Essence of South Philly
Philadelphia, USA
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
The spirit of Rocky lives on in South Philly! Join this Philidelphia tour to see just how diverse this gritty city is. From Jewish delis to Italian markets, churches, cemeterys, and public art, South Philly is a slice of the real Philly.
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Highlights
- Explore South Philadelphia with a local guide
- Get to know the real South Philly as you learn about the neighbourhood from a local perspective
- Discover the state's oldest church and the nation's first shot factory
- Wander among the colourful stalls and enjoy the tastes of the shops, cafes, and restaurants at the world-famous Italian Market
- Admire unique mosaic art and finish on Philly's eclectic South Street
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4 hours
- Meeting point:
4th Street Deli at the corner of 4th and Bainbridge Streets.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.30 AM
- Ending point:
Jim's Cheesesteaks at the corner of 4th and South Streets.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, food samples, admission to the mosaic gallery and store tours.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Take on South Philly in the best way possible - local style! Begin your tour of South Philadelphia at one of the oldest Jewish delicatessens in the city, where you can either enjoy breakfast before the tour or buy some of the wonderful treats from the bakery to take with you (or both - no judgement!).
Once you've had your fix of baked goods, we'll walk through some of the quaint streets and past local homes of Philly’s Queen Village neighbourhood. As we tour Philly, there will be a chance to see some of the 3,000 murals that decorate the city, before we reach Gloria Dei (Old Swede’s) Church, Pennsylvania’s oldest. At this National Historic Site, learn about both Revolutionary War soldiers and ordinary citizens from colonial times buried in its cemetery, and walk into 300 years of history at this beautiful church.
Next, walk on to the Sparks Shot Tower, America’s first shot factory. After a short break at one of the area’s charming local coffee shops, continue on through the Bella Vista neighborhood. Here, experience Philly’s strong Italian heritage, and, if you’re lucky, watch a game at a park designated for local bocce leagues. A short stroll from here brings us to the bakeries, spice stores, cafes, Italian food stores, and market stalls of the 9th Street Market.
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!
After lunch at the market, we'll continue this Philadelphia city tour and walk on to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, which showcases the mosaic art of Isaiah Zagar. This amazing place includes a fully mosaiced 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.
Finally end the tour on South Street, famous for its bohemian mix of clothes, jewelry, gift and music stores. Stay on after the tour finishes to shop, eat and drink on Philadelphia’s most eclectic street - there's plenty to keep you entertained in this area!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, food samples, admission to the mosaic gallery and store tours.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: A good pair of comfortable walking shoes is advisable. Make sure to check the weather report for rain!
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
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Local contact
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