Street art is a great, free way to learn about a city and see its sights. Walking through different neighborhoods is best for getting a feel for the city and the people who live in it. I decided to do just that in Philadelphia after coming across Mural Arts, which provides a free self-guided walking mural tour map. I downloaded the map on my phone and followed it throughout the city.
The mural map includes a north and a south route, but I skipped around and did some of both. Not only does the map mark some pretty impressive murals, you’ll also see plenty of street art that’s not marked on the map because they’re not officially part of the Mural Arts program. You’ll also pass by sights and neighborhoods like City Hall, Chinatown, Independence Mall, and Franklin Square.
You probably want to get some food before you start your walk and you’ll definitely get hungry at some point along the way. I started my day at Harper’s Garden for brunch, a restaurant with plant-filled outdoor seating that’s perfect for photos. From Harper’s Garden, it’s just a few blocks to city hall and the tail end of the northern walking route.
After a full day of walking through the city, it’s nice to end with dinner and drinks. There are plenty of options to choose from within walking distance, but I chose to take a Lyft to Bok Bar because the view looked amazing. And it was. Bok Bar is a seasonal bar located on the outdoor terrace of the historic Bok building. It’s highlight is the view of the Philadelphia skyline, but the food at the time I went was a mixed bag. Still, it’s worth a visit to rest your feet before heading home.
Have you taken a walking mural tour in Philly or in your own city? Let me know in the comments and then check out this YouTube video to go with this post!
If you liked this, check these out:
How to Explore Philadelphia in One Day
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