Philadelphia Audio Tours & City Guides Philadelphia speaks.
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Discover Philly, where history meets vibrant art and every alley whispers a story.

Two Ways 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
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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
The Painted City: Voices and Visions of Philadelphia's Mural Arts – Philadelphia Audio-Tour
Tour 02
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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

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.

Philadelphia is more than just a history lesson; it’s a living mosaic of neighborhoods waiting for you to uncover. Feel the city's heartbeat as you wander its charming streets, sensing the energy that flows from its rich past and dynamic present.

This unique blend is particularly reflected in Philadelphia's impressive street art scene, where every wall is a canvas and every alley a masterpiece. With Red Thread, you'll dive deep into 'The Painted City,' letting the voices and visions of the artists guide you through the city's vibrant murals.

Philadelphia Highlights
  • Explore the birthplace of American independence.
  • Be captivated by Philadelphia's world-famous murals.
  • Savor cheesesteaks and hoppy craft beer in local pubs.
  • Uncover hidden stories that will surprise even locals.

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.

How long does it take to explore the artworks of 'The Painted City'?
Our tour 'The Painted City: Voices and Visions of Philadelphia's Murals' takes approximately 61 minutes and guides you past four impressive murals. If you have more time, 'Behind the Color: Philadelphia's Mural Revolution' offers a deeper exploration in about 100 minutes.
Can I see all of Philadelphia's murals in one day?
Philadelphia is renowned as the 'Mural Capital of the World' with thousands of wall paintings. Our audio tours, curated by Claravogt, focus on selected, iconic works, giving you a profound insight into the art and culture without overwhelming you.
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.
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 Venice, Dublin, Berlin and many more. All cities can be found here.
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