Philadelphia Private Walking Tours

Philadelphia Tours and Experiences See what others overlook. Understand what others don't.

Colonial history meets an authentic urban vibe in Philadelphia, a former Quaker enclave that grew into the most important city in Colonial America.

Philadelphia Private Walking Tours

Context Travel Philadelphia Tours

Philadelphia, a city steeped in history, is renowned for its pivotal role in the founding of the United States, hosting the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Its streets echo with the legacy of figures like Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, and the birth of American democracy. This rich historical backdrop sets the stage for Context's Philadelphia tours, where scholars and historians reveal the city's multifaceted past. Notably, Context Travel's headquarters is based right here in Philadelphia, providing a unique local perspective on the city's history.

Our flagship Philadelphia walking tour is our Philadelphia Colonial History Tour. This tour begins by exploring the city's layout and the visionary influence of William Penn, who not only founded Pennsylvania but also designed Philadelphia's grid system. Starting near the plaza-scale plan by Second Street, we'll see how Penn's design fostered commerce, trade, and immigration. As we traverse the historic core, we'll examine themes like Quakerism, religious tolerance, and open trade highlighted by buildings over 200 years old.

Depending on availability, we might visit historic homes, museums, and significant churches like Carpenter's Hall, Old St. Mary's, St. Peter's, and Independence Hall. Our narrative will cover Philadelphia's evolution through the colonial period, focusing on the rise of a wealthy merchant class and their impact on the city's social, architectural, and political landscape up to the American Revolution.

We conclude our tour at Headhouse Market in Society Hill, once a bustling trade center, now a lively farmer's market, providing a fitting end to our journey through Philadelphia's colonial history and its key sites in Old City.

By choosing Context for your Philadelphia tour, you're opting for an experience that goes beyond conventional tourism. You're stepping into a narrative crafted by those who live and breathe history, offering you a Philadelphia private walking tour that's both educational and profoundly engaging.
What Context Philadelphia Travelers Say
(4.81) 154 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Charlene was very personable and professional. She is knowledgeable and passionate about Colonial times and a very good communicator. I'd give her my highest rating.
The tour was a very interesting review of the history of Philadelphia, from an architectural perspective. Our guide, James, was very knowledgeable and easy to work with. If you want to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, you need to visit those separately.
Charlene was a fabulous tour guide! She has such a vast knowledge of Philadelphia’s history that she actually made it come to life for us. We enjoyed every moment of our three hours and learned an enormous amount about colonial, Philadelphia history, and the role that leaders such as Benjamin Franklin played in American history!
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