Tours/Philadelphia/The Great Comedy Magic Walking Tour
Viator · group up to 40 pax

The Great Comedy Magic Walking Tour

5.0(151)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR5.0(7)TRIPADVISOR5.0(144)

Description

This is a walking tour that is also a walking magic show with little bits of history to keep it classy. There is no other tour like this on the east coast. More importantly, our customers rave about the experience, check out our 5-star reviews. The tour is the creation of Robert Malissa a native of Philly and an award-winning magician. The tour took two years to create. All the presentations are completely original and a number of the tricks are original creations developed specifically for the tour. Rob is the winner of the Philadelphia Houdini Award and a recipient of both stage and close-up magic awards from the Society of American Magicians.

Tour Options

The Great Comedy Magic Walk

Itinerary

75 min

Take a stroll through Old City Philadelphia for comedy, magic, and mystery, inspired by history. You will visit 8 or more historic or unique locations, each of which is the basis for a comedic and mend-bending performance. Examples include; Watch a penny penetrate a glass bottle to honor the saying, "a penny saved, is a penny earned" Enjoy "Les Mis" the musical card trick, a song parody/magic trick Experience spirit writing at the alley, "Little Boy's Court"... and much, much, more! You will never see Philly the same way again! (Appropriate for ages 13 and up)

Highlights

All locations are outdoors.

What's included

Included
All locations are outdoors.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
151 reviews
5
147
4
3
3
1
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Some areas are cobblestone streets which may be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs
  • The entire tour is between 1 to 1.5 hours. The walking time is approx. 1/2 hour. The rest of the time is standing, except for a few locations with some spots to sit.
  • In the summer, a water bottle is recommended.

Reviews(151)

S
SeekerPhiladelphia
June 14, 2026
Magical history tour

Bob is the consummate entertainer. He regaled us with little-known facts about our Founding Fathers, reaching into the past to make them more accessible to we modern students of history, and delighting us with his magician skills and clever songs. This is can't-miss entertainment if you're a visitor to Philadelphia or even if you're a native Philadelphian. He is a local treasure. Check him out if you're looking for a fun time and picking up a few historical anecdotes from America's early days. Perfect way to celebrate our 250th anniversary!

Operator response

What a wonderful review! Thanks and I am glad you enjoyed the the aspects of the tour.

U
U67QGbethm
June 6, 2026
Fun magic with a bit of history

We booked this tour because we wanted to go into the city but didn't have a plan besides wandering around. We were not disappointed. Rob's close up magic and silly jokes were so entertaining and the little historical tidbits along the way were quite interesting as well. We'd walk a bit then stop somewhere in the shade for a story and a trick that he tied in with his story. Rob made everyone feel welcome and comfortable and it was a great way to spend an hour and a half or so in Philly.

Operator response

Thanks for the thorough 5-star review. I am glad you enjoyed all the elements of the experience!

S
shannonk127127
June 3, 2026
Fun and Different Activity

This was a fun and different event where we learned new things about the city's history and saw some good magic tricks while having a laugh. I bought as a gift for my sister and we both enjoyed it. I don't know how he did the magic tricks, but they were all good and Rob was very funny. I'd recommend for anyone who enjoys magic and history. Good way for kids to learn some stuff too. The tour is over an hour and it is in Old City section with older streets, cobblestone and brick. If you have mobility issues, the walking will be an issue, but I believe they now have a "seated" tour which might be a better option for you. Also, for those not familiar with the area, the Bourse building, where you meet is now closed. We still met outside of there, but you are very close to the visitor center only a couple blocks away so I suggest you get there early so you can use restrooms there and then walk over to the Bourse to meet up and check in.

Operator response

Thanks for the wonderful and detailed review Shannon. It was great to meet the both of you!

G
GrandTour172244
May 29, 2026
Great time, tour and magic too!!

Excellent tour. So fun and we learned lots too. Just the right amount of walking and magic and fun!!!

Operator response

Thanks so much for coming on the tour and for the great review. I am glad you liked the mixture and variety of the experience..

F
Flyer42064016086
May 25, 2026
Friendly + engaging magician - and I learned Philly history too!

I was offered tickets to this tour through the Phambassador program and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. Our magician host was extremely engaging + knowelgeable. I've lived in Philly for nearly a decade and have gone on many historic walking tours...but I still learned new things + saw new sights. A really fun tour that I've already recommended to many friends.

Operator response

Thanks so much for the wonderful review. I love it when locals learn new things from the tour. I hope you use, “Mother, can we leave soon please”! (If you didn’t already know that).

S
S9026TRsharonb
May 17, 2026
Very enjoyable Magic Tour

The magic tour was great! The history was worked into the tour and the tricks were baffling. Interesting and lots of fun. Wonderful way to spend the day.

Operator response

Thanks so much for the 5- star review Sharon! I enjoyed having you on the tour and liked your enthusiasm the whole way through.

D
Destination178128
May 17, 2026
Magic Greatness

Rob is personable and very skilled in his magic tricks. Paring that with local history is a bonus - one the whole family enjoyed.

Operator response

I love the title of your review, I will try not to let it go to my head. I’m glad your whole family enjoyed it.

R
Resort39993074908
May 16, 2026
Wonderful tour of Philadelphia's Old City

Unique way to learn some Philadelphia history, with comedy and magic along the way. We loved Rob's sense of humor and fun, including singing to us while performing magic tricks. He was inclusive, even remembering everyone's names. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience!

Operator response

Thanks so much for the 5 -star review! I’m glad you liked the whole enchilada!

R
RFJ
October 19, 2025
Unique and Fun

I got a real kick out of this tour! The magic tricks were well done and I was very impressed with a couple in particular. The guide/magician was a lot of fun and kept the tour on track for those with time constraints. And I learned some interesting new history, despite having grown up in the area and being extremely familiar with Philly.

Operator response

Thanks so much for coming on the tour and for the 5-stars. After reading the review, I am curious to know which tricks were your standouts. I hope they linger with you and give you a bit of happiness whenever they pop back into your brain. That is the gift that magic gives!

S
Sherpa610652
October 17, 2025
Excellent Tour!

Rob gave an excellent tour-combining the history of Philadelphia with super magic tricks! He is a terrific performer!

Operator response

Thanks so much for the 5- star review. I enjoyed performing for the two of you and hanging out a little bit after the tour. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Philly!

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