine — pack a jacket.
Some markets close Sundays; schedule accordingly.
Children under certain ages may not be allowed on brewery tours.
Accessibility varies in historic buildings — check in advance.
Combo passes can save on multiple tours and museums.
Always check cancellation flexibility.
Weather can be unpredictable; layered clothing helps.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Historic sites often adapt with ramps and alternate access.
Wheelchair-accessible tours are available in Old City and museums.
Food allergies can usually be accommodated if noted in advance.
Families benefit from shorter walking tours with interactive elements.
Private tours offer pacing adjustments for seniors or mobility needs.

Moving Around Made Simple

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – Major gateway with tour pickups.
SEPTA Transit – Metro, bus, and trolleys connect most neighborhoods.
Walking & Biking – Many tours highlight Philadelphia’s pedestrian-friendly core.
Tour Buses – Hop-on hop-off services cover top landmarks.
Regional Rail – Guided trips to Lancaster or Valley Forge often use rail or coach transport.

Stay Close to the Action

Old City – Boutique hotels near Independence Hall and walking tours.
Center City – Central access to food markets and museums.
University City – Vibrant area with art and science tours.
South Philly – Perfect for food and cultural tours.
Rittenhouse Square – Elegant hotels near upscale dining and nightlife tours.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Combine history and food tours for variety.
Book multi-attraction passes for savings.
Early morning tours beat crowds at Independence Hall.
Market tours pair best with weekdays when vendors are busiest.
Day trips require early starts — guided transport removes stress.

Choose Your Next Adventure

New York – Two hours north, with Broadway and museum tours.
Washington, D.C. – Three hours south, full of monuments and history tours.
New Jersey – From Jersey Shore beaches to historic towns like Princeton, guided tours showcase the state’s diverse character.
Delaware – Just across the border, tours reveal Wilmington’s mansions, coastal escapes, and tax-free shopping districts.

It’s Time to Experience Philadelphia

Philadelphia tours turn history into a living story and food into a cultural journey. With guides leading the way, you’ll walk cobbled streets where America began, taste flavors born of immigrant traditions, and see murals that capture modern voices.

Whether for a weekend or a week, guided experiences ensure you discover why Philadelphia tours remain among the most rewarding things to do in Philadelphia.