Along a stretch of 9th Street in the heart of eclectic South Philadelphia lies the Italian Market, one of America’s oldest and largest outdoor markets.
This iconic collection of butchers, bakers, specialty shops, and restaurants has been the backbone of this historic neighborhood since its creation in the late 1800s. It has survived throughout the passing decades by welcoming vendors from around the world and, today, remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Join us for a stroll through the Italian Market, among the vibrant fruit stalls, past the fragrant bakeries, into various shops and unique stores, and peeking down hidden alleys covered in fantastical street art. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sample several delicious dishes, including cannoli, tomato pie, and tacos! Your guide will also introduce you to other Italian Market staples and immigrant-inspired fare, savoring the flavors of the market as you make your way down this iconic street. Wherever your guide leads you, your senses will be popping as you explore one of the most unique, thriving, and diverse areas of the City of Brotherly Love.
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This tour educates guests on the important cultural and economic role the market has played, and continues to play, in the Bella Vista neighborhood.
Our food tour experience features vendors that have been a part of the market for over one hundred years and provide a direct link to the market’s past.
This Italian Market food tour highlights the local immigrant population and their importance in preserving and growing this vibrant market.
Choosing a walking tour helps us to reduce our carbon footprint and therefore any negative impact on the environment.
Down these streets you’ll see stalls and stores of all kinds, as glorious scents and surprising sights surround you. There are many different breads, meats, produce, and cheeses to be enjoyed – along with classics such as cannoli and newer additions like fresh tortillas. You’ll get a chance to speak to some local shopkeepers and hear about their family’s experiences in the market. You’ll also hear about the evolution of this immigrant neighborhood and how foods, dishes, and cuisines from all over the world have found a home in South Philly.
Our food tour of the Italian Market may pass by this tasting room known for its fine balsamic vinegars, olive oils, and more.
This family-owned Italian Market shop has been providing kitchen wares for the community and chefs since 1906! Our tour may enter or pass by this long-established business to discuss the importance of small, family-run stores in the Italian Market.
During our walk along 9th Street, we may pass by this Italian Market shop offering farm beef, sausages, steaks, and meats.
This Italian specialties shop is an Italian Market favorite, offering fresh pasta, meats, sauces, and tasty house-made Mozzarella cheese. We’ll pass by this store or your tour Italian Market food tour guide can direct you back to enjoy shopping at your leisure following the tour!
This small shop has been churning out authentic Mexican homemade corn tortillas. You’ll want to come back for some delicious guac and chips!
During our food and history tour, you may hear about this Visitor Center and its role in the community of vendors in the Italian Market.
This butcher shop has been providing and displaying low-roasted hogs and other meats since 1927. We may get a chance to pass by or stop in and hear some stories about the stores and its long history!
This generations-owned shop is a favorite local spot for coffee, baked goods, gelato, and more. We may get to pass by this Italian Market institution, or you can return after your tour to sample their sweets!
We may get to pass by this family-run bake shop that’s been baking fresh breads and pizzas for over a century!
This favorite Italian Market shop, opened by two Italian immigrants in the late 1930s, may be a stop on our tour or a place you might want to check out afterwards to sample some excellent cheeses from all over the world!
On our guided walking tour of the Italian Market, we may get to pass this very popular eatery offering slow-cooked barbacoa-style tacos and learn the fascinating history of its owner and her journey to open this restaurant.
