Historic Old City Dine Around

Historic Old City Dine Around: A Delicious Walk Through Philadelphia’s Past

When you think of Philadelphia, images of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and cobbled streets immediately come to mind. Now, imagine combining that historical charm with a flavorful journey through the city’s colonial roots. The Historic Old City Dine Around tour offers just that—a lively 2.5-hour exploration of Philadelphia’s historic district, paired with bites and drinks that echo the city’s revolutionary past. Led by knowledgeable guides (as one reviewer happily pointed out), this tour is priced at $173 per person, making it a thoughtful investment in both education and enjoyment.

What really sets this experience apart are two specific highlights: the chance to sample modernized colonial dishes paired with local boozy beverages, and the opportunity to see some of the city’s most iconic and lesser-known sites during a relaxed walk. The tour manages to blend history, food, and fun seamlessly.

One consideration to keep in mind is the physical aspect of the tour—since it involves walking through historic neighborhoods, comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you have dietary restrictions like gluten intolerance, substitutions may not be available, so plan accordingly.

This tour is ideal for history buffs who love a good story paired with a tasty treat, as well as curious travelers eager to eat their way through Philadelphia’s storied streets. If you enjoy a mix of cultural insight and culinary delight, this outing offers a compelling way to spend an afternoon.

Key Points

• Historical insights: The tour offers a well-rounded look at Philadelphia’s colonial and revolutionary history.
• Authentic flavors: Modernized colonial dishes combined with local beverages provide a delicious taste of the past.
• Guided expertise: The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to relate engaging historical stories.
• Scenic walk: The route includes both well-known landmarks and off-the-beaten-path sights.
• Time and price: At 2.5 hours and $173, it offers a focused, enjoyable experience with a good balance of food, drink, and sightseeing.
• Family-friendly: Best suited for adult travelers comfortable with walking and enjoying a convivial atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Historic Old City Dine Around

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

This 2.5-hour walking tour is designed to take you through Philadelphia’s most historic parts, all while sampling some of the city’s most iconic colonial-inspired dishes and boozy beverages. Starting inside the Visitor Center, your guide—generally dressed in a maroon City Food Tours shirt—will lead you through cobblestone alleyways and colonial streets. Expect to learn about Philadelphia’s founding moments as you nibble and sip your way across the city.

The tour begins with hearty snacks accompanied by a full pint of local cider, which sets a convivial tone for what’s to come. The choice of a local cider is a thoughtful nod to Philadelphia’s apple-growing heritage, and the generous serving makes it feel like a relaxed happy hour. From there, the journey continues with gourmet snacks loaded with toppings, paired with a stiff rum-based cocktail—again, a full-sized drink—that underscores the tour’s focus on quality and authenticity.

Next, you’ll enjoy some flavorful Creole dishes paired with another local beverage, offering a taste of Philadelphia’s diverse culinary influences. The tour wraps up with a sweet surprise—a collection of confections from the country’s oldest confectionery—perfect for taking home or enjoying on the spot.

The Itinerary: Sights and Flavors

What makes this experience compelling is the blend of history and gastronomy. As you stroll through the historic district, your guide will highlight landmarks like Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other offbeat locations that reveal Philadelphia’s layered past. Not just a sightseeing walk, it’s a lively storytelling session with bites in between.

The first stop, with its hearty snacks and cider, is a perfect way to settle into the experience. The second stop’s gourmet toppings and the full rum cocktail give you a taste of colonial-era tavern fare with a modern twist—think upscale snacks designed to evoke the revolutionary period. The third stop’s Creole dishes reflect Philadelphia’s rich, multicultural history, especially its connections to Caribbean and French influences.

Finally, the confectionery collection at the end offers a charming way to remember the tour—and perhaps share a sweet story with friends or family.

Authenticity and Education

One of the most praised aspects, according to reviews, is the knowledge and engaging style of the guides. As one traveler noted, “The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, and was able to relate interesting historical knowledge of the area.” This genuine storytelling makes the experience more than just a food walk—it’s an educational journey that makes history tangible.

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Value for Money and Experience

At $173, this tour isn’t the cheapest option out there, but considering the full servings of drinks and food, it offers good value—especially when you factor in the insider insights and access to both well-known and hidden landmarks. The inclusion of food and drinks in the ticket price means you won’t have to worry about additional costs, making it a straightforward outing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early: The meeting point is inside the Visitor Center; arriving 10 minutes early ensures you’re ready to start on time.
• Wear comfortable shoes: Expect a fair amount of walking on cobblestone streets.
• Bring ID or passport: Necessary for alcohol consumption.
• Dietary restrictions: Substitutions aren’t available for gluten-free diets, so plan accordingly.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so check if this affects your plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates history delivered with enthusiasm, combined with a lively food and beverage experience, you’ll find this tour a delightful way to spend an afternoon. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want to learn about Philly’s past while enjoying a laid-back, flavorful experience. The focus on authentic, modernized colonial dishes and local drinks makes it appealing for those interested in culinary history and local culture.

The Sum Up

The Historic Old City Dine Around tour offers a great mix of history, food, and fun all wrapped into a manageable 2.5-hour experience. It’s a chance to walk Philadelphia’s historic streets while tasting dishes and drinks inspired by the city’s colonial roots—and, importantly, learning from guides who know their stuff. The generous servings and engaging storytelling make it well worth the price for those eager to combine cultural insights with culinary pleasures.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the value is in the quality of food, drinks, and the insight you gain along the way. It’s best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, lively guides, and authentic local flavors. If you’ve got a keen interest in Philadelphia’s history and love discovering new foods, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults, mainly because of the alcohol served. It might not be suitable for children or those under legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs for approximately 2.5 hours, making it a compact way to explore both history and cuisine without feeling rushed.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Substitutions cannot be made for gluten-free diets, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to consider this before booking.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, ID or passport for alcohol, and an appetite. You may also want to bring a camera for photos of the historic sights.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the walking routes on cobblestone streets.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Do I need to pay anything extra for food and drinks?
No, all included in the ticket price. You won’t need to worry about additional costs during the tour.

What’s the meeting point?
Inside the Visitor Center, right past the restrooms, next to the map, with guides wearing maroon shirts. Arrive 10 minutes early to start on time.

This thoughtfully curated food tour offers a wonderfully balanced look at Philadelphia’s history, paired with delicious eats and drinks. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just curious about Philly’s past, this experience promises a memorable and tasty afternoon.

You can check availability for your dates here: