Explore the City of Brotherly Love, with or without a guide.
With Wheels
Getting there can be half the fun in Philadelphia, where an exploration of architectural, historical and modern cultural attractions takes on a life of its own via touring vessels that are almost as interesting as the sites themselves. For flexibility without the risk of foot ache, Philadelphia Trolley Works (www.phillytour.com, 215.389.8687) and Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours (www.philadelphiasightseeingtours.com, 215.922.2300) run old-fashioned trolleys and open-air double decker buses past dozens of the city’s attractions. Both fleets feature guides and run vehicles around their circuits many times per day, off ering passengers the option to step on and off at will. Philadelphia Trolley Works also operates 76 Carriage Company, charming narrated horse-drawn carriage tours through the historic district, which proceed daily from the carriage stand at Independence National Historical Park (Fifth and Chestnut streets, www.phillytour.com. 215.923.8516).
On Foot
The Preservation Alliance generates enthusiasm for Philadelphia’s diverse urban landscape through its Architectural Walking Tours (www.preservationalliance.com, 215.546.1146) that delve into the design and context of the streets and buildings that make the city’s neighborhoods unique. On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, knowledgeable volunteers lead groups of 25 or fewer pedestrians on 90-minute historically and geographically themed tours like “Bankers’ Heaven: Architecture and Finance In Philadelphia, “Victorian Washington West” and “Jewish Immigrant Philadelphia.” For a modern taste of the city, Philadelphia Urban Adventures (www.philadelphiaurbanadventures.com, 215.280.3746) winds small groups on foot daily through Center City, South Philly, Old City and other neighborhoods to talk with colorful publicans, cheesemongers, butchers and baristas and watch them work their trades the way they’ve been done for centuries.
By Boat
With the Delaware River to the east and Schuylkill River to the west, seeing the city from the water is an excellent way to explore. Six passengers sail aboard American Sailing Tours’ (401 N. Columbus Boulevard, www.americansailingtours.com, 215.900.7758) Summer Wind schooner, whose daily 90-minute sails include tours that focus on maritime history, Jimmy Buffett-style leisure, sunset romance, wine and cheese (BYOB), or late-night moonlight panoramas. The Spirit of Philadelphia’s (401 S. Columbus Boulevard, www.spiritofphiladelphia.com, 866.455.3866) motor yacht has just undergone a major renovation that enhances the mood of the cruises it hosts, from dinner and dancing to sunset cocktails, to themed rides like gospel brunch. Guided kayak tours of Schuylkill Banks (Walnut Street dock, east side of the Schuylkill River beneath the Walnut Street Bridge, www.schuylkillbanks.org, 215.222.6030) run for 60 minutes—plus 30 minutes of instruction—along the Schuylkill River between Walnut Street Dock and Water Works Restaurant and Lounge every Saturday in August.
On Your Own
• HOP ON THE PHLASH Self-reliant visitors can easily and inexpensively navigate the city by way of the Phlash Downtown Loop (www.phillyphlash.com), a bright purple trolley that picks up and drops off at 19 stops near major tourist attractions and charges $2 per ride, or $10 for an all-day individual PhlashPass.
• CALL FOR A CAR Uber Philadelphia (www.uber.com) recently arrived in town to drive locals and visitors around in style. Still in its testing phase as of press time, the new car service privately chauffeurs passengers around the region in slick black sedans and SUVs hailed via text message or mobile app.
• RENT A BIKE Representatives from Philadelphia Bike Tours (www.philadelphiabiketour.com. 215.514.3124) deliver Fuji comfort bikes to custom drop-off points for cyclists who have made a rental reservation at least 48 hours in advance. For those on shorter prior notice, bikes, tandems and surreys are available to rent at will next to Lloyd Hall at the south end of Boathouse Row (1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, 215.523.5827) and at the Fairmount Park Welcome Center in JFK Plaza, better known as “Love Park“ (1599 JFK Blvd., 215.523.5827), for cruising around the Schuylkill River waterfront loop, Art Museum area and Center City.
Special Interests
No matter what your passion might be, find a subject-driven tour to suit.
• City Food Tours
These guided tasting tours include more than two hours focused on high-quality foods. Flavors of Philly Food Tour
• Franklin‘s Footsteps Walking Tour
Take a stroll back in time on this guided tour, which retraces the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and his fellow Founding Fathers during the birth of the nation. www.phillytour.com
• Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
Experience chilling tales on a 75-minute candlelit walking tour of Independence Park and Society Hill. www.ghosttour.com
• City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program Tours
Visit some of the city’s more than 3,000 murals on one of the numerous regularly scheduled guided tours via foot, bike, trolley or the SEPTA Market-Frankford elevated train. www.muralarts.org
• Philadelphia Movie Sites Tour
See where films like “The Sixth Sense” and “Rocky” were shot on this tour of Philly movie sites, led by a Greater Philadelphia Film Office-certified guide. www.moviesitestour.com
