One of the things we love most about Philadelphia is the art. Across neighborhoods like Fishtown, Old City, South Philadelphia (where you can find Geno’s Steaks, the best cheesesteak in Philly) and beyond, there is a ton of beautiful public art. As part of their goal to unite artists and communities through collaboration, Mural Arts Philadelphia creates art and empowers artists. Mural Arts Philadelphia is involved with a great deal of programs across Philadelphia, including civic engagement, art education, restorative justice, and more.
The organization also provides tours of murals throughout the city, and we feel with the changing leaves and comfortable temperatures, October is a perfect time! Whether you prefer to travel via train, trolley, walking, or bicycle, Mural Arts Philadelphia has something for everyone throughout the month.
A popular mural tour is called Love Letter where the work of artist Stephen Powers is highlighted via a train ride through the city. Powers painted 50 murals that are, collectively, a love letter to a girl, to his hometown, and to his friends and neighbors. Powers himself described the project as “my chance to put something on these rooftops that people would care about.” A trained guide leads each tour, telling the stories behind each of the murals along the Market/Frankford line.
Love bike riding in the fall? The Mural Arts Bike Tour, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., is our recommendation for you! Riders get a chance to see brilliant pieces of public art from Center City to Manayunk, traveling through Schuylkill River Trail, the Manayunk Canal Towpath, and the Manayunk and East Falls neighborhoods. Ticket prices include a bike, helmet and a water bottle. Once you have worked up an appetite touring the city, come to Geno’s Steaks for the best cheesesteak in Philly.