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

Walking Tour of Historic Philadelphia

5.0(142)Philadelphia1 hour
VIATOR5.0(65)TRIPADVISOR4.9(77)

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
142 reviews
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141
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0
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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(142)

K
Karl_L
August 16, 2026
Great guide & tour!

Tom was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and personable. Tom encouraged questions and clearly displayed a passion for sharing the history of Philadelphia. This tour is perfect for those who want to know more about how our country was founded and the different historical sites. Tom shared tips on how and when to visit each site we saw in the event someone wanted to go back for an in-depth visit.

T
Tammy_L
August 9, 2026
Highly recommend

Be prepared to learn a lot!! Wear comfortable shoes and have your listening ears on and ready to go Such a great time

C
Carin_C
August 8, 2026
Brian gave an amazing tour

A very informative and well paced walking tour of Philadelphia’s historic sites. We would highly recommend you request Brian as he was an excellent guide.

U
Ukrainian_i
August 6, 2026
A tour worth your time.

Informative and a great overview of the Historical sites in Phili. Tom did a great job and was easy to communicate with.

D
David_S
August 6, 2026
Tom was very...

Tom was very knowledgeable and provided good historical context on the tour. He was engaging and connected well with our family.

G
Gillian_S
August 3, 2026
Great Historical Tour in Philly!

Tom was very knowledgeable and charismatic He made the tour a lot fun and interesting, great recommendations for a cheese steak too!

F
Frank_C
August 2, 2026
Fantastic Tour!

This was a fantastic tour - well worth the time & price. Tom was an excellent guide and brought historic Philadelphia alive. That Tom teaches history as a profession was apparent. Even my wife (not a history buff by any means) really enjoyed the tour and was quite interested throughout. He was also very careful to separate historical facts from unconfirmed reports, anecdotes, etc. He even extended the tour to show a few of his favorite spots, and answer everyone’s questions. Great fun - great tour!

J
josephsF7244WW
August 1, 2026
Casual Walk Through History

Great tour with a nice easy walk. Tom was very informative and easy to speak with Learned some new things and enjoyed being in the city again

M
Martha_R
August 1, 2026
Tom was very...

Tom was very knowledgeable and showed us things on the walking tour that I wouldn't have known about otherwise -- simply wouldn't have noticed.

3
321missyh
July 28, 2026
Tom was a great tour guide!

This tour is well worth the money. Tom Rosenberg was our guide and he was outstanding! He was very knowledgeable, answered our questions, and told us facts about Philadelphia we never knew.

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