Philadelphia is a city rich with history, art, craft beer, diverse cuisine, and… ghosts? Let’s just say, Philly has it all, and what better way to take it all in than with a walking tour downtown? Walking tours are immersive experiences that allow visitors (and locals!) to wander the same streets that artists, political leaders, and historical figures once did and learn about the stories and culture that shaped Philadelphia from professional guides.
From food tours to brewery tours to historical tours to ghost tours, our list of The Best Walking Tours in Downtown Philadelphia is the go-to guide to get you out and about in this prominent city!
1. Philadelphia Hops & History Walking Tour
Dive into the best of both worlds where craft beer and Philly history come together on this guided walking tour. Guests enjoy vibrant, mural-lined streets and learn about Philly’s iconic history as they meander between three local craft breweries. Included on the 3.5 hour Hops & History Walking Tour are 8 tastings of beer as well as a full flagship pour at the final stop, a local Philly snack, a knowledgeable guide, and a historic walk through Spring Garden that is under 1.2 miles.
Website: Hops & History Walking Tour
2. The Constitutional Walking Tour
Hit the streets of Philly for this historical walking tour that visits all of the essential landmarks in the Independence National Historical Park area. The Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, the Christ Church Burial Ground, and 16 other stops comprise this jam-packed, 75 minute tour. Despite all the sights to see, the Constitutional Walking Tour is an easy 1.25 miles! It operates multiple times a day from April through November -and- it is dog-friendly for leashed, well-behaved pups!
Photo credit & website: The Constitutional Walking Tour
3. Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution
On WeVenture’s twice daily, 2.5 hour historical walking tour of the Independence National Historical Park guests listen to the stories and learn about the famous figures that shaped the nation as they travel with their guide from stop to stop. Also mixed into the tour are some lesser-known sights around Old City such as murals, statues, and parks. Plus, the ticket price includes both a donation to a local non-profit organization and admission to a nearby modern museum to round off the experience.
Photo credit & website: History, Highlights, & Revolution
4. Flavors of Philly Food Tour
Visitors to Philadelphia looking for an authentic, unpretentious food experience need not look any further! The Flavors of Philly walking food tour hits up the mom and pop shops, the no frills eateries, and the local favorites in the heart of downtown. This 2.5 hour culinary journey includes 5 stops—one of which is the famous and historic Reading Terminal Market—across which guests will enjoy classics such as cheesesteaks, local Philly pretzels, sweet treats of choice, and more!
Photo credit & website: Flavors of Philly
5. Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour
Philly’s Italian Market is a must see for any visitor! However, as this massive, open air market (one of the largest in the country!) spans 10 blocks and is steeped in Italian tradition, one of the best ways to experience the Market and all it has to offer is through the Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour. The ticket price of this 2 hour tour includes all the food samples—cannolis, Sicilian pizza, coffee, cheese, and more—and an exclusive discount at one of the kitchenware shops, and guests get to learn all about the history and culture of Philly’s Italian community.
Photo credit & website: Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour
6. Badass Women’s History Walking Tour
Enough with the “behind every successful man is a strong woman” sentiment. The truth is that behind every historical, cultural, and scientific movement are badass women—And Beyond the Bell Tours is here to show that with its Badass Women’s History Walking Tour. Philadelphia’s rich history and national influence is marked with pioneering women who were catalysts in medicine, politics, art, activism, and entrepreneurialism, and all of whom helped shape Philly into the city it is today. Learn about these incredible leaders, their stories, and the movements they were a part of on this 1.5 mile, 2 hour walking tour.
Photo credit & website: Badass Women’s History Walking Tour
7. The Good, The Bad, The Philly
Here’s a walking tour that takes guests into the bizarre, the eclectic, and the eccentric side of Philadelphia history. The tour takes place around Logan’s Square, a beautiful area of Philly, but behind that beauty lies odd tales and scandalous stories—enough to give this tour a PG-13 rating! So for visitors and locals alike who enjoy juicy tidbits and weird little nuggets of history, the Good, the Bad, and the Philly Walking Tour is a must. Oh—It’s operated by Free Tours by Foot Philadelphia; so, apart from the $3 fee that covers Philly tour tax, it’s pay-as-you-like!
Website: The Good, The Bad, The Philly
8. Philadelphia Ghost Tour
The best haunted towns are 1. Very old, 2. Full of history, and 3. Full of salacious stories. It turns out Philadelphia meets the criteria for an excellent haunted town, which is why visitors should dive into the spookiness on a Philadelphia Ghost Tour. This nighttime, candlelight tour explores the backstreets around Independence National Park, Old City, and Society Hill, delving into the darker stories and secrets of these historic areas. It’s 75-90 minutes of entertainment, history, and scary good times!
Photo credit & website: Philadelphia Ghost Tour
9. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Self-Guided Walking Tour
Perfect for those without an itinerary or those who have a gap in their itinerary, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a nonprofit museum, offers a free self-guided walking tour of mosaicked streets and meaningful murals—the works of local artist, Isaiah Zagar. The tour begins on South Street and takes viewers along a one mile route full of thought-provoking, elaborate public art works, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on level of engagement. There is also a free self-guided tour PDF available for download!
Photo credit & website: Magic Gardens Walking Tour