Downtown Philadelphia Donut Tour & Reading Terminal Market

Follow Philadelphia's sweet side with a guide as you sample donuts and hear the stories behind local shops. This outdoor walking tour pairs treats with a relaxed downtown stroll.

• Discover the city’s donut culture and food traditions
• Sample plenty of donuts along the route
• Learn the history behind each donut shop
• Bring your appetite for the tastings
• Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes

Itinerary

Your journey begins at Dottie’s Donuts, a beloved Philadelphia bakery known for creative, handcrafted donuts and inventive seasonal flavors. As you enjoy your first delicious bites of the day, your guide will introduce you to Philadelphia’s thriving food scene and share how the city’s donut culture has evolved alongside its historic neighborhoods and diverse culinary traditions.

From there, we’ll continue through the heart of Philadelphia to discover more of the city’s sweet side. Along the way, you’ll learn about Philadelphia’s rich immigrant history and the many cultures that have influenced the city’s food traditions. Your guide will also share stories about the landmarks, neighborhoods, and local characters that have helped shape Philadelphia into one of America’s great food cities.

Next, we’ll make our way to the historic Reading Terminal Market, a Philadelphia landmark that has been serving locals and visitors since 1893. Inside this bustling market, you’ll experience the sights, sounds, and incredible aromas of one of the country’s most celebrated public markets.

Here, we’ll enjoy warm, soft pretzels that offer a delicious connection to Pennsylvania’s Amish and German heritage. Pretzels have been part of the region’s food culture for generations, making this savory stop the perfect break between all those sweet treats.

Our final stop takes us to Beiler’s Donuts, another favorite within Reading Terminal Market. Here, you’ll find an incredible selection of fresh, handcrafted donuts filled, glazed, and topped with everything from classic flavors to over-the-top creations. As you enjoy your final tasting, you’ll hear stories about Reading Terminal Market’s evolution from its 19th-century origins to its role today as a centerpiece of Philadelphia’s food culture.

This tour is more than a sweet adventure. It’s a journey through Philadelphia’s history, neighborhoods, food traditions, and local culture, served one delicious bite at a time.

What's Included

• Donuts
• Donut-shop history
• Guided downtown stroll

Important details

• Arrive on time; the tour begins 10 minutes after the scheduled start time
• Accept the tour’s liability waiver before participating
• Gluten-free and vegan dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated; other allergy options are limited
• Expect a roughly 1.5–2-mile walk outdoors
• Plan your return route, as the tour ends at a different location than where it starts