True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour

If you’re into history but also have a taste for the darker stories lurking behind the city’s famed landmarks, the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour from Grim Philly might just be your next must-do experience. This 2.5-hour walk combines historic sightseeing—think Ben Franklin’s grave and Betsy Ross’s neighborhood—with chilling tales of Philadelphia’s serial killers and crime scene stories. It’s a unique mix that promises to entertain, educate, and perhaps even give you a few goosebumps.

What really sets this tour apart is the expertise of the guides—all of whom hold Master’s Degrees in American History. Add in the fact that the tour is rated an impressive 4.9 out of 5 from reviews, and you can tell this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill walk. However, it’s worth noting that, given the adult content and some darker themes, it’s probably best suited for older teens and adults. If you’re curious about the city’s less-glamorous past and enjoy a good story, this tour offers a good balance of education and entertainment.

One potential downside? The tour runs rain or shine, so you’ll want to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. Also, if you’re bringing kids, keep in mind that some of the content is adult-oriented, and the Saturday cemetery option is adults only. But aside from that, the tour’s value and storytelling quality make it a compelling pick for history buffs and true crime fans alike.

If you’re planning a trip to Philly and want a different perspective on history—one that includes the city’s secrets and shadows—this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Each guide has a Master’s Degree in American History, ensuring well-informed storytelling.
• Combines Crime & History: Offers a unique blend of historic sites with chilling true crime tales.
• Iconic Locations: Visits the graveyard at Christ Church, Ben Franklin’s cemetery, and Elfreth’s Alley.
• Accessible & Flexible: Suitable for most, with wheelchair accessibility and options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Value for Money: For $44, you get a detailed and engaging 2.5-hour experience, including admission fees.
• Good Reviews: Consistently high ratings and multiple glowing reviews praise the guides and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point and Meeting Logistics

The tour kicks off outside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, a central and convenient location in Philadelphia. The meeting spot is straightforward—just outside the front doors—making it easy to find, especially if you’re arriving by foot or public transport.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Cover

The walking tour weaves through some of Philadelphia’s most historic sites, including the graveyard at Christ Church—a site rich with colonial history—and the grave of Benjamin Franklin. These locations are not only significant for their historical importance but also add a sense of gravitas to the storytelling.

As you stroll, expect to hear tales of the most infamous serial killers who once roamed the city’s streets, making the tour a mix of morbid fascination and historical context. Guides, all with deep academic backgrounds, bring these stories to life with thorough knowledge and engaging narration.

The Atmosphere & Guide Style

Guests frequently comment on how knowledgeable and personable the guides are—each warmly sharing their expertise and making the stories memorable. One reviewer said, “Ted was awesome! Super knowledgeable and personable,” while another called Joseph “amazing—very knowledgeable and entertaining.” The guides are clearly passionate, and their ability to tie American history to true crime stories keeps the tour compelling from start to finish.

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The Mood & Content

This isn’t a light stroll; expect some adult themes and potentially graphic stories involving serial killers. The Saturday cemetery option is for adults only, emphasizing the tour’s darker tone. It’s perfect if you’re interested in a more morbid history, but perhaps less ideal if you’re traveling with young children or prefer lighter topics.

The Duration & Group Size

At just under 3 hours, the tour strikes a good balance. It’s long enough to explore several sites and stories in detail but not so lengthy that it becomes tiring. Group sizes tend to be manageable, fostering interaction and personalized storytelling.

What About the Value?

For $44, you’re getting admission fees included and a guided experience led by experts, which many reviewers feel is good value. When compared to typical guided tours, the mix of history and true crime storytelling makes this experience feel richer and more engaging than standard sightseeing.

What Past Guests Say

Reviews highlight multiple aspects of the tour that work well:

• One reviewer said, “Ted was an awesome tour guide and we will be doing the vampire tour next,” indicating repeat interest and satisfaction.
• Many praise the depth of knowledge, with comments like, “Very knowledgeable guide. Kept my interest the entire tour.”
• The entertaining storytelling also comes through, with one person noting the “best dad jokes ever” from a guest guide at Franklin’s cemetery.

Some mention that the price feels justified given the amount of stories, sites, and history packed into the walk. “By the end of the tour, I felt that it was absolutely worth $45,” one guest said.

The Experience’s Strengths

You’ll love the expert guides who make the stories come alive, and the combination of historic sites with chilling tales makes the experience stand out. The morbid stories of serial killers add an edge that isn’t typical for city tours, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of macabre and historical insights. The stunning views and iconic locations also provide great photo opportunities.

Potential Drawbacks

A couple of reviews mention that some parts of the tour are adult-themed, so travelers with children should consider this. It’s not a family-friendly activity, especially since the Saturday cemetery tour is adults only. Also, since the tour runs rain or shine, be prepared for the weather with appropriate clothing.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re fascinated by history but also enjoy true crime stories, this tour offers a compelling way to experience Philadelphia. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate guides with significant academic credentials and engaging storytelling. The tour is also suitable for those who don’t mind walking outdoors for a couple of hours, regardless of weather.

However, if you’re traveling with young children or prefer lighter, family-friendly activities, you might want to skip this one. The adult themes and potentially graphic stories are geared toward an older audience.

Final Thoughts

The True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour offers a rare peek into the shadowy side of Philadelphia’s past, told by guides who truly know their stuff. The combination of historic sites and chilling stories makes it stand out from more traditional city tours. It’s a good value at $44, especially given the positive reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and storytelling skills.

This experience suits curious travelers who want to see iconic Philadelphia landmarks while also indulging their fascination with the city’s darker stories. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a good story, historical insights, and don’t mind a little Morbid Fun along the way.

If you’re in Philly and want to learn about its hidden, sometimes sinister past, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour is primarily geared toward adults given its adult content and themes surrounding crime and serial killers. The Saturday cemetery option is for adults only, so families with children might want to look elsewhere.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2.5 hours, which is a manageable length for most guests. It includes walking and stops at several historic sites.

Where does the tour meet?
It begins outside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, a very central location in Philadelphia.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for walking and be prepared for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

What is the price?
It costs $44 per person, which includes admission fees and the guided experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexibility in your plans.

Is alcohol or food included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks. It focuses on storytelling and sightseeing.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Currently, the tour is available in English only.

If you enjoy stories that blend history with a dark twist, this Philly tour could be an eye-opener—and perhaps even a little spooky. It’s a well-reviewed, engaging way to spend an afternoon learning about the city’s lesser-known stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: