Tours/Philadelphia/Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia

5.0(117)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR5.0(46)TRIPADVISOR4.9(71)

Description

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!

Tour Options

Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia

Itinerary

10 min

Before beginning the tour there will be a welcome by the guide and an explanation about where the tour will go, some of the sites to be seen and information about the founding of Philadelphia. Learn why this park is "America's Most Historic Square Mile!"

5 min

Learn about the significance of Independence Hall. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. It's also where some of the famous founding fathers had some remarkable moments. Learn more on the tour!

5 min

Learn the significance and history of the Liberty Bell. Learn why it no longer rings, how it earned its name and why the crack you see isn't what broke the bell. Learn more on the tour!

3 min

Learn the significance and history of Declaration House. The name of the site tells you what was written here. But, find out why this house was chosen and who else helped Thomas Jefferson with his writing. Learn more on the tour!

5 min

Learn the significance and history of Congress Hall. Find out which states became part of the union in this building and where the two houses each met. Plus, learn why its most significant achievement can't be seen by the naked eye. Learn more on the tour!

3 min

Learn the significance and history Old City Hall. It actually was more than just the "old" city hall. It also included the Supreme Court, but not how you know it today. Learn more on the tour!

8 min

Learn the significance and history of Carpenter's Hall, the place where, for all purposes, America's independence movement started. Learn what famous words were spoken, and by whom. Plus, learn about the conspiracy the took place on the second floor. Learn more on the tour!

10 min

Learn the significance and history 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 is so special in American history - even today. Learn more on the tour!

Admission not included5 min

Learn the significance and history of Christ Church, the onetime tallest building in America. It's not just a church, it's also a museum. One item in particular is easily overlooked. Learn more on the tour! Admission is $5.00 Adults, $2.00 Kids

Admission not included8 min

Learn the significance and history of Elfreth's Alley - the oldest continually lived on street in America. Find out how it earned its name, see the subtle amenities the homes have that go overlooked by the other tour companies and, literally, walk through history. Learn more on the tour! Museum Admission - $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Kids

Admission not included3 min

Learn the significance and history of Betsy Ross and her surprising legacy. For example, did she really sew the first flag? The answer might surprise you. Learn more on the tour! Admission - $10.00 Adults, $8.00 kids

2 min

Called the "Bank of Banks" the Fed is more than simply government building - in fact, you use it almost every day. It's true!. Learn more on the tour!

Admission not included3 min

The first museum of its kind in America, it's been leading the way in research and education since its founding in 1976. A fascinating building with thousands of exhibits - literally! Admission - $14.00 Adults, $10.00 Kids

3 min

This building is where some of America's brightest and most renown scholars have (and still do) gather. All in an effort to make the world a better place. Some of the rarest antiquities in America are housed here.

3 min

Learn some of what's inside and who specifically studied here for a rather important journey! Plus, the person who founded this building accidentally made the world a much smarter place. Let us tell you who!

3 min

Wait, a SECOND bank? Yes! Find our why, and why the FIRST bank needed to be replaced. Plus, it wasn't just a bank. This building has had more than 1 very important role in America

3 min

Did you know this was the colonial version of The Pentagon? It's true. Currently a museum with some fascinating military attractions from the 18th and 19th centuries, it should not be overlooked

3 min

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!

2 min

Did you know almost half the coins jingling in your pocket are made here? But that's not all. This building makes some of the most famous and valued items in history.

Admission not included2 min

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 Adults, $15.00 Kids

Highlights

Participants will be part of a larger group of paying customers
This is an overview tour. All sites are experienced from the outside

What's included

Included
Participants will be part of a larger group of paying customers
This is an overview tour. All sites are experienced from the outside
Not included
We do not enter any historic sites. Admission not included.
Foreign language tours (Spanish, French, Italian) require advanced notice
Private tours available for an additional cost. Please contact us for details
Tip or gratuity

Traveller Ratings

5.0
117 reviews
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116
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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(117)

A
Andrea_T
July 1, 2026
Great experience!

Tom was very knowledgable and engaging. It was a great overview of the sites at a nice pace. My middle school aged children also enjoyed the tour a lot. Highly recommend!

T
Timothy_E
July 1, 2026
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about our historical beginnings!

Tour with Brian was beyond our expectations. Brian was so knowledgeable about the history of Philadelphia and provided his unique perspective, having lived in Philadelphia previously and returned recently. He was very educated on the architecture and particularly the history of our historical beginnings. Would highly recommend the tour company and in particular, Brian!

C
Christina_F
July 1, 2026
Great informational tour

Great little tour. Brian was our guide and he was so knowledgeable and kind. We enjoyed his tour very much.

C
Cindy_D
June 30, 2026
Wonderful morning spent with Tom

This was a great way to spend a morning getting a overview of the area. Gave us plenty of time to go back and visit anywhere we wanted to spend more time.

K
Karen_H
June 27, 2026
History is Fun

Wonderful experience. Small tour. Tom was very informative and kept pace with the tour - my husband had a boot on his foot. It was evident Tom was passionate about history and loves his city. His information and stories were great. I would highly recommend this tour.

I
I5134ORmichellev
June 26, 2026
Fun way to learn and explore!

Excellent and fun experience!

K
kellymK5671EI
June 24, 2026
This is THE tour you need

Historian Tom rocks! First time Philly traveler from Los Angeles here enjoyed Tim’s spirited tour. He’s got receipts (he knows what he’s talking about). It’s was the perfect amount of time to see and learn a lot. Plus, he points out museums and such that you can return to after the tour which was super helpful. Thanks, Tom!

M
Melanie_M
June 21, 2026
Walking tour of historic downtown

The tour guide was so knowledgeable and personable. We learned so much. I would highly recommend this tour guide.

S
Siddharth_S
June 21, 2026
Tour was very well...

Tour was very well organized. Tom did a fantastic job explaining everything, in a nice and engaging manner. Enjoyed a lot!

S
Sayoni_gh
June 19, 2026
A great tour with an amazing Guide- Russ

Firstly thanks to the service provider for co-ordinating with me to help locate Russ as I was later. Britney did a phenomenal job. And Russ was amazing, well informed, passionate about history and he really conducted the tour very well. He wanted us to be inquisitive and ask questions. He was also very helpful in providing suggestions post the tour to visit some interesting museums. A well conducted informative tour which I would highly recommend to get introduced to the old city of Philadelphia.

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