Find Philly Tours Explore Food & Film

Philadelphia can choose from an assortment of options to explore the region, including those of the air, automotive, audio, culinary, self-guided and water-based varieties. And the sightseeing fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Those who come out at night can join tours that feature behind-the-scenes action and, if so desired, spirits from beyond. Here’s a selection of tours available throughout the region:

Food & Film Circuit:

• Chew Philly Food Tours – These 2.5-hour tours through the Manayunk and Chestnut Hill neighborhoods treat guests to eight tastings of savory and sweet foods and includes bits of history and culture along the way. (800) 656-0713, phillyfoodtours.com
• City Food Tours – Themed tours of the region’s culinary delights include a Decadent Gourmet Tour, Ethnic Eats of South Philly, Prohibition Cocktails, Philly Pizza and Highlights of East Passyunk. (877) 413-7224, cityfoodtours.com
• South Philadelphia Food Tours – South Philly is home to Chef Jacquie, the personable culinary guide who leads daily behind-the-scenes tours of the Italian Market, offering groups hearty tastes of meatballs and gravy at Villa di Roma and samples at other stalwart Italian and Mexican food vendors along South 9^th Street. On Monday through Thursday evenings, she hosts a four-course progressive dinner along burgeoning East Passyunk Avenue. (610) 506-6120, taste4travel.net
• Tastings & Tours’ Winery & Brewery Tours – Those who appreciate a good drink can enjoy a carefree day at some of the area’s finest wineries, breweries, brewpubs and distilleries, all while taking in some beautiful scenery. The guided, all-inclusive, private tastings are offered in Bucks County and beyond. (484) 695-6465, tastingsandtours.com
• Wok ’n Walk Tours – Chef Joseph Poon’s tours of Chinatown make for unforgettable vacation stories. The private group jaunts include visits to a fortune cookie factory, an Asian grocery, a Chinese bakery and a Chinese place of worship, among other stops, and end with a meal at one of Chef Poon’s favorite Chinatown restaurants. (215) 928-9333, josephpoon.com

Visitor Centers:

• Independence Visitor Center – Historic Philadelphia’s Independence Visitor Center—and four additional Visitor Centers—serve as gateways to the city and the region. Visitors can find information, get tickets to popular attractions or take a snack break. Each of the five locations serves guests with expert staff offering tips and insider information. can pick up free timed tickets to Independence Hall. Independence Visitor Center, 6^th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676; other Visitor Centers: Sister Cities Park Visitor Center, 18^th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (267) 514-4760; Fairmount Park Welcome Center, 16^th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard (LOVE Park), (267) 514-4761; City Hall Visitor Center, Broad & Market Streets, Room 121, (215) 686-2840; Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, (800) 537-7676, phlvisitorcenter.com
• Philly Tour Hub – People from local neighborhoods and around the world can enhance their Philadelphia experience at this meeting space, which is dedicated to the traveler experience. Here, visitors can sign up for tours, engage with other travelers and local experts, get basic information, use free Wi-Fi, sip coffee or just relax between activities. 229 Arch Street, (215) 280-3746, phillytourhub.com