Chow Down on a Cheesesteak on These Top Philly Food Tours According to Viator Travelers
If you’re a lover of hearty meaty sandwiches, you’ll love visiting Philadelphia, home to the Philly cheesesteak—thinly sliced beef lining a white hoagie roll, with cheese melted on top. Don’t leave anything to chance in the Pennsylvania city: join a Philadelphia cheesesteak tour to make sure you sample the best cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia. However, there’s more to Philly’s cuisine than just this popular sandwich. Make the most of your time in the city and enjoy more Philadelphia culinary experiences. From brewery tours to tastings at Reading Terminal Market and Old City food tours, there are many ways to enjoy local eats in Philadelphia. Here are some of the best.
1. Immerse yourself in the Italian Market
Located along 9th Street in South Philadelphia, the Italian Market has been a popular open market (featuring gourmet cheese shops, Italian restaurants, bakeries, and more) for over 100 years. These days, it’s also home to a thriving Mexican community. Soak up this vibrant district’s sights, smells, and tastes on a chef-led Italian Market tour.
2. Try the best of Philadelphia
Okay, so there’s more to the City of Brotherly Love than cheesesteaks—though you’ll sample at least one signature sandwich on this tour of Philly’s culinary highlights. Follow your guide to Reading Terminal Market (one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the country) for eclectic bites before dropping by one of the city’s hip coffee shops and finishing at Sansom Street, a newer foodie hot spot.
What one reviewer said: “Brittani was a true joy. As a local of Philadelphia, she brought us to a wonderful variety of places to eat! She greeted us with warm pretzels on a chilly November day while sharing the history of the pretzel. We continued to see historical and modern day sites. She had wonderful factual stories to educate and entertain our group! She accommodated us with dietary needs. We highly recommend this tour. (...)” Maria_H, November 2025
3. Head to South Philadelphia’s “restaurant row”
While Center City offers all sorts of culinary delights, it’s worth making a diversion to South Philadelphia’s East Passyunk Avenue. This thoroughfare is renowned as one of the country’s top restaurant rows, thanks to its range of top-rated eateries, neighborhood bars, and iconic cheesesteak shops—and you’ll visit many of its highlights on this small-group walking tour.
What one reviewer said: “Kathy was very knowledgeable and was a great guide. The food was delicious. A must do while you’re in Philadelphia.” Allie_V, March 2025
4. Check out Philadelphia’s craft beer scene
Philadelphia doesn’t just offer a world-class restaurant scene—it’s also one of the best cities in the country for beer lovers, thanks to its many breweries, cool taprooms, and local-legend bars, which are all part of Philadelphia's food culture. On this Philadelphia brewery tour, you'll visit three local breweries, and will enjoy tasters of up to 12 different beers, all in one afternoon.
What one reviewer said: “Went to three different breweries and Sam showed us around and had a good time. He was very knowledgeable. Would recommend this to somebody and take them on it. Also found out that they do stuff for special celebrations like anniversaries or wedding gifts.” Denver_H, November 2025
5. Explore the Italian Market with a chef
For another perspective on South Philly’s Italian Market, explore its culinary treasures—and discover the local-frequented spots that many visitors overlook—on this Philly food and history tour. From a traditional pizzeria to a destination-worthy cheese shop and an artisinal vinegar maker you’ll indulge in delicious bites all while learning about the area’s unique history.
6. Receive a whirlwind introduction to Philly food
Visiting Philadelphia for the first time, or have just a brief stay planned? On this Philly food walking tour, In the space of 2.5 hours, you’ll head to five different eateries to try iconic local dishes like tomato pie and soft pretzels before finishing up at the legendary Reading Terminal Market for not one, but two different desserts. Now that’s a whirlwind tour.
What one reviewer said: “This was a great experience with an appropriate amount of food. You get to try out a few different places and get all the history from a knowledgeable guide. Kaitlin was our guide and I was thankful we got her as well. (...)” Walter_S, November 2025
7. Indulge in Philly’s best donuts
Since it first opened in 2011, Federal Donuts has made a name for itself as one of the city’s best donut shops—but it’s certainly not the only one in town. On this underground donut tour, you’ll enjoy some old-fashioned favorites, sample vegan donuts, and head to Reading Terminal Market to scope out its sweet tooth-baiting treats.
What one reviewer said: “Our tour guide—Dominic—was fantastic! Very engaging and personable… he was flexible with the stops based on the group feedback & had a lot of fun stories and background information for each stop!” Amanda_D, December 2024
8. Enjoy a gourmet meal at a local’s house
For a top-notch meal in Philadelphia, sometimes it’s worth dining in—especially when you head to a local chef’s home for dinner. You’ll be welcomed with wine and cheese—and even a piano recital—by your host before enjoying a traditional French menu.
9. Attend dinner and a show on an evening cruise
Sure, there are many special dining experiences to be had in Philadelphia, but few quite compare with this Delaware River dinner cruise. In the evening, make your way to Penn’s Landing, hop aboard your vessel, and pair your gourmet meal with top-notch views of the Philly skyline.
What one reviewer said: “We had a wonderful evening. The staff was very accommodating & polite, the food was delicious and the cruise was safe and fun. Great choice to celebrate my fiancé’s 40th birthday.” Columbus_M, November 2025
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