• The Victor Café - Originally a gramophone and record shop: Established by John DiStefano in 1918 as Victor Records, it transitioned into Victor Café in 1933 following the end of Prohibition.

The café is celebrated for its waitstaff performers—professional opera singers—who perform arias during dinner service, a tradition that began in the 1970s.

Rocky movie appearance: Featured in both Rocky Balboa (2006) and Creed, Stallone insisted on maintaining its authentic setting during filming.

• Mario Lanza Institute - Mario Lanza, born in South Philadelphia in 1921, was an Italian-American tenor who became a film star. He began in opera and later pursued a Hollywood career, following in the footsteps of performers like Enrico Caruso. He is a local hero in South Philadelphia, and this museum is dedicated to his life.

The Mario Lanza Museum is open by appointment only and has been here since the early 1960s.

• Palizzi Social Club - The Palizzi Social Club was established in 1918 as an exclusive dining club for locals in Philadelphia. For over a century, friends and colleagues have enjoyed lovingly prepared dinners and cocktails in a lounge built inside this South Philadelphia Row Home.

Initially, membership at Palizzi Social Club was limited to expatriates from Vasto, Italy. Today, it operates on a “gotta know someone” basis, although they recently held a more open membership drive.

The club’s interior features plush velvet curtains, ornate furniture, and live music.

• Moyamensing Prison State Historic Site - Moyamensing Prison was a notable prison complex in Philadelphia, designed by architect Thomas Ustick Walter, who later worked on the U.S. Capitol dome. Construction began in 1832, and the prison opened in 1835. Built in the Egyptian Revival style, it was renowned for its imposing presence on Passyunk Avenue.

The most infamous resident of Moyamensing Prison was serial killer H.H. Holmes, who was imprisoned here from 1895 until his execution by hanging in 1896. He confessed in writing to the murder of 27 people.

• Geno’s Steaks - Founded in 1930 by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri at a hot-dog stand at 9th & Passyunk. In 1933, Pat replaced hot dogs with chopped steak and onions, and a cabdriver suggested selling the sandwich instead, leading to the creation of the cheesesteak.

• Ray’s ‘Happy Birthday’ Bar - Established in 1938 with birthday cheer: Anthony “Ray” Capozzoli opened the bar in 1938, greeting every patron with a hearty “Happy Birthday!”, even if it wasn’t their birthday.

Birthday shots became a tradition: Today, visitors celebrating their birthday there receive a free “birthday cake shot” served in a candle-lit cupcake glass, complete with bell-ringing and party hats.

• Italian Market 9th Street - This covered market began informally in the late 1800s, as Italian street vendors set up carts to sell produce and goods directly to their community. By the early 20th century, it had become a bustling hub for Italian-American culture, with many original vendors establishing permanent storefronts. This photo is an image of the curb market in the 1930s/40s.

• Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House - Anthony’s was founded by Anthony Anastasio, whose family has been part of the Italian Market since 1906. They still maintain a presence here besides the coffee shop through Anastasio Produce and Anastasio Seafood.

In the late 1980s, after traveling to Italy, Anthony returned with a passion for European-style cafes, which were then absent from the Italian Market in Philadelphia. He opened Anthony’s in 1996, and it has been here ever since. In the early 2000s, they added a chocolatier and a gelato bar to their shop.

• St. Paul Roman Catholic Church - Founded in 1843 to serve the spiritual needs of what was then the township of Moyamensing. Every year, they are the starting point of a procession of the saints, which kicks off the Italian Market festival every May.

Initially, the congregation was primarily Irish, but by the end of the 19th century, St. Paul’s population became predominantly Italian.

• Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens - The Magic Gardens was created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar in the late 1990s and officially opened to the public in 2008.
  Zagar began working in the South Street area in the 1960s, creating mosaics on abandoned buildings as part of an effort to revitalize the neighborhood. In 1994, he started transforming a vacant lot next to his studio into what would become the Magic Gardens. Using found objects like tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, bottles, and folk art, he built a labyrinth of tunnels, walls, and sculptures entirely covered in mosaics.
  When the lot’s owner tried to sell the land in 2002, Zagar and the community rallied to preserve the space. With support from local nonprofits and art lovers, the site was secured and turned into a nonprofit organization. Today, it is open as a museum!

• Local Guide

• Gratuities
• Meals

Join the walking tour through the heart and soul of Philadelphia—South Philly! From Rocky Balboa to cheesesteaks, many of Philly’s most iconic symbols originate from this lively neighborhood. During this 2-hour tour, explore the streets of South Philadelphia and delve into the stories behind its rich culture. Visit locations associated with the Rocky movies, including Giordano’s and Victor’s Café, and discover the origins of the city’s famous cheesesteak. Later, stroll through the historic Italian Market on 9th Street—America’s oldest outdoor market—where there will be free time to shop, grab a bite, or explore. The guide will be available to answer questions and share local secrets. Along the way, see some of Philadelphia’s most famous murals. South Philly’s vibrant public art is part of what makes this area so unique, and there will be plenty of opportunities to admire and learn about these colorful works.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.