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Get to know the city’s stunning collection by taking a public tour with Mural Arts.

Weave through the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, getting great views of the city by foot, by vehicle, by train, or virtually! Take in the iconic imagery that makes us the Mural Capital of the World, and learn about Philly’s beautiful visual history from professional tour guides.

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Mural Arts Philadelphia

Uniting artists and communities through collaborative art projects that transform public spaces and individual lives.

Since its founding in 1984 , Mural Arts Philadelphia has created nearly 4,000 artworks to transform public spaces. Artists from within Philadelphia and around the world create murals alongside members of the community. With each new artwork, Mural Arts aims to:

• Empower individuals, neighborhoods, and community groups.
• Start conversations that bring people together.

Program focus areas

• Youth education
• Restorative justice
• Mental and behavioral health and wellness
• Public art and its preservation

Mural tours

Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic collection, which has earned Philadelphia recognition as the City of Murals.

Looking for more information?

You can find Mural Art’s full content on our separate website.

Jane Golden has been the driving force of Mural Arts Philadelphia since 1984, overseeing its growth from a small city agency into the nation’s largest public art program. Under Golden’s direction, Mural Arts has created over 4,000 works of public art through innovative collaborations. In partnership with a range of city agencies, she has developed groundbreaking and rigorous programs that work through art to make strides in youth education, restorative justice, and behavioral health.

Sought after nationally and internationally as an expert on urban transformation through art, Golden has received numerous awards for her work, including the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship Award and Philadelphia Magazine’s Trailblazer Award. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and serves on the Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council, the Penn Museum Advisory Committee, and the board of directors of The Heliotrope Foundation.

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March 08, 2022

Take a neighborhood walking tour this spring with Mural Arts Philadelphia

People can get the backstories on public art in south philly, center city and germantown.

Mural Arts Philadelphia is hosting three new neighborhood walking tours this spring in Center City, Germantown and South Philadelphia. Above is 'The Phillies Mural' by David McShane, at 2400 Walnut St.

As the weather starts to warm, Philadelphia residents are beginning to spend times outdoors again. 

Mural Arts Philadelphia is hosting three new neighborhood  walking tours  this spring, along with a new self-guided walking tour accessible by phone. The guided tours take visitors through South Philadelphia, Center City and Germantown. 

RELATED:  Philadelphia walking tour showcases important women in art, medicine and culture

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $18 for children ages 12 and younger. Each tour option was selected to showcase the best (and often the most historical) pieces of public art in the neighborhoods. 

Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, and has a limited number of spots available. They each begin at 2 p.m. on their respective dates. 

Beginning Saturday, people can join Mural Arts at Broad and Tasker streets for "South Philadelphia's Endless Pastabilities," a walking tour set among the expansive food offerings in South Philly and Passyunk Square. 

This tour highlights the smaller, often hidden murals on small buildings and walkways in the neighborhood. 

Guides will share the history behind the murals, set in the context of the community as a whole. Some of the highlights include "South Philly Musicians Remix" by Eric Okdeah and "Watchtowers" by Joe Boruchow. The tour ends at 12th and Morris streets. 

There are additional dates for the South Philly tour on April 3, April 30 and May 21. 

Beginning Sunday, people can take a walk through Center City with "Mural Mile Center City West," a tour that focuses on the sprawling murals that cover some of the busiest sections of the city. 

The tour will begin at 18th and Market streets and take guests through Rittenhouse Square and to the Schuylkill River. Guides will tell stories of the city's history and its leaders — both past and present. They will showcase the history of public art in the city as Mural Arts approaches its 40th birthday. 

Highlights include the  Phillies Mural  overlooking the Schuylkill River Trail, as well as  "Untitled"  by Momo, which spans 12 stories of office towers on Market Street. The tour begins at the Sonesta Hotel and ends at Rittenhouse Square. 

There are additional dates for the Center City West tour on April 2, April 24 and May 15. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mural Arts Philadelphia (@muralarts)

On Saturday, March 19, people can take a stroll through Northwest Philadelphia for a tour of "Historic Germantown." The tour will begin and end in the vicinity of Bobbie's Coffee and Books, at 5445 Germantown Ave.

The Germantown walking tour will focus on public art as a form of community engagement, using the neighborhood's murals as stepping stones toward urban development. 

Guides will discuss the history and significance of Germantown as it relates to the story of Philadelphia as a whole. One of the highlights is "Growing Up in Germantown" by Ann Northrup. 

There are additional dates for the Germantown tour on April 10, May 8 and May 28. 

People who would rather take their time can take a self-guided tour of any of the murals in the city. The "Engage By Cell" self-guided tour is easy to start, and has no time limit. Simply text the word "MURAL" to (215) 608-1866, and using your phone's GPS system, a map will appear with different murals around the city. 

Mural Arts Spring Walking Tours

Various dates 2 p.m. | $18-25 Center City, Germantown, South Philadelphia

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Explore the nearly 4,000 murals in Philadelphia on these tours

• Published: Apr. 08, 2019, 12:46 p.m.

"Philadelphia Muses" by Meg Saligman is part of the Mural Arts Mural Mile walking tour. You can find this mural at 1235 Locust St. Photo by Steve Weinik.

• Julia Hatmaker | [email protected]

Philadelphia is the “City of Murals,” with nearly 4,000 pieces of art decorating the city’s buildings and walls.

So what’s the best way to explore this massive citywide outdoor art gallery?

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the public art program responsible for many of the outdoor artwork decorating the City of Brotherly Love. It helps create 60 to 100 public art projects a year, all while maintaining the pieces already out and about in the city.

Tap into their expert network by taking one of the Mural Arts tours from spring through fall. There are a variety of tours to choose from, including tours by trains, vehicles, segways and bikes -- as well as the more traditional walking tour. You won’t be able to hit up all the city’s murals (remember how we said there are nearly 4,000?), but you will get to see a good chunk.

This year, Mural Arts is adding some new stops and tour routes.

View this post on Instagram The holiday season will be here before you know it. Get your loved ones prints of Philly’s favorite murals and installations. Shop through the link in our bio. A post shared by Meg Saligman Studio (@megsaligmanstudio) on Nov 5, 2018 at 2:02pm PST

There’s the “Frankford, Fishtown and Farther” vehicle tour, which showscases murals on former factory buildings, including “Rippling Moon” by Meg Saligman (pictured above), “Industrious Light: Ortleib’s Brewery” by Phillip Adams and “The Stamp of Incarceration” by Shepard Fairey. The tour costs $32 for adults and $28 for children and students.

View this post on Instagram Loved the cheerleader performance to close out the dedication #muralarts A post shared by Ben Volta (@benvolta) on Nov 28, 2018 at 1:55pm PST

The “Immigrating South” vehicle tour is all about South Philadelphia and the cultures that make that neighborhood great. Among the murals you’ll see and learn about are “Parts Per Million” by Ben Volta (pictured above), “Migrating Home” by Shira Walinsky and “South Philly Musicians Remix” by Eric Okdeh. The tour costs $32 for adults and $28 for children and students.

View this post on Instagram Mural progress report. Thank you @okdehmurals and crew for all your work! ✌🏽️ A post shared by Isaac T Lin (@isaactinweilin) on Sep 3, 2015 at 11:54am PDT

“The Art of Observation” walking tour will guide you through Mural Mile in Center City before concluding with a guided visit of One Liberty Observation Deck’s Philly from the Top, which offers stunning views of the city. Among the murals you’ll see are “Sanctuary” by James Burns, “How to Turn Anything into Something Else” by The Miss Rockaway Armada” and “Start From Here” by Isaac Tin Wei Lin. The tour costs $28.

Check out the full offerings of Mural Art Tours, divided by their mode of transport, below. As a note, advance reservations are encouraged for all tours and required for the Art of Observation Tour and the bicycle tour. Unless otherwise noted, you can buy your tickets for these tours at muralarts.org or by calling 215-925-3633.

Mural Arts Philadelphia offers vehicle tours of several neighborhoods to view public art. Photo by Steve Weinik for Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Vehicle Tours

• Masterpieces East
• Masterpieces West
• Spring Garden and Beyond
• Frankford, Fishtown and Farther
• Immigrating South

Tours offered vary week to week. 10 a.m.-noon Fridays June 7-Aug.30, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays April 6-Nov. 30. Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Cost: $32 adults, $28 children and students.

"Garden of Delight" by David Guinn. You can find it at 230 S. Sartain St. in Philadelphia. It's part of the Mural Mile walking tour. Photo by Steve Weinik.

Walking Tours

11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays April 6-Nov. 30, additional 4 p.m. Saturdays tour May 4-September. Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Cost: $23.

11 a.m. Wednesdays June 26-Aug. 28. Depart from the Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall E. Cost: $23.

• The Art of Observation Tour

2-4:30 p.m. second Sunday of the month April 14-Aug. 11. Departs from One Liberty Observation Deck, 1650 Market St. Cost: $28. Advance reservations are required.

One of the many "Love Letter" murals by Steve Powers. Photo by Adam Wallacavage for Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Train Tours

• Mural Arts Love Letter Train Tour (50 rooftop murals)

10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, 1-2:30 p.m. Sundays Labor Day-Memorial Day. Departs from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Cost: $23.

An augmented reality mural is coming to Philadelphia

Your cellphone will transform the mural into a living work of art when the app is unveiled on Oct. 9.

Segway Tours

• Mural Arts Segway Tour (Spring Garden and Northern Liberties neighborhood murals)

9:30-11:30 a.m. every day. Departs from Philly Tour Hub, Pier 5, 7 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia. Cost: $85. Tickets must be purchased at phillytourhub.com .

Best mural ever? There's a massive Philadelphia Eagles mural by Lincoln Financial Field

It's also happens to be the fifth largest mural in the country.

• Mural Arts Bike Tour (public artwork from Center City to Manayunk)

Various times and dates. Departs from Fairmount Bicycles, 2015 Fairmount Ave. Cost: Varies, includes bike rental. Advance reservations required.

Julia Hatmaker may be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @JuliaHatmaker . Start your day in the know by signing up for our newsletter, “Good Morning, Pennsylvania.”

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Urban Escapist

A Day in Philadelphia: Walking Mural Arts Tour

Street art is a great, free way to learn about a city and see its sights. Walking through different neighborhoods is best for getting a feel for the city and the people who live in it. I decided to do just that in Philadelphia after coming across Mural Arts, which provides a free self-guided walking mural tour map . I downloaded the map on my phone and followed it throughout the city.

The mural map includes a north and a south route, but I skipped around and did some of both. Not only does the map mark some pretty impressive murals, you’ll also see plenty of street art that’s not marked on the map because they’re not officially part of the Mural Arts program. You’ll also pass by sights and neighborhoods like City Hall, Chinatown, Independence Mall, and Franklin Square.

You probably want to get some food before you start your walk and you’ll definitely get hungry at some point along the way. I started my day at Harper’s Garden for brunch, a restaurant with plant-filled outdoor seating that’s perfect for photos. From Harper’s Garden, it’s just a few blocks to city hall and the tail end of the northern walking route.

After a full day of walking through the city, it’s nice to end with dinner and drinks. There are plenty of options to choose from within walking distance, but I chose to take a Lyft to Bok Bar because the view looked amazing. And it was. Bok Bar is a seasonal bar located on the outdoor terrace of the historic Bok building. It’s highlight is the view of the Philadelphia skyline, but the food at the time I went was a mixed bag. Still, it’s worth a visit to rest your feet before heading home.

Have you taken a walking mural tour in Philly or in your own city? Let me know in the comments and then check out this YouTube video to go with this post!

If you liked this, check these out:

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Self-Guided Walking Tour

Take a stroll through the neighborhood around Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens at your leisure and learn more about the incredible mosaic murals in our area. This self-guided tour will give you some insight into the history and stories behind some of Isaiah Zagar’s public mosaic works!

You can also view a map of Isaiah Zagar’s six fully-mosaicked Art Environments in Philadelphia .

For a full map of the mosaic murals in Philadelphia, check out our mosaic mural map .

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30 Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tours of Greater Philadelphia

How to do philly your own way — and at your own pace....

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Sometimes the best way to learn something new — or discover history that’s hidden in plain sight — is to explore on your own.

Take advantage of these self-guided driving and walking tours of Greater Philadelphia that put you in control of when and how you explore top attractions and important historical sites.

Great for solo excursions or small groups, these self-guided explorations (many of which are free!) are an excellent way to uncover interesting facts about Philadelphia — and encounter surprises along the way.

Philly’s self-guided tours also span a wide range of interests. Get an immersive history lesson on the nation’s Founding Fathers; take your time exploring significant stops along the Underground Railroad; learn the story behind the city’s jaw-dropping architecture; or indulge in a curated culinary journey sampling the city’s most quintessential foods.

Want a little more interactivity? Some experiences offer scavenger hunts that let you upload photos of their finds, while others include augmented reality apps that transform the world in front of your eyes.

Check out our guide below for a list of great self-guided walking and driving tours to help you explore Philadelphia and the Countryside on your own.

History: Black History

7th ward legacy reclaimed self-guided tours.

The art and history experience Legacy Reclaimed: A 7th Ward Tribute honors the lives — and lesser-known history — of 19th-century Black residents of Philadelphia’s old 7th Ward. An important part of the Underground Railroad and Great Migration, the 7th Ward was the former home to 15,000 Black residents including Octavius V. Catto and W.EB. Du Bois. Legacy Reclaimed ’s self-guided tour brochure takes you to two dozen historically significant homes, landmarks and institutions throughout what is now known as Society Hill and Washington Square West .

Where: Various locations including Church of the Crucifixion, 807 Bainbridge Street

Anti-Slavery Walking Tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphians were heavily involved in the abolitionist movement, and the Underground Railroad passed through the city, helping enslaved people find freedom here and north into Canada. Two free audio tours from The Philadelphia Inquirer guide people through Old City and Society Hill and around Northwest Philadelphia to visit anti-slavery landmarks like Congo Square (now Washington Square ), a convening space and burial ground for the Black community; and Germantown’s Johnson House Historic Site , which served as an Underground Railroad stop and may have even hosted Harriet Tubman.

Where: Various locations including Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, 419 S. 6th Street

Black History Historical Marker Tour from The Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia’s history is rich with important moments involving the Black community , many of which aren’t tied to a specific attraction. Fortunately, historical markers around the city help preserve these legacies. This map from The Philadelphia Inquirer can help you wind your way through the city and learn more about 19th- and 20th-century painter Henry Ossawa Tanner; the Christian Street YMCA, where a young Wilt Chamberlain got his start; and Laura Wheeler Waring, who painted portraits of W.E.B. DuBois and Marian Anderson.

Where: Various locations including the Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut Street

Sweet Chariot: The Long Journey Through Time

Part walking tour, part high-tech scavenger hunt, Sweet Chariot empowers visitors to uncover history that is often hidden in plain sight. Using a map and a smartphone app, visitors search for murals, plaques and other landmarks to unlock immersive videos and clues as they trace hidden stories of the Black struggle for freedom in Philadelphia. The experience begins in Washington Square and ultimately leads to the final resting place of Amelia Brown, who was uncovered in an 18th-century graveyard during a construction project in 2013.

Where: Various locations including Washington Square Park, 210 W. Washington Square

History: The American Revolution

The nps app for independence national historical park.

The National Park Service’s free official app offers a complete guide to what’s been dubbed the most historic square mile in the United States . Choose from one of five self-guided audio tours (on topics like civil rights and Benjamin Franklin ) or use the interactive map to explore the 35 included sites at your own pace. Bonus: Kiddos can sign the Declaration of Independence, ring the Liberty Bell and more in a separate Junior Ranger app .

Where: Various locations including Franklin Court, 317 Chestnut Street

Official Audio Tour of Valley Forge National Historical Park

No battles were fought in Valley Forge , but the time the Continental Army encamped here in 1777 and 1778 went down as one of the Revolutionary War’s most trying periods. Take a deep dive into Valley Forge’s history at your own pace via the park’s official audio tour, available for purchase to stream or on CD . Drive through the park, accompanied by period music, while character voices help you envision the 18th-century encampment during a 60-minute tour.

Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia

History: LGBTQ+ History

Lgbtq+ history tour from the philadelphia inquirer.

Philadelphia was the site of the country’s first major demonstration for LGBTQ+ rights, the Annual Reminders , in 1965. But Philly’s history of equality activism long predates that and continues today, as evidenced by the city’s public art, historical markers and notable LGBTQ+ institutions that honor people and events that paved the way. This self-guided LGBTQ+ history tour from The Philadelphia Inquirer visits many of these sites, including the historic marker for John Fryer, who helped declassify homosexuality as a mental illness, and Giovanni’s Room, the country’s longest-running LGBTQ+ bookstore.

Where: Various locations including Annual Reminders Marker, South 6th Street & Chestnut Street

History: Specific Attractions

Audio tour of old pine church.

Founded in 1768, Old Pine Church became known as “the Church of Patriots” during the Revolutionary War, thanks to parishioners like John Adams and other prominent Founding Fathers. Today, the church grounds serve as the final resting place for more than 200 veterans of the Revolutionary War. Visitors can download a free smartphone app to hear narrated stories about those who are buried at Old Pine and their enduring impact on the nation’s history.

Where: Old Pine Street Church, 412 Pine Street

IWalk at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza

Tour the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza with interactive testimonials from real Holocaust survivors and witnesses . The IWalk app offers custom self-guided tours of the space spanning three major topics (history, propaganda and antisemitism) along with historical pictures, contexts, maps and discussion questions. All tours are available in both English and Spanish, and tours can be tailored to middle school, high school or general public audiences. IWalk is free to download and available on iOS or Android.

Where: Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza, 16th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery

This circa-1836 Northwest Philly cemetery with picturesque views of the Schuylkill River offers more than pleasant outdoor strolling. Download the cemetery’s free app and venture out on one of three themed tours — Art & Architecture; Pop Culture & Contemporary Stories; and Lore & Legends — to visit permanent residents like Sarah Josepha Hale (author of Mary Had a Little Lamb ) and former Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry Kalas. Pair a visit with gorgeous bike- and pedestrian-friendly Kelly Drive via the park’s southwest entrance , or explore nearby East Falls’ dining offerings (like pasta at the romantic BYOB Fiorino, or rustic wood-oven pizza from In Riva).

Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue

History: Assorted

Philadelphia's lost waterfront.

Before highways and new construction, Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront was a national hub of trade and commerce. There, businesses were built, deals were struck, fortunes were made and devastating diseases were spread. This 2-mile audio tour along the Delaware River waterfront dives deep into Philly’s maritime history, from the enterprises that began on Philly’s riverside to the long-lost caves where early Quakers once lived.

Where: Starts at Christ Church, 20 N. American Street

Philadelphia Historic Architecture Tours

As the nation’s birthplace, nearly every brick and stone in Philly has a story to tell, and Philadelphia Historic Architecture Tours offer two compelling self-guided tour options. The Road to Revolution: A Colonial Philadelphia Walking Tour explores some of the most significant events that took place in and around Old City, while the Philadelphia Architecture Tour: From the Gilded Age to the Postmodern Present highlights the stylings of iconic buildings throughout Center City and around City Hall , spanning Baroque, Victorian Gothic, Art Deco and more. Tours are available to purchase through VoiceMap website or via the VoiceMap iOS and Android app.

Where: Various locations including Masonic Temple, 1 N. Broad Street

Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Barns of Bucks County

Have you checked out the historic barns of Bucks County ? No? Well, you’re missing out. Our partners at Visit Bucks County have partnered with the Heritage Conservancy to create this self-guided driving tour of more than 30 historic barns, split between Upper and Central Bucks County. Look forward to rolling hills, pretty back roads and, as promised, cute barns.

Where: Various locations including the Thompson-Neely Barn, 1632 River Road, Washington Crossing

Self-Guided Driving Tour of Brandywine Valley's Covered Bridges

Charming covered bridges dot Chester County ’s Brandywine Valley, located south and west of Philadelphia. Explore 14 of them — with one dating all the way back to 1850 — via this self-guided driving tour from our partners at the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau. Don’t forget your camera!

Where: Various locations including the Pine Grove Covered Bridge, Forge Road, Oxford

Self-Guided Driving Tour of Bucks County’s Covered Bridges

Bucks County, less than an hour north of Philadelphia, is home to 12 picturesque covered bridges, each over 150 years old. Visit Bucks County’s self-guided driving tour guides you through the preserved bridges (literally), as you explore the innovative construction style pioneered by legendary American architect Ithiel Town. Each bridge also has its own story to tell, from the illuminated Pine Valley bridge (nearly 200 years old!) to the totally-not-haunted Van Sant bridge.

Where: Various locations including Van Sant Covered Bridge, Covered Bridge Road, New Hope

Self-Guided Tours from USHistory.org

Seven free and enlightening self-guided walking tours of Philly await online, courtesy of the nonprofit Independence Hall Association. Each comprehensive tour shines a small light on sights both iconic ( Independence Hal l, LOVE Park ) and sometimes overlooked ( American Street in Society Hill, Musical Fund Hall in Washington Square West) in Center City and Northwest Philly.

Where: Various locations including Musical Fund Hall, 808 Locust Street

SelfTour of Historic Philadelphia

For a comprehensive look at one of Philly’s most history-rich neighborhoods, check out the SelfTour of Historic Philadelphia (available for $9.99 for both Apple and Android ). Users embark on a two-and-a-half-mile journey to more than 50 sites, including stops at lesser-known spots like the Dolley Todd House and the site where Ben Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment. Bonus: Hear a recreation of the sound of the Liberty Bell, last heard in 1846. Can’t do it all in one day? Maybe a stay in one of the district’s hotels is in order.

Where: Various locations including The Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street

The Constitutional Walking Tour App

Learn more about the many historic sites throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District on this 75-minute, 1.25-mile self-guided walking tour from the folks behind the popular Constitutional Walking Tours . More than 20 attractions are included, from the iconic (Independence Hall) to the lesser-known (Old City Hall). The app costs $18.99 and is available for both Android and Apple .

Where: Various locations including the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

Arts & Culture

Overtime from monument lab.

Explore the living history of Philadelphia starting from atop the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art via this free augmented reality app . Created by public art and history studio Monument Lab , the app offers self-guided tours of the space and art around the museum through three different tour options guided by Philly poet-activist-heroine Ursula Rucker. The app is currently available for iOS and for Android .

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Tours from Mural Arts Philadelphia

See how Philadelphia earned its “City of Murals” moniker on one of two free self-guided tours from Mural Arts Philadelphia . The Mural Mile tour guides users to 50 Center City murals mostly on or near Broad Street, while the Love Letter Market Frankford Trail Line follows 30 lovely West Philly murals that can be viewed from the elevated Market Frankford subway line or on foot. Or create your own tour using the site’s mobile-friendly interactive map (then learn more about specific artworks here ).

Where: Various locations including Untitled Amy Sherald Project, 1118 Sansom Street

Self-Guided Tours from the Association for Public Art

Take a deep dive into one of the largest collections of public art in America on the Association for Public Art’s free self-guided tours. The biggie is the Museum Without Walls audio program, which offers expert insight into more than 75 outdoor artworks in Center City and Fairmount Park (available via mobile app , phone, audio download or online.) The organization has also compiled eight smaller tours , focusing on works on Kelly Drive, around City Hall, around the Philadelphia Museum of Art and more.

Where: Various locations including the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Self-Guided Walking Tour by Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

A winding, tessellated labyrinth designed by local artist Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is known for its vibrant ceramics, colored glass, mirror tiles and found art. This free self-guided excursion takes you to see over a dozen different Zagar mosaic sites around South Street , and provides the stories, history and insights behind the artist’s distinct works.

Where: Various locations including Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street

The Rocky Tour Experience

Experience Philadelphia by retracing the steps of fictional boxer Rocky Balboa. Stops on this self-guided tour include the Italian Market, Mickey’s gym, Adrian’s restaurant and the iconic “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Protip: The Rocky statue now rests at the bottom of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, so strike a pose and snap a picture before you run up those 72 stairs. Take the tour at your own pace, and feel free to provide your own soundtrack. Getting strong now!

Where: Various locations including the Italian Market, South 9th Street

Food & Drink

Authentic flavors of philly self-guided tour.

This one’s for the foodies. Eat all the Philly staples on your own time with this self-guided edition of the popular Flavors of Philly food tour. The tour treats you to Philly history tidbits and fun food facts, and hits five different local stops, featuring classics like cheesesteaks, tomato pie, soft pretzels and snacks at Reading Terminal Market . Tour tickets are $16 and are good for one week after activation. All food items are pay as you go, but show your tour ticket to a cashier at any of the stops to get a sweet discount.

Where: Various locations including Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street

North 5th Street Food Guide Tours

Eat your way across the globe with these two pay-as-you-go food tours along North 5th Street in North Philadelphia. The Where Global is Local Self-Guided Food Tour lets you sample some of the neighborhood’s best internationally inspired restaurants, from Korean barbecue at Kim’s to Colombian sweet treats at La Caleñita Bakery & Cafe. Or if you’re all about that cake life, the Bakery Blocks Self-Guided Food Tour connects you to some of the neighborhood’s tastiest sweet pastries and savory breads. Full belly making it hard to walk? The Route 47 bus runs down 5th Street every five minutes.

Where: Various locations including La Caleñita Bakery & Café, 5034 N. 5th Street

Lights of North Broad Augmented Reality Tour

Augment your reality on this futuristic tour of North Broad Street. Install the free Lights of North Broad app , visit one of five featured locations along a 2-mile stretch of North Broad Street, tap the location in the app and watch history come alive. Through the magic of augmented reality, your virtual tour guide — NBC10’s Aunyea Lachelle — appears in front of you to explain the past, present and future of some of North Broad’s most pivotal spaces. Current stops can be found at The Rail Park (an urban greenspace built atop a retired railway), the Divine Lorraine (a historic hotel complex first opened in 1892), Blue Horizon (a legendary boxing venue) and more.

Where: Various locations including The Rail Park, North Broad & Noble streets

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt

Charge up your mobile device (consider bringing a portable charger!) and put on your detective’s hat for this outdoor scavenger hunt that starts on Independence Mall. Great for solo adventure seekers or small groups, this 150-object hunt is a game, knowledge test and history lesson all rolled into one. Take photos of your finds to score points and complete the challenge.

Where: Starts at Independence Mall, Chestnut and South Fifth Streets

Our Market Public Art & Visual Stories at the South 9th Street Italian Market

Created and led by artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, the Our Market project is revitalizing Philly’s South 9th Street Italian Market (also known as the 9th Street Market) with public artwork, renovated produce stands, light installations and an archive of video interviews with the market’s diverse community members. Video interviews and art descriptions can be accessed online or via QR codes at eight different stores and stalls along Ninth Street.

Where: Various locations along the South 9th Street Italian Market including Mole Poblano Restaurant, 1144 S. 9th Street

Self-Guided Tour from GPSMyCity

Download this app from the App Store or Google Play for a walking introduction to Philadelphia. Concentrated in the Historic District and around City Hall, this two-hour tour provides a crash course on 13 top attractions. Use your mobile device as both a map and an audio guide for a two-mile walk to spots like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market.

Where: Various locations including Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

More Self-Guided Tour Options

Top free things to do.

Can’t get enough of these independent excursions? Satisfy your spirit of exploration (with no commitment) at any of Philly’s free attractions and public spaces . Many of these attractions also offer self-guided tours, like the self-guided tour of the United States Mint , which highlights America’s first coining press, stunning 120-year-old glass mosaics and a view of the coining operations on the factory floor. Or stroll verdant pathways, explore 50 acres of flora and view historic landscape photos with the self-guided tour and interactive map of Bartram’s Garden .

Where: Various locations including Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard

• Tours in Philadelphia
• Center City
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods
• Public Art & Architecture

Come for Philadelphia. Stay (Over) for Philly.

The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.

Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute, or the National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution.

Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.

Which will you choose?

Related Articles

Top Things to Do with Kids in Philadelphia

Iconic Philadelphia Foods and Must-Have Philly Eats

Philly Voted Most Walkable City in America by USA Today

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The Mural Mile

A 5 km walking audio tour guide in English in Philadelphia featuring 17 highlights. This guide is free.

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Come explore the Mural Mile, 17 of Center City's most iconic murals arranged along a walking route through downtown Philadelphia's vibrant commercial districts and quaint residential streets. Download the free interactive guide of the Mural Mile and you will be led on a self-guided tour of the colorful route by the very muralists, community leaders and local celebrities that made each mural come to life. Hear the stories behind the murals like never before. Coverimage: Awesome 3d Mural by pasa47 (CC BY 2.0)

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Arch Street 2108 19106 , Philadelphia Pennsylvania , US

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The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program unites artists & communities through a collaborative process to create art that transforms public spaces & individual lives. http://muralarts.org

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• A People's Progression Towards Equality
• Tree of Knowledge
• Finding Home
• Building the City
• Garden of Delight
• Philadelphia Muses
• Women of Progress
• Pride & Progress
• Taste of Summer
• Mural at Dirty Franks
• Theater of Life
• Gimme Shelter
• Crystal Snowscape
• Mapping Courage

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Explore outdoors: guided mural tours make interesting urban adventure.

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The buildings, walls and fences of Sacramento have become a canvas for local artists.

Walking around the streets and alleys of Sacramento has become an adventure for those seeking colorful works of art.

The art is free for anyone walking down the street to look at, but if you'd like help finding them and understanding the story behind the murals, Fleet Feet is now offering guided walking tours.

"We will take people and explore the back alleys and street corners and things like that you wouldn’t see if you were driving by and that’s the beauty of coming on these walking tours," said Kim Parrino, the events planner for Fleet Feet.

The tours are 2.5 to 3 miles in length and last a couple of hours. Parrino said they can expect to see 20-25 murals during the tour.

While Parrino spends most of her days organizing races like the Shamrock'n Half-Marathon, she said this event is open to anyone who wishes to take a leisurely stroll through the city.

"We’ve done a lot on the background of who painted them, what the meaning is behind some of these, their techniques and things like that that," Parrino said. "They wouldn’t normally know if they are just driving by or catching one on the fly."

The tours, which are already sold out for the month of May, are $25 per person and must be booked in advance. Visitors can always organize their own mural tour by logging onto the Wide Open Walls website.

On the page, you will find a handy map that shows the location of nearly 200 murals across Sacramento.

Visitors can highlight the murals they wish to see in person, and the page will create a Google Map with walking directions, distance and estimated time to visit the selections.

Walking from mural to mural, you may also discover new art that hasn't even made it on the map.

Parrino said it's an ever-changing landscape of new art and the perfect place to set out on an urban adventure of discovery.

Visit the Fleet Feet website for more information and to make a reservation for an upcoming tour.

To design your own walk, you can find the Wide Open Walls Map here .

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