Recently Viewed
Private Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia
5.0
25 Ratings
Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia’s Historic District with an expert guide. Discover 21 iconic sites in 90 minutes. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Independence National Historical Park - Before starting the tour, the guide will welcome you and explain the tour route, some of the sites you’ll visit, and information about Philadelphia’s founding. Discover why this park is known as “America’s Most Historic Square Mile!”
- Independence Hall - Discover the importance of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. This is also where some of the founding fathers had significant moments. Learn more during the tour!
- Liberty Bell Center - Uncover the history and significance of the Liberty Bell. Find out why it no longer rings, how it got its name, and why the visible crack isn’t what broke it. Learn more on the tour!
- Declaration House (Graff House) - Explore the history and significance of Declaration House. The name hints at what was written here, but discover why this house was chosen and who assisted Thomas Jefferson with his writing. Learn more on the tour!
- Congress Hall - Delve into the history and significance of Congress Hall. Learn which states joined the union in this building and where the two houses met. Plus, find out why its most significant achievement isn’t visible to the naked eye. Learn more on the tour!
- Old City Hall - Discover the history and significance of Old City Hall. It served more than just as the “old” city hall; it also housed the Supreme Court, though not as we know it today. Learn more on the tour!
- Carpenters’ Hall - Learn about the history and significance of Carpenters’ Hall, where America’s independence movement essentially began. Discover the famous words spoken here and by whom, and learn about the conspiracy that took place on the second floor. Learn more on the tour!
- Franklin Court - Explore the history and significance of Ben Franklin’s home and workshops. Find out why his house no longer stands and why the post office at the end of the court remains special in American history even today. Learn more on the tour!
-
Christ Church - Discover the history and significance of Christ Church, once the tallest building in America. It’s not just a church but also a museum, with one easily overlooked item. Learn more on the tour!
Admission is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids -
Elfreth’s Alley - Learn about the history and significance of Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Find out how it got its name, see the subtle features of the homes often missed by other tours, and literally walk through history. Learn more on the tour!
Museum Admission - $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids -
Betsy Ross House - Discover the history and significance of Betsy Ross and her surprising legacy. Did she really sew the first flag? The answer might surprise you. Learn more on the tour!
Admission - $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for kids - Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia - Known as the “Bank of Banks,” the Fed is more than just a government building—you use it almost every day. It’s true! Learn more on the tour!
-
The African American Museum in Philadelphia - The first museum of its kind in America, it has been a leader in research and education since its founding in 1976. A fascinating building with thousands of exhibits—literally!
Admission - $14.00 for adults, $10.00 for kids - American Philosophical Society Museum - This building is where some of America’s brightest and most renowned scholars have gathered (and still do) to make the world a better place. It houses some of America’s rarest antiquities.
- Library Hall - Discover what’s inside and who specifically studied here for an important journey! Plus, learn how the founder of this building accidentally made the world a much smarter place. Let us tell you who!
- Second Bank of the United States - Yes, a SECOND bank! Find out why the first bank needed to be replaced and why this building had more than one very important role in America.
- New Hall Military Museum - Did you know this was the colonial version of The Pentagon? It’s true. Now a museum with fascinating military attractions from the 18th and 19th centuries, it shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Arch Street Meeting House - While it might look plain, it’s actually a house of worship. Seriously, it is! Let us explain why its plain appearance is so unique!
- United States Mint - Did you know almost half the coins in your pocket are made here? But that’s not all. This building produces some of the most famous and valuable items in history.
-
National Constitution Center - Want to be president? Take the oath here. Want to see how tall (or short) some of the founders were? Find out here. This is the only museum in the country dedicated solely to the Constitution.
Admission - $19.00 for adults, $15.00 for kids
What's Included
- Overview tour
- All sites experienced from the outside
What's Not Included
- We do not enter any historic sites. Admission not included.
- Foreign language tours (Spanish, French, Italian) require advanced notice
Additional Information
Interested in touring Philly’s Historic District? Great! Let us show you around. Be taken back in time as you are regaled about how the Liberty Bell worked (and cracked,) envision the founders debating inside Carpenters Hall and then Independence Hall as you learn about the issues they faced and gaze upon the building where Jefferson worked in solitude to write our Declaration of Independence. We provide the history, you supply the imagination. In 90 minutes you will see 21 sites (the most of any walking tour) from a guide with a degree in History and a passion for Philadelphia. We are an owner-operated small business & the best choice for a walking tour in Philly. See you on the tour!
Location
The Liberty View at Independence Visitor Center
Market Street
Outside the main entrance on Market Street. I'll be wearing a white polo shirt, sunglasses, visor and red, white and blue lanyard!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Rebecca_s
Jul 31, 2024
Michigan - My 14 year old loved it!
My 11 year old didn’t want to go but enjoyed himself. Tom was a great guide and we had a fantastic time!
Review provided by Viator
95rachaelv
Jul 29, 2024
Awesome historic Philly tour! - This was a fantastic comprehensive historic Philly tour. Tom was very knowledgeable and was able to explain things in a fun way! He was willing to answer our questions as well. He gave us great recommendations for food, coffee and how to explore the historic area even more on our own after the tour. I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X1058vtjudyp
Jul 29, 2024
Really enjoyed! - The tour was very enjoyable! We enjoyed the fun way you taught us about Philadelphia’s rich history. Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melissabc418ol
Jul 28, 2024
Wonderful, informative, and entertaining tour! - We loved Tom's tour. We had a group of seven -- ranging from age 13 to 67. Everyone was entertained! We loved learning some facts that you don't often hear about in school. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julie_t
Jul 6, 2024
Great tour! - Tom was a great tour guide! He was so knowledgeable! We really enjoyed learning from him. Would recommend to everyone.
Review provided by Viator
Curiosity655915
Jul 6, 2024
Best way to learn about Philadelphia History!! - We had an amazing time seeing the beautiful architecture & learning the secret truths & insider info about the 21 sites! Tom was very knowledgeable and willing to walk at our pace and stay in the shady areas during the walk!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly_a
Jul 3, 2024
Amazing Philly Tour of Historic Area - Everything- a treasure of knowledges
Very accommodating- friendly above and beyond wonderful overview of the key locations A+
Truly recommend taking this tour
Thanks so much
Review provided by Viator
Chrismr7871ow
Jun 19, 2024
Absolutely Incredible!!!! - Absolutely incredible!!!! Way more than we had expected. Tom was very well versed in the history of not only Philadelphia, but each and every historical site we visited.
We tried to stump the tour guide, but his level of knowledge was incredible.
It was amazing to hear more of the history of our nation from someone who truly enjoys it.
I would recommend Tom over and over again for anyone looking for a Historic Walking Tour through Philadelphia.
He was also right about the best place to find a cheese steak. It's not the food truck on 6th and market...it's Campo's.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacob_d
Jun 10, 2024
Knowledgeable, Patient and Accommodating - Tom was fantastic. A wealth of knowledge and kept the group extremely engaged. I would definitely recommend to anyone in Philly.
Review provided by Viator
Jessica_c
Jun 10, 2024
A wonderful walking tour guide - Tom was a wonderful, professional, friendly, engaging, and very knowledgeable guide. He gave us so many historical nuggets other tour guides would probably have overlooked. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator