Founded in 1565, Philadelphia is the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. It is also one of the most populous cities in America and is home to the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, and Philly cheesesteaks. However, there is more to Philadelphia than what is described in tourist guides. Stay at one of the many historic hotels and stroll through the street where Ben Franklin and George Washington used to live, then peek into the city’s secret party lives and indulge in some cocktails and wines. Understanding how art is born, learning to move to the music of salsa from the 30th floor, and discovering some of the most beautiful spots in Fishtown are just a few of a long list of things you could do and explore here. At the end of the day, go back to your chosen Airbnb rental and unwind. Read on to discover the best Airbnb experiences in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1. Discover street art in South Philly neighborhoods (from USD 39.0)
Offering a wide number of restaurants, shops, and experiences that showcase a diverse range of cultures, the South Philadelphia district is one of the most sought-after places for tourists in the City of Brotherly Love. One of the many things that make South Philly what it is today is its display of art installations and murals, each set up by local artists old and new.
This two-hour tour takes you through these colorful artworks one by one, offering an in-depth look at why they were made, what they’re made of, and how they weaved their way into the never-ending fabric of South Philly’s story. Taking you through community gardens to Italian markets, this Airbnb experience in Philadelphia is a must-try for art aficionados.
South Philly Art Tour · ★4.87
Duration 2 hours
2. Learn to make a candle (from USD 45.0)
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to create a candle from scratch? This experience can answer it for you, as it offers tourists the unique opportunity to whip up tailor-made candles with scents and ingredients inspired by the city of Philadelphia and its long-standing history. Organized by a local candle specialist, each class takes you through the painstaking yet fulfilling process of making a scented candle.
Choose your preferred fragrance, mix it with melted soy wax, and pour it to cool into your selected mold. As your candle sets, you can explore what else there is to offer around the area. The joy of making your own personalized item and the chance to discover underrated restaurants and attractions around Philly are what make this Airbnb experience worth it.
One-of-a-kind Candle Making Experience · ★4.77
Duration 90 mins
3. Explore the brewing history of Philadelphia (from USD 25.0)
Can you guess the common factor between goat brains and Wu-Tang Clan? It’s beer! These are two of the most unique beer recipes you will learn about during the brewery tour in Philadelphia. During this one-hour tour, guests will learn about the brewing process, explore the city’s brewing history and Dock Street’s over 30 years of history, along with some of the most memorable beer recipes (like the ones you read above). Enjoy a flight of six fresh beers from Dock Street Brewery’s draught list after the walk, and get a Dock Street logo pint glass and stickers as souvenirs.
Brewery Tour & Tasting · ★4.96
Duration 60 mins
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
THE SPACE
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
50 Acre Alpaca Farm and Estate
Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States
6 Master Suites Historic Mansion. Lovely Huge Yard
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
4. Click Instagram-worthy photos as you tour Fishtown (from USD 100.0)
There are several spots in the hippest neighbourhoods of Philadelphia where you can click Instagram-worthy photos of you. Pano, your photo walk guide, is a photographer with 20 years of experience, who runs one of Philadelphia’s largest photo clubs and is a photography instructor too. The photo walk begins at La Colombe from where he will take you through his favourite spots in Fishtown and also through its mural-painted neighbourhoods for some great shots for your portrait.
Instagram Photo Tour of Fishtown · ★5.0
Duration 60 mins
5. Try your hand at making luxurious soaps (from USD 35.0)
If you are interested in making something to add to your collection or use in your bathroom, this soap-making class near Philadelphia is for you. At this hands-on workshop, with a professional soapmaker showing you all the inside secrets of soap making, you can try making both hot and cold process loaves.
You will learn how to make soaps of various kinds, from avocado bars and Castile soaps to rendered animal fats versions. You also get to tour the Biodiversified Permaculture Garden and take home some of the pre-cured ultra-luxurious bars as a parting gift.
Hot & cold process soap making · ★4.93
Duration 3 hours
6. Walk through colonial Philadelphia (from USD 40.0)
Each building in Philadelphia has a story to tell, from when it was constructed, what materials were used, which technology and styles were favoured then, to who designed, built, lived and worked there. If American history and its architecture are things that interest you, join this walking tour that will take you through the places where Ben Franklin and George Washington used to live and work. It will also take you through the Old City and its oldest continuously occupied residential streets.
Discovering Colonial Philadelphia · ★4.98
Duration 2.5 hours
7. Sip coffee while listening to live music (from USD 20.0)
Experience an enchanting night at “Amalgam” amidst live music, comic books and coffee. Christina Marie Coleman/Trumpet Wom’ will perform her unique act at Amalgam, a comic book and coffee store. Christina will try wooing listeners through her triple act on trumpet, keyboards, and vocals. This will remind you of Nina Simone and David Bowie. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find mentioned in any of the tour books or guides of Philadelphia. Trumpet Wom’ will also perform with a surprise guest musician and entertain you.
Enjoy live music at a comic shop · ★4.86
Duration 2 hours
8. Get up and close with art and painting (from USD 10.0)
Get a first-hand experience to observe how artists work in the studio, and to get up and close with their paintings and art scenes. Guests can give a shot at drawing (of nude models on weekends or still-life models during weekdays) or improve their existing skills under an experienced artist. The artist will instruct you and help you learn approaches and techniques for drawing figures, and also demonstrate how to observe the human body/still life and use materials. At the end of the day, you will have a nice drawing and a postcard with art, as a souvenir.
Life Drawing Class in Enzhao Studio · ★4.89
Duration 2 hours
Exploring Philadelphia
There are several short tours available in Philadelphia that let you explore the city more. There is something for everyone - from dance and music lovers to coffee and cocktail tasters to history and architecture enthusiasts. All you need is the willingness to let go of the tried and tested methods of touring a city and exploring it through the eyes of its own people.
Whether you’re staying within the city or near the airport, these Airbnb experiences in Philadelphia are certainly worth your time and investment.