Tours and Tickets to Experience Congress Hall in Philadelphia

There are plenty of ways to experience Congress Hall. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

• Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

• 2.5-Hour Philadelphia History Tour With Washington War Tent Show

• The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

• Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour

It’s free to visit Congress Hall and explore the building that was once home to the US Congress. You can join a free 20-minute tour from December through March. If you prefer a broader look at the city, several sightseeing tours stop at Congress Hall. Options start around US$25, depending on duration and inclusions.

Yes, the first floor of Congress Hall is accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. An interactive digital album shows images of the second floor for those who cannot climb the stairs. Park rangers are generally on hand to offer assistance and answer questions.

Congress Hall includes two significant historic rooms: the Hall of the House of Representatives on the first floor and the Senate Chamber on the second floor. You can also see period furnishings, presidential inauguration seating, and exhibits about the early federal government during Philadelphia’s decade as the nation’s capital from 1790 to 1800.

Most visits to Congress Hall last 20–30 minutes, which is the typical length of the ranger-led tour offered in winter. Self-guided visits during the warmer months can be shorter or longer depending on how much time you spend in the restored House and Senate chambers and the interpretive areas inside.

Yes, photography for personal use is permitted inside some of the Congress Hall. The only exception is the Great Essentials exhibit in Independence Hall. Tripods, lighting setups, and commercial shoots require special permission from the National Park Service. Rangers on-site can answer questions about photography guidelines during a visit.