Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Calling all LGBTQ travelers, gaggle of local gays and their friends alike! Get your facts straight and your history GAY on this specialty tour of Philadelphia’s iconic Gayborhood. Get under the skin of queer Philly. Discover the controversies, paradoxes, and hidden histories of the only formalized Gayborhood in the country. Let’s talk and spill all that historical tea hunny!
Tour includes:
- Barbara Gittings, "Gay Pioneer"
- Alain Locke, Dean of the Harlem Renaissance
- Giovanni's Room, The nation's longest continuously-operating LGBT-focused bookstore
- The evolution of Pride: from protest to parade
- Kiyoshi Kuromiya: Inventor, Architect, Activist
- A tribute to Gloria Casarez
Wheel Chair Accessible upon request.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
See the Pride and Progress mural on the side of the William Way LGBTQ Community Center.
On the side of Writer's Block Rehab (local qpoc owned bar), see two incredible murals of queer icons.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Options
Philly Gayborhood & LGBTQ Tour
Private Gayborhood Tour
Requires $196 or 4 person min.
Reviews
37 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Insightful and inspiring tour with Martha
Noah C,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour and one of the highlights of our time in Philadelphia. Martha was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about LGBTQ history and the Gayborhood. She brought the stories of the community, the activism, and the people who shaped it to life in such a thoughtful and meaningful way. We learned so much about the history of the area and appreciated how Martha connected the past to the present. She created a welcoming atmosphere and made the experience both educational and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Philadelphia history or LGBTQ history—and if you get Martha as your guide, you’re in great hands! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another wonderful walking tour with Beyond the Bell Tours
StaceyEH434,May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 14 year old granddaughter who was visiting from Colorado, my daughter, her boyfriend, and I took the Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Walking Tour. The three of us females had taken the Badass Women History Tour two years prior, and liked it so much that we knew we wanted to choose Beyond the Bell Tours again. Joey was our guide, and we couldn't have asked for a better person to show us different historical landmarks, relate the history of the gayborhood in Philly, and answer our questions. Even though three of us have lived in Philly for some years, we learned so much. I wish history had been taught in such an interesting way in school! We all really enjoyed this tour, and want to take more ones from Beyond the Bell Tours.
Must go! Must see! Must hear!
jaimesY1238WH,Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was fantastic and highly inspiring! You get a great history of LGBTQ+ rights, some women's history, black history, and activism amongst all three marginalized groups. The walk is a nice stroll and not difficult at all to navigate. Would highly recommend to all!
Incredible experience, I hope to go again soon!
efK4079MS,Jul 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was phenomenal, I learned SO much and our tour guide was fantastic. I walked away wanting to go on the tour again to try and soak up as much of the history, stories, and facts as possible. This is a MUST activity for locals and tourists!
The Gayborhood’s Finest Attraction
Boden B,Jul 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely wonderful time with Rebecca. She gave us the scoop on all the things that slay in the Gayborhood. This is a must for any traveler wishing to brush up on their gay knowledge. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
A must do in Philadelphia
577scarletth,Jul 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Rebecca, and she was one of the best tour guides that any of us, a group of ten, had seen. The tour was both educational and informational, but also interactive and fun. Loved Giovanni’s room, a great welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks. And the murals across the ‘Gayborhood” were amazing to see, and Rebecca gave us a great history of the art.
Tour worth going on!
Danielle W,Jun 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great experience and highly recommend this tour if you're in the neighborhood! We were able to start on time, walk at a nice pace and take plenty of pictures. Our tour guide was very informative, and she answered all of our questions. I'm glad to have had this opportunity to explore Gayborhood.
Get Your Gay History Here!
O1453UHjt,Apr 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the tour with Joey today and had a wonderful time! Even as a Philadelphia native, I learned so much about the Gayborhood and LGBTQ+ history that has surrounded me my whole life. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Philadelphia for the first time or the lifelong local curious about those who paved the Queer way before us.
Rebecca is the BEST!!!
scottieb885,Feb 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was fantastic! Learned so much cool queer history and had a ton of fun along the way. Rebecca is such an engaging and knowledgeable guide and she really made sure it was an awesome experience! We’ll be back for more tours with her for sure!
Engaging & fun tour from a knowledgable local
lizwM1016XN,Feb 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience on our walking tour from this woman/LGBTQ owned biz. Our group was small and we had lots of time to ask questions of our knowledgeable & very funny guide - Beyond the Bell was a great way to learn more about the city’s impressive LGBTQ history in a fun and engaging way. Highly recommend!!
From US$59.00
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