Best Tours in Philadelphia
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appTop sights in Philadelphia
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Welcome to Philadelphia! This audio tour invites you to stroll its Old City and explore the much-prized historical, cultural and culinary draws of Pennsylvania’s capital. At first, you'll see the haunted castle-like Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison, known for the complete isolation and severe punishments of its prisoners. Next, you can take in the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's statuary outside France, including The Thinker, at the elegant Rodin Museum, if you like. Crossing the JFK Plaza or the LOVE Park nearby, spot the iconic pop art LOVE sculpture in the middle. Few steps from there, be amazed by the scale of the Philadelphia City Hall, which is the largest municipal building in the country. The tour then invites you to the vibrant Reading Terminal Market, a locals' favorite for grocery shopping and snacking since 1893. For more on America's aspiring history, see the Declaration House building where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. And meet the storied Liberty Bell, a well-known symbol of freedom in America, around the corner. Later on, you will pass by the Betsy Ross House, where the American flag was born. Finally, you will enter the Christ Church Burial Ground where many historical leaders are buried and visit the prominent Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Join this tour to witness how they founded the nation in Philadelphia's past and experience how the Philadelphians of today relish its ambitious present.
Embark on a journey of discovery through the heart of Philadelphia, tailored specifically for architecture enthusiasts. This self-guided audio tour is designed to guide you through the city's most impressive architectural landmarks, from historic to contemporary masterpieces. Whether you're an avid architecture buff or simply looking to experience the city's structural beauty, this tour invites you to delve into the stories behind the stunning facades. The route begins at the venerable Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, winds its way through the city center where you'll encounter the grandeur of City Hall and the elegance of the Masonic Temple, before making stops at notable sites like the Girard Bank and the modern marvel, Comcast Center. The audio tour culminates at Love Park, offering you views of Philadelphia's diverse architectural landscape. Easily navigated on foot, the start and endpoints ensure a convenient and comprehensive experience of Philadelphia's built environment. Along the way, prepare to be captivated by the towering Comcast Center and the historical richness of buildings like the Bellevue Stratford Hotel and the Academy of Music. The seamless blend of past and present, visible in the city skyline, promises a memorable exploration of Philadelphia's architectural gems.
Delve into the birthplace of America with this self-paced audio exploration of Philadelphia, designed for anyone keen to uncover the colonial beginnings of the United States. Perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and cultural explorers, this tour caters to those with a curious mind and a thirst for the stories that shaped the nation. Your journey begins at the iconic Carpenters' Hall and concludes with the striking view of the Liberty Bell Centre, capturing the essence of liberty itself. Along this route, you will wander through the 18th Century Garden's lush landscape, be awed by the grand Second Bank of the United States, and stand where Alexander Hamilton once walked outside the First Bank of the United States. You'll visit Christ Church, where the Founding Fathers worshipped, and the towering Independence Hall, the site of the Declaration of Independence's conception and adoption. Along the way, you'll take in the picturesque Betsy Ross House and stand before Old City Hall, reminding you of the country's path to establishing law and governance. Memories are waiting to be made as you visualize carpenters debating the future of their country, touch the textures of colonial architecture, and feel the reverberations of freedom and democracy at the sites where they were boldly claimed. Immerse yourself in the echoes of the past and carry with you the echoes of the pivotal moments and places that are cornerstones of American heritage.
Embark on an adventure through Philadelphia’s historic heart with this self-guided audio tour. If you are fascinated by the origins of the United States and the stories behind its founding ideals, this trip through the past is tailor-made for you. As you wander the streets with your personal audio guide, you'll trace the footsteps of the country's forefathers and explore the cradle of American democracy at your own pace. The tour kicks off at the President's House Site, where you’ll immerse yourself in early executive history, then meanders through iconic locations such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and the Betsy Ross House. You'll then weave through historical spots like the First Bank of the United States and Carpenters' Hall, concluding near the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the spirited Rocky Statue. The route helps navigate from one landmark to another, offering vivid narratives to make the past come alive. Memorable experiences await — from hearing the tales of the Liberty Bell's resonant crack to picturing the momentous debates within Independence Hall. The vibrant stories of America's birthright will connect you with the nation’s history, culminating in your own triumphant ascent of the Rocky Steps. This tour not only unveils the city's rich history but also lets you experience the enduring American spirit that started here, in Philadelphia.
Dive into the rich tapestry of Philadelphia's history with this captivating audio tour. Designed for curious minds, it juxtaposes the city's landmarks of freedom against the backdrop of its correctional system, unfolding stories of liberty, human rights, and inclusivity. This journey is perfect for history buffs and cultural enthusiasts aiming to gain a deeper understanding of America's roots of freedom and the complexities of its past. The tour kicks off at the iconic Liberty Bell, winds through pivotal sites like the Washington House Monument, and concludes at the imposing Federal Detention Center. Travelers journey on foot, experiencing the city's transformations from the birthplace of independence to a modern landscape marked by its multifaceted history. Along the way, hidden gems and poignant reminders of past struggles and triumphs await, grounded in evidence and visual cues—like plaques and unique sculptures. As explorers make their way from 5th and Chestnut to the final stop, they'll uncover layers of Philadelphia's identity, offering moments of reflection on the nation's pursuit of freedom. By the tour's end, memorable moments will have been etched into the narrative of your own personal history, from ringing the notes of freedom's bell to standing in the silent testimony of past incarcerations, all embraced by the spirit of Philadelphia.
Dive into the heart of American Independence with this in-app audio tour, tailored for any history enthusiast looking to explore the depths of Philadelphia's revolutionary past. Embark on a journey through time where every corner of Old City whispers tales of rebellion and the quest for freedom. Starting at Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest residential street, and winding up at the famous Independence Hall, this tour crafts a narrative of colonial life and the pivotal moments that led to the birth of the United States. Wander along the cobbled pathways and stand where the founders of the nation once stood, contemplating the weighty decisions of rebellion against the British Crown. Featuring architectural gems and sites significant to figures like Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, the tour uncovers the layers of history that contributed to the fabric of today's America. Notable stops include Christ Church, the meeting place of the First Continental Congress, and the Liberty Bell, enduring symbols of freedom and democracy. As travelers move from one historic marker to the next, the narration brings alive the voices and visions of those who shaped an era. By the end of the walk, visitors will have encountered the ghostly presence of Franklin's vanished home, marveled at the grandeur of the 18th-century buildings, and stood in the presence of the immortal Liberty Bell, encapsulating an experience that is bound to leave a lasting imprint.
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About Philadelphia
The best tours to do in Philadelphia with kids are:
The best indoor tours in Philadelphia for rainy days are:
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The must-see attractions in Philadelphia for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Philadelphia
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When I visit Philadelphia, I time my trip around a few standout local events. In May, South 9th Street’s Italian Market Festival is one of my favorites for roast pork sandwiches, curbside music, and the neighborhood’s old-school energy. In June, Odunde fills South Philadelphia with African dance, drumming, and great food along South Street. Come September, the Fringe Festival brings bold theater and pop-up performances into warehouses and tiny stages across Philadelphia. In December, I always recommend the Christmas Village at City Hall for mulled wine and local crafts. If you’re planning to visit Philadelphia, these are some of the best things to do in Philadelphia in any solid travel guide Philadelphia.
On my first visit to Philadelphia, I’d start early in Old City before the school groups arrive: Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and a coffee stop near 2nd Street. Then I like to walk to Reading Terminal Market for a roast pork sandwich or DiNic’s broccoli rabe. For the best things to do in Philadelphia, I always add the Schuylkill River Trail at sunset and the Rodin Museum, which feels calmer than the bigger attractions in Philadelphia. If you’re deciding what to see in Philadelphia, spend an evening in Fishtown for live music and good bars. Even if you’re comparing tours in Philadelphia, I think neighborhood wandering shows the city best.
I recommend at least three days in Philadelphia, and four if you like museums and neighborhoods. On my shorter trips to Philadelphia, two days feels rushed—you can cover Old City and Reading Terminal Market, but you’ll miss the rhythm of places like East Passyunk, Fairmount, or the Schuylkill River Trail at golden hour. A good travel guide Philadelphia should leave room for wandering, not just checking off landmarks. If you plan to visit Philadelphia, give yourself time for small detours: a quiet morning at the Rodin Museum, a late lunch in the Italian Market, and some of the best things to do in Philadelphia after dark, especially in Fishtown.
When I’m in Philadelphia, I usually send first-timers to four neighborhoods. Old City has the classic attractions in Philadelphia, but I like it best early, when the cobblestones around Elfreth’s Alley are quiet. South Philadelphia gives you the Italian Market, mural-covered side streets, and East Passyunk’s great restaurants. Fishtown is where I go for live music, coffee, and a more current feel of Philadelphia beyond the historic core. I also recommend Fairmount for the Rodin Museum, Eastern State’s looming architecture, and calmer residential blocks. If you’re deciding what to see in Philadelphia, neighborhood wandering beats most tours in Philadelphia for getting the city’s real character.
When I visit Philadelphia, I tell people to look beyond cheesesteaks, though a good one is worth trying. Philadelphia is also proud of roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, especially the old-school South Philly versions. I always make time for Reading Terminal Market for scrapple at breakfast, soft pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch sweets. In summer, water ice is part of everyday Philadelphia life, not just a dessert stop. Any useful travel guide Philadelphia should also mention tomato pie and hoagies from neighborhood delis. For me, eating this way is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia because it shows the city’s immigrant roots and local habits.
I usually recommend late April through early June, or September into early November. That’s when Philadelphia feels easiest to enjoy on foot: mild weather, café tables out, and parks like Rittenhouse and Washington Square full of locals. When I visit Philadelphia in spring, the azaleas around the Art Museum area and the walks along the Schuylkill feel especially good. Fall is just as strong for neighborhood wandering in Old City, Fairmount, and South Philadelphia without summer humidity. Any practical travel guide Philadelphia should note that July and August can be sticky, while winter is quieter but still good if you want indoor things to do in Philadelphia and fewer crowds.
When I want a break from central Philadelphia, I usually head just outside the core rather than far away. Wissahickon Valley Park is one of my favorite escapes; the Forbidden Drive trail feels surprisingly wild for Philadelphia, especially in early morning. I also recommend the breweries and converted mill buildings in Manayunk, which give you a different side of the city. Across the river, the Philadelphia waterfront and Cherry Street Pier are great for an easy evening. If you’re sorting out attractions in Philadelphia and wondering what to see in Philadelphia beyond Center City, these spots feel more local than most tours in Philadelphia and show how varied the city really is.