Top 15 Unforgettable Tours in Philadelphia

Renowned as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers, embodying significant aspects of American culture.

The Old Town district is abundant with historic sites, providing insights into the American Revolution and the Civil War. Additionally, the city boasts a lively bar scene, with a variety of microbreweries emerging throughout to offer top-quality craft beer.

Whether your interest lies in gastronomy, history, or iconic film settings, utilizing a guided tour is an excellent method to navigate the richness of Philadelphia.

Here are 15 outstanding tours available during your stay in Philadelphia.

1. Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Tickets

If your time in the city is limited, this hop-on-hop-off bus tour offers an efficient way to explore all major attractions, enabling you the flexibility to focus on areas of particular interest.

Options for tickets are available for 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day periods, depending on your intended coverage.

A multilingual audio guide is accessible, providing a comprehensive overview of the city and the historical context behind each attraction. This is an exceptional way to orient yourself in Philadelphia.

2. Buffet Cruise Dinner on the Spirit

For a more laid-back way to experience Philadelphia’s nightlife, this three-hour cruise enables you to enjoy the lively atmosphere alongside views of key attractions from the Schuylkill River.

A buffet dinner is included, allowing ample opportunity to indulge, along with complimentary coffee and tea. A bar on board serves a selection of alcoholic beverages, enhanced by live DJ performances from some of the city’s most skilled artists.

The smart casual ambiance adds sophistication to the experience while maintaining a relaxed feel.

3. One Liberty Observation Deck: Sun and Stars Ticket

The third tallest structure in the city recently inaugurated an observation deck, providing sweeping views across Philadelphia.

A complimentary guided tour is offered at several intervals throughout the day, allowing you to choose a time that best fits your schedule. Although the tours are primarily in English, touch screens supply additional information in five languages.

This ticket grants you two entries to the tower within a 48-hour timeframe, enabling you to appreciate the views during daylight and return at night to witness the city illuminated.

4. 1-Hour Segway Adventure Tour

Segway tours provide a compelling alternative to traditional walking tours by allowing participants to cover more terrain within a limited timeframe at a leisurely pace. This tour highlights the historic district of Philadelphia.

Your knowledgeable local guide will share insights into the city’s revolutionary history, alongside current cultural dynamics. A brief ride along the riverbanks and a visit to the Italian Market are included in this experience.

Complimentary photographs of your ride will be provided afterward, enabling you to carry the memories with you post-visit.

5. From History to Happy Hour Tour with Award-Winning Beer

Explore two of Philadelphia’s most notable attractions—its history and drinking establishments—in this unique tour.

The experience commences with a guided walking tour around Old Town, where you will hear about the city’s revolutionary history as well as its renowned historical figures.

Subsequently, you will have the opportunity to taste the finest beers available at various bars and microbreweries. This includes sampling four distinct beers that embody the city’s diverse drinking culture. Admission to historic sites, transportation, and snacks are also provided.

6. Philly Cheesesteak Tour and Tastings by Segway

This remarkable Segway tour offers you the chance to savor Philadelphia’s signature dish—the Philly cheesesteak.

This iconic sandwich features thinly sliced beef with cheese, served in a lengthy bun, and it can be customized with onions. Discover the history behind this culinary staple as well as local terminology for ordering.

The tour will take you to five various cheesesteak establishments throughout the city, allowing for sampling of the best sandwiches available. The itinerary also includes stops at the Italian Market and Society Hill, with your guide providing photographic documentation of the tour.

7. Half-Day Private Rocky Movie Locations Tour

The beloved Rocky film series is set and filmed in Philadelphia, featuring numerous iconic locations throughout the city.

This guided tour traverses the neighborhoods showcased in the films, providing behind-the-scenes insights from the filming process.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Art, where you can ascend the famous steps highlighted in the movie and take photos with the famous Rocky statue. Transportation is incorporated, facilitating a leisurely exploration of the sights.

8. Vampires, Brothels and Ghosts Walking Tour

Delve into the darker aspects of Philadelphia’s history through this tour of the city’s more sinister attractions. Guided by a local university professor with extensive research on Philadelphia’s concealed history, this 1.5-hour experience provides a unique perspective.

Beyond ghostly narratives, you will learn about real incidents of prostitution, disease, and torture that occurred throughout the city.

The city’s checkered past continues to influence its cultural landscape, making this tour an intriguing alternative for those looking to understand local history.

9. Half-Day Benjamin Franklin Seminar Tour in Philadelphia

Founding Father Benjamin Franklin made Philadelphia his home, and his legacy is commemorated throughout the city’s landmarks.

This tour is led by a local historian with expertise in Franklin’s contributions. Participants will visit Franklin Court, the remnants of his residence, and other historical sites associated with him.

This opportunity will enable you to explore Franklin’s impact on American history, as well as engage in discussions regarding his legacy and political philosophies.

10. Philadelphia: Beyond the Cheesesteak Walking Tour

The Philly Cheesesteak is renowned for good reason; however, the city boasts a diverse array of other gastronomic delights.

This walking tour takes place in University City, where you can explore contemporary youth culture in Philadelphia alongside sampling diverse street food. Your local guide will lead you to three different food trucks, showcasing a variety of culinary offerings.

While transitioning between food trucks, you will encounter alternative historic sites less frequented by tourists; your guide will elaborate on the unique histories of these areas. The tour concludes with a complimentary trolley ride.

11. 2-Hour Philly on Tap Pub Tour

For an authentic pub crawl experience, this two-hour tour is an excellent opportunity to sample the city’s vibrant nightlife. A local guide will curate visits to three different bars showcasing Philadelphia’s best craft beer offerings.

Participants will learn about the city’s flourishing microbrewery culture, alongside exploring the historical context of beer production in Philadelphia, from the prohibition period to contemporary developments.

The tour is personalized according to participants’ preferences, including stops at a traditional Irish bar alongside modern establishments. A snack is also included during the tour.

12. Discover Brandywine Valley: Private Driving Tour

For those with a preference for wine, this customized tour to the Brandywine Valley region, located just outside Philadelphia, can be quite rewarding.

You may tailor this tour to suit your interests, typically including visits to wineries, scenic valleys, and charming country estates. This excursion presents a wonderful opportunity to escape the city and engage with the rural landscapes of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Your knowledgeable local guide will provide recommendations for charming restaurants where you can enjoy a brief lunch. Pickup from any location within Philadelphia is included.

13. Total Philly Adventure Tour with a Local Guide

This comprehensive tour melds the city’s dynamic culinary scene with its rich cultural and historical contexts, ensuring a remarkable Philadelphia experience.

14. Niagara Falls Daytrip from Philadelphia by Air

If you are seeking an extraordinary experience, this awe-inspiring day tour to Niagara Falls should be on your list.

Roundtrip flights from Philadelphia to the falls are covered, maximizing your time spent at this renowned natural wonder. Your local guide in Niagara Falls is well-versed in the area’s natural history and will provide you with tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat cruise, taking you closer to the iconic waterfall.

A meal at Tony Roma’s is included; you will have time to independently explore the various entertainment options available. There is also an option to upgrade your experience with a 12-minute helicopter tour over the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls area.

15. Italian Market Small Group Walking Tour

The United States has a rich history of immigration, prominently featuring those from Italy, leading to a remarkable cultural fusion; the 9th Street Italian Market is a prime illustration of this.

As the largest open-air market in the nation, you can savor some of the freshest ingredients available while also witnessing captivating street art and hearing local narratives.

This tour will also lead you to the adjacent Mexican neighborhood, where you can view one of the streets made famous by the Rocky films.