Cultural & Theme Tours in Pennsylvania

See the dark side of Philly during this adult night tour developed by a local university professor. Not for the faint of heart, this tour uncovers Philadelphia's R-rated sites and stories, from vampires, pirate ghost ships, and haunted attractions to torture, executions, and the red light district. You'll also visit historical attractions and see the sights illuminated at night. This tour is not suitable for children.

Uncover Philadelphia's dark past, and visit some of its most famous landmarks besides, on this macabre, small-group walking tour of Center City. Meet your guide (a college professor or trained historian), and set off to sights ranging from Betsy Ross House and Elfreth's Alley to Christ Church and beyond. As you go, listen to ghost stories, legends about famous serial killers, and other spooky tales. The tour concludes with a beverage or moonshine sample.

Take in the cultural diversity of South Philadelphia on this 3.5-hour guided tour through its historic neighborhoods. See the art of Isaiah Zagar, a local mosaic mural artist, whose work is on display throughout the city, including Magic Gardens (admission included). Visit the 9th Street Italian Market, America's oldest outdoor market, and sample some food. Catch a public bus to South Street, with its eclectic blend of shops, bars and eateries, and walk along Fabric Row, America's largest concentration of fabric shops. There's something for everyone in South Philly.

Explore three bars in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood on this guided, 3-hour, Oktoberfest Halloween and Haunted Tavern Tour. Sample beverages from marzen lagers to moonshine, and enjoy Halloween and Oktoberfest treats. Hear ghost stories and play trivia and drinking games while traveling through some of the city's most haunted spots.

Discover the birthplace of America on this 90-minute guided walking tour through the country's most historic area in Philadelphia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Independence National Historical Park and more than 20 other historic sites on this 1.25-mile trek, including the National Constitution Center, where the tour begins (and ends), plus Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, Betsy Ross House and Declaration House, and many more. This seasonal tour operates rain or shine, but only during the warmer months of April to November.

Retrace the footsteps of Benjamin Franklin and his fellow patriots during the founding of a nation on this guided, 75-minute walking tour. Discover colonial Philadelphia's historic past and visit some of the city's landmark locations, like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenters' Hall, and much more.

With Philadelphia's rich history and litany of firsts, it comes as no surprise that the 9th Street Italian Market is America's oldest outdoor market. Take a 2-hour, guided stroll through the streets of this South Philadelphia neighborhood, with its bakeries, markets and gourmet specialty food stores. Sample authentic Philadelphia foods, like the world-famous Philly Cheese Steak, the city's signature sandwich, and local farm fare. Select from a seemingly endless variety of food items - cheeses, chocolates, fresh fruits and vegetables, deli and baked goods and much more.

Journey back in time on a guided, 1-hour carriage ride through the tree-lined streets of historic Philadelphia. Visit Philly's Independence National Historical Park, Society Hill and Old City. This leisurely ride features famous locations like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth Alley, and much more.

Journey back to the time when Vikings navigated the seas in search of new lands with Vikings: Beyond the Legend, making its North American Premiere at The Franklin Institute this fall.  Who were the Vikings? How did they live? How did their belief, skills, and culture influence our modern world?Featuring more than 600 treasured artifacts balanced with interactive technology, striking multimedia, augmented reality, plus dramatic Viking ship reconstructions - this captivating new exhibition reveals the true story of the explorers who set sail from Scandinavia centuries ago, and highlights their impact on the modern world.    What to Expect   - 600 Artifacts -  Full-size 21-foot replica Viking Ship -  Activities about everyday life -  Authentic Viking games - Norse mythology