Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Philadelphia, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy—and rich in American history. Discover the historical sites in the "City of Brotherly Love" on this guided walking tour. See where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin lived and worked, and stop at some of the city’s most iconic landmark locations, such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
- Enjoy a historical walking tour around Philadelphia
- Visit landmark locations and popular sites
- Learn about the history of the United States
- Select from several departure times to fit your schedule
What's Included
- Local guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
The tour departs from the Independence Visitor Center on Market Street between 5th and 6th. Meet your guide at the Visitor Center information desk.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Enjoy learning about the history of the United States, the city of Philadelphia and the colony of Pennsylvania on this educational tour in one of the most historic places in the US.
The tour departs from the Philadelphia Visitor's Center at 6th and Market Streets. Then visit several historical landmark locations, like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted.
Also included are the President's House, where George Washington lived during his years as president; Congress Hall, the former home of the US Congress; Carpenters Hall, a key meeting place in the early history of the United States; Franklin Court, a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites at Independence National Historical Park, and much more.
The tour departs from the Philadelphia Visitor's Center at 6th and Market Streets. Then visit several historical landmark locations, like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and adopted.
Also included are the President's House, where George Washington lived during his years as president; Congress Hall, the former home of the US Congress; Carpenters Hall, a key meeting place in the early history of the United States; Franklin Court, a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites at Independence National Historical Park, and much more.
1
Independence Hall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Franklin Court
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Carpenters' Hall
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Congress Hall
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
The President's House
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Bow Tie Tours
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 167 reviews
Christina_G, Apr 2026
Our guide, Neal, was very passionate and heartfelt about his tour. We could tell that he loves what he does, loves his town, and loves to share it with others who will listen.
Charlotte_H, Apr 2026
Awesome walking tour of historical area in Philadelphia! Tour guide Andrew was extremely knowledgeable and made learning all about the founding of America both interesting and fun!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! "Interesting and fun" is what we aim for, and we're so glad to know that we, and Andrew, hit the mark. Thanks for spreading the word!
Tericka_S, Mar 2026
Unfortunately, it wasn’t what we were expecting. We were planning on going into Independence Hall to see where the Declaration was signed. The speaker was informative about the other aspects of the tour when it came to George Washington and Liberty Bell.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
We're sorry the tour wasn't what you expected. Unfortunately, entry into Independence Hall is possible only via the Park Service's own tour of the building, and their reservation system, as well as the time required, make that unfeasible in a tour such as this. We're glad that you found the tour that you did have informative! That's what we pride ourselves on!
Chris, Jan 2026
Neil taught us all about Washington’s house, Supreme Court, and unknown soldier in a park. He answered all of our questions and was very informative.
Zosia_T, Nov 2025
Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. Was happy to tailor the tour to our requests, but we didn’t have any! Group size was only 6, which worked well. A great way to get some understanding of the history of the city. Unfortunately some sites were inaccessible, due to the government shutdown at this time, but our guide had crafted a tour to combat this so we still had plenty to see!
Jim_H, Jul 2025
My son and I ended up booked this tour not expecting it would end up only being us two and our guide Matt. Since it ended up being just three of us, Matt want off script and took us on different tour. It was awesome that he pointed out things we'd never notice on our own.
Ed_H, Jun 2025
Walking tour Philadelphia
Guide was informative and personable. Toured Independence. Hall, Liberty Bell, Print shop, Courthouse.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
We're glad you enjoyed your tour. Thank you for sharing your experience!
David_S, Jun 2025
No tour guide. No one was at the meeting spot. 12noon tour was a no show. The place to meet was clear. Where were they? I want my money back.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Good morning, David. We're very sorry you were unable to hook up with your tour guide. This was for a tour on Friday, February 13, at noon, correct? (That's the time for which our records show a tour scheduled for someone with your name.) Matt was there by the information desk inside the Independence Visitor Center, which is the advertised departure point, between 12 and 12:10. I saw him there myself, and he had another 12:00 party for the same tour and the tour went as planned. Is it possible you were in the wrong part of the Visitor Center? So sorry your tour did not work out.
Laurie_M, May 2025
Very Friendly and was extremely knowledgeable about Historical facts etc.
Will recommend to friends and family who are visiting the Philadelphia area
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We think Matt's a gem and appreciate your help in letting the world know. Glad you enjoyed your tour!
Kim_O, Aug 2022
Our toor guide was so knowledgeable on the history of what lead up to and the events surrounding the Revolutionary War. It was very engaging.
George_M, Jul 2022
Just the history and stories. Tour guide was excellent, very informative. Would recommend this tour to everyone.
Susan_F, Jul 2022
Andrew our tour guide was so knowledgeable about American History and was able to add such depth/story telling to the meaning and significance of every stop on the tour. My HS age son and I really appreciated that! Great way to spend the 4th of July:) Thank you Andrew!
Angela_G, Jun 2022
This was the best tour we've done on this US holiday. Andrew not only gave us interesting information delivered in an easy to understand way, but he also answered all of my questions. He made history come alive for us. Understanding what led up to the revolution was as important as what came afterwards.
Response from Host, Jun 2022
We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour and found it informative!
Laurel_N, Jun 2022
Andrew did a wonderful job with imparting the history of the city. He engaged well with my 11 year olds and was accommodating. Thank you for a wonderful time!
Response from Host, Jun 2022
I am so glad you enjoyed your tour! We feel very fortunate to have Andrew working for us. He has the unique ability of making history come alive to people of all ages.
GeoffLibby_C, Jun 2022
Andrew was very informative regarding the History of government in Philly and the usa. Would highly recommend this tour.
Sandy_W, May 2022
Our guide, Neil! He was terrific and so knowledgable. The history he conveyed about each site we visited was amazing.
Response from Host, May 2022
Thank you so much for your positive review. We feel very fortunate to have Neil working for Bow Tie Tours. His knowledge and passion on the subject is unparalleled.
Mary_L, Mar 2022
Dave was just a font of incredible historical knowledge and he presented it with passion and humor! He spent well over two and a half hours with us and we very much enjoyed our time with him!
Robert_S, Aug 2021
Neal, our tour guide, was excellent!! Knowledgeable, well-spoken, excited about what he was telling us!
Edward, Jul 2021
Cpl Mike, our guide, conducted an interesting and informative tour of Independence National Park. He knew the history of 18th century Pennsylvania. He related that history to the various buildings within the National Park.
LizandBarbie, Jul 2021
Our tour guide, Neil, was very knowledgeable about every site we visited! He did a great job relating current topics to the historical ones we were discussing.
Jose_P, Jul 2021
Our tour guide was wonderful. We had 6 kids with us and he kept them engaged while teaching us all alot about Philadelphia. We all walked away from that tour excited about different things we learned. We would definitely recommend to others with or without kids. Our kids ages are two 1 year olds, 6, 8, 8, and 16. Very family friendly. We had two strollers and did fine with them as well.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
I am delighted to hear that your children enjoyed the tour. Presenting our story in a way that captivates the attention and imagination of our younger people is perhaps the most important (and usually the most challenging) thing we do.
Jeff_F, Jul 2021
Mike was an incredible guide, knowledgeable on history as well as architecture, politics, and unique facts! Our group included our 7 year old, 10 and 11 year olds and we were all enthralled. Fantastic experience.
Deana_J, Jun 2021
Our guide was amazing. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the fee. Would definitely do it again.
Debbie_B, Jun 2021
Neil was very pleasant and informative with lots of interesting tidbits of Philadelphia history. Thank you Neil!
Lynn_G, Jun 2021
Your wasn’t as expected. Guide mainly catered to a family and 11 year old with them constantly asking questions for the child to answer. One highlight of the tour was supposed to be the Betsy Ross house. Her name was never even mentioned. Your was supposed to last 75-90 minutes. At 90 minutes we were in front of the Portrait Museum and the family decided they wanted to visit. This wasn’t on the tour and it was 3:30. The museum was open until 5:00. Instead of the guide inviting the family to visit later and finishing the tour with us, he went to the museum with the family and we were left to end our tour alone. Guide had knowledge but a very poor guide.
Brian_A, Jun 2021
Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Answered questions. Good experience. Tour was good value. Did not feel rushed.
DeLoise_J, Jun 2021
Neil is the ultimate person to do any all tours. He was so knowledgeable is the American History era.
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Thank you so much for your review. We are delighted to have Neil working with us, as he is the most knowledgeable tour guide in Philadelphia and there is nothing he loves more than sharing that knowledge with people who are interested.
Nataliya_L, May 2021
Very knowledgeable guide, David!!!!
He is the best and I would strongly recommend him for you Historical Tours not only I’m Philadelphia, but anywhere in USA. The tour was a lot of fun with good historical jokes and deep understanding of American history.
Kate_B, Apr 2021
We had a great tour and guide. We happened to be the only family on the tour, and he really took his time with us. He was great with the kids, as well, and tried to get them engaged. I highly recommend!
Jeff_H, Apr 2021
Our guide was awesome! Extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend! Our tour was the Philadelphia Historical Tour and we had a great experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2021
We are delighted that you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for your feedback.
From $25.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour
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