Tours/Philadelphia/2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show
Viator · group up to 12 pax

2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show

4.9(966)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR4.8(291)TRIPADVISOR4.9(675)

Description

Join a local expert guide on a relaxing stroll into the past on this Old City Philadelphia walking tour. We take our time and take a deep dive into what makes Philly such a historically significant city. After all, this is where the United States of America was born! Explore the cobblestone streets of Old City, past stunning pieces of architecture and iconic monuments. Learn about the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution while standing in the shadow of the building where both founding documents were created. View the famous Liberty Bell and discover why this broken bell is revered as a powerful symbol of freedom. Pay respects to Benjamin Franklin while at his grave site. Take a picture of the charming home of Betsy Ross, the famed upholsterer who is credited with sewing the first American flag. Our tour includes a special visit to the Museum of the American Revolution to view the tent that George Washington lived in for the majority of the war.

Tour Options

Public Historic Walking Tour
Private Historic Walking Tour
  • Private Tour Guide

Itinerary

5 min

Your tour starts in the Signer’s Garden at the statue of The Signer. This statue celebrates and represents all of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution and the spirit of freedom that they continue to embody into modern day!

Admission not included20 min

See iconic historical landmarks such as Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Old City Hall. Your guide will talk you through the history of them all and highlight the significance of their role in the development of modern-day Philly, the United States, and global democracy.

Admission not included10 min

This iconic building (and image on the $100 bill) is a beacon of democracy to Americans and other nations around the world. On our tour, we'll see Independence Hall from outside, as we encircle it and talk about the philosophies, trials, and triumphs of the Founding Fathers who worked here when our nation was born.

Admission not included10 min

The original home for the United States Congress, this building is one of the adjoining buildings of Independence Hall.

Admission not included10 min

Hear stories about this magnificent building, its role in building modern-day democracy, and the founding members and philosophies of our country.

Admission not included10 min

Learn about the history (and dispel some of the myths!) of Liberty Bell and how it has been used over the years - inspiring everyone from abolitionists, to suffragettes, to the civil rights movement.

10 min

We’ll see the iconic Carpenters Hall - where the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was founded. This location also holds immense importance to American Independence, as it was where the first Continental Congress was held. You’ll hear plenty of stories about this cornerstone of American history as we admire the building from the outside.

Admission included20 min

One of the newest museums in Philadelphia offers an incredible look at the stories, artifacts, and people that shaped the American Revolution. We’ll go inside to see a presentation of George Washington’s War Tent - which was present during many critical moments during the Revolutionary War. When your tour is over, you’ll be able to get a discounted ticket to see the rest of the museum.

10 min

As the oldest continuously-occupied residential street in the entire United States, this street is a gorgeous vision of history and its architecture dates back to the early 1700s. The unique brick work, narrow homes, and unique features are truly what make it a national treasure.

Admission not included10 min

You'll pass by Betsy Ross House, named after a famous seamstress and flag maker who is said to have sewn the first ever American flag! We'll certainly set you straight about the many myths surrounding this "Founding Mother."

10 min

Wander past the burial site of the most renowned inventor in American history, while you walk down Arch Street.

10 min

Our next stop is nearby, at the President's House! This is where legendary American icons like George Washington and John Adams lived while President. You'll also learn about some of the slaves that lived at this location and how it's still an active archeological site - not too common in a city's downtown area.

Highlights

Fascinating stories of America's most historically significant city
A knowledgeable local expert guide
An unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Old City Philadelphia
A donation to a local non-profit historic organization
Discounted entry in the Museum of the American Revolution at the time of your choice after the tour
See a presentation that features the tent that George Washington lived in the majority of the war

What's included

Included
Fascinating stories of America's most historically significant city
A knowledgeable local expert guide
An unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Old City Philadelphia
A donation to a local non-profit historic organization
Discounted entry in the Museum of the American Revolution at the time of your choice after the tour
See a presentation that features the tent that George Washington lived in the majority of the war
Not included
Gratuities
Additional food and drink.
Souvenirs or personal shopping.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
966 reviews
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(966)

K
khart100
July 12, 2026
Great tour and guide

Carla was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable and had some great corny jokes.

J
jonathanself
July 7, 2026
Extraordinary…

There are tours and then there are tours. An extraordinary tour led by an outstanding guide, Carla. She was utterly brilliant ~ erudite, funny, pithy, comprehensive and kind. It was my first trip to Philadelphia and Carla acted like a creative midwife, sharing a love story of how the country came to be birthed. Book her. Be amazed.

B
Breanne_S
July 6, 2026
One of the best historical tours EVER

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the history and made the experience so enjoyable. She took extra time to answer all of my questions, got to know our group, and were friendly, punctual, and engaging throughout the tour. She also gave us excellent recommendations for places to eat around the city, which we really appreciated. This was one of my favorite tours, and our guide was a huge reason why. She truly went above and beyond to make the experience memorable. I highly recommend this tour!

R
Ruel_H
July 6, 2026
July 3, 2026

PJ was very knowledgeable and answered group questions with ease. He provided a unique English (country, not language) perspective about this part of US history.

M
mjbryan2
July 5, 2026
We had an excellent...

We had an excellent experience on the 2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with the Washington War Tent Show. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and took the time to thoroughly explain the history while bringing each stop to life with great stories and illustrations. It was exciting to see America's First and Second Banks and learn about their important role in our nation's history. The highlight of the tour was the Washington War Tent Show. Hearing the story behind General Washington's actual war tent and then seeing the original tent in person was truly inspiring. If you're visiting Philadelphia and want to gain a deeper appreciation for America's founding, I highly recommend this tour. It's informative, engaging, and well worth your time!

J
jimmysI9392TG
July 4, 2026
Best Philly Tour Ever

Carla was super knowledgeable in giving us FACTS about the history of Philly. I learned a lot! She was very understanding as well when we arrived late.

R
R5969LHhannaw
July 4, 2026
Great Educational History Tour

Carla was an amazing and accommodating tour guide that knew how to answer our follow up questions perfectly!

9
94pce
July 4, 2026
Very Knowledgeable Guide

Carla was great! Very knowledgeable!

T
Tulliswilliams
July 4, 2026
Highly recommend, and have already sent info to friends

We had a lovely time walking the historical area of Philadelphia. Our guide was knowledgeable and extremely helpful when we peppered him with questions of of things to do around Philly. He was truly an ambassador for the city.

A
Adam_B
July 1, 2026
Rich history for all ages

Captivating story telling! Kept attention of our entire group from 11 to 69yrs old! Would never have been able to tour all those sites on our own and get such a deep understanding of the revolutionary period

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