Quick, before the weather gets insanely hot and leaving poolside is not an option, book yourself a walking tour! Be it art, history, or architecture, Philly has it all. We promise it will be an afternoon well spent. All the options mentioned below are open and available but it is worth reminding to double-check mask-wearing protocol and to book your tickets well in advance as group count is smaller these days.
Group Tours
If you’re new to Philadelphia, this is a great way to explore the city. If you’ve been here for years, be a tourist in your own town and discover something new! Book a guided tour with one of these experts. We’re putting two of our favorite local tour companies right up top!
Beyond the Bell Tours | We partook in the Badass Women's History Tour of Philadelphia a few summers back and we highly recommend it. If you’re looking for tours that are off the mainstream tourist path, you’ve found your people!
The Black Journey Tours | During the pandemic, we met Raina Yancey when she virtually hosted The Black Journey: African-American History Tour of Philadelphia for our team. Great news - they’re back open for in-person tours every Saturday at 2 pm. You will not regret reserving your spot.
Preservation Alliance For Greater Philadelphia | These architectural tours sell out fast! Continue to check in and you may get lucky. If you have 5 or more friends, you can also look into booking a private tour from their incredible roster.
Mural Arts | How many times have you driven by that colorful masterpiece and wondered who the artist was or what was their inspiration? Now’s your opportunity to learn! Mural Arts offers a wide selection of tours covering many neighborhoods in Philly, including one by air-conditioned subway.
Laurel Hill Cemetery | Think less about ghost tours and more about Laurel Hill’s long and colorful history. Various tours including stories of those buried on the grounds, Philadelphia abolitionist history, and nature walks. There are many events that are held here that may also capture your attention.
Philly Ghost Tours | If ghosts are your jam, then look no further than Philly Ghost Tours. Pop around various landmarks and hear all about the spooktacular paranormal activity that goes on in the City of Brotherly Love. Guys, you can even rent an EMF detector during your tour!
If you’re looking for a totally out-of-the-box adventure, check out Airbnb experiences. From Conquer the Steps: Rocky Running Tour to a Taste of the Italian Market, you’re sure to find something for everyone. Other garden tours are seasonal and worthy of keeping your eye on are Morris Arboretum and Longwood Gardens.
Self Guided Tours
Philly has really upped its game with self-guided tours. Although we love ourselves a knowledgeable tour guide, sometimes the timing doesn’t work and your out-of-town guests still need to be entertained! Try hitting the pavement on your own with one of these options.
Philadelphia Inquirer Self-Guided Walking Tours | The Fight Against Slavery | Society Hill & Center City and Northwest Philadelphia | Pop on your headphones and hold onto your heart for these self-guided audio tours. Choose to explore two different neighborhoods and tour Underground Railroad history and the fight against slavery.
Upper Darby Underground Railroad Trail Guide | Recently featured on WHYY, this new walking tour features eight Underground Railroad sites in Upper Darby that highlight the area’s rich history of abolition. Currently, the tour has a map and informational slides. There is talk of an audio tour on the way, so stay tuned!
The Faith and Liberty Walking Trail App | Comprised of multiple walking trails that range from 15 to 45 mins. Think lighter than a full-blown tour, but more informational than a quick walk by. These trails will ensure you catch all the notable spots and walk away with a fact or two.
Eastern State Penitentiary | Be prepared to get lost in this audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi titled “The Voices of Eastern State." Get extra spooky by booking your visit in the evening Summer Twilight hours.
For more self-guided driving or walking tours, check out this list from visitphilly.com.
Last but not least, at Philly Home Girls we love to take a neighborhood walk. If you want inspo, check out our various walking tours: West Philly, Society Hill, Pennsport, South of Snyder, and Media. If you have a favorite walking tour you think should have made our list, be sure to email us the suggestion. We’ll see you out there!
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.