Top Philadelphia Culture - page 5

Are you looking for a way to discover Philadelphia’s Old City without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour. • Find out about the individuals who shaped the city from its beginnings to American Independence like Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton • Hear from producer Reid Addis, a local architect and tour guide • Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the Voice Map app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, pop in your headphones, and just tap start. Voice Map has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Join us for a walking tour through the heart and soul of Philadelphia—South Philly! From Rocky Balboa to cheesesteaks, many of Philly’s most iconic symbols come from this vibrant neighborhood. On this 2-hour tour, we’ll explore the streets of South Philadelphia and dive into the stories behind its rich culture. You’ll visit locations tied to the Rocky movies, including Giordano’s and Victor’s Café, and learn about the origins of the city’s famous cheesesteak. Later, we’ll stroll through the historic Italian Market on 9th Street—America’s oldest outdoor market—where you’ll have free time to shop, grab a bite, or explore. Your guide will be on hand to answer questions and share local secrets. Along the way, you’ll also see some of Philadelphia’s most famous murals. South Philly’s vibrant public art is part of what makes this area so unique, and you’ll have plenty of chances to admire and learn about these colorful works.

We all know George Washington didn't chop down a cherry tree, so why do we keep telling that story? Americans love myths about the Founding Fathers that make us feel proud. But behind the grand stories of brilliance and triumph, we find imperfect people who were only human—kind, cruel, funny, and very rarely chopping down trees. Here's what makes this tour different: We talk about what's being quietly removed from National Park Service displays. The stories that complicate the narrative. The details that don't fit neatly into patriotic mythology. This is history before it gets sanitized. This is an intentionally small group tour—capped at just a handful of people—because these conversations deserve more than a megaphone and a crowd. You'll have space to ask questions and grapple with who these men actually were versus who we've needed them to be. Small group. Big conversations. The history they're editing out.

Discover the artistic side of Allentown with this interactive scavenger hunt adventure. The app-based activity will send you out to see the Pennsylvania city’s art museums, street art, and Art Deco architecture to take photos and collect points as you learn all about Allentown. Tourists and locals alike will uncover new facts about the city with this fun and creative game.

Experience an interactive and out-of-the-box introduction to America’s first capital during this app-based scavenger hunt of Philadelphia. Work within—or against—a team of your choice, with each player assigned a different role and set of challenges. Learn about the city’s dynamic history along the way, including famous Philadelphians like William Penn and Benjamin Franklin.

Experience Philadelphia on your own terms with complete freedom to explore at your preferred pace, lingering at attractions that captivate you most while skipping those that don't spark your interest. Our meticulously crafted audio experience delivers exclusive historical insights and hidden stories that even lifelong Philadelphians rarely know, providing an authentic local perspective that transforms ordinary sightseeing into extraordinary discovery. Unlike rigid traditional guided tours that rush you through predetermined schedules, this flexible adventure lets you choose your own attractions, create your own itinerary, and explore when it suits your schedule best. The superior narration quality features professionally produced content with crystal-clear delivery that's both intellectually engaging and effortlessly digestible, making complex historical narratives accessible and entertaining through compelling storytelling that keeps you captivated from start to finish.

There are over 340 years of triumph and tragedy that refuse to stay buried beneath Philadelphia’s cobblestone streets. On this chilling self-guided walking tour, you’ll explore the haunted corners of Old City and Society Hill. It’s a place where America’s founding fathers still linger, revolutionary soldiers still march, and centuries of restless spirits make their presence known through cold spots, phantom footsteps, and unexplained phenomena. This tour starts at Benjamin Franklin’s grave outside Christ Church Burial Ground, where visitors often report seeing a tall figure in 18th-century clothes pacing the fence line. You’ll weave through the historic streets of Old City, passing the Betsy Ross House where staff report ice-cold air in warm rooms and footsteps pacing empty floors. You’ll explore Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, where British soldiers are still said to patrol and children’s laughter echoes across empty cobblestones.

Are you looking for things to do around the Philadelphia Historic District? Indeed, our 3-hour self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt takes you to see all the sights! Walk from Independence Hall to Mother Bethel’s, the Philadelphia Contributionship, Elfreth’s Alley, the National Constitution Center, and the Declaration House before returning to the start location. As you walk, see many more sights, and solve challenges at every leg. All the while, you will learn some local history and get valuable local tips. Things to do in Philadelphia, the Historic District Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 4.2 km / 2.5 mi self-guided walking tour with many varied challenges. It should take you 3 hours to complete and ends near the start location. A fun learning experience Learn some local history Fun for all ages, kids included Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule Take as little, or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt

Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the nation. Its identity was shaped by the contributions of Black Americans whose stories go untold. On this walking tour, you’ll hear their powerful and inspiring stories. I’ll tell you about the lives of enslaved individuals who sought freedom, including Ona Judge, whose escape defied the odds. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and discover their connections to Black Americans’ fight for freedom and justice. This Black history tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s rich heritage. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through struggle and triumph, and connect with Philadelphia’s legacy in a profound and personal way. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of resilience, a deep dive into history, and a must-do experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.

Remember the ladies of the American Revolution! Betsy Ross, Deborah Franklin, Dolley Todd, Peggy Shippen, and more. Hear firsthand how these bold revolutionary women of Philadelphia helped change the course of the war.

Can't stand crowds? Differently abled? Join us for an early morning walking tour that beats the crowds. This slow, gentle tour goes at the pace you need, led by a caring historian. Wheelchair and walker friendly.

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.

Join us for an early morning walking tour that beats the crowds and the heat. Explore Revolutionary Old City on foot and see the important sites where American Independence was first conceived! Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more!

Philadelphia may be known as the City of Brotherly Love, but it’s also one of the street art capitals of the world. With statues, large-scale installations, intricate mosaics, bold graffiti, and more than 4,000 murals, the city has transformed its streets into an open-air gallery. On this vibrant walking tour, you’ll explore the creativity that defines Philly’s urban landscape. Dive into the stories behind world-famous murals, snap photos with playful public art installations, and even get up close with stunning mosaic creations that turn ordinary spaces into works of art. From powerful community murals to whimsical street sculptures, this tour offers a colorful, immersive experience that shows why Philadelphia is one of the most exciting places for public art in America.

Why is everything so expensive? How did we go from using gold coins in the 17th century to using paper money today? How did our founding fathers think about setting up the young nation's monetary system? This tour aims to be both educational and entertaining and will cover the historical significance of sites such as the Museum of the American Revolution, the 1st Bank of the United States, the 2nd bank of the United States, The US Mint, Independence Hall, and the Benjamin Franklin's grave. Tour guide is a Philadelphian with a passion for history, the founding fathers of our Republic, and the current state of inflation and financial conditions today.

*new tour for America's 250th with exclusive access points* Join a 90-minute walking tour that begins at Philadelphia’s oldest remaining tavern, winds through Colonial Philadelphia's most picturesque cobblestone streets in Society Hill, and concludes within Independence National Park in Olde City. Learn how artisans, merchants, printers, clergy, and other locals shaped public opinion in the struggle between Patriots and Loyalists from 1754 to 1776. Owned, operated, and guided by a local.

Over the age of 50? Rather not have a large group size? We cap the number for this tour at 12! Join us for a reasonably paced walking tour in Old City Philadelphia with a caring guide who is an accredited historian. Philadelphia led the way to America's independence from Britain. Explore Old City on foot and walk in the steps of Ben Franklin, George Washington, Commodore Barry, Alexander Hamilton, and many more! Please note: You must be able to walk or wheel half a mile over flat terrain. We cross one street that is cobblestone. You will need to go up one step into the President’s House site. Good to know: This tour goes rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear sensible shoes than can walk on cobblestone. In hot weather, consider bringing a water bottle. Two sets of toilets are nearby during the first half of the tour.

In 1776, delegates from the 13 American colonies met in Philadelphia to sign one of the most pivotal documents in world history: the Declaration of Independence. On this tour, we return to that and other key moments in America’s earliest infancy, looking at them in a new light from our 21st-century perspective. As you walk in the footsteps of this country’s founders, you’ll hear about their dramatic efforts to establish the new United States. This tour’s vivid narration brings to life the events surrounding American independence. This tour also explores the young nation’s complicated history with slavery, revealing the contradictions of leaders who called for liberty while simultaneously enslaving people themselves. And it shares the stories of enslaved African Americans who sought their own freedom, as well as the abolitionists who supported them. NOTE: This is a self-guided outdoor walking tour. Your purchase does not include entrance to any attractions highlighted on the tour.

Explore the vibrant coffee culture of Philadelphia on this engaging two-hour tour through Old City. Sample unique flavors at four distinct coffee stops, where local roasters showcase their creativity and passion. Enjoy beverage tastings at each location while learning about the coffee roasting process and the rich history of the area. With fun surprises along the way, this tour is perfect for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Choose from two ticket options to enhance your experience and take home a taste of Philly's coffee charm.

Craft your own unique candles in a creative 90-minute session at Waxery in Philadelphia. Enjoy the freedom to choose from various scents and styles, ensuring your candle reflects your personal touch. With options like classic or elegant wooden wicks, you’ll leave with two custom-made 8oz candles. This hands-on experience is perfect for groups of friends or family looking for an enjoyable activity. Plus, the BYOB facility adds an extra layer of fun, making it a great spot to unwind and get crafty.

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.

Set out on an exhilarating journey through Old City! Dive into Philadelphia’s fascinating past—from William Penn’s visionary “Holy Experiment” to Benjamin Franklin’s groundbreaking electrical discoveries. Stand in awe before the Liberty Bell, tour the historic Independence Hall, and wander along Elfreth's Alley—the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America. Along the way, uncover hidden treasures, crack clever puzzles, and soak in the vibrant spirit of the city.

Founding Secrets transforms Old City Philadelphia into a living game board—where history isn’t narrated, it’s unlocked. Instead of passively listening to a guide, guests become active players in a high-stakes, challenge-driven experience. Participants decode cryptic clues, solve historically rooted riddles, and complete creative missions that pull them directly into the stories, tensions, and ambitions that shaped the nation. Every decision earns points, sparks competition, and reveals a deeper layer of Philadelphia’s founding legacy. This is history through strategy, collaboration, and play—designed to energize visitors, strengthen teams, and challenge leaders to think, move, and solve together. Whether you’re competing with colleagues, friends, or fellow travelers, Founding Secrets delivers a premium experience where discovery feels earned, memorable, and unmistakably bold.

This private and customizable tour (length/price, interests) for all ages is a great introduction and overview to Philadelphia’s history and culture. • We highlight iconic and historical sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as well as picturesque streets and alleys in residential neighborhoods • We discuss a huge array of buildings from the Colonial to the Victorian eras, plus American skyscrapers and modernist buildings. • You will some of the city’s 4000 murals (street art) – the most of any city in the world, the largest municipal building in the world and the colorful Reading Terminal Market, home to several Amish businesses. It is the perfect place for a meal or a snack (not included). A hotel pick up and drop-off, if your hotel is located in the city center, can also be scheduled.