HUMAN | Experience Consultant | HOOD ADVOCATE | Experience Curator | SPEAKER
"​Touristy shit cost too much in exchange for the little value it contributes to the neighborhoods, islands and countries it destroys. And rarely does it allow you to get immersed in the life of the natives/locals." - Chrissy
For over half a decade, Philly Experiences have redefined tourism as activism, curating immersive experiences that go beyond the white-washed narratives of Center City (formerly a Black metropolis). As the only Black-owned cultural tour operator in Philadelphia, we take pride in guiding guests through the city’s historic and contemporary Black spaces, uplifting the businesses, artists, and storytellers who shape our communities away from the crowds of wandering tourists (with the exception of our dessert tour that does operate in the area). Whether you’re making new friends on our Black Be Beautiful Mural Tour, indulging in our Uptown Soul Food Tour, vibing on a private themed party bus (beach, thrift, seafood, or cheesesteak), or completing your bucket list with our digital guides, you are actively contributing to cultural preservation and economic empowerment.
More Than a Tour, It's THE Cultural Preservation Movement
Philly Experiences is built on the belief that cultural experiences should be intentional, intersectional, and impactful. We do more than tell history, we amplify OUR stories of recent hood heroes and living legends, ensuring that Black entrepreneurship, art, and innovation are recognized as acts of activism.
Every experience is designed to:
- Uplift and empower our youth, neighbors, and local businesses to overcome challenges and thrive.
- Amplify our positive multigenerational impact, ensuring that our stories live on.
- Center Black murals/street art and the stories they tell of our local experience
- Invest in intentionally under-resourced communities to combat Black erasure.
- Promote social justice, cultural sensitivity, intersectionality and equity in the tourism and event industry.
- Improve mental & physical health by embracing the rewards of walking, fresh air, and sunshine.
- Stop demonizing the poor by shifting narratives and honoring lived experiences.
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From a cashier to nanny to photographer to owning an award-winning tour brand is nothing short of a surprise to all of us lol... my life was destined to be a statistic since birth, if you are in a safe space to possibly cry but definitely process a tough story (trauma/trigger warning), read about the hard beginning of the journey to be as raw, unfiltered and empathetic as I am instead even when life gave me every reason to crash out - enter here.
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"I took this experience at the end of my month trip and it was 10/10! I really wish I would have started with it. Chrissy went out of her way to make me comfortable. We connected as humans and I really felt I had a friend for the day. Understanding the original culture here and talking about how gentrification is affecting the city is so important. And especially important to have the conversation with a local like her." - Brianna
Our Guests Are More Than Tourists, They Become Hood Cousins​
What's a hood cousin you say?! Glad you asked... we have to type of cousins that make up our community. First up...our play cousins - they follow and engage with us on social media, share our tours, posts and leave us inspirational messages in our DMs and have yet to attend an in-person event. Our hood cousins are special because they are with the sh*t, they have met all of the play cousin requirements PLUS attended our tours, partnered/sponsored our brand and/or booked us privately to support the community centered/social and economic movement that is Philly Experiences.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a local rediscovering your roots, a corporate group seeking meaningful engagement, or a family making lifelong memories, Philly Experiences makes sure you feel:
✅ Seen & heard
✅ Uplifted & appreciated
✅ Celebrated & loved
✅ Human (especially Black & LGBTQIA+)
✅ Like you’re hanging with your favorite cousins
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Be Part of the Legacy
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Philly Experiences invites you to step beyond the tourist traps and into the heart of our city’s Black culture. Walk with us through the murals and music, taste the legacy in every bite of soul food, and witness the powerful intersection of history and modern-day resilience. This is where past, present, and future meet—where tourism becomes activism, and where every step you take is part of something bigger.
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Are you ready to experience Philadelphia through native eyes?
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Let’s explore, uplift, and celebrate Black existence together. ​​