Philadelphia Audio Tours & City Guides Philadelphia speaks.
Are you listening?

Philly: Where revolutionary history meets a vibrant, evolving urban canvas.

Two Self-Guided Audio Tours to rediscover Philadelphia

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Beyond the Paint: Philadelphia's Mural Revolution – Philadelphia Audio-Tour
Tour 01
©
Image by Jason Knauer on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Beyond the Paint: Philadelphia's Mural Revolution

Philadelphia isn't just a city with murals; it is a city defined by them. On this redthread tour, you will go beyond the vibrant colors and striking visuals to uncover the gritty, complex, and deeply human stories painted onto the brick and mortar of this historic metropolis. Join Clara, an architectural historian with an eye for design, and Adrian, a local street-culture expert who knows the unvarnished truth behind the city's transformation. Together, they will guide you through the evolution of the Mural Arts Program—from its controversial origins in the 1980s anti-graffiti movement to its current status as a global powerhouse of community-driven art. You'll explore themes of racial justice, urban gentrification, LGBTQ+ resilience, and the restorative power of creativity. This isn't just an art walk; it's a journey into the soul of Philadelphia, where every wall has a voice, and every brushstroke is a claim to existence.

4 Stops
100 Min
Go to tour
The Painted City: Voices and Visions of Philadelphia's Mural Arts – Philadelphia Audio-Tour
Tour 02
©
Image by InSapphoWeTrust on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Painted City: Voices and Visions of Philadelphia's Mural Arts

Step beyond the gallery and into the streets of the 'Mural Capital of the World.' This immersive walking tour decodes the vibrant, towering canvases of Philadelphia, revealing how a 1980s graffiti crisis birthed a global movement of community-driven art. You will uncover hidden histories of civil rights, LGBTQ+ resilience, and grassroots imagination, discovering that these walls are not just painted—they are speaking.

4 Stops
61 Min
Go to tour

Discover Philadelphia – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Philadelphia.

Beyond the historic echoes of Independence Hall and the culinary buzz of Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia thrives with an artistic energy unique to its streets. Delve into neighborhoods like Fishtown or South Philly and discover that the city boasts the most public murals of any city in North America, a living, breathing testament to its community's spirit.

This unparalleled dedication to public art transforms Philadelphia's brick walls into vibrant canvases, revealing stories and social commentaries at every turn. Let Red Thread guide you through these visual narratives, from the historic heart of Old City to the colorful alleys of Fairmount, allowing you to intimately connect with the city's soul through its monumental artworks.

Philadelphia Highlights
  • Walk through history where a nation was born.
  • Indulge in culinary delights at Reading Terminal Market.
  • Discover the world's largest outdoor art gallery.
  • Experience Philly's pulse, loved by locals and visitors alike.

Start for free – Premium from €12.99/month. Compare all plans →

Learn more about Red Thread

Frequently Asked Questions about Philadelphia

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

What is Philadelphia most famous for beyond its history?
While known for the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia is globally recognized as "The City of Murals." It boasts thousands of public artworks, transforming its urban landscape.
How long do Red Thread's mural tours typically take?
Our audio tours, like "Behind the Color: Philadelphia's Mural Revolution," vary. Expect experiences ranging from 60 to 100 minutes, allowing you to discover 4 key mural locations at your own pace.
Can I explore specific neighborhoods known for murals?
Absolutely. Our tours will lead you through areas rich in public art, from the diverse streetscapes of South Philly to the artistic enclaves around Fairmount, showcasing works by renowned local artists.
Can I create my own tours in Philadelphia?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Philadelphia on a topic of your choice. All Infos here
Can I use the Philadelphia tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Philadelphia tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in nearby cities like New York, or international destinations like Istanbul, Rome, London and many more. All cities can be found here.
Discover more

Want more Red Thread?

The main page has all the features, pricing and background info. One tap – and you get the full picture.

Go to main page

0:00 / 0:00
Tours