Looking to experience some of the most unique eating and drinking options in Philadelphia? We have compiled a list of the best food and drink themed tours on offer.
(Photo: Paul Stafford)
Philly is well-known for a few really iconic foods: cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, scrapple and made-to-order food from the Wawa are all local favorites, some of which enjoying international acclaim as well. When in Philadelphia, the best way to sample some of the best food and drink in the city is with a local guide. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best Philly food and drink tours, basing our choices on factors such as the value for money, quality of food options and previous customer reviews.
South Philly: People, Places & Italian Market Flavors
Philadelphia’s famed 9th Street Italian Market is the perfect place to get a taste of the city’s best food and local culture. You’ll learn all about the local history, meet some local vendors and, as you explore South Philly’s Bella Vista neighborhood on foot, make stops at various local haunts where you can buy various foods. You’ll pass bakeries, historic delis and all the vibrant stalls of the Italian market itself. This tour also passes the famous intersection where Geno’s and Pat’s, the main cheesesteak joints in town, face off. Please note, food is not included in the price. From $35 per person.
Flavors of Philly Food Tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For a tour that includes tastings in the price, at no fewer than five different stops along the way, look no further than the Flavors of Philly tour. Over two and a half hours you’ll visit plenty of eateries beloved by locals. Make sure to bring an appetite in order to munch your way through a cheesesteak, tomato pie, Cheese Whiz fries, and a soft pretzel. You’ll also get to sample something sweet at the Reading Terminal Market. From $52 per person.
Philadelphia Craft Beer and Brewing History Tour
Only for the over-21 crowd, the happy hour pub crawl is a great way to skip right to the fun part and meet some new people at the same time. During this beer-tasting tour you’ll drop by local breweries and try three pints of beer along the way. A snack is also included in the ticket price of this two-hour tour. Group sizes are limited to 12 so that things do not get too out of hand and the local guide will also provide interesting information about the area. The bar selection is tailored to fit the group’s preferences on the day. From $68 per person.
Cheesesteak Tour of Philadelphia by Segway
(Photo: Viator.com)
Combining two of humanity’s finest achievements: the Segway and the Philly Cheesesteak, this tour proves that there is no better way to both see and taste the city of Philadelphia. The two-hour trip works through the highlights of South Philly, stopping at no fewer than five of the most revered cheesesteak purveyors along the way. Naturally, free samples are thrown in too. You’ll also pass through Chinatown which, unconventionally, also has a few places to try a cheesesteak as well. From $91 per person.
Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise with Buffet
Dining by the water is always great, but dining on the water is even more unique. This three-hour cruise departs from South Philly and follows the Delaware River. Onboard, enjoy an all you can eat buffet, complete with salad and dessert bars and at least four entree options. Live entertainment and a DJ set the tempo and the tone as your evening continues. If that was not enough, you can gaze at the Philadelphia skyline as you cruise down the river in style. Drinks cost an additional fee to the ticket price. Tours depart from Fri to Sun. From $108 per person.