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(982)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR4.8(297)TRIPADVISOR4.9(685)

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

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

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
982 reviews
5
927
4
30
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13
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1
6

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(982)

T
toddshearer2
August 15, 2026
Glad we took this tour

Carla was delightful and had great stories to tell, bringing Philadelphia’s amazing American history to life for us as we took our tour. Sometimes a tour can feel like a canned speech that the guides give the same way every time, but Carla kept it loose (while still very informative) and interacted well with people on the tour as they engaged and asked questions. She clearly loves the history of this city and that shows in the way she conducts her tours.

G
GinaKane
August 15, 2026
Marty was great!

The tour guide was amazing! I even learned stuff at 66 that I never knew before! Very, very interesting and would definitely recommend it!

A
Anne_C
August 10, 2026
Excellent tour with , John, our knowledgeable guide.

Wonderful tour with an experienced and knowledgeable historian. It was a very hot day and our guide made sure we were in the shade whenever possible. He answered all of our questions, told fascinating stories and gave us a great background on the birthplace of our nation, the constitution and Philadelphia. I recommend our guide , John, highly

J
juddc2016
August 3, 2026
Philadelphia Walking Tour

Enjoyed our time with PJ. He was very informative

K
keithcC6862XK
August 2, 2026
Incredible

Unbelievable tour! Jonathan was an incredible tour guide!

M
Melissa_L
August 1, 2026
Walking pace was great....

Walking pace was great. Adam, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and spoke at a good pace. He was good about getting us into the shade when needed.

R
Rob_B
July 29, 2026
Lovely day!

We spent a delightful day with John leading us around the city and sharing so much great history and stories of Philly's colorful and important past. Cannot recommend this tour more if you are in Philly! Thanks!

N
Nancy_B
July 24, 2026
Great tour James...

Great tour James Robertson was a great leader. He had a great memory and a good way to get the history of cross. Very confident and friendly. he kept a watchful look on the group slow down as necessary and have some good jokes and comments that were entertaining

S
Shoskins5
July 21, 2026
PJ was excellent!

Excellent! PJ was extremely knowledgeable, engaging and fun! Learned a ton and really enjoyed it.

D
droman562
July 20, 2026
Fantastic tour! Highly recommend!

Fantastic tour with Nina! She was charming, funny, knowledgeable and so gracious. She took her time explaining the story behind d each landmark. Highly recommend!

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