Philadelphia: Electric Cart City Tour with Rocky Steps & Old City

Summary

Glide through Philly’s stories from cobblestones to Rocky steps in just two hours

You’ll feel Philly’s energy right from your seat—rolling past Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, running up those famous Rocky Steps (if you want), catching glimpses of mosaic art on South Street, and hearing real stories from your local guide. It’s two hours that leave you wanting more of Philadelphia’s layers.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much wind in my hair zipping through Philadelphia’s Old City in an electric cart. Our guide, Marcus, waved us over with this huge grin—he seemed to know everyone on the block. Right away we were rolling past Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (you can actually see the crack if you squint), and he started telling us about Ben Franklin like he was talking about his own neighbor. There’s something about hearing that stuff while you’re right there, not just reading a plaque. The streets smelled faintly of coffee and soft pretzels—someone was baking nearby—and for a second I almost forgot we were on a tour at all.

We cruised by Betsy Ross’s house (the flag story is more complicated than I thought), then Elfreth’s Alley—those tiny doors and bricks, it really does look like time stopped there. Marcus pointed out where Franklin is buried; people toss pennies for luck but he joked they should be tossing cheesesteaks instead. Sometimes we’d slow down for traffic or to let someone cross—a guy in a Phillies cap gave us a little nod—and it felt less like sightseeing and more like being part of Philly for a couple hours. The city hall tower loomed up suddenly, all stone and statues, and then we zipped past the LOVE statue before heading out toward the art museum.

I’ll admit I got weirdly excited about running up the Rocky Steps—even though my knees popped embarrassingly loud (nobody laughed, thankfully). The view from up there is wild: city stretching out, river shining in the sun. We had just enough time to catch our breath before heading back through South Street—the Magic Gardens mosaics flashed by in every color you can imagine—and Society Hill with its leafy quiet corners. I kept thinking how different each neighborhood felt, even though they’re all stitched together by these bumpy old roads.

By the time we rolled back to where we started, I was already making mental notes of places to return—especially Reading Terminal Market (Marcus swears by the roast pork sandwiches). It wasn’t rushed at all; just enough stories, laughs, and little moments—like when someone shouted “Go Birds!” as we passed—that stuck with me way longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric cart tour of Philadelphia highlights

• Explore Old City and Independence Hall
• Pass by the Liberty Bell
• Drive past Betsy Ross House
• See Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
• Glide by Elfreth's Alley
• Pass the United States Mint
• Drive past Arch Street Meeting House
• See Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street
• Pass the Rodin Museum
• Stop at Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps
• Drive by the LOVE Statue
• Pass The Franklin Institute
• Drive around Philadelphia City Hall
• Pass Rittenhouse Square
• Drive by Washington Square Park
• Explore Society Hill
• Drive through Chinatown
• Pass Reading Terminal Market
• See Philadelphia Convention Center

Top questions

How long is the Philadelphia electric cart tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Does the tour include stops or just drive-bys?

You can hop out at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for photos at the Rocky Steps; most other sites are seen from the cart.

How many people fit in each electric cart?

Each cart accommodates up to 5 guests; larger groups may be split into separate carts.

Is there a local guide on this Philadelphia city tour?

Yes, every electric cart tour includes an English-speaking local guide who shares stories along the way.

Are hotel pickups included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; tours begin at a central meeting point in Philadelphia.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The electric cart makes it accessible for most fitness levels; service animals are allowed as well.

Which neighborhoods does the tour cover?

The route covers Old City, Center City, South Street/Magic Gardens area, Society Hill, Rittenhouse Square, Chinatown and more.

What are some highlights seen on this Philadelphia city tour?

You’ll see Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Betsy Ross House, Benjamin Franklin’s Grave, Elfreth's Alley, LOVE Statue, Rocky Steps and more.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided electric cart ride through Philadelphia’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks with an English-speaking local guide sharing stories as you go. You’ll have time to hop out at the art museum steps for photos or your best Rocky impression before returning to your starting point—all at an easy pace that fits any schedule.