Philadelphia's Guide to Walking and Bus Tours

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Philadelphia, PA -  can choose from an assortment of options to explore the region, including those of the air, automotive, audio, culinary, self-guided and water-based varieties. And the sightseeing fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Those who come out at night can join tours that feature behind-the-scenes action and, if so desired, spirits from beyond. Here’s a selection of tours available throughout the region:Philadelphia, PAcan choose from an assortment of options to explore the region, including those of the air, automotive, audio, culinary, self-guided and water-based varieties. And the sightseeing fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Those who come out at night can join tours that feature behind-the-scenes action and, if so desired, spirits from beyond. Here’s a selection of tours available throughout the region:

 

History Lessons By Day & Night:

  • Bow Tie Tours - Philadelphia, PA – Learning about Philadelphia’s—and America’s—history through the true tales of real-life characters who walked the city’s streets is the secret to the success of these dapperly dressed guides. Walking tours delve into the lives of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, the soldiers of Valley Forge and influencers who inhabited the original city—and, if the group wants to know, the more intimate aspects of these influencers’ lives. (610) 642-2410, bowtietours.com
  • The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia – Visitors get an up-close look at historic sites such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall during this 75-minute walking tour. It runs daily from April through November and meets at the National Constitution Center.Private/group tours are available year-round with advance reservations, 525 Arch Street, (215) 525-1776, theconstitutional.com
  • Context Tours - Philadelphia, PA – Those seeking smart, accessible insights into American history look no further than these expert-led explorations of the colonial city from many angles. Academically minded, these tours go beyond the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, offering access to Christ Church, the Quaker Meetinghouse, the Powel House, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Hospital, Mother Bethel and more. (800) 691-6036, contexttravel.com/cities/philadelphia
  • Founding Footsteps Tour - Philadelphia, PA.- This relative newcomer to the tour scene offers a lighthearted take on well-loved—and well-hidden—history, with a sense of humor and, quite often, a beer or two. The most general option, Philly Phables, utilizes foot transport on a 90-minute history-rich overview of historic Old City, whereas Tavern Tours, BYOB Trolley & Comedy Tour and Stand Up & Drink tour—a trolley-based bar crawl hosted by professional comedians—offer boozier perspectives on America’s birthplace. (609) 795-1776, foundingfootsteps.com
  • Alexander Hamilton Walking Tour - Philadelphia, PA.– For fans of the blockbuster musical who can’t get enough Hamilton, a downloadable app created by Philadelphia writer Catherine Price connects some of the hit songs to Philadelphia landmarks where it all happened. In addition, 20% of the proceeds from the app get donated to Friends of Independence National Park in an effort to reopen First Bank to the public. Available in the Apple App store or Google Play.
  • History of Valley Forge Trolley Tour – This 90-minute guided trolley tour of Valley Forge National Historical Parkhighlights some of the key sites of the 1777-78 winter encampment. The tours take place year-round, including the December holidays (limited schedule until March). 1000 N. Outer Line  Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1074 encampmentstore.org
  • Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours- Philadelphia, PA – Guides recount the past as visitors sit back in horse-drawn carriages. Tickets available at the Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 923-8516, phillytour.com
  • Historic Philadelphia Inc.’s Independence After Hours – This evening walking tour visits historic landmarks and meets up with Colonial characters. The experience begins with a three-course meal at City Tavern. The Colonial host then “sneaks” everyone into the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall), where Founding Fathers are discussing the Declaration of Independence. The tour runs select days, late May through October, and departs from the Independence Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • National Park Service Tours - Philadelphia, PA – Rangers lead themed walking tours around Independence National Historical Park. Tour times and starting locations vary by season and are available at the Independence Visitor Center.6th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676, nps.gov/inde
  • New Americans Tour - Philadelphia, PA – Developed by VISIT PHILADELPHIA® in partnership with the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Affairs, the self-guided New Americans Tour celebrates the people, places and events that shaped America in a jaunt that doubles as a primer for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Civics Test. visitphilly.com/newamericans
  • Philadelphia Historic African American Tours – Lauded as one of the most engaging step-on bus offerings, Charlene Palmore-Lewis’ 3.5-hour tour entwines what she refers to as “traditional” American history with African-American history, which predates William Penn’s arrival and stretches from Jamestown to today. Visitors discover four out of five of Penn’s original parks—including
  • Congo Square Tours - Philadelphia, PA —along with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Girard College and the Julian Abele-designed Philadelphia Museum of Art, with a single step-off at Mother Bethel A.M.E. (610) 892-0623
  • Architecture Walking Tours - Philadelphia, PA – The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia offers guided walking tours that interpret the past, present and future of the Philadelphia region as expressed through architecture, urban design and social history. Tours are about two hours long and available May through October; private tours are available year-round by emailing tours@preservationalliance.com. 1608 Walnut Street, (215) 546-1146, preservationalliance.com
  • Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s Tippler’s Tour – From May through December, the over-21 set can sing along to 18th-century drinking songs, enjoy stories of the drinking traditions of Colonial times and sample a few drinks and snacks as they ramble through Philadelphia’s Historic District with a Colonial guide.Tipplers stop at local watering holes such as National Mechanics, City Tavern, and Victoria Freehouse. Along the way, they learn important information, such as Benjamin Franklin’s names for a drunk person (“nimptopsical” and “tipsicum grave”). Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • Twilight Tours - Philadelphia, PA – From mid-June through Labor Day, free guided walking tours show off Independence National Historical Park every evening starting at 6 p.m. Groups meet at the Park Ranger Desk at the Independence Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 861-4971, friendsofindependence.org

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Articles about the Topic Philadelphia's Guide to Walking and Bus Tours

Latest Posts

Sign up via our free email subscription service to receive notifications when new information is available.

Sponsered Ads



Follow PhillyBite:

Follow Our Socials Below