AIRBNB EXPERIENCES

Things to do in Philadelphia

Book unique activities hosted by local experts on Airbnb.

Activities led by local experts

Discover unique experiences hosted by inspiring locals.

0 of 0 items showing

1 of 3 pages

5 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

Eat your way through South Philly with a food journalist

Join a food journalist for a behind-the-scenes walking tour through South Philadelphia's food scene as you explore the many flavors and cultures that make this neighborhood so special. . • You’ll beyond the typical food tour as I share stories gathered from personal interviews and deep relationships with South Philly’s business owners and chefs. • Experience the neighborhood’s vibrant cultural tapestry woven from generations of immigrants as you sample everything from rugelach and banh mi to tacos and cannoli. • Finish the day at a hidden gem of a wine shop, where we’ll enjoy a glass as we reflect on the stories we’ve heard and food we tasted. More than just leaving satisfied with the delicious dishes you’ve sampled, you’ll walk away with a true appreciation for the rich history that solidifies South Philadelphia as a true melting pot of diverse cultures and ethnicities.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Paint date night portraits guided by a muralist

Experience a one-of-a-kind group date night in my studio, where painting a portrait of your partner—or a new connection—becomes a fun and meaningful way to bond. No painting experience needed—just bring your curiosity and an open heart! All supplies are included. • After an icebreaker, I’ll guide you through acrylic painting basics, including brush techniques and color mixing. • Working on a 12x16-inch canvas, you’ll sketch your portrait with pencil first. Stencils will be available to help with facial features. I’ll provide individual guidance as you build layers and refine details. • Draw inspiration from the shared experience, guided by thought-provoking questions designed to spark creativity and connection. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and I’ll package your artwork for you to take home. Plus, I’ll share restaurant recommendations so you can continue your date night in East Falls!

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

An arborist's tour of Fairmount Park's historic gardens

Join me, an urban forester and environmentalist, for an exploration of one of Philadelphia’s most treasured green spaces - Fairmount Park! You’ll visit botanical landmarks and uncover the stories behind unique trees and plants that highlight fascinating aspects of the city’s history. • Explore the lush indoor greenhouse at the Horticulture Center before visiting the Pavilion in the Trees, an interactive art installation nestled in a woodland canopy that offers insight into the park’s ongoing restoration projects. • Admire the serene Shofuso Japanese House and Garden and the Centennial Arboretum's remarkable trees including beautiful cherry blossoms in early spring. • Marvel at Michaux Grove’s towering oaks, planted in the 1870s along with others for the Centennial Exposition, before we walk back to the Horticulture Center. You’ll leave this nature walk inspired by the stories of trees and plants that connect the past, present, and future of this legendary city.

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Uncover Philadelphia's hidden history with an archaeologist

History isn’t just written in books—it’s also buried beneath our feet. Join me on a journey through Philadelphia’s past, where every excavation uncovers forgotten truths about America’s founding. This immersive tour peels back the layers of the city’s most iconic sites, revealing the stories often left out of textbooks. • First, we’ll explore the site that reshaped our understanding of early America: the remnants of George Washington’s presidential mansion. Here, we’ll delve into the archaeological excavation that unearthed the living quarters of the enslaved people who labored there. • Next, the Liberty Bell, considered a symbol of freedom, has layers of secrets beneath its surface. Discover the untold stories behind this national symbol and the complexities behind America’s cherished myths. • Walk among the forgotten and uncover the city’s darker past at Washington Square, where thousands of Revolutionary War soldiers and yellow fever victims lie in unmarked graves. • Step into the remnants of Benjamin Franklin’s home and discover the private struggles of a founding father, from family drama to personal failures. These excavations reveal a side of Franklin rarely shown in history books. As we wrap up on Market Street, you’ll reflect on the stories unearthed along the way and walk away with a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Philadelphia and the people who shaped it

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Join the jam at a local jazz speakeasy

Philadelphia’s rich jazz legacy comes alive at the Velvet Whip Speakeasy, where rhythm, improvisation, and collaboration take center stage. Join me for a dynamic jam session at a hidden club to celebrate the spontaneity and soul of live music and pay tribute to the city’s deep musical roots. • We’ll kick off the evening with a warm welcome. I’ll share my journey in percussion and love for improvisation and explain the instruments used in the session, diving into the vibraphone’s role in jazz history. • Watch as I and a fellow guitarist showcase the essence of spontaneous collaboration, breaking down the techniques that bring an unstructured jam to life. • Step up and try your hand at jamming, applying the rhythms and techniques you’ve just learned. The night doesn’t end when the session does! Stick around to soak up the speakeasy’s atmosphere and enjoy a complimentary ticket to that evening’s live show.

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Cheesesteak tour with the man who's eaten a thousand

What do you do when you visit Philadelphia? You eat cheesesteaks, of course. I’ve reviewed more than 1,200 cheesesteaks for my YouTube channel, and I’d like to take you to a few iconic shops in Philly’s Italian Market neighborhood. • We’ll begin with a cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks, where I’ll share a little bit about my project and the history of this sandwich in Philadelphia. (Cheesesteaks are included in the cost; drinks and sides are extra.) • Next, we’ll walk across the street to Geno’s Steaks, where we’ll do a taste test, comparing the two rivals’ versions we’ve just tried. • Then we’ll take a short walk to Jaxx Taproom, a newer spot that takes a more artisanal approach to the cheesesteak. We’ll sit down for this third course, and compare the classics to the contemporary version. I’ll send you on your way with suggestions for other top cheesesteak shops you should visit while you’re in town.

New place to stay

Slurp & Learn: The Rich History of East Coast Oysters

Dive into a world of briny delights and maritime history with an oyster-tasting experience at Fishtown Seafood. Explore the evolution of East Coast oysters, their rich history, and the unique characteristics that make each variety special. • Begin with an introduction to our store, where I’ll share the fascinating 200-year history of East Coast oysters. Learn how Chesapeake Bay played a crucial role in oyster farming, and how environmental challenges led to a remarkable resurgence. • Savor six New England oysters, each with distinct flavor notes influenced by their coastal origins, and discuss their texture, salinity, and regional variations. • Compare and contrast six oysters from the Mid-Atlantic, where diverse growing environments create a completely different tasting profile, and discover how climate, tides, and water composition shape their flavors. You’ll leave with personalized recommendations for nearby attractions to continue your culinary adventure—and delicious insights into sustainable seafood.

New place to stay

Tour Longwood Gardens with a local horticulturist

Immerse yourself in a world of floral splendor at Longwood Gardens on a 90-minute guided tour through the estate’s history, from its Quaker farm origins to its early-20th-century transformation into a world-renowned horticultural showcase. • As you stroll toward the Meadow Garden, I’ll explain the design principles of the transition from woodland to naturalistic beauty and biodiversity. • At the more formal, cultivated Flower Garden, learn about the seasonal displays, the artistry of their design, and specific plant varieties, colors, and textures. • Marvel at the engineering marvels behind the scenic fountain features in the Italian Water Garden, and hear about specialized orchid care at the Conservatory. You’ll leave feeling restored from your time in nature, with my recommendations to further explore other areas of Longwood Gardens.

New place to stay

Learn to make a Philadelphia cheesesteak at Tony and Nick's

A lot of restaurants out there serve Philadelphia cheesesteaks, but if you want to learn how to make them correctly, spend some time with the pros at Tony and Nick's, one of Philadelphia's best shops. • The restaurant's owner and I will welcome you to Tony and Nick's, where we'll tell you about my quest to find Philadelphia's best cheesesteak and the history of the restaurant. • We'll walk you through the fundamental components you need to make the perfect cheesesteak—bread, cheese, and meat—and the regional variations. • Then you'll pair up with Tony and Nick's chefs and learn how to work the griddle as you create a personalized cheesesteak with custom ingredients. Not only will you get to soak up the lore surrounding the Philadelphia cheesesteak, but you'll also get to eat one you've cooked yourself.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Create a tintype portrait with a photographer

Create your own 3x4" tintype portrait and learn about the medium’s roots in 19th century Philadelphia. We’ll also explore the daguerreotype and the evolution of wet plate photography. • I’ll share a brief history of photography and teach you about camera functions and composition. I’ll also demonstrate the chemical processes that create images. • You’ll then sit for a portrait while I explain the chemical reactions involved. Weather permitting, this part of the experience will take place outside, at nearby Fishtown landmarks. • Finally, you’ll get hands-on experience varnishing and curing your own portrait and mounting it on a Philadelphia-themed mat 5x7". You’ll leave with your tintype portrait to take home, as well as my recommendations for other activities in the area.

Top-rated activities

View our most highly rated experiences, loved by guests.

0 of 0 items showing

1 of 3 pages

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 1087 reviews

Philadelphia History, Highlights, & Revolution Walking Tour

On this tour, we’ll explore Independence National Historical Park and the Old City neighborhood to see a plethora of historical landmarks! Along the way, your guide will keep you posted on the history of these sites and fill you in on all kinds of useful info for your visit to Philly. We’ll see Carpenters Hall, where the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded. Next, we’ll head to the Museum of American Revolution, which offers an incredible look at the stories, artifacts, and people that shaped the American Revolution. We’ll go inside to see a presentation of George Washington’s War Tent ( when your tour is over, you’ll be able to get a discounted ticket to see the rest of the museum). As we walk through Old City, we’ll also pass by some favorite sites such as Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest continuously-occupied residential street in the entire US), showcasing incredible architecture dating back to the early 1700s, the Betsy Ross House, named after a famous seamstress and flag maker who is said to have sewn the first ever American flag, Benjamin Franklin’s Grave (bring a penny to toss!), and the outdoor President’s House Landmark where Washington and Adams lived.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 346 reviews

Philly's favorite bars and secret spots

This experience captures a piece of the Philly culture and is lined up so that every stop is a hop and skip away from the next. With this tour we skip every line and pay no covers. It’s 4- 5 (dependent on group size) of our favorite bars with a secret bar or speakeasy along the tour; That even people that live in the city don’t know about. We will have a few drinks at each stop ranging between $9-$18 cocktails and makes some friends along the way. We look forward to having a great time with you. If you need a day outside of our calendar, message us and we can come up with an arrangement.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 48 reviews

A Toast to History--Behind the Scenes at Carpenters' Hall

You’ll get a private, after-hours tour of historic Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the birthplace of American democracy. First we’ll show you the main hall where the Congress met, where you’ll see original artifacts from the period and a detailed model showing the construction of Carpenters’ Hall. Then it’s up to our second floor, which is off limits to regular visitors, where you’ll see our gorgeous 19th-century library and get to explore some of our rare books and other items from our collection. We’ll close with questions and a scotch tasting to toast the continued good health of our visitors, the Carpenters’ Company and the importance of history. The scotch is curtesy of ImpEx Beverages. Each guest will also receive a copy of “Meeting Place of History,” a fully illustrated booklet about Carpenters’ Hall.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 56 reviews

A Fat Guy's Walking, Philly Food Tour

Let's start our morning at Philly's Temple to the People, City Hall, from which we will move to Reading Terminal Market, where we will get a deeper understanding of "What Philadelphians eat" by sampling and eating our way through cultures and countries. After eating some amazing food at Reading Terminal, we will catch a train West to one of Philly's historic Farmer's Markets to see and sample what's in season. Along the way, we will pop into a few restaurants and eateries for quick, "grab & go bites." From the farmers market, we will take a slow stroll through one of my favorite neighborhoods and experience samples of fine cheeses, see where great breads and pastries are made, and snack on one of my favorite places to get a really good slice of pizza, with a side of gelato, of course! Continuing our tour, we will head, to Chinatown to see and sample some great markets, restaurants, and grab some tea! This tour is best enjoyed as part of a duo, perhaps even a team, as you will want to sample everything. Please note that food items are not included in the cost of this tour; the freedom to grab what you want to eat and say no to what you don't is a key part of this experience, so eat to your heart's content, knowing you will burn any excess calories off on our journey.

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 190 reviews

Center City Philly Food Tour with Reading Terminal Market

You'll eat your way through Philadelphia's greatest foods on this filling tour! We'll start inside the iconic Reading Terminal Market, where Philly classics like fresh soft pretzels and scrapple can be paired with international tastes like Italian cannolis. You'll savor the one and only Philly cheesesteak - a local favorite that has inspired imitators around the world. Then, we'll head to trendy Sansom Street and discover Philly food innovations like creamy vegan shakes, locally-sourced mushroom pizza, and lick-the-bowl-clean New World hummus made from Old World recipes. You'll also get a chance to sip on Fair Trade coffee at a fast-growing local start-up; one of many examples of Philly's social consciousness and move towards environmental sustainability. If you want the best of Philly's foodie scene - this is the tour for you! If you would like to book this tour for a private group, please message us directly for more information.

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 157 reviews

Philadelphia Murals and Street Art Tour with Magic Gardens

There’s so much more to Philadelphia than American history - some of the most incredible public art is on display when you venture into South Philly! On this tour, you'll stroll the streets and alleys of the Bella Vista and Queen Village neighborhoods. Throughout this area, artists have (and continue to) make their mark with murals of all shapes, sizes, and themes, dazzling mosaics, and awesome 3D installations. You’ll notice the general creativity of the residents of these neighborhoods with brightly painted homes, eccentric and exciting stores and shops, and wild community gardens. Your guide will explain the history of each piece and how they blend together into a magical tapestry that drapes across the entire city. One of the main attractions on this tour is admission to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens - a trip into Wonderland. This incredible 3D art installation is the life's work of Isaiah Zagar - and where he still works regularly. Merging the profound with the ridiculous, the philosophical with the everyday, Zagar captures the imagination with his work - showing us how many men's trash can become our collective treasure. Once we arrive, you'll have as much time as you want to explore the space. When your official tour time is up, you're welcome to stay for longer, or venture out onto South Street for a different type of colorful experience.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Guided Food Tour of Philadelphia's Italian Market

On this tour, we'll explore the country’s oldest and largest everyday open-air market - the 9th Street Italian Market - for some authentic, Philly foodie action. We’ll stroll through vibrant fruit stalls (with unbelievable prices!), past the fragrant bakeries, into various shops and unique stores, and peeking down hidden alleys covered in fantastical street art. You’ll get the chance to meet some store owners and hear their personal stories of food, history, and community. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll have an expert and an Italian Market-lover right there with you and they’ll make sure to tell you the not-so-common stories of one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Of course, you’ll be sampling plenty of delicious food on this food tour! Throughout the tour, we’ll try several different dishes, including cannoli, tomato pie, and tacos! Your guide will also introduce you to other Italian Market staples and immigrant-inspired fare, savoring the flavors of the market as you make your way down this iconic street. This market has survived the passing decades by welcoming vendors from around the world and, today, remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike - and you’ll definitely understand why by the end of our time together. So, come explore one of the most unique, thriving, and diverse areas of the City of Brotherly Love with us!

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews

Hamilton - The Tour where it Happens!

Alexander Hamilton - Revolutionary War hero, Washington's aide-de-camp, member of the Constitutional Convention, author of the Federalist Papers, first Secretary of the Treasury - the list goes on and on. Hamilton spent a good deal of time here in Philadelphia (some even with his short lived mistress Maria Reynolds), and we explore his life and the places here. We will meet a cast of characters along the way, such as George Washington, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, among others. Come join me on this fun filled tour into the life and times of one of the truly remarkable Founding Fathers. We will be listening to 9 shortened songs from the musical, so come and sing along if you know the words. If you haven't seen the play, this we be an excellent introduction! This tour is also great for groups, teams and team building! You know you want to be on the tour where it happens, the tour where it happens. Just sign up and, click BOOM! Most tours are Private, but please contact me if you are two or more guests and I can make them public. Other things to note: Bring cameras, water and snacks that you like, or there are plenty of stores along the way. A hat and comfortable shoes are also a good idea to wear.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 129 reviews

In Depth Tarot Reading from an Oracle

This Energy Healing Reading uses the divination of tarot, astrology, cartomancy and many other intuitive wisdom that may present itself. This insightful healing session will promote clarity and wisdom while being engaging and heartfelt. The goal is to make you feel like a feather. This Reading will bring major insights into your human existence. We start with aroma therapy for our senses and conduct an Ancestral resin cleanse. We then dive into the overall themed message that the Divine has for you in this very moment. I utilize Astrology and many other Oracle Cards for this process. We continue the session by using most spiritual modalities including Tarot and cartomancy to target the significance of the themed message. We then use navigation tools to identify even more clarification and information to measure progress. We conclude the session by using protocols that allow us to determine what we need. This is where our minds and souls meet. Holistically unified.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 257 reviews

Discovering Colonial Philadelphia

Every building has a story to tell, from the materials, technology, and styles favored when it was constructed, to the people who designed, built, lived and worked there. Events of historic proportion take place in and around buildings as well. Come with me on this journey to discover all the secrets each building on our tour is waiting to tell us. We will be walking through Old City, visiting the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, and seeing the same buildings the Founding Fathers worked and worshiped in. Whether your interest is architecture, American History, visiting the places where Ben Franklin and George Washington lived and worked, or humming a tune from the Hamilton play as we experience Philadelphia as the Capitol of the United States, this tour is for you! This tour is also great for groups, teams and team building! Most tours are Private, but please contact me if you are two or more guests and I can make them public. Other things to note: Bring cameras, water and snacks that you like, or there are plenty of stores along the way. A hat and comfortable shoes are also a good idea to wear.

Something for everyone

1 of 2 pages

Things to do in Philadelphia

Activities led by local experts

Top-rated activities

Something for everyone

Discover more activities near Philadelphia