Tours/Philadelphia/The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Viator · group up to 40 pax

The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia

4.9(99)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR4.9(65)TRIPADVISOR5.0(34)

Description

The tour will commence at the Independence Visitor's Center with an introduction to the topic of Black History during the colonial period. You will hear about the role that Black Americans played in the founding of the nation. The group will continue to the President’s House and hear about the 9 enslaved people who were held there. The group will hear about Martha Washington's handmaid who ran away to escape slavery. The next stop is Congo Square where people of African descent held celebrations. It is also a potter's field where free and enslaved Africans are still buried to this day. The next stop is Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. You will hear about the liberation of a woman whose slave owner attempted to abduct her back into slavery and the trial of her rescuers. You will also see the traditional sites of Independence Hall, liberty bell, Congress Hall, and much more

Tour Options

The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Itinerary

Pass by

Congress Hall Old City Hall First U.S. Supreme Court Building American Philosophical Society Museum Library Hall Thomas Jefferson Garden First Bank of U.S. Second Bank of U.S. Carpenter's Hall Independence Square Washington Square Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier Bicentennial Moon Tree John Todd House Bishop White House Dock Creek Merchant's Exchange City Tavern Guided tour will also identify the former locations for a number of historical locations of importance including: Philadelphia Prison Site Benjamin Rush House Site Quaker Meeting House Site Quaker School Site

15 min

This is the house where the first two president's lived as well as 9 enslaved individuals.

Pass by

This is the bell that sat atop of Independence Hall. It was a symbol for the abolition movement.

Pass by

Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!

10 min

Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!

Pass by

Join the Black Journey to hear the significant to Black history on the tour!

Highlights

In-Person Guide

What's included

Included
In-Person Guide
Not included
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

4.9
99 reviews
5
93
4
4
3
2
2
0
1
0

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
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Reviews(99)

J
justinconnor
July 10, 2026
An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia is outstanding!

This is absoutely one of the best tours available in Philadelphia, and so interesting and insightful. My tour guide was Mijuel, and he is so knowledgeable, very funny and engaging, and was very generous with his time. I took two tours of the Black Journey, both with Mijuel and was so glad I did. I could not recommend him more highly - he's outstanding.

C
Culture56677
June 21, 2026
Great tour

Excellent tour, informative

G
Geraldine_R
June 6, 2026
Another perspective!!

It was entertaining, enlightening along with time to explore The history was just enough, the experience was great and I would recommend you to challenge your mind and perspective. It will require moderate walking , si put your comfys on

D
D86D
May 3, 2026
Highly recommended Black History tour of Philadelphia

Informative and well-presented at an easy pace. Leaves from near the Liberty 🔔 Bell.

E
Enchelle_M
November 30, 2025
The tour was very...

The tour was very informative about both the city of Philadelphia but also the history of African American in the city of Philadelphia

B
Belinda_M
November 8, 2025
This man is amazing,...

This man is amazing, truly a professional. His presentation is truly immersive, i felt as if i was time traveling.

B
Belinda_M
November 8, 2025
Fun. Engaging and well researched!

My partner and I enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was professional, passionate, and well spoken. The tour was engaging from beginning to the end. We both learned a lot of useful nuggets about African Americans and POC in general that are is wildly known.

G
ginalV7570RL
September 15, 2025
Summer, Summer, Summer Time in Philly

The tour was so much fun! Mijuel was a wonderful guide, a politically astute, historian with deep roots in Philadelphia. Our guide was quirky, fun, and informative while keeping us engaged and on our toes. Walking the tour, seeing Philly in her beautiful end-of-summer glory with her residents driving by pumping their tunes made me feel like I was in the Will Smith song, Summertime! Take the tour, set aside 2.5 hours, have fun, and learn something.

S
Shaquanda_B
September 1, 2025
Great!

It was great! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I appreciate his wit with a very sensitive topic it was perfectly timed. I honestly wish the tour could have been longer, the two hours seemed to have flown by! Recommend for anyone who wants to learn the deeper Black history in Philly.

R
Regina_S
August 23, 2025
A Worthwhile Walk

Wish I jotted down our tour guides name. Soooo informative and knowledgeable! Thorough also! This was a great 90 minute walking tour that took us through a journey of the history of slavery in Philadelphia; such as where they were housed within the White House, the names of George Washington’s slaves, etc. We saw Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Washington Square, Bethel AME Church which was the oldest African American church….and so much more! I truly recommend this tour because you walk away knowing both sides of Philadelphia’s rich history.

You might also like...