Historic Philadelphia: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Immerse yourself in the history of Philadelphia with a self-guided walking audio tour. Explore the city’s revolutionary past and iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell. No expiration, lifetime validity!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Liberty Bell Center - Next up: the Liberty Bell! We’ll learn about what makes this bell iconic – and what makes it so susceptible to cracks! As we explore its history and majesty, we’ll also explore it’s significance in later years as Americans fought for their freedom from slavery, for equal voting rights, and for true liberty.

Note: This 3+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Philadelphia in 1-2 hours.

  • Betsy Ross House - Our trip jumps us back in time a bit – to the birth of the American flag! The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution often overshadow this historic home but it’s legacy is far more visible today! We’ll learn all about Betsy Ross and her fateful meeting with George Washington one morning during Sunday service at Christ Church.
  • Philadelphia City Hall - Embark on this journey into America’s past at Philadelphia’s City Hall! As we make our way into the heart of Historic Philly, we’ll dive into 1700s to explore the foundations of the Revolutionary War. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers had deep roots in Philadelphia, as we’ll quickly discover. Then we’ll We’ll explore the events that led up to the revolt, including the catalyst: the Tea Tax.
  • Independence Square - We’re finally at Independence Hall, the birthplace of America. This is where the First Continental Congress unified the colonial states into one entity, working together. This is where military revolts and battles against the British were planned. This is also where the Second Continental Congress took place, when votes were gathered from across all the colonies. Ultimately, this is where the Declaration of Independence, and America, was brought to life. As we walk around this historic hall, we’ll learn about additional American figures like John Hancock, Patrick Henry, and John Adams, and their contributions to the new nation. We’ll also understand what this Independence Hall represented to colonial Americans – and what it represents to modern Americans today. We’ll also check out George Washington’s statue out front, and dive into his backstory.
  • West Washington Square - At the corner of historic Washington Square, we’ll catch a glimpse of where it all began: the site of the First Continental Congress. We’ll explore the consequences of this historic conference before approaching the iconic Independence Hall.
  • Benjamin Franklin Museum - Then we’ll head over to Ben Franklin’s museum. This historic statesman figures heavily in America’s past – and we’ll learn why. As we walk through the museum we’ll also peel back the layers of his personality, learning about his vast store of knowledge and huge diversity of interests. Then, we’ll jump to the anti-hero to Franklin’s hero: the traitor Benedict Arnold. As we continue to walk, we’ll learn all about what Arnold planned to do – and how.
  • The President’s House - Next up, the very first White House! We’ll explore the original presidental home of George Washington and then of John Adams. Here, we’ll be able to dive into the history of the presidents’ lives and better understand life during the colonia era.
  • Declaration House - Then we’ll head over to another unique historic home: the Graff House. This is where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and where Ben Franklin helped him edit it. Walk in the footsteps of these earliest inklings of American freedom as you pass by this site! Plus, we’ll take this opportunity to learn about Thomas Jefferson, and understand his life and contributions towards American independence.
  • The African American Museum in Philadelphia - Philadelphia’s history may be all about independence and freedom, but that didn’t apply to African-Americans! As we pass this wonderful museum, we’ll continue to explore slavery and it’s impact of early America. We’ll also learn about the historic contributions of African-Americans like Crispus Attucks and others.
  • Franklin Square - Our journey into America’s past then brings us to Franklin Square, where we can rest up and catch up on everything else that Ben Franklin did – other than driving independence of course! We’ll learn about his many book, ideas, and of course… experiments!
  • Bolt of Lightning. . . A Memorial to Benjamin Franklin - That brings us to this gigantic memorial to Franklin’s most beloved discovery – electricity! Here we’ll explore what exactly Ben Franklin was discovering, why he wanted to try, and how exactly he planned to do it!
  • National Constitution Center - Next up, we’ll pass by the National Constituion Center. Just like with the Declaration of Independence, we’ll learn about how the colonists gathered here in Philadelphia to formalize their union into a concrete nation: the United States of America. We’ll explore how American citizens’ most fundamental rights were guaranteed, laying the basis for the American society today.
  • United States Mint - Our walk then brings us to the Mint! We’ll learn about the gold and silver coins that formed the basis of the early American economy… and about the copper, nickel, and paper that makes our money today!
  • Benjamin Franklin’s Grave - We’ll walk by Benjamin Franklin’s grave and learn about an important part his legacy: the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. We’ll dicover how UPenn represented Franklin’s ideals for the young nation’s next generation and about how his legacy continues to shine through Philadelphia today.
  • Elfreth’s Alley - This brings us to Elfreth’s Alley, the modern Instagram hot-spot of Philly and the historic origins of this great city. As the very first downtown, Elfreth’s seen generations of changes… but has remained as quaint and colonial as ever!
  • Christ Church - We’ll then walk over to historic Christ Church, where George Washington, Betsy Ross, and plenty of other American revolutionaries worshipped. We’ll pass by the Church, diving into it’s historical significance and admiring it’s soaring architecture.
  • Museum of the American Revolution - That brings us to the Museum of the American Revolution! Our journey ends near here, allowing you the opportunity to step inside if you didn’t get quite enough revolutionary history already!
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, discover the iconic Liberty Bell, and relive the fight for American Independence with a self-guided audio tour! Journey back in time to historic Philadelphia in the days of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and their revolutionary collaborators.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Philadelphia City Hall
John F Kennedy Boulevard
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(13 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Vivienne_b
Apr 15, 2024
Great way to explore the city on your own timeframe. - We loved the fact we could stop and start our tour when we pleased. We did a couple extras along the way and my phone died so we didn’t finish the tour. It was a great way to see the city.
Review provided by Viator
Scottdt8423dy
Nov 16, 2023
Really well planned route and perfect length of audio clips. - The guide was really good. Just the right amount of info evenly spaced out. I also visited the Revolutionary War museum which offered an audio tour but found it to be overly wordy which distracted from the exhibits. The Action tours was just the right amount.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U7731kklouiser
Sep 4, 2023
Learnt so much! Well worth it! - Great tour, learnt a lot. Really loved that we could take at our own pace. Very interesting information! App was easy to use.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emilywj2216vl
Sep 4, 2023
Easy and excellent - The app was very easy and clear to use. I especially appreciated the way the next segment would automatically begin playing based on location. It was nice to go at my own pace. Information provided was succinct and illuminating on the fascinating past of Philadelphia. The highlights for me were Jefferson’s house, the Betsy Ross house, and Elfreth’s Alley which I’d never seen before. IMO: another highlight for us was also Revolution House near the end, before the last stop. Not much to look at but great pub food and friendly service with a surprisingly excellent BLT! All in all would recommend and will look for opportunities to use this app in other cities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aaroni194
Sep 4, 2023
Highly recommended walking tour of historic Philadelphia - This tour was excellent! Exactly what one would like from a historic walking tour. We were able to go at our own pace and did not have to deal with any crowds or cooky tour guides. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kareen_v
Apr 19, 2023
Great Experience! - Great experience. We normally go on group tours ñ, but this tour allowed us to go on our own terms. I will definitely be buying the full package for our next vacation.
Review provided by Viator
Kelley_b
Jul 3, 2024
Easy walk! Enjoyable and easy to use. - Great stories but would have liked a few more. Easy walk😀 it hit the high spots and a few gems not on the other tours.
Review provided by Viator
Shannonryan1879
Jul 24, 2023
Automatically activates while walking - Loved that the narration automatically activated while walking near the 30+ points of interest and that directions were provided on when to turn so I didn't need Google maps open at the same time. The app includes primary resource materials such as paintings and documents that you can view at the time or later with additional narration when clicking the Learn More. A great feature for those who want to dive deeper into the history. I plan to try one of the tours in another city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anne_s
Aug 22, 2023
A lot of walking with very little information provided. - A lot of walking with very little information provided. The tour could be nice but there is very little information for a lot of walking. Philadelphia has so much history. Tell it!
Review provided by Viator
Miriam_h
Dec 14, 2023
Disappointing - I am 73 year old, could not get in the app, when finally could get it- it said that this pass word was already used. Very frustrating:(. I paid but could not enjoy it.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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