Links to Info About Philly (updated 8/5/2024)

Food

The ultimate guide to cheesesteaks for 2024

The rest of the food scene

A must do....... The Reading Terminal Market FREE Until you want to buy food

Cool City Views FREE

Run up the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum, jump up and down with your fits in the air, and enjoy the view. Then catch your breath, you are at the back of the art museum. Walk to the other side, and look out from the front, you are looking out over the Schuylkill River and Boat House Row.

Also, check out this list of great Top Ten Views.

Weird and Sometimes Makes you Queasy

The Mutter Museum

Just Weird Eastern State Penitentiary

Also Weird and wonderful Philly Magic Gardens (This has nothing to do with my tour, it is a magnificent art installation). If you like this work, here is a map to all sorts of FREE installations nearby

Your Cable Bill Dollars at Work

FREE - Watch a short movie inside The Sphere of the Comcast Center and at the Comcast Experience

Science Lovers - Walk through a gigantic heart! The Franklin Institute (great for kids of all ages)

Pop up Magic Shows at the Independence Visitor Center Conjure up Fun for Visitors to America’s Most Historic Square Mile

Starting Memorial Day Weekend, the Philadelphia Visitor Center is partnering with Philly Magic Tours to provide tourists with unexpected moments of fun at the Independence Visitor Center this summer.

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour has conjured up a free “Midday Magic Show” at the Independence Visitor Center. The 10-15 minute pop-ups are designed to give visitors a taste of the hour-long ticketed walking tour through Historic Philadelphia. Pop up Shows are completely free, and begin Friday, May 24. Pop up Shows will take place every weekend from Memorial Day through the end of June.

“Costumed characters, storytelling benches, and new Midday Magic Shows all contribute to the festive, fun atmosphere visitors can expect at the Independence Visitor Center this summer,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center. “We are thrilled to connect visitors with the variety of high-quality tours, events, museums and attractions that make a visit to Philadelphia an experience to remember!” 

Pop up magic shows offer a chance to welcome guests to the Visitor Center and also showcase one of Philadelphia's unique attractions, a walking tour of the city’s historic district that includes stand up comedy and dozens of magic tricks, all themed around the tales of Revolutionary America. The tour explores historic and offbeat locations in Old City.  At the various stops there are theatrical presentations, audience participation, comedy, and jaw-dropping magic tricks performed just a few feet away from participants. 

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour is in its third season.  Award-winning magician and native of Philadelphia, Robert Malissa has created a unique type of city tour (there are only three magic walking tours in the world). 

Visitors can purchase tickets for The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking at the Independence Visitor Center’s Information Desk or online at www.phillymagictours.com.

Notes to Editors

ABOUT THE PHILADELPHIA VISITOR CENTER CORPORATION The Philadelphia Visitor Center (PVCC) connects visitors to memorable, authentic, and fun Philly experiences at our four visitor center locations: 6th and Market, City Hall, Love Park, and the Parkway. It facilitates the operation of the Independence Visitor Center, the primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park and the official visitor center of the Philadelphia region, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. PVCC also operates the LOVE Park Visitor Center, Parkway Visitor Center, City Hall Visitor Center, The Philly PHLASH seasonal public transit service, and The Liberty View, a private event space at The Independence Visitor Center overlooking the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall. For more information, please visit www.phlvisitorcenter.com.

About The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour

Rob Malissa is a renowned magician in the Philadelphia area where he has been performing since the age of 10. He won the Philadelphia Houdini Club trophy, the Philadelphia version of the Stanley Cup for magic. The trophy was originally presented to the Club by Bess Houdini, the widow of the late Harry Houdini. Winners’ names are etched into a plaque that is part of a book containing Houdini memorabilia. He tied for first place in close-up sleight of hand and was awarded 2nd place in stage magic at the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society of American Magicians. Malissa has performed in numerous shows and festivals in the area including fringe festivals in both Philadelphia and New York city where he earned rave reviews.

With apologies to Lewis Carrol

This is where we start the Walk, and talk of many things,

of famous Philadelphians, of commoners and kings,

of how our City streets were named, and why our bell won't ring.