Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Philadelphia, USA
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get more from a visit to Philly and walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia's old city. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters' Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history. This walking tour is ideal for history buffs or first-time visitors trying to get their bearings in a new city.
- Photo Stops at 10+ Sites including Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and Liberty Bell
- Multiple departure times make it convenient for your schedule
- Learn about the Revolutionary War and how it shaped the United States today
- Pass by 15+ Philadelphia sites including Christ Church, and Ben Franklin Court
What's Included
- 90-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia
- Photo Stops at 10+ Sites including Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and Liberty Bell
- Trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through the streets of historic Old City
- Learn about the Revolutionary War and how it has shaped the United States today
- Local Guide; tours are led by a former stand up comedian and history teacher
- Pass by 15+ Philadelphia sites including Christ Church, and Ben Franklin Court
- Visit Carpenter's Hall (Note: Site currently closed, will visit when available to public)
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 302 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Departure Point: Anima (We meet outside of this pet store across the street from the Starbucks on the corner of 3rd and Arch) Address: 302 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
End point
- Independence Hall520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
The tour concludes outside of Independence Hall around 5th and Chestnut, about four blocks away from the starting location. Our guides will happily provide directions back to the start if needed.
Itinerary
Your 90-minute walking tour begins when you meet your guide and group at a central location in Philadelphia at your chosen start time.
Led by an ex-stand-up comedian and history teacher, trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the city's rich history with a unique blend of humor and knowledge.
This journey covers all the must-see landmarks, including the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and the iconic Liberty Bell, with insightful commentary on the Revolutionary War and its enduring impact on the United States. As you explore Philadelphia sites, such as Christ Church, Carpenter's Hall, and the Second Bank of the United States, gain a profound understanding of the nation's roots.
The tour concludes at Independence Hall, where you'll learn about its significance and the courageous founding fathers who shaped America.
Led by an ex-stand-up comedian and history teacher, trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the city's rich history with a unique blend of humor and knowledge.
This journey covers all the must-see landmarks, including the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and the iconic Liberty Bell, with insightful commentary on the Revolutionary War and its enduring impact on the United States. As you explore Philadelphia sites, such as Christ Church, Carpenter's Hall, and the Second Bank of the United States, gain a profound understanding of the nation's roots.
The tour concludes at Independence Hall, where you'll learn about its significance and the courageous founding fathers who shaped America.
1
Betsy Ross House
7 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Elfreth's Alley
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pass By)
3
Christ Church
7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
B. Free Franklin Post Office
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Carpenters' Hall
7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Second Bank of the United States
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Liberty Bell
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
8
Independence Hall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 2,047 reviews
Tonya_T, Mar 2026
It was a cold day. That being said our guide Joseph was entertaining and kept our minds off the freezing weather.
joann_o, Mar 2026
Joseph our guide was great! Very knowledgeable about history and other interesting information. Able to visit Betsey Ross house, carpenters house old church, carpenters house and around independence hall. You need to get advance ticket to go into independence hall separate from tour. Liberty bell also there but need to get in line after tour to see. Well worth it!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We’re so glad Joseph could lead the way and share those deep historical insights with you. It sounds like you hit all the iconic spots, from the Betsy Ross House to Christ Church and Carpenters' Hall!
We also really appreciate you sharing those helpful tips about Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Navigating the historic district can be tricky, and your advice on securing advance tickets and timing the lines is a huge help to fellow travelers.
We’ll be sure to pass your high praise along to Joseph. We hope the rest of your time in Philadelphia was just as historic and memorable!
Joshua_S, Mar 2026
First time in Philly and wanted to learn some of the history. Tour guide was knowledgeable and funny! Was perfect time wise and distance wise. So glad I did it!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Welcome to Philadelphia! We are so honored that you chose us for your very first introduction to the city's history.
It’s great to hear that our guide hit that 'knowledgeable and funny' sweet spot—we truly believe that the best way to learn history is with a laugh! We also work hard to make sure the pace and distance are comfortable for everyone, so we’re thrilled that the timing felt just right for you.
Thank you for the high praise, and we hope you have a fantastic rest of your stay in the City of Brotherly Love!
Lindsay_L, Mar 2026
Thai was great. The stories were informative and interesting. It held the interest of adults and our teenage children.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that Thai hit it out of the park for your family.
It can be a challenge to find an activity that keeps both adults and teenagers equally engaged, so we’re delighted that Thai’s storytelling made the history feel interesting and relevant for everyone. He truly has a gift for making the past come alive in a way that resonates with all ages.
We hope you and your family enjoyed the rest of your time exploring Philadelphia!
Marie_C, Mar 2026
Wonderful old city walking tour… we loved our charming guide, Tye and highly recommend… He shared some great back stories and info!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful recommendation! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Old City walking tour.
Tye is indeed a gem, and we’re so glad his charm and those 'behind-the-scenes' back stories made your visit special. There is so much hidden history in those cobblestone streets, and Tye loves bringing those lesser-known details to light.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to him. We hope to see you back in Philly again soon!
Rebecca_F, Mar 2026
Great walking tour. Great starting point to gain understanding of early Philadelphia and the founding g of the country.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that the tour served as a great introduction to the stories and landmarks that shaped early Philadelphia. It truly is a special experience to walk the same streets as the founders, and we're glad we could help bring that history to life for you.
We hope to see you on another adventure soon!
Don_B, Mar 2026
Tye was a great guide and extremely knowledgeable. His passion for the information made the tour much more enjoyable.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that Tye’s passion made your tour so memorable. He truly lives and breathes this history, and it’s wonderful to know that his enthusiasm helped bring the information to life for you.
I’ll be sure to share your feedback with him—it will make his day! We hope to see you on another one of our tours the next time you're in town.
Mary_B, Mar 2026
Our guide, Joseph, was very knowledgeable about Philadelphia and the history of the beginnings of our country. He added some fun facts and showed passionate interest at each stop. He did, however, use a couple of foul words.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! We are thrilled to hear that Joseph’s passion for Philadelphia’s history made such an impression on you. He takes great pride in bringing the stories of our country’s founding to life with those deep-dive facts our guests love.
However, we sincerely appreciate you bringing his choice of language to our attention. While we encourage our guides to be spirited and authentic, we strive to maintain a professional standard that is comfortable for all our guests. I will certainly have a private word with Joseph to ensure his vocabulary remains as polished as his historical knowledge moving forward.
We hope to welcome you back for another tour in the future!
Jeffrey_N, Mar 2026
Excellent tour of Old Town Philadelphia! We learned a lot and saw several interesting sites of historical significance. Our guide was super knowledgeable and friendly.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review! We are so glad you enjoyed exploring the 'most historic square mile' in the country with us.
It’s our goal to ensure every guest walks away with a deeper understanding of Old City's significance, and we’re thrilled to hear our guide’s knowledge and friendliness helped make that happen. There is so much history tucked away in those cobblestone streets, and we're glad you got to see the highlights!
We hope the rest of your stay in Philadelphia is just as memorable. Please come back and see us again soon!
Susan_B, Mar 2026
If you are only in Philadelphia for a day or so, this is a nice tour that doesn’t run too long, but gives you some great history about where our country was born. Our guide, Seamus, was knowledgeable, welcoming and imparted humor with his stories about Penn, Franklin and Betsy Ross. He also spoke very clearly and loud enough for everyone to hear.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are delighted that our tour fit perfectly into your visit to Philadelphia. We know that when you only have a day or two in the city, every minute counts, so we’re glad we could provide a comprehensive and efficient look at where our country was born.
Seamus is fantastic at bringing figures like William Penn, Ben Franklin, and Betsy Ross to life with that signature humor and clarity. We will be sure to pass along your compliments to him—he’ll be especially glad to know he was heard loud and clear!
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in the birthplace of America. Come back and see us again soon!
Amber_W, Mar 2026
Our tour guide Shamus was awesome ! Very informative and kept us ended the entire time about the historical sites . Would recommend this tour to anyone !
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the 'awesome' review! We are thrilled to hear that Shamus kept you fully engaged and informed throughout the tour.
Shamus has a real talent for making historical sites feel vivid and exciting, and we’re so glad he made such a positive impact on your visit. There’s nothing we love more than hearing that our guests would recommend us to others—that truly is the highest compliment we can receive!
I’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Shamus. We hope to see you (and maybe some friends you've recommended!) on another tour soon.
Kelvyn_m, Feb 2026
Sheamus is an amazing tour guide he is so knowledgeable about the history of Philadelphia I cannot wait to come back and do it again
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We can’t wait to have you back! Thank you so much for the glowing review and for highlighting Seamus’s 'amazing' storytelling.
He truly is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Philadelphia’s history, and it’s wonderful to hear that his passion made you want to experience the tour all over again. We take it as the ultimate compliment when a guest is already looking forward to their next visit before the first one is even over!
I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Seamus—he’ll be thrilled to know he made such an impact. Until next time!
Sheri_R, Feb 2026
Great experience. Guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic! Seamus was the best guide! Very fun!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for the 'best' review! We are thrilled to hear that Seamus made your Philadelphia experience so fun and memorable.
His enthusiasm is truly contagious, and he loves sharing his knowledge with such a great audience. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to him—it will definitely make his day!
We hope to see you on the trolley again soon for another great experience.
Emma_V, Feb 2026
Seamus was an excellent tour guide. It was a very cold and wet February day but Seamus made the tour fun and we learnt lots of interesting facts.We were only in Philadelphia for the day and this tour was well worth our time in fact we want to come back and explore further. Thank you Seamus 😊
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’ll be sure to pass this along to Seamus—he’s a pro at making sure the Philly spirit shines through, even when the weather isn't cooperating. We’re so glad you felt your day trip was well-spent, and we can’t wait to have you back to explore even more of the city (hopefully with a bit more sunshine next time!) 😊
Anne_K, Feb 2026
A great overview of the historical highlights - especially relevant this year with our 250th anniversary@
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for the review! We are so glad you joined us during such a monumental year for Philadelphia. There’s no better time to dive into our historical highlights than during the 250th Anniversary, and we’re thrilled we could make that history feel relevant and exciting for you. Happy 250th!
Amanda_M, Feb 2026
Joseph S. was a wonderful tour guide! We learned so much! We had a great time! He made us laugh while sharing fun facts with us.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
That is exactly what we love to hear! Thank you so much for the kind words.
It’s great to know that Joseph S. hit that perfect balance of "fun facts" and "making you laugh"—that’s exactly the Philly experience we strive for. We’ll be sure to pass your praise along to him; he’ll be thrilled to know he made your tour so memorable.
We hope to see you back on the trolley soon for another adventure through the city!
Shalisa_A, Jan 2026
This was a great way to see some popular spots around Philadelphia. It was great having such a knowledgeable tour guide to point out and explain as we went.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the review! We’re thrilled to hear that the tour was a "great way to see some popular spots" and that our guide’s knowledge helped bring the city to life for you.
Philadelphia has so much history hidden in plain sight, and we love having experts on the trolley who can point out those details you might otherwise miss. We’ll be sure to share your feedback with the team!
We hope to welcome you back on board for another Philly experience soon!
Samantha_R, Jan 2026
Seamus was an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the city was unmatched. The walking tour was so fun and a great way to walk around the historic sites with a local. We lucked out and got to be the only guests on the tour. Seamus was so personable, up for a chat, as well as giving us lots of historic facts. This is a great way to see the sites and would recommend this walking tour to anyone visiting Philadelphia.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable experience exploring our historic sites.
It sounds like you hit the jackpot with a "private" session! Seamus is indeed a wealth of knowledge, and we’re so glad his passion for Philly shined through. We take great pride in our guides being more than just historians—they are locals who love a good chat and making the city feel like home for our guests.
We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Seamus; he’ll be delighted to know he helped make your visit to Philadelphia special. We hope to see you back for another tour (maybe on the trolley next time!) soon.
Kathleen_R, Jan 2026
Joseph was very informative, friendly and funny…the walking tour was just the right amount of time..
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the kind words! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Joseph’s humor and knowledge made the experience memorable. We agree—he’s a fantastic guide! We also appreciate the feedback on the timing; we work hard to make sure the pace is just right. Hope to see you on another walk soon!
Matt_S, Nov 2025
Seamus was our guide and he was great! The tour hit all the main areas of Philly History with lots of fun facts.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
That's fantastic to hear! 🎉
We are so glad you had a great experience on the tour and that Seamus provided an excellent, fact-filled journey through Philly History. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us this wonderful review!
DJ_N, Nov 2025
Seamus was fantastic! He had a great wealth of knowledge, lots of fun facts and very interactive. He answered everyone questions no matter what they were. He made a point to talk to everyone in the group!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
That is absolutely wonderful to hear! 🌟
We are thrilled that Seamus made your experience fantastic! It sounds like his combination of wealth of knowledge, fun facts, and highly interactive style truly made the tour memorable. We always strive for our guides to be engaging and accessible, and we are proud that Seamus made a point of connecting with everyone and answering all questions.
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review!
Debbie_Z, Nov 2025
Sheamus is extremely knowledgeable and it was fun to learn all about Philly and the history there. It was just the perfect amount of time to walk around the city, especially in the winter time
Response from Host, Dec 2025
What a fantastic review! 👏
We are delighted to hear that you found Seamus to be extremely knowledgeable and that you had fun learning all about Philadelphia's history. It is great feedback that the duration was perfect for walking the city, especially during the winter months.
Thank you for choosing our tour!
Samar_H, Nov 2025
Seamus did such a good job! Walking tours are really the only way I’ll learn history , and this tour is one of the best
Response from Host, Dec 2025
That's wonderful feedback! 🤩
We're so happy to hear that Seamus did such a good job and that you consider this one of the best walking tours you've experienced! We completely agree that walking tours are a fantastic way to engage with history.
As Ben Franklin himself might say: "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
Thank you for your fantastic review!
Erin_B, Nov 2025
This was a very fun and informative tour of Philadelphia’s historical district. I would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
That is fantastic to hear! 🥳
We're delighted that you had a very fun and informative experience exploring Philadelphia's historical district. Thank you for your high recommendation!
We appreciate you taking the time to share your positive feedback.
Karen_R, Nov 2025
Lots of great details and our guide had a lot of knowledge and a really genuine enthusiasm without the ridiculous costume!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the tour. I’ve always found that the history of Philadelphia is fascinating enough on its own without needing a tri-corner hat to bring it to life! I’m thrilled that my enthusiasm for these stories came through. It was a pleasure having you on the tour!
Brenda_S, Nov 2025
This was a n informative walking tour that touched on some of the historic aspects of Philadelphia . Seamus was a great guide
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the review! I’m so glad you found the tour informative and enjoyed our walk through Philadelphia’s history. It was a pleasure guiding you through some of the city's most iconic spots!
Steve_H, Nov 2025
our guide, Amanda, was very knowledgeable of the history and it was very interesting.
The tour was about an hour and a half and it was great having someone tell us about all the historical points of Philadelphia.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the review! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the tour with Amanda. She is a wealth of knowledge, and I’m glad she could bring Philadelphia’s history to life for you during your 90 minutes together. We appreciate the feedback and hope to see you back in Philly again soon!
DIANA_B, Nov 2025
So informative, entertaining and fun! I highly HIGHLY recommend this tour, especially if it's your first time in Philadelphia and even a little bit of a history buff.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the 'high' recommendation! I love meeting people on their first visit to Philadelphia—it’s such a privilege to be the one to introduce the city’s history to you. I’m glad I could satisfy the history buff in you while keeping things fun. Enjoy the rest of your stay in the City of Brotherly Love!
Andrew_S, Nov 2025
Seamus was excellent, clearly very experienced. He was interactive, told interesting stories, knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories and the interactive side of the tour. I always aim to make the history feel alive rather than just reciting facts, so I’m thrilled to hear that resonated with you. It was a pleasure having you along!
Michael_C, Nov 2025
Take it from someone who has lived in this area - take this tour. Very informative, interesting, and perhaps best of all - fun. Seamus is a terrific guide so I suggest you request him. He has worked at the Revolutionary Museum and has the knowledge plus makes it a great experience. If you explore any other way you are making a mistake. This comes from a former 4+ year neighborhood resident who learned quite a bit.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for the incredible endorsement! Coming from someone who lived in the neighborhood for years, that truly means a lot. I’m so glad I could share some new stories and insights with you despite your own deep knowledge of the area. It was a pleasure having you on the tour!
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