Pennsylvania, United States
Walking tours from $16, history and food experiences, and what each one really gives for the price.
Philadelphia’s tours are overwhelmingly about history and walking: 52% are walking tours and 47% are historical, with many tours counted in both. Food and private tours are also common, but smaller in number. Most people pay between $25 and $60, with 53% of all tours priced under $60 and 66% under $100.
The best-reviewed tours consistently combine knowledgeable guides with time at major sites, and often include unique stories or local flavor. 86% of all tours are rated 4 stars or better, and almost all confirm instantly, making last-minute booking easy for most options.
Philadelphia’s catalogue has 259 tours, with walking and history tours making up the majority. Private and luxury options are widespread, but many are simply guided walks at standard prices. The most common price band is $25–$60, and over half of all tours fall below $60, so most travelers will not pay the $63 median, which is pulled up by pricier private vehicle tours.
Top-rated tours consistently feature knowledgeable guides and time at Philadelphia’s essential historic sites. Food tours, though fewer in number, are well-reviewed and typically include tastings at local markets or classic eateries. Only 14% of all tours are rated below 4 stars, and almost all offer free cancellation, so booking is low-risk.
Admission tickets are not always included, especially on cheaper walking tours—always check what’s covered. Some tours focus on stories and atmosphere rather than entry to sites, while others include museum admission or special presentations.
| Private and Luxury | 163 | $63 |
| Walking Tours | 134 | $63 |
| Historical Tours | 123 | $63 |
| Cultural Tours | 67 | $63 |
For most travelers, a walking tour is the best value: over half the catalogue falls in this category, and the top-rated options spend most of their time at major sites with guides who hold history degrees or have a background in storytelling. These tours typically run 75–150 minutes and cost $25–$45, with the best-reviewed including stops at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Franklin Court.
History-focused tours suit visitors who want depth, with several options led by historians or teachers. Some, like the 2.5-hour history tour with the Washington War Tent Show, include museum admission and a donation to a local nonprofit, offering more for the money than basic walks. Food tours are pricier, usually $59–$72, but include tastings at Reading Terminal Market or the Italian Market, and are praised for knowledgeable guides and generous portions.
Night tours and themed experiences (such as true crime or adult ghost walks) offer a different perspective, often with humor or a focus on Philadelphia’s darker stories. These are usually $38–$45 and can be a good fit for repeat visitors or those wanting something offbeat. Trolley tours cost more ($49+), but cover more ground and include photo stops at famous landmarks.
What disappoints: Some walking tours spend little time at each stop or do not include admission to key sites, as seen in reviews of the Constitutional Walking Tour. A few guides are described as unengaging or poorly informed, especially on lower-priced or larger group tours. Night tours sometimes disappoint those expecting more ghost stories or smaller groups, and several reviews mention guides focusing too much on personal opinions or not allowing time for questions. A handful of history and true crime tours are criticized for spending too long in one place or not delivering the advertised content.
Almost all Philadelphia tours confirm instantly, so last-minute booking is possible for most options. Only a few require manual confirmation. Tours marked as likely to sell out—especially top-rated walking and night tours—should be booked a few days ahead if visiting on weekends or during busy periods.
Free cancellation is standard for 90% of tours, so booking early carries little risk. For the most popular food and history tours, booking at least a day or two ahead is safest.
The only tour led exclusively by guides with history degrees.
4.9 ★ · 3,772 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
The shortest tour here, ideal if you want a quick overview.
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 adults-only tour with ghost stories and R-rated history.
4.9 ★ · 4,530 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
Covers more top historic sites in less time than the others.
4.9 ★ · 2,358 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
The only tour combining true crime tales with historic sightseeing.
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
Includes a special Washington War Tent show not found on other tours.
4.9 ★ · 988 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 on the list, with a BYOB option.
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
The lowest-priced food tour, with stops at Reading Terminal Market.
4.9 ★ · 1,041 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 priciest food tour, but includes both snacks and lunch.
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 tour by electric cart for those who prefer not to walk.
4.8 ★ · 803 reviews · 2 h
Includes Local English-speaking guide · Guided Electric Cart Tour
The only food tour led by a chef, focused on the Italian Market.
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 only full-day trip to Amish Country from Philadelphia.
4.9 ★ · 458 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 09/09/2026.
Walking and history tours dominate, making up over half of all options. Food tours and private experiences are also common, but in smaller numbers.
53% of tours are priced under $60, and 66% are under $100. The most common price range is $25–$60.
Admission is often not included on cheaper walking tours. Some higher-priced tours include museum entry or special presentations—always check the inclusions.
Most tours confirm instantly and can be booked last minute. However, top-rated walking and food tours may sell out on busy days.
Some tours spend little time at stops, or guides are unengaging. Night tours sometimes have large groups or focus more on stories than ghosts.
Yes, 90% of tours offer free cancellation, making early booking low-risk.
Many walking and history tours are family-friendly, and several are designed for children. Always check the tour description for age suitability.
Food tours usually include tastings at several locations, such as Reading Terminal Market or the Italian Market, and are praised for generous portions.
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