Philadelphia Food Tour: Cheesesteaks & Reading Terminal Market

You eat five stops' worth of Philly classics and it counts as a full meal.

The Flavors of Philly Food Tour is a 2.5-hour walking tour through Philadelphia's food neighborhoods with a local guide, stopping at five locations including an independent pizzeria, a soft pretzel bakery, and Reading Terminal Market. You taste cheesesteaks with cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and two desserts—a complete lunch rather than samples. The guide shares the history behind each dish and points out City Hall's architecture and insider eating spots locals actually use.

Step-by-step itinerary

Philly food and history tour

• Discover Philly's popular food favorites
• Learn Philly food history and culture
• Visit mom-and-pop pizzeria and pretzel bakery
• See City Hall and local architecture
• Enjoy desserts at Reading Terminal Market
• Optional shopping at Reading Terminal Market

The Experience

The tour starts in the heart of Philadelphia and moves through low-key, independently owned spots that define how the city actually eats. Your guide walks you to a mom-and-pop pizzeria, a soft pretzel bakery, and other neighborhood gems, stopping five times total. Each stop is a real food—not a taste—so you'll finish the afternoon full. The guide weaves in Philly food history and the quirky stories behind cheesesteaks and tomato pie, along with an up-close look at City Hall, the second-largest government building in the country.

The finale happens at Reading Terminal Market, where you get two desserts and time to browse the stalls if you want to stay longer. Bottled water comes with you throughout, and the whole route stays on streets and surfaces that are wheelchair accessible. The pace suits all fitness levels, and vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know when you book.

What’s included

• A local guide leading the entire 2.5-hour walk.
• five food stops including cheesesteaks, tomato pie, soft pretzels and two desserts at Reading Terminal Market.
• bottled water throughout.
• and insider tips on where locals eat in Philadelphia.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by City Food Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to eat a real lunch while learning Philly food history from someone who knows the neighborhoods—the five stops are actual meals, not tastings, so you won't need to eat again afterward.

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Top questions

What exactly do I eat on the Flavors of Philly Food Tour?

The tour includes cheesesteaks with cheese whiz fries, tomato pie, soft pretzels, and two desserts from Reading Terminal Market. These five stops add up to a full lunch, not small samples, so plan to be satisfied by the end.

How long does the Flavors of Philly Food Tour take?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, moving between five food stops in central Philadelphia at a casual pace.

Is Reading Terminal Market included in the tour?

Yes—the tour ends at Reading Terminal Market, where you get your two desserts and have time to walk around and shop if you want to stay longer after the official tour ends.

Can I do the Flavors of Philly Food Tour if I'm vegetarian?

Vegetarian options are available on the tour. Let the operator know at the time of booking so they can arrange your meals at each stop.

What's included in the price of the Flavors of Philly Food Tour?

The tour includes a local guide, all five food tastings (which make up a full lunch), bottled water, and access to all stops. Hotel pickup and alcoholic drinks are not included.

Can children go on the Flavors of Philly Food Tour?

Children age 5 and up are welcome on the tour. Children under 5 are not recommended. Children ages 0–2 can ride in a stroller or pram but won't receive food unless you purchase a ticket for them.