South Philly's Mosaic Alleys, Ending Inside the Magic Gardens
A guide walks you through the murals and Isaiah Zagar mosaics of Queen Village and Bella Vista, then leads you into Philadelphia's Magic Gardens with your entry already paid.
This walk starts outside the Theatre of the Living Arts on South Street and ends inside Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, the walled labyrinth of glass, tile and paint that artist Isaiah Zagar built on an abandoned lot at 1020 South Street.
In between, a local guide takes you through Queen Village and Bella Vista, two South Philly neighborhoods where Zagar's mosaics cover building fronts and painted murals fill the side walls. Admission to the Magic Gardens is part of the ticket, so you walk straight from the street into the garden at the end.
Expect more Zagar than anything else. Recent travelers say the tour mostly follows his mosaics, with painted murals along the way.
As of November 5, 2026, the listing charges USD 45 per adult (ages 12 and up) and USD 39 per child aged 6 to 11, and children 5 and under go free. The price covers the guide, the Magic Gardens entry and a donation the operator passes to a local art organization. Tips, food and drinks are extra.
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
Philadelphia Murals and Street Art Tour with Magic GardensGuide, Magic Gardens admission and an art-group donation · 2:00 PM, Wednesday to Sunday · Free cancellation up to 24 hours beforewww.viator.comTwo Hours, Mostly on Your Feet
The group meets at 2:00 PM. About ten minutes go to South Street itself, where the guide explains how this strip has led the city's counterculture for generations, then walks you past its local galleries and decorated shopfronts.
The longest stretch, about 55 minutes on the listing's own timing, winds through the streets and alleys of Bella Vista around the Italian Market. Queen Village is a walk-through, with no stop. The listing also warns that not every location it names is a guaranteed stop.
One traveler wrote that you walk the full two hours with only one short break to sit down. Another said the group reached the Magic Gardens around 4:00 PM, tired from all the stops. Wear shoes you can stand in for a while. The operator runs the tour rain or shine.
A Gallery Stop Built Into the Ticket
Partway through, the tour steps inside the DaVinci Art Alliance, a community art organization in the neighborhood. The listing says it has been there since the 1930s and now gives exhibit space and grant money to LGBTQ and BIPOC artists. You see whatever show is on, and part of your ticket goes to the group as a donation.
The operator's tour page says you chat with a leader of the organization about its mission. Shared departures cap at 12 travelers, on both the listing and the operator's own page.
If you mainly want painted murals, know the balance going in. One recent visitor wished for more stories about the non-Zagar walls, while others came away taken with how much one artist has shaped these blocks.
Inside the Magic Gardens, Stay Until Closing
The walk ends at the Magic Gardens, which open Wednesday to Monday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The listing allows about 30 minutes inside with the group. The operator says you can stay as long as you like after that, and the museum lets visitors remain until closing.
The house rules are strict. No touching or climbing the mosaics, and backpacks have to be worn on your front. Luggage and oversized bags are turned away, and tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. There is no coat check.
The museum notes that some of Zagar's work shows the nude human figure. Three single-stall restrooms are inside the building.
Kids, Access and the Winter Calendar
Every booking needs at least one adult. The museum will not admit children under 16 without one.
The listing marks the tour as wheelchair accessible. The Magic Gardens' own FAQ says its sculpture garden has narrow passageways and stairways with no ramps or elevators. Strollers fit in much of the indoor galleries and parts of the garden, and the museum suggests folding them where you can. If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair, call the operator at 215-280-3746 before you book to ask how they handle the garden.
As of November 5, 2026, shared departures on this listing are scheduled only through December 31. After that, the calendar shows the private version of the tour.
📍 Meet outside the entrance of the Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. The map pin marks the theater.
The tour ends at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street, farther west on the same street. A mobile or paper ticket works, and if you drive, give yourself extra time to find a space.
Finish with as long in the garden as you want, then step back onto South Street for an early dinner.