Philadelphia tours expose visitors to the landscape, history, and cuisine of the city. Some travelers may be a bit overwhelmed when they arrive in Philly and won't know where to begin. There are many things fighting for the attention of the first time visitor; from the quest to find the perfect cheesesteak to the latest exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Luckily, you can make reservations for a tour in Philadelphia that will help you figure out what you would like to see first. From a basic Philadelphia sightseeing tour to a more detailed brewery tour, local experts can help bring Philly to life for visitors.

There are many Philadelphia tours that involve the water. From a day spent sailing to an evening on an old-fashioned riverboat cruise, visitors who are interested in setting sail will have a few tempting options. The best tour in Philadelphia to begin is a basic historical walking tour. For instance, the Constitutional Walking Tour will bring visitors to the top attractions throughout Center City and leave you full of ideas of what sites you would like to explore further. The walking tour will provide you with a general understanding of the layout of the city as well, allowing for further exploration of neighborhoods.

A Philadelphia sightseeing tour can be booked in advance or even downloaded online. There are audio files available that will guide you through the streets of Philly and let you know what you’re looking at that is historically significant. If you want a live tour guide who can answer questions, make reservations for a Philadelphia history tour. These tours are focused on providing history buffs with interesting, lesser-known information about America’s birthplace. Ghost tours also expose visitors to a creepier side of Philadelphia’s past. One of the best options is the "Terror Behind the Walls" haunted house tour at the Eastern State Penitentiary around Halloween.

Philadelphia Map

Other than history, Philly is known for its food. Foodies would vote culinary tours the best tours of Philadelphia. Ranging from traditional Philly classics such as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels, to artisan cheese and craft beers, the choices are as wide as the culinary offerings in the city. From Chinatown to an evening of wine and chocolate, there are many tempting food tours currently on offer in Philadelphia. For visitors who don’t want to commit to a full food tour, it is possible to stop into a local brewery for a short glimpse at how local beers are made. Outdoor markets are also a great place for experiencing the influence food has had on the cultural development of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia tours most certainly can involve kids—in fact, Philly is known for being family-friendly. From the Please Touch Museum to every major sport imaginable, kids won’t be bored for a minute during their vacation. A tour in Philadelphia can include time spent in Fairmount Park, setting sail on the Delaware River, or providing your kids a foundation for understanding of American history with trips to historic sites such as the Liberty Bell. Get started with a Philadelphia sightseeing tour, and after that, spend your days shopping, exploring museums, tasting local treats, and walking through the local parks.