10 Things To Do Alone In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Updated 2024

Robert
Robert 
Updated
| 5 min read

Come and have an unforgettable weekend in Philadelphia, a city that is blessed with its own distinctive personality and countless vibrant neighbourhoods which are all bordered by charming towns. Apart from being the largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is also regarded as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When you visit Philadelphia you will notice that there are countless things to do including visiting fascinating museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and having a taste of the famous and delicious street food. If you are planning to visit Philly any time soon, you should check out this list of things to do alone in the city.

1. hour historical walking tour (from USD 45.0)

things to do alone in philly | hour historical walking tour

This tour will give you the opportunity to visit some of the unmissable Philly sights that ditch the guidebooks. The tour starts at the Philly Tour Hub, where you’ll see some of the best local art and photography inside this historic space. The next stop is the Christ Church, where you’ll be told the stories of the founding fathers; you will also sit where they sat and learn about the Episcopal Church in America. As you go past Franklin Court, you will see the magnificent views of Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center, and the U.S. Mint. Another must-see site that you will see along your way is the Independence Hall where you will find the US Constitution. Your guide will also share their knowledge of the Philosophical Society, Congress Hall, the 2nd Bank of the US, Old City Hall, and Carpenter’s Hall with you as you finalize your tour.

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Philadelphia: Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour

Duration: 2.0 hour

222 reviews

2. Philly cheese-steak tour and tastings by segway (from USD 90.0)

things to do alone in philly | philly cheese-steak tour and tastings by segway

This tour is best for foodies who want to try a Segway tour. You can join this tour, which is basically a ride through South Philly, as you search for the best cheesesteak in the city. The ride will give you the chance to enjoy at least 5 different cheesesteaks and choose your favourite as you tour around Philly. The tour always begins with a 30-minute orientation session which is then followed by gliding along the neighbourhood’s streets, passing by the South Street, Italian Market, and Society Hill. The Segway tour is normally limited to 6 people, making sure that you get the complete attention from your guide.

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Philly Cheesesteak Tour and Tastings by Segway

Duration: 2.5 hour

28 reviews

3. Hop-on hop-off bus tour (from USD 36.0)

things to do alone in philly | hop-on hop-off bus tour

When you are in Philly the first thing that you should try doing alone is getting on the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. The best thing about this activity is that you can jump off at any of the stops to have a closer look at your favourite attraction site including the Independence Hall and Ben Franklin’s Grave. This activity will help you learn more about the history of the city, its cultural attractions and the best places to eat, sleep and shop. So sit back and enjoy the ride, and if you think you have had all the fun, you can alight at any stop and have a deeper exploration to feed your own interests.

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Philadelphia: Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

245 reviews

4. A magical small group tour to Philadelphia's markets and mosaics (from USD 49.0)

things to do alone in philly | a magical small group tour to philadelphia's markets and mosaics

Enjoy a 4-hour guided walking tour of South Philadelphia and explore the sights of this diverse district. There are so many attractions to gaze at, including the city’s mosaic murals, Pennsylvania’s oldest church and the famous Italian Market. While on this tour, you will be able to discover the hidden gems of some of the most historic neighbourhoods in South Philadelphia and take a look at Isaiah Zagar’s beautiful mosaics at Magic Gardens and wander among the colourful market stalls as you enjoy the world-famous Italian Market. This tour will give you the chance to know South Philly from a local’s perspective.

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Philadelphia: Markets, Mosaics and Magic Tour

Duration: 3.0 hour

10 reviews

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

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

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. Philadelphia's ghost tour by Candlelight (from USD 24.0)

philadelphia's ghost tour by candlelight

Experience history brought to life with Philly’s most unusual evening activity by joining an entertaining evening walking tour of Philadelphia by candlelight. While you are on your, you will be able to see Philadelphia’s historic districts which include the Independence National Park and Society Hill. Your tour guide will tell you the tales of the rich, famous heroes and villains who lived here ever since America’s colonial era, including the tales of well-known people like Ben Franklin, William Penn, Mad Anthony Wayne and Benedict Arnold. The tour begins at the Signers Garden and lasts approximately 90 minutes. It is appropriate across all ages and is perfect for anyone who wants to discover the seldom-told tales about Washington Square, Independence Hall, City Tavern, Powel House and more.

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Philadelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight

Duration: 1.5 hour

94 reviews

6. Two-hour buffet lunch cruise (from USD 66.0)

Experience a 2-hour spirit cruise on the Delaware River as you enjoy a sumptuous brunch and views of the Philadelphia skyline. After you’ve had enough food, you can choose to take a stroll on the outside decks, enjoy the live performances of the talented staff, and listen to the music of the DJ on board. You can also choose to enjoy the panoramic views of Philadelphia’s historic harbour from the huge windows as you listen to the fascinating narration. When you get bored with that you can take your drinks topside while you relax or dance on the large outdoor deck until the ship returns to dock.

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Delaware River: Philadelphia Lunch Buffet Cruise

Duration: 2 hours

40 reviews

7. A 2-hour tap pub tour in Philly (from USD 65.0)

a 2-hour tap pub tour in philly

Discover Philadelphia’s energetic nightlife as you sample the local beers on this 2-hour long pub tour of the city, a truly unique experience for both the hardcore fan and beer beginner. The Philadelphia beer tour always starts at the Philadelphia City Hall where you will meet your local guide and begin your tour on the streets of Philly. Given this time of day, you will be able to choose from some of the best drinking establishments in the city. You’ll also get to visit the oldest operating bar in Philadelphia, an Irish pub with a classic dive bar and a modern beer café. If you take this tour, you will discover why Philadelphia is considered one of America’s best beer cities.

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Philadelphia: 2-Hour Philly on Tap Pub Tour

Duration: 2 hour

11 reviews

8. Philly from the top (from USD 16.0)

philly from the top

Experience 360-degree views of Philadelphia from the One Liberty Observation Deck. The tower, located in the city centre of Philadelphia, is within walking distance of other major attractions such as Constitution Hall and Love Park. While you’re here, you will get the opportunity to learn more about the city’s past and how the American history will always remember it. The tours start at the Observation Deck level, so it is always important to be there at least 15 minutes early if you are planning to join one.

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Philadelphia: One Liberty Observation Deck Fast-Track Ticket

Duration: 1 to 48 day

73 reviews

9. Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Rodin Museum (from USD 25.0)

philadelphia museum of art and the rodin museum

Walk through time and imagine other worlds as you discover works of art at one of the largest museums in the country. You’ll feel inspired whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular museum-goer as you find an unexpected surprise around every corner of the Philadelphia Museum of Art which features artistic and architectural achievements from all over across the world. You will also get to explore the Impressionist galleries which acts as the home to Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet’s The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lilly Pool. The Museum is also a major dining and shopping destination, with cafés and shops.

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Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Rodin Museum

Duration: 1 day

13 reviews

10. Segway mural tour (from USD 85.0)

segway mural tour

Experience the thrill of riding a Segway as you discover the Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program. This tour will give you the opportunity to see Chinatown, the Northern Liberties and Center City neighbourhoods. You will also get to see numerous unique murals that display the beauty, culture, and diversity of Philly. The tour only begins after you have been trained to use your new transportation device and when you have mastered using your Segway, your guide will tell you more about the history of murals in the city, and how they are created. Your ride will a perfect combination of art and the pleasure of riding the Segway.

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Philadelphia: 2-Hour Mural Tour by Segway

Duration: 2.5 hour

9 reviews

Do it alone in Philly

This is a list of the best 10 things that you can indulge in while you are visiting Philidelphia. Make sure you enjoy each one of them during your stay in Philidelphia.

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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