Explore Philadelphia’s Historic Germantown: A Captivating Walking Tour Through Time
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with moderate walking over paved and uneven surfaces
Overview
Discover Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood on foot, exploring colonial landmarks and vibrant murals that tell tales of revolution and civil rights. This accessible walking tour offers a unique blend of history and culture in one of the city’s oldest districts.
Historic Germantown Walking Tour
All Ages! • 90 Minutes • Professionally Trained Guides!
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About This Adventure
Discover the transformative power of art on a captivating 90-minute guided tour through Philadelphia's largest outdoor art gallery. Explore four decades of stunning murals in the historic Germantown neighborhood, uncovering the stories behind each masterpiece and their role in community development. Experience creativity that inspires change and enriches the urban landscape.
Experience firsthand how art ignites change. Explore the world’s largest outdoor art gallery and get to know Philadelphia’s stunning mural collection on a guided tour.
Duration
90 minutes
About
By taking a tour, guests are invited to explore four decades of creativity, featuring a curated collection of masterpieces that reflect our artistic expression over the past 40 years. From the bold strokes of contemporary artists to the timeless classics that have stood the test of time, join us on a celebratory tour that encapsulates the vibrancy, innovation, and enduring beauty of art through the ages. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of creativity and see first hand how art ignites change.
Join us for a walking tour of the historic Germantown neighborhood. This tour will highlight a variety of murals that exemplify the long-standing partnership and community engagement efforts that have led to impactful urban development projects that have transformed people and places. With a professionally-trained guide, you will discover the charm and history of this area and learn about these beautiful works of public art, the stories behind their creation and how they helped this Northwest area of the City flourish. Growing Up in Germantown by Ann Northrup is one of the works that will be highlighted on this tour as well as many others with a variety of themes. Don't miss your chance to experience firsthand stunning works like this one!
This tour leaves from Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books, located at 5445 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144. The tour ends in the general vicinity of the starting point.
Reminders
- Tour groups will be limited to 15 people or less.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance - no walk-ups will be accepted. All paid guests' names will appear on a will-call list at check-in.
- Tours are 90 minutes outdoors, rain or shine and there are no stops for restrooms, so please plan accordingly.
- It is not necessary for you to print out your confirmation, your guide will have your name on a Will Call list. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure to check-in.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers historic streets with varied pavement—solid, supportive footwear is essential.
Bring water and stay hydrated
Walking outdoors for up to two hours requires regular hydration, especially in warmer months.
Check the weather forecast
Tours run rain or shine; dress appropriately for comfort and safety.
Arrive early for parking or public transit
Street parking can be limited; consider using Philadelphia’s public transit options for convenience.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban squirrels
- Varied songbirds in neighborhood parks
History
Germantown was founded in 1683 by German settlers and played a key role in early American independence and abolition movements.
Conservation
Local groups actively preserve Germantown’s historic buildings and promote sustainable tourism to maintain the neighborhood's cultural and architectural integrity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports hours of walking over historic streets and variable terrain.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated while exploring the neighborhood.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layers help adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
Camera or smartphone
Capture historic sites and vibrant murals along the route.