Pennsylvania, United States
Walking tours from $16, food and history routes, and what each one really includes for the price.
Philadelphia’s tour scene is defined by walking, historical, and cultural experiences, making up over half the 259 tours on offer. Walking tours alone account for 52% of the catalogue, with a median starting price of $63, though nearly half of all tours cost under $40. Food, trolley, and crime-themed tours also appear, but in smaller numbers.
The best-reviewed options consistently combine knowledgeable guides with access to major sites, and 86% of all tours are rated 4 stars or higher. Most tours offer free cancellation, which is standard here. The most popular tours are compact, focus on the historic core, and are led by guides with strong backgrounds in history or performance.
With 259 experiences, Philadelphia’s catalogue is broad but focused: 134 are walking tours, and nearly as many are historical. Median prices cluster at $63, but this figure is skewed by private tours priced per vehicle; nearly half of all options start under $40. Only 17% of tours are priced over $200, and just 2% exceed $500.
Quality is generally high: only 14% of tours are rated below 4 stars. Most tours (90%) offer free cancellation, so flexibility is the norm. The category labels mix cheap group walks with high-priced private outings, so a $63 median can mean anything from a group stroll to a private guide for two. Look at what’s included, not just the headline price.
Food, trolley, and crime tours are present but not dominant. The best-reviewed tours typically offer strong storytelling and access to Philadelphia’s core landmarks. Poorly rated tours are more likely to be in the ‘Private and Luxury’ or ‘Historical’ categories, but these labels cover a wide range of products.
| Private and Luxury | 163 | $63 |
| Walking Tours | 134 | $63 |
| Historical Tours | 123 | $63 |
| Cultural Tours | 67 | $63 |
For visitors seeking an overview of Philadelphia’s historic core, walking tours deliver the best value. Most are priced from $19 to $44 per person, with the majority including stops at major landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. However, not all tours include admission; some only pass by sites, so check what’s actually included. For example, a $34 tour may include museum entry, while a $33 one might not.
If you want a deeper dive, tours with guides holding history degrees and those that include museum entry or exclusive presentations stand out. The best-rated tours often feature guides who balance storytelling with factual detail and keep group sizes manageable. Tours led by guides with strong backgrounds in history or performance consistently earn higher marks.
Poor experiences are most often reported on tours where guides are inattentive, lack historical knowledge, or rush the group. Some reviews of walking tours mention guides who were difficult to hear or spent too little time at each stop. On the other hand, the lowest-rated tours in the catalogue are often in the ‘Private and Luxury’ or ‘Historical’ categories, with complaints about disorganization, lack of professionalism, or guides focusing too much on personal opinions rather than history.
Trolley and themed tours, such as crime or ghost walks, can be good value if you’re after entertainment as much as education. However, some night tours have been criticized for large group sizes or for not delivering the promised content. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, consider tours that include museum admission or special presentations, as these often justify a higher price. In all cases, the most reliable indicator of value is a high volume of recent positive reviews and a clear list of what’s included.
Almost all tours confirm bookings instantly, so last-minute reservations are usually possible. However, several of the most popular walking and night tours are flagged as likely to sell out, especially on weekends or during peak travel periods.
If your schedule is tight or you have a specific tour in mind, booking a few days ahead is wise. For tours with limited capacity or high demand, such as those including museum entry or special presentations, booking earlier increases your chances of securing a spot.
The only listed tour with all guides holding history degrees, for deeper context.
4.9 ★ · 3,763 reviews · 2 h
Includes Runs every morning and every afternoon rain or shine · Short 2-hour introduction to historic Philadelphia with a historian to walk with and orien · Every Guide Has a History Degree
Shortest duration, but covers the same core sites as pricier walks.
4.7 ★ · 935 reviews · 1 h 15 min
Includes See where The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution were created · Tour operates in rain or shine · 75-minute Constitutional Walking Tour
22 min at the stops, of 1 h 15 min in total
The only night tour among the twelve, with an adult focus and ghost stories.
4.9 ★ · 4,525 reviews · 2 h
Includes R-Rated Histories, Sex in 1776, Ghost Stories · History walking tour with a few ghost stories and adult humor · Liberty Bell, Hamilton; Abundant Sightseeing
10 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
Spends more time actually at the stops than any other walking tour here.
4.9 ★ · 2,357 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Includes 90-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia · Pass by 15+ Philadelphia sites including Christ Church, and Ben Franklin Court · Learn about the Revolutionary War and how it has shaped the United States today
1 h 16 min at the stops, of 1 h 30 min in total
Longest walking tour, with more time at each stop than the others at this price.
4.9 ★ · 430 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Serial Killer Tales AND Historic Sightseeing in One · Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Benjamin Franklin's Grave Sites will be · History Teacher Tour Guide
2 h at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
The only listed tour that includes museum entry in the price.
4.9 ★ · 987 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Fascinating stories of America's most historically significant city · A knowledgeable local expert guide · An unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Old City Philadelphia
1 h 55 min at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
The only trolley tour listed; includes photo stops at the Rocky statue and museum.
4.9 ★ · 706 reviews · 2 h
Includes Local guide · Take a pic in front of the bronze statue dedicated to Philly's native son, Rocky Balboa. · Trolley Tour
1 h at the stops, of 2 h in total
Covers both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall interiors, unlike others.
4.9 ★ · 1,039 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes A memorable walk through lively Center City · Philly Cheese steak, Soft Pretzels, Donuts, as well as other great taste offerings! · 5 Food Samplings of the best food you'll have in Philly!
2 h 10 min at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
The only food tour under $50 that includes five tastings and Reading Terminal Market.
4.8 ★ · 551 reviews · 2 h 30 min
Includes Local guide · Bottled water · Snacks
20 min at the stops, of 2 h 30 min in total
The only listed tour with a chef guide, focusing on the Italian Market.
4.8 ★ · 802 reviews · 2 h
Includes Local English-speaking guide · Guided Electric Cart Tour
Only one to offer a full day outside the city, visiting Amish Country.
5.0 ★ · 392 reviews · 2 h
Includes Professional guide · Lunch · Food tasting
1 h 40 min at the stops, of 2 h in total
The priciest, but the only private tour with hotel pickup and a custom itinerary.
4.9 ★ · 457 reviews · 8 h
Includes Admission into the Amish Village Museum · Air-conditioned vehicle · Local english speaking guide.
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 07/09/2026.
Walking, historical, and cultural tours dominate, making up over half the catalogue. Food, trolley, and crime-themed tours are also available.
Nearly half of all tours are under $40, and 59% are under $60. The overall median is $63, but this is inflated by private tours.
Not always. Many walking tours pass by major sites but do not include admission. Some higher-priced tours include museum entry.
Most tours confirm instantly, but popular walking and night tours can sell out. Book a few days ahead if your schedule is tight.
Critical reviews mention inattentive or unprofessional guides, large group sizes, and tours that skip promised content, especially in 'Private and Luxury' and 'Historical' categories.
Yes, 90% of tours offer free cancellation. This is standard in Philadelphia.
Many walking tours are wheelchair accessible, but always check the individual tour listing to confirm.
Most walking tours operate rain or shine. Check the tour details for specific weather policies.
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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