Philadelphia History Walking Tour
From$29
2 hours
Philadelphia, USA
About this activity
Dive into Philadelphia's rich history with a guided walking tour, visiting landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and uncovering the stories of America's founding.
Highlights
- Explore Independence Hall's historic halls
- See the iconic Liberty Bell up close
- Stroll through the charming Old City district
- Learn about the Continental Congress's decisions
- Discover hidden gems of Philadelphia's past
Full description
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the heart of America's history with our Philadelphia History Walking Tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour takes you through the cobblestone streets of Old City, where you'll visit iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the birthplace of the nation, and the Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom. Along the way, hear captivating tales of the Continental Congress's pivotal decisions and the lives of the Founding Fathers. Whether you're a history buff or a casual explorer, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the past, making history come alive in the very places where it was made.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of historic Philadelphia sites
- Visit to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
- Expert insights into America's founding history
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Come with us as we visit The Liberty Bell, perhaps the most famous symbol of American Liberty in the National Historic Park. Peak tourist season can often see lines of destination seekers stretched well around the corner for this monumental icon of American Independence taking close to one hour to traverse. Our historians give to you all of the essentials of The Liberty Bell’s creation and formation in to an icon of liberty from the exterior of the Liberty Bell pavilion, with clear and detailed directions to enter the interior should you choose to invest the additional hour on return. Commissioned in 1752 the bell cracked on its initial test ring and was re-casted two years later by local workman John Pass and John Stow with the lettering, "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof," a quote from the King James Bible referring to the jubilee when enslaved persons were freed and debts forgiven every fifty years.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: We will visit Independence Hall: the building where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. An essential icon of American democracy and founding of These United States the Independence Hall complex is a bastion of tourism and requires (free) timed entry passes and a recommended two hours additional time for exploration of the center of the complex’s interior chambers. We keep your tour moving quickly, to give you the best, most important essential highlights and significant points of the structure including clear and simple instruction on traversing the complex further on return should you choose. Subject to crowds and closures we pit-stop quickly inside of the East Wing of the Independence Hall Complex: the very oldest and most historic part of the structure: which served as The Supreme Court Chambers while Philadelphia was our nation’s capital.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: We will visit America's first "White House" where President's George Washington and John Adams both served tenure when Philadelphia was capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. Foreign dignitaries and members of congress and senate frequented The President House for official and unofficial business. Benedict Arnold lived also in the structure as Military Governor in Philadelphia after the British evacuation of the city during the American War for Independence.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: We will visit Congress Hall, a historic structure which hosted two presidential inaugurations (Washington and Adams) and was the home of U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: We will visit Franklin Court, a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites within Independence National Historical Park, and home to Benjamin Franklin during his tenure in the Constitutional Convention. We will discuss there the life and times of one of America's most prolific individual's and statesman (Benjamin Franklin) who when contemplating revolution against the British crown said, "Gentleman we must hang together, or surely we will all hang separately."
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: We will visit the location of America's first Pentagon, where American military strategy and intelligence was formulated during the American Revolution.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Pass by: We will discuss the life and times of American Patriot Benjamin Franklin, from his electrical experiments, printing and publishing activities, to his life as a statesman.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Pass by: We will visit the Benjamin Franklin Post Office & Museum, the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark "B. Free Franklin" is still used to cancel stamps. The museum on the second floor features displays of postal history and memorabilia.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Pass by: We will visit Carpenters' Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where on three nights in December 1775 Benjamin Franklin meet in secret meetings with John Jay, Fancis Daymon, and the French spy Julien Achard de Bonvouloir. The meetings eventually led to negotiations for French support of the colonists. The colonies likely would not have been able to win the Revolutionary War without French aid. Over the winter of 1777 British forces occupying the American capital during the War for Independence and occupied this building.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Pass by: We will visit the First Bank of the United States. Championed by Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury, the First Bank of the United States was founded in 1797 and is significant for its architectural design.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Pass by: Modeled on Alexander Hamilton's First Bank, the Second Bank of the United States was chartered by President James Madison in 1816 and lost its charter under Andrew Jackson's presidency in 1834. We will discuss here Alexander Hamilton and Andrew Jackson: and famous duels fought by both men among other things.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12
Pass by: The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin two years after the University of Pennsylvania, with which it remains closely tied. Early members included George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, David Rittenhouse, Nicholas and Owen Biddle, Benjamin Rush, James Madison, and others. We will discuss here as we walk by, Franklin, University of Pennsylvania, and America's first surgical center adjacent to the structure here.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13
Pass by: Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, the Library Company is the first institution in the world to lend materials to members of the public. We will discuss, as we walk by, the history of the site and historic location...and early statesman frequenting the location.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
Pass by: We will see the home of future First Lady Dolley Madison, where she lived with her first husband, John Todd, from 1791-93. Built in 1775, the Dolley Todd House site reflects the lifestyle of the middle class in 18th century Philadelphia which we will get a glimpse in to.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15
Pass by: Check-in and revolutionary history introduction at the beginning of our historic walking tour.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16
Pass by: Every guide has a history degree. Most are history teachers and American History Professors.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Grim Philly Twilight Tours, 523 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Photography is allowed, but please be respectful of other visitors.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Traveler reviews
4.93,264 reviews
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Really enjoyed the...
Really enjoyed the history tour of the center of Philadelphia. Our guide Russ really did a great job sharing lots of tid-bits about the history of central Philly.
Adonis_RMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Amazing tour
Great tour, very informative, i had a great time. I would definitely recommend, worth every penny!!!
Kevin_BMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Excellent Philly tour.
Loved the stories Richard shared - made me want to learn more! It was just enough to keep my preteens engaged but not so long my 7 year old couldn’t handle it.
Amber_MMay 25, 2026VIATOR
History comes to life
Great tour! Our guide, Richard, was very knowledgeable and made the history come to life, thank you!
Clara_LMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Great tour going over all the historical significance in Philadelphia!
Ed was our tour guide and provided a very informative tour! I forgot how the foundation of our country was formed in Philadelphia. Loved seeing and hearing about the various historical markers on Independence Square!
Greg SMay 24, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Children must be accompanied by an adult