8 Interesting Tours In Philadelphia, PA - Updated 2024

best tours in philadelphia
Clare
Clare 
Updated
| 3 min read

Philadelphia is one of the many great cities of the United States that is filled with US history, food, and charismatic people. I was fortunate enough to go to college outside of Philadelphia, and I found the city to be a wonderful town! If this is your first time to the states, or you frequent the country often, here are some tours you can do while in Philadelphia!

1. Founding Fathers Tour

Feel the history
Source: Viator

Philadelphia has so much history pertaining to the United States, especially during the American Revolution. Take a two-hour tour with a guide all across Philadelphia, highlighting the historical aspects of the city in the Historic District and the Old City District. Limited to 12 people per tour, this is a perfect tour if you have young children that don’t want to do too much walking, but also love to learn about American history!

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Explore Philadelphia: Founding Fathers Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

882 reviews

2. Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia (from USD 23.0)

Walk and see the sights
Source: Viator

If you’re looking for a more in-depth historical tour with less time, (only 75 to 90 minutes) the Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia is perfect for you! Specifically focused on the Independence National Park, this tour stops at everything from the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, and everything in between.

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Philadelphia Constitutional Walking Tour with Guide

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

783 reviews

3. Segway Tours (from USD 65.0)

A fun way to explore the city
Source: Viator

Ride on a two-wheeler Segway and see the sights of Philadelphia! Choose from a one or two hour tour of Philadelphia, and see the historic parts of the city and go by the river to see great views of the city, all the while having fun and learning. Don’t forget your helmet!

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Philadelphia Segway Tour with Historic District, Society Hill

Duration: 2 hours

455 reviews

4. Start with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (from USD 36.0)

Your transport for the day
Source: Viator

In any city that I visit, I always like to start off with a tour that gets me more acclimated to my new surroundings and help me navigate the city during my stay. The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is seen throughout many cities in the US and Philly is included! Visit 27 attractions Philly has to offer, all from the comfort of your own seat and be able to use the bus service for a full 24 hours or a 3-day trip!

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Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Bus City Tour with Guide

Duration: 2 hours

2001 reviews

Philadelphia Tour Guide

Annie Leguennec

Annie Leguennec

My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more

Tours by Annie

Philadelphia Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

Philadelphia Tour Guide

Vance Lehmkuhl

Vance Lehmkuhl

Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my colum... Read more

Tours by Vance

5. Spend a half-day at Valley Forge (from USD 675.0)

Valley Forge oven and cabins
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rdsmith4 used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Valley Forge, one of the campsites of the Americans during the Revolutionary War, is a perfect day trip from Philadelphia if you are looking to get out of the city for a little bit! Get picked up and dropped off at the location of your choice before going on a four hour tour of this encampment, including the Valley Forge National Park, President George Washington’s headquarters, and the Washington Memorial Chapel. Great for big families as the tour is capped at 6 people!

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Philadelphia: Valley Forge Private 4-Hour Driving Tour

Duration: 4.0 hour

10 reviews

6. Ghost Tour of Philadelphia (from USD 44.0)

Christ Church Burial Ground, Philadelphia, 8-11-2012
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Orbin used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With the American Revolutionary history in Philadelphia, there is no question why there would be so many stories of ghost sightings throughout the city. Take a tour of the city through the eyes of the “dead” with the Vampires, Brothels, and Ghosts Walking Tour of Philadelphia! Visit the sights of old burial grounds, brothels, and even see the sight of the first bank robbery in the US. Don’t be too scared!

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Philadelphia: Grim, Dark, and Twisted History Tour

Duration: 2.0 hour

160 reviews

7. Horse Drawn Carriage Tour (from USD 150.0)

A horse drawn carriage in Philadelphia, PA.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bruce Emmerling used under CC0

If you want to spend a relaxing day living like you are in the past, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of Philadelphia. This 1 hour tour is perfect to sit back, relax, and enjoy seeing the historic sights of Philadelphia. See the National Historical Park, Society Hill, and the Old City all from the comfort of your own carriage. A wonderful tour to do with children!

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Philadelphia Horse Drawn Carriage Tour

Duration: 1 hour

62 reviews

8. Eat your way through the 9th Street Italian Market (from USD 36.0)

If you are looking to taste some incredible food while you are visiting the United States, you can easily find it! The 9th Street Italian Market is the oldest farmers market in the country, and you and your guide can eat your way through the venue, all the while learning about the history of Philadelphia and the market itself. Tours are capped at 12 people so you can have a personalized experience.

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Philadelphia 9th Street Italian Market Tasting Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

205 reviews

Fun in Philadelphia!

Philadelphia is a wonderful city in the United States to get that “East Coast” feel for the country. With amazing food, kind people, and incredible historical sights, it’s a perfect city to visit. Whether you are in your twenties, or have a big family, there is something to do here for everyone. Have some fun in Philly on your visit to the United States!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Clare Fitzgerald is a recent graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and an honors Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She continues to pursue...Read more

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