Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia
Description
Ghosts! This evening walking tour is filled with tales of the lost souls who haunt Old City. Hear about yellow fever, gun duels, horrible injuries, gross illnesses ... we hope you're okay after this.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Tour meeting place and first stop. Once the tavern that was backdrop to the American Revolution and all the men and women in power, it burned in 1834 and was razed in 1854. Who started the fire, and does the ghost of a burnt bride scream through the shadows here?
The Merchants’ Exchange building, c. 1834, was once bordered by infamous Dock Creek, a cesspool of filth and disease. Once the city’s commercial center, greed butted up against the ghosts of the unfortunate just outside the door.
Some say that living here in Philly became the fuse that imploded Alexander Hamilton’s life and destroyed his trajectory to the presidency. Does his ghost wander here, ruminating on his ill-advised affair with Maria Reynolds?
One of the most iconic original buildings in Philadelphia, c. 1774. Everyone knows about the First Continental Congress held here, but Carpenters’ Hall was also a makeshift hospital during the American Revolution, a notorious meeting place for French spies, the location of an ill-fated bank robbery, and so much more.
Dolley Todd’s baby son and first husband died horrible deaths at this site, c. 1775, from yellow fever. Dolley herself moved on to occupy the White House as first lady and wife of fourth American president, James Madison, but do the ghosts of her family linger here in her old house?
The founding father everyone has forgotten. Robert Morris was a fiery patriot, statesman, financier and tremendous leader in the American Revolution. Yet today he’s barely known. Morris signed all three founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution, but he died broke and sick. Some people say his ghost haunts the area of the Walnut Street Jail across the street, where he was incarcerated nearby for his debts.
A statue of Benjamin Franklin occupies the center façade of this building – the library of the American Philosophical Society he formed in 1743. Franklin, a key founding father, was also a diplomat, civic leader, accomplished scientist, inventor, and writer. Quite the spectacular life. But he disowned his son, neglected his wife, and refused to forgive those who crossed him. Who are the ghosts that haunt his likeness?
You know it as the place we became a nation and where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. But do you know about the bodies that were dumped on the steps during the French and Indian War, or how many people died here at the hands of authorities? America’s birthplace has more than a few ghosts.
Now home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this square was once a burial field for American Revolutionary soldiers, as well as the poor and unclaimed dead. John Adams, walking here in 1777, commented on the 2,000 soldiers buried at this site and wrote to his wife that he had spent an hour in the “congregation of the dead.” No shortage of ghosts here.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(14)
My wife and I have been doing ghost tours for almost 20 years in just about any city we travel to that has one. They are always cool with some better than others. However, this one was by far and away the best we've ever been on. We had Malcolm and the wealth of historical knowledge he possessed about Philly and that he salt and peppered our group with throughout the evening just blew us away; and I grew up in Philly and my wife, and I lived in Center City in the early 1990s! Malcolm's ability to engage and captivate you as he told us so many stories on the walk was excellent and we learned so much that night. I have also never been on a Ghost Tour that was a good 2 hours 45 minutes but we went in early June, and we lucked out because as the evening wore on it actually got a little chilly!
Malcolm was our tour guide. He is a wealth of historical knowledge. He was kind,accommodating, and fun. He had great stories to tell. Thanks Malcolm.
We wanted to do something a little different, and this hoot the mark. A ton of history wrapped in spooky tales. Our guide was well versed, passionate and fun. The sun went down during the tour and the timing was perfect. Definitely recommend
Malcolm was a great tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and interesting. Malcolm told many fascinating stories, little known historical stories that were shocking and put our colonial history in a whole new light. I learned so much about Philadelphia, its development and culture. Highly recommend Malcolm and the Ghosts of Philadelphia tour
Malcolm is extremely engaging. Hos historic ghost stories will captivate you! My friends and I had the best ghost tour because our guide told riveting stories with historic content
Malcolm, our tour guide, was exceptional. Not only did we learn a great deal of history, but he also kept us engaged and interested throughout the entire tour. Even when it started to rain, he remained very accommodating and ensured we still had a great experience.
WOW! What a fascinating, comprehensive, fun tour! Malcolm was a DELIGHT; he was super charismatic and warm, and his theatrical take on Philly's history truly made the tour as fabulous as he is. He was incredibly knowledgeable and well spoken, kept us on the edge of our seats, and consistently kept us engaged and comfortable. 10000/10 Would recommend. Thank you for such an awesome (and spooooky) experience! :)
Malcolm was my tour guide and he was very enthusiastic and made it a very fun experience. Learned a lot and enjoyed exploring the city!
This was an absolutely amazing and fun experience! Malcolm was our tour guide and he made the stories come to life. I was on the edge of my seat and completely invested the whole time. 1000/10 would recommend!!
Malcolm is AMAZING!!! This is not your typical historical tour - it is suspenseful, theatrical, thrilling, and horrifying. Stories range from pre-colonial times to the 1930s, from bank robbery to mass murder. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a thrilling night!
