Just several years ago, there were only one or two options for guided tours. Locals and visitors pretty much had to grab a map at the Visitor Center and head out on their own. Today there are guided tours on land and on the water and several tours that offer a combination of both.
An exciting new addition this year offers a once in a lifetime chance to ride on a Segway® Human Transporter. The Segway® was the invention that the inventor predicted would change the world. Well, that hasn't happened yet, but more and more businesses and municipal governments are using these transport devices, so who knows what the future holds.
Old City used to go to sleep at 6:00 p.m. but this summer there are several tour options that actually rely on the evening hours for their success.
Let's take a look at some of the options available this summer in Philadelphia:
Land Tours
Big Bus Tours - Double-decker buses with on-and-off privileges stop at 20 of Philadelphia’s top attractions. Ticket price includes two free walking tours, which take place April through September. 5th & Market Streets, (866) 3BIG-BUSConstitutional Walking Tour - Follow in the Founding Fathers' footsteps with The Constitutional, a 75-minute tour visiting more than 15 popular historical sites and attractions in America's most historic square mile. (215) 525-1776
I-Glide Tours - This two-an-a-half to three-hour guided tour of Boathouse Row, Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art area takes place on the new Segway® Human Transporter, a self-propelled, two-wheeled vehicle. Reservations required. (877) GLIDE-81
Lights of Liberty - Visitors put on headphones to hear narration by celebrities that re-creates the events of 1776. During the light-and-sound show, larger-than-life images flash onto historic landmarks. PECO Energy Liberty Center, 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) LIBERTY
Once Upon A Nation - Daytime and evening Adventure Tours introduce visitors to famous faces from history, showcasing the sites and sounds of Historic Philadelphia. Some even feature Colonial meals and entertainment. Themes include: Tippler’s Tour, Hunt for Democracy and Independence After Hours. Departure locations vary. (800) 537-7676,
Philadelphia Trolley Works - This longtime Philadelphia company offers several options for touring town:
- Victorian Trolley Tours -A 90-minute narrated tour through Center City on a Victorian-style jitney makes 20 stops with on-and-off privileges. 5th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets
- Horse Drawn Carriage Tours -Driver-narrated tours vary from 15 minutes to one hour. 5th & Chestnut Streets and 6th & Market Streets
- Double Decker Bus Tours -A 90-minute narrated tour through Center City on a red, white and blue double-decker bus makes 20 stops with on-and-off privileges. 5th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets
Land and Water Combination Tours
Philadelphia Trolley Works LandShark Tours - Land-and-water tours in next-generation amphibious vehicles wind through Old City and the Historic District and hit the water in Northeast Philadelphia. 5th & Market StreetsRide the Ducks - The city’s largest amphibious sightseeing tour of the Historic District, South Street area, Old City and the Delaware River laces humor with history and features the popular "quacker" noisemakers. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 227-DUCK
SuperDucks - Eighty-minute land-and-water excursion visits Old City before plunging into the Delaware in Northeast Philadelphia. 5th Street between Market & Chestnut Streets, (866) 823-DUCK
Delaware River Water Tours
RiverLink Harbor Tours - This 90-minute narrated Delaware River tour cruises to the Philadelphia Navy Yard and the Camden Waterfront. Walnut Street & Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-LINK,Spirit of Philadelphia - The Spirit of Philadelphia sails several times a day offering afternoon and evening tours on the Delaware River. You can select a lunch or dinner cruise. Midnight cruises are offered on the weekend. (215) 923-4354