South Philly Tour Italian Market and Cheesesteaks

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2 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Join us for a walking tour through the heart and soul of Philadelphia—South Philly! From Rocky Balboa to cheesesteaks, many of Philly’s most iconic symbols come from this vibrant neighborhood. On this 2-hour tour, we’ll explore the streets of South Philadelphia and dive into the stories behind its rich culture. You’ll visit locations tied to the Rocky movies, including Giordano’s and Victor’s Café, and learn about the origins of the city’s famous cheesesteak. Later, we’ll stroll through the historic Italian Market on 9th Street—America’s oldest outdoor market—where you’ll have free time to shop, grab a bite, or explore. Your guide will be on hand to answer questions and share local secrets. Along the way, you’ll also see some of Philadelphia’s most famous murals. South Philly’s vibrant public art is part of what makes this area so unique, and you’ll have plenty of chances to admire and learn about these colorful works.

What's Included

Local Guide

Meals
Gratuities for the guide are optional

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Wharton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

The Victor Café

Origins as a gramophone/record shop: Founded by John DiStefano in 1918 as a gramophone and record shop (Victor Records), it later transformed into Victor Café in 1933 after Prohibition endedThe café is known for its waitstaff performers—professional opera singers—who break into arias during dinner service, a tradition dating back to the 1970s.Rocky movie cameo: Featured in both Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed, Stallone insisted its authentic setting remain intact during filming

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mario Lanza Institute

Mario Lanza was born in South Philadelphia in 1921, he was an Italian-American tenor and eventually was a film star. He got a start doing opera and eventually was able to start a career in Hollywood following in the footsteps of performers like Enrico Caruso. He is a hometown hero down here in South Philadelphia and this museum is dedicated to his life.The Mario Lanza Museum is open only by appointment but it’s been here since the early 1960s.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Palizzi Social Club

The Palazzi Social Club was opened in 1918 as an exclusive dinner club for local people here in Philadelphia. For over 100 years, friends and colleagues have enjoyed lovingly made dinners and cocktails in a lounge that’s been built inside of this South Philadelphia Row Home.Originally, when it was founded in 1918, membership at Palizzi Social Club was limited to ex-pats from the town of Vasto in Italy. Today it’s goes by a “gotta know someone” basis, although they did recently have a more open membership drive.The interior of the club has plush velvet curtains dangling over the walls and ornate furniture as well as live music.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Moyamensing Prison State Historic Site

Moyamensing Prison was a prominent prison complex in Philadelphia, designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter, who later worked on the U.S. Capitol dome. Construction began in 1832, and the prison opened in 1835. Built in the Egyptian Revival style, it was known for its imposing presence on Passyunk Avenue.The most famous resident of Moiyamensing Prison was the serial killer H.H. Holmes, who was imprisoned here from 1895 until his death in 1896 by execution via hanging. He provided a written confession to the murder of 27 people.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Geno's Steaks

Founded in 1930 by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri at a hot-dog stand at 9th & Passyunk. One day in 1933, Pat swapped hot dogs for chopped steak and onions—and a cabdriver suggested selling the sandwich instead, birthing what would evolve into the cheesesteak.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ray's 'Happy Birthday' Bar

Established in 1938 with birthday cheer: Anthony “Ray” Capozzoli opened the bar in 1938, greeting every patron with a hearty “Happy Birthday!”, even if it wasn’t their birthday . Birthday shots become a ritual: Today visitors who celebrate their birthday there receive a free “birthday cake shot” served in a candle-lit cupcake glass, complete with bell-ringing and party hats

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Italian Market 9th Street

Originally, this covered market began informally in the late 1800s, as Italian street vendors set up carts to sell produce and goods directly to their community. By the early 20th century, it had become a bustling hub for Italian-American culture, with permanent storefronts being established by many of the original vendors. This photo is an image of the curb market in the 1930s/40s.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House

Anthony’s was started by Anthony Anastasio, whose family has been here in the Italian Market since 1906. They still maintain a presence here besides the coffee shop via Anastasio Produce and Anastasio Seafood.In the late 1980's, after traveling to Italy, Anthony returned with a love of European style cafes, which even then were mysteriously absent from the Italian Market in Philadelphia. He open Anthony’s in 1996 and it’s been here ever since. In the early 2000s they added a chocolatier and a gelato bar to their shop

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Paul Roman Catholic Church

Founded in 1843 to serve the Spiritual needs of what was then the township of Moyamensing. Every year they are the starting point of a procession of the saints which kicks off the Italian Market festival every May.Initially the population of congregants was primarily Irish but around the end of the 19th century, St. Paul’s population switched to being primarily Italian.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

The Magic Gardens was created by Isaiah Zagar, a mosaic artist, in the late 1990s and officially opened to the public in 2008. Zagar began working in the South Street area in the 1960s, creating mosaics on abandoned buildings as part of an effort to revitalize the neighborhood. In 1994, he started transforming a vacant lot next to his studio into what would become the Magic Gardens. Using found objects like tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, bottles, and folk art, he built a labyrinth of tunnels, walls, and sculptures entirely covered in mosaics. When the lot's owner tried to sell the land in 2002, Zagar and the community rallied to preserve the space. With support from local nonprofits and art lovers, the site was secured and turned into a nonprofit organization. Today its open as a museum!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the South Philly Tour Italian Market and Cheesesteaks?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025