Essence of South Philly tour

Información

Take on the diversity of Philly in the best way possible – local style! Begin your Philadelphia neighborhood tour on the ever-colorful South Street. Follow your local guide through the streets of the Bella Vista neighborhood for your first glimpse of some beautiful mosaics. We'll swing by a historic deli, duck into a tempting bakery, and marvel at the sights, smells, and sounds of the famous Italian Market.

The market is the oldest and largest everyday open-air market in America, and you'll soon understand why it is one of Philly's must-see attractions. Tempt your taste buds as we wander past the myriad of local stores carrying everything from cheese, chocolate, spices, and olive oils, to the best bakeries, butcher shops, and produce stalls. We'll take the time to mix with business owners and residents, taste some samples, and hear stories of early immigrants to the city. It was also here that Rocky ran through the streets on one of his famous training runs — feel free to recreate this scene yourself!

We'll continue this Philadelphia city tour with Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, which showcases the mosaic art of Isaiah Zagar. This amazing place includes a fully mosaicked indoor gallery and a massive outdoor labyrinthine mosaic structure. Here your guide will fill you in on the local tales of this area, giving you the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have about this classic Philly spot.

From the Magic Gardens, we catch a local bus for a ride down Philly's eclectic and dynamic South Street (Tues – Fri.), or to Philly's iconic and historic Pine Street (Sat. – Sun.). After your local public transit experience, we walk into one of the country's most historic neighborhoods, Queen Village, to explore its tiny streets and soak in the character of this charming corner of Philadelphia.

Finally, we stroll past Fabric Row, America's largest concentration of fabric shops, before finishing the tour back on South Street for a chance to ask your local guide where you should eat, drink, and shop after the tour.

Meeting/pick-up point: Corner of 9th & South Streets, outside New Image Art & Framing.
Duration: Three and-a half hour.
Start/opening time: At 10.
End/closing time: At 1.30pm.
Languages: English.