Philadelphia street leading to City Hall

Philadelphia’s Hidden Gems: A Day by Private Car

Philadelphia’s best-known stops, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, take a morning. The city’s quieter sights are spread further apart, which is exactly why they suit a day with a car and chauffeur. Here they are, grouped by area so the day flows.

South Philadelphia and Society Hill

  • Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, on South Street: a walk-through mosaic made from tiles, mirrors and bottles.
  • The Italian Market, along 9th Street: one of the oldest outdoor markets in the country.
  • Elfreth’s Alley, in Old City: often called the oldest continuously lived-in residential street in the United States.

Fairmount Park and the Parkway

  • Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, in West Fairmount Park.
  • The Rodin Museum, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
  • The Mütter Museum, the medical history museum of the College of Physicians.

Further out

  • Bartram’s Garden, in Southwest Philadelphia, a historic botanical garden on the Schuylkill.
  • The Wissahickon Valley, where Forbidden Drive follows the creek through the woods.

How do you fit it into one day?

Pick one area per half day. A morning in South Philadelphia and Old City, then the Parkway and Fairmount Park after lunch, works well. Book the car by the hour so it waits at each stop; our chauffeurs are drivers, not licensed guides, so check opening days and tickets before you go.

Want the classic sights too? Our city tour page has a sample day and the Independence Hall ticket rules.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours should I book for a day of hidden gems?

Five or six hours covers two areas comfortably. A minimum number of hours applies.

Can the chauffeur wait while we visit?

Yes. On an hourly booking the car waits nearby at each stop.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes. Child and booster seats are available on request.

Can we combine hidden gems with Independence Hall?

Yes. Book your timed ticket first and we plan the day around it.