Top Philadelphia Cultural Tours

In Philly for just a day? On a tight schedule or here for a conference? Join our 4-hour whirlwind tour and get a true taste of Philadelphia—from River to River, Old City to the Art Museum. On this “highlights” tour, you’ll learn about the American Revolution, pass key cultural sites, explore Chinatown, see City Hall and Love Park, and climb the iconic Rocky Steps. We’ll also pass by some of Philadelphia’s world-class museums and institutions—while we won’t go inside, we hope to inspire you to return and explore them further. Midway through the tour, we’ll stop at the famous Reading Terminal Market for a 30-minute lunch break (food not included), giving you time to browse, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers a fast-paced, fun overview of the city. Whether you're here for hours or days, we’ll leave you wanting more!

Enjoy a personal and private introduction to the City of Brotherly Love on this half-day sightseeing tour around Philadelphia. Choose from a 4- or 6-hour tour around the City of Brotherly Love, then climb aboard a comfortable minivan and explore the highlights of the city, including the Historic District, Penn's Landing, the Italian Market, and Philadelphia City Hall.

Get an in-depth look at Philadelphia’s colonial heritage and architecture, without spending hours planning an itinerary, on this private walking tour. Admire a number of architectural styles and buildings that date to the city’s founding, and hear about America’s history and Founding Fathers. Stroll through Elfreth's Alley and the Old City, and stop to view landmarks such as Christ Church and the Ghost House at Franklin Court.

Philadelphia’s Center City West highlights come together on this guided walking tour. Visit Rittenhouse Square, Love Park, Logan Circle, Reading Terminal Market, and the Franklin Institute, with commentary from a local guide throughout. Pass landmarks rather than stopping for formal visits, from the Love sculpture to the Parkway’s cultural institutions, while hearing how Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, markets, and civic spaces reflect the city’s history.

Make the most of a short tour around the City of Brotherly Love with this private guided deluxe electric car tour of Philadelphia. Meet your guide at the corner of South 6th Street and Chestnut Street for a drive around Philadelphia’s core. Listen to stories about Philly’s landmarks as you pass them, including Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Benjamin Franklin’s gravesite, the National Constitution Center, and the US Mint.

Philadelphia is a city rich in historical and cultural landmarks. Explore this abundance at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour of the City of Brotherly Love. The smartphone app-based tour will guide you to destinations including the Liberty Bell, Masonic Temple, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art while sharing fascinating facts about the sites. Take a break whenever you want, since the journey is in your hands.

It is June 1863. The Confederate Army is marching into Pennsylvania. If they win the next battle, is Philadelphia next? Step into the panic of the "Great Scare" on this immersive 2-hour walking tour that treats history like a live crisis. While other tours focus on 1776, we investigate the terrifying summer of 1863, when Philadelphia—the second-largest city in the Union—braced for a Confederate invasion. Why this tour? This isn't a standard sightseeing walk; it is an investigation into the "what ifs" of the Civil War. Led by an expert guide, you will scrutinize the logistical nightmares and leadership decisions that saved the Union. You will analyze hidden history in plain sight and discover just how close the city—and the nation—came to collapse.

This Walking Tour will also take you by and into some of Philadelphia's most prominent buildings. The buildings in this area are mostly from the mid-1800's through the present. Styles range from Beaux Arts, to Chicago and International style. We also wil see the newest and tallest buildings in Center City. We do not enter any of the buildings listed on the tour. We will be outside them while I tell you about them.

Step into South Philadelphia's brick rowhouse corridors, where language is baked into crusty rolls, called over sizzling grills, and shared on front stoops. Join sociologist Lukas and dialect expert Iris as they explore how shipyard workers, Sicilian coal dealers, and neighborhood bars shaped one of America's most distinctive urban accents. - A 2.1 km self-guided tour with 7 stops over 94 minutes - Ideal for travelers interested in everyday social life and culinary identity - Immersive podcast-style storytelling by experts and locals - Matching audio content, in-app guide, and navigation

Philadelphia isn't just a city with murals; it is a city defined by them. On this redthread tour, you will go beyond the vibrant colors and striking visuals to uncover the gritty, complex, and deeply human stories painted onto the brick and mortar of this historic metropolis. Join Clara, an architectural historian with an eye for design, and Adrian, a local street-culture expert who knows the unvarnished truth behind the city's transformation. You'll explore themes of racial justice, urban gentrification, LGBTQ+ resilience, and the restorative power of creativity. This isn't just an art walk; it's a journey into the soul of Philadelphia, where every wall has a voice, and every brushstroke is a claim to existence. - A 3.7 km self-guided tour with 4 stops over 100 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Art, Design & Aesthetics and Social Fabric & Everyday Life -Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

Get to know the man behind the award-winning musical, without spending hundreds on tickets, during this private Alexander Hamilton-themed tour of Philadelphia. Learn about the banking system that Hamilton set up and revisit key episodes in the Founding Father's life. Tour stops include Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Todd House, and the Merchant Exchange Building, across the street from Hamilton's home.

Walk the storied streets of Philadelphia’s Old City and uncover the rich legacy of America’s first Jewish community. From historic synagogues to hidden cemeteries, this tour brings to life powerful tales of faith, freedom, and resilience. Highlights: • Explore Philadelphia’s Jewish heritage with a 5-Star Licensed Private Guide • Discover hidden gems and historic synagogues on a fascinating city walk • Learn stories of Jewish resilience, faith, and community in early America • Visit iconic sites and uncover layers of rich cultural history along the way • Get personalized tips to dive deeper into Jewish and cultural Philly gems Trace the footsteps of America’s first Jewish community on this private Philadelphia tour with Rosotravel. Enjoy a personalized experience guided by a Licensed Expert, uncovering the hidden gems and stories of Jewish life in Colonial America. Book your journey through time with us today!

Discover the powerful stories of women who transformed Philadelphia on this self-guided audio walking tour. Begin near Independence Hall and enjoy a leisurely 1.5-hour stroll over 3 miles, immersing yourself in the rich history of Old City and Society Hill. With the Story Strolls app, you control the pace and schedule—stop for coffee, replay sections, or explore at your convenience. Celebrate the contributions of rebels, reformers, and visionaries who played pivotal roles in the city’s legacy. - Self-guided audio tour with flexible timing and no group restrictions - Explore Old City and Society Hill at your own pace - Downloadable app with the first stop free for easy navigation - Enjoy a 1.5-hour walking experience while learning about influential women

Explore the essence of freedom with the Philadelphia Heritage Walk, a self-guided audio tour that reveals the stories behind America's historic square mile. You will journey through iconic landmarks while uncovering hidden gems, offering insights into revolution, immigration, and the ongoing evolution of liberty. The immersive experience is ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, encouraging reflection on the meaning of freedom today. — Self-guided audio tour through Philadelphia's historic sites — Discover both iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures — Engaging stories of liberty, revolution, and innovation — Ideal for history buffs and thoughtful wanderers alike

Discover the legends, scandals, and histories of Philadelphia’s art scene on this private, self-led audio walking tour. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone, and start the tour at a time that works best for you—with lifetime access, you can use it whenever, and as often as, you’d like. You’ll see highlights like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, and the Rocky Statue—and will learn behind-the-scenes stories as you go.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a journey through the heart of American history with our tour. This immersive walking tour invites you, the hero of your own adventure, to explore the pivotal landmarks where the United States was shaped. From the humble Betsy Ross House to the mighty Independence Hall, you’ll walk in the footsteps of the nation’s founders. Witness the enduring Liberty Bell, and meander down the time-capsule street of Elfreth’s Alley. Each site tells a story of courage, vision, and the pursuit of freedom. As you marvel at these historical treasures, you’re not just observing history – you’re becoming a part of it. Join us for an unforgettable experience that brings the spirit of Philadelphia’s past to life, making you the centerpiece of a truly American tale. Your journey into the heart of the nation’s birthplace awaits!

Explore the hidden and gritty side of Philadelphia on this engaging night tour designed for adults. This two-hour walking tour reveals the city’s R-rated history, featuring tales of pirate ghost ships, executions, and the dark underbelly of the founding fathers. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit iconic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall while uncovering the stories intertwined with these historic locations. Get ready for a unique blend of history and humor, ensuring a memorable night out in Philly. - Discover Philadelphia's adult-themed history and ghost stories - Visit iconic historical sites illuminated at night

Philadelphia has been burying its dead for 300 years, and then forgetting where it put them. On this self-guided audio tour, you'll trace what happened to the city's lost graveyards, from potter's fields and epidemic victims to graves discovered under parking lots. The tour starts at Washington Square, one of William Penn's original five parks, which holds an estimated 4,500–7,500 bodies beneath its manicured lawn. From there, you'll wind through the streets of Old City, past the site of Benjamin Franklin's grave and the National Constitution Center, before heading north toward Franklin Square, where an 1830s church cemetery and it's tombstones were just buried under the dirt. Along the way, you'll discover how a clandestine 1950s archaeological dig under Washington Square – kept secret for political reasons – unearthed a soldier who may or may not have been American. The tour ends at the site of the First Baptist Burial Ground.

Philadelphia’s critical role in the founding of the United States makes it a treasure trove of historical landmarks and stories. Delve deep into its past on this private guided walking tour, which offers ample time to ask questions, take photos, and soak up the history.

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes in this abduction mystery hunt around the historical city of Philadelphia! In ‘The Kidnapping by Independence Hall' you are taken back to the year 1932. You are a policaman in Philadelphia. A baby has been snatched from its pram and replaced with a doll. Now it is up to you to find the kidnapper and bring the baby back to its parents! After your purchase, you go to the designated pickup point and collect the mystery package containing everything you will need to solve this mystery. When you have collected it, you are free to begin whenever you want. Enjoy the flexibility of starting and stopping as you please. Solving this murder mystery is an exciting and challenging activity that you can try together with your family, friends, or colleagues. A good tip! We recommend 2-4 in a group. If you are more than 4 people, you can buy more mysteries and compete against each other. The winner is the group that solves the mystery the fastest.

America turns 250 only once. And there is only one place to be, Philadelphia. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Where the Constitution was written. Where the Liberty Bell rang and changed the world forever. On this private 2-hour walk through Old City, you won't just see these places, you'll stand in them, in the exact year the nation marks its 250th birthday. Your dedicated guide, fluent in your language, brings every cobblestone and every founding moment to life. Walk the same streets as Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson. Stand where America was born. And at Elfreth's Alley, the oldest street in America, receive your official America250 "1776" commemorative postcard to mail home from Benjamin Franklin's own post office, right on the tour route. From the Betsy Ross House to Independence National Historical Park, every step is 250 years of history. This is not a regular tour. This is a once-in-250-years experience. Book now, this moment will never come again.

Philly is all about the culture, the food and the people. I call this place home, and today I’m going to share with you my favorite neighborhood, the Old Italian Market. Go at your own pace, this tour is all smartphone guided on our walking tour app. Stop anytime, and continue when you want. As you walk you'll hear the stories and history of the area and uncover what Philly is all about. You will see the most historic and local food spots. You’ll see the inventors of cheese steaks, the barbacoa king, pizza shops, the oldest Italian Market in the USA, restaurants, shops, murals, churches and so much more. Why choose this tour? It's the best deal in town and you'll hear the stories and history of the area. You'll be more Philly than a cheese steak when you are done.

Explore the city with your own local guide.Step into the shoes of the heroes who shaped a nation on our tour. This journey isn’t just about seeing landmarks; it’s about experiencing the birth of American independence. Imagine standing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, walking the same cobblestone streets as the nation’s first leaders, and feeling the pulse of history in the air. Each step on this tour is a step back in time, offering you a unique chance to be part of America’s foundational story. Be the hero of your own historical adventure, discovering the places where freedom was fought for and won. Our expert guides will bring to life the tales of courage, struggle, and triumph that echo through these hallowed sites. Don’t just learn history, live it. Join us and walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers!

Discover Philadelphia with Welcome Walks - digital walking tours for the modern traveler. Our custom-designed tours give you the freedom to explore a destination on your own time schedule at your own pace. Listen on your smartphone, Welcome Walks tours are distinguished by historical discoveries, art and architecture, popular culture and local food information. Each walking tour showcases local history and provides fresh air and a fun way to exercise.