Lonely Planet Experiences: Markets, Mosaics & Magic
Philadelphia, USA
From USD 49.00
Office phone number: +1 215 280 3746
Lonely Planet Experiences: Markets, Mosaics & Magic
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
Art, culture, diversity and of course, the spirit of Rocky lives on in South Philly! Join this Philadelphia tour to see just how eclectic this gritty city is. From Jewish delis to Italian markets, churches, cemeteries, and public art, South Philly is a slice of the real Philly.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Discover the hidden gems of some of the most historic neighborhoods in the country
- Admire Isaiah Zagar’s beautiful one-of-a-kind mosaics at Magic Gardens
- Get to know the real South Philly from a local perspective
- Wander among the colourful stalls and enjoy the tastes of the shops, cafes, and restaurants at the world-famous Italian Market
- Take a glimpse into one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods and finish on Philly's eclectic South Street
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- Included on this tour is admission to Magic Gardens, a non-profit organization that focuses on community development and outreach by offering educational programming, performances, and workshops to the public. Highlighting the artwork sparks discussion around topics including diversity, as well as conversations around depression and other mental health issues.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Corner of 9th & South Streets, outside New Image Art & Framing. 601 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 10.00 AM
- Ending point:
Corner of 4th & South Streets, outside Jim’s Cheesesteaks
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some food samples, admission to the mosaic gallery.
Exclusions: Personal shopping, tips and gratuities for your guide.
Take on the diversity of Philly in the best way possible – local style! Begin your Philadelphia neighbourhood tour on the ever-colourful South Street. Follow your local guide through the streets of the Bella Vista neighbourhood 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’ll either take a stroll or catch a local bus down Philly’s eclectic and dynamic South Street. Get your counter-culture fix here, and, in the spirit of being a bona fide local on South Street, you can make an appointment for your new Urban Adventures tattoo.
Finally, we take a peek into one of the country’s most historic neighbourhoods, Queen Village, to soak in the character of this charming corner of Philadelphia. We finish the tour back on South Street for a chance to ask your local guide where you should eat, drink, and shop after the tour.
Need a place to stay?
Heading to Philly without a place to rest your head? Have no fear — the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia Hotel is ready to welcome you to the City of Brotherly Love! As our preferred accommodation partner in Philadelphia, we recommend grabbing a room there if you haven't already booked any accommodation. Sleep tight!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, some food samples, admission to the mosaic gallery.
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 at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 215 280 3746
Email address: info@philadelphiaurbanadventures.com
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