The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Philadelphia, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Uncover Philadelphia’s dynamic African-American heritage during this Black history-focused walking tour. Learn about the lives of enslaved people, including the daring escape of Martha Washington’s handmaid, and the Black pastor who founded African Methodist Episcopal Church. You’ll cover the city’s top attractions along the way, including the Liberty Bell and Congress Hall.
- A Black history-themed walking tour of Philadelphia
- Listen to the little-known stories behind the city’s dynamic African American heritage
- Learn how enslaved people lived during colonial times—and how some broke free
- Tick off major attractions along the way, including the iconic Liberty Bell
What's Included
- In-Person Guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Independence Visitor Center599 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Please meet the guide holding a "Black Journey Tour" sign outside of the Market Street entrance in front of the Independence Visitors Center.
End point
- Commodore John Barry Statue111 S Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Start time.2:00 pm
Itinerary
Independence Hall (Pass By)
1
The President's House
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Liberty Bell Center (Pass By)
Congress Hall (Pass By)
2
Washington Square
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 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 106 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
One of the best walking tours I have ever done. Learned so much about the African American contribution to the city of Philadelphia. Well worth it! I recommend everyone take this tour.
Our guide, Mijuel, is an enthusiastic font of knowledge with an excellent, exuberant presentation. We - my sister and I - highly recommend this tour to everyone.
Great tour and tour guide! I learned so much! Even though it was hot, he kept us in the shade as much as possible.
You'll love this tour. The tour guide was amazingly. One of the best tours I've been on.👏🏾 🫶🏾. Can't wait to return to Philly.
Excellent tour. Excellent guide for tour. Extremely informative. Also, so much to see. So schedule times to visit museums.
I would recommend this tour to anyone that wants a deeper dive into our history as a people. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative.
It was entertaining, enlightening along with time to explore The history was just enough, the experience was great and I would recommend you to challenge your mind and perspective. It will require moderate walking , si put your comfys on
The tour was very informative about both the city of Philadelphia but also the history of African American in the city of Philadelphia
This man is amazing, truly a professional. His presentation is truly immersive, i felt as if i was time traveling.
My partner and I enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was professional, passionate, and well spoken. The tour was engaging from beginning to the end. We both learned a lot of useful nuggets about African Americans and POC in general that are is wildly known.
It was great! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I appreciate his wit with a very sensitive topic it was perfectly timed. I honestly wish the tour could have been longer, the two hours seemed to have flown by! Recommend for anyone who wants to learn the deeper Black history in Philly.
Wish I jotted down our tour guides name. Soooo informative and knowledgeable! Thorough also! This was a great 90 minute walking tour that took us through a journey of the history of slavery in Philadelphia; such as where they were housed within the White House, the names of George Washington’s slaves, etc. We saw Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Washington Square, Bethel AME Church which was the oldest African American church….and so much more! I truly recommend this tour because you walk away knowing both sides of Philadelphia’s rich history.
The guide was excellent and very informative. He was also funny and entertaining. I highly recommend the tour for everyone.
This was so much information not known! Loved every minute of it. Tour guide was so animated and knowledgeable!!!
Mijul was an amazing guide and pointed out facts that even some who are from the area didn’t even know. Very knowledgeable and great personality! Highly recommend!
Very informative. The tour guy knew his history.
He kept us interested
In philly, you must go!!!!!!!
This was one of the most informative and interesting tours I’ve ever done. As a lover of History, I always seek unique perspectives and this experience is hands down one of the best! Our guide was a Philly Native, Myjuel, and he clearly has a love and deep knowledge of Philadelphia and Black History. His ability to recount dates, names, and he was equally engaging and entertaining! Please recognize him for an amazing presentation. It was wonderful to also see people he knew personally come up to him, one was his teacher, it just warms the heart to see. We felt fully immersed in Philly Culture. Will absolutely take more of their tours on follow on visits to the city. A wonderful experience for all ages and the walking is not arduous and Myjuel was very kind and gave us thoughtful pauses in shade and seated areas. It was 90 degrees. Do NOT pass up
This tour! You won’t regret it!
Enjoyed learning more about the various ways Black Americans and people of color positively impacted the city and the United States. Great job by the tour guide!
This was an interesting tour, and there were parts I genuinely enjoyed. As a Black Brit, I came in with some key knowledge of U.S. history, but not the kind of foundational background that the tour seemed to assume. A slightly more than basic understanding was needed to fully follow many of the historical references, jokes and cultural nuances. At times, I felt a bit on the outside of the experience, as the commentary seemed tailored more toward American/African American visitors with that shared context. That said, I really appreciated the information I did understand as well as Mijuel taking the time to fill me in on the part I missed after I arrived late due to waiting at the wrong meeting point.
Extremely informative for those who are interested in history. This tour was very engaging event, especially for first timers to this historical city.
Although I missed the first hour, Mijuel was quite informative and shared a lot of great details about the Black history of the city. I will highly recommend this tour to others!
My only ask is that a direct phone number to the company be added to the website in the event one has a question. And perhaps place a couple of time steps on the itinerary -- so that late comers can readily catch up to the group.
Otherwise, it was a wonderful experience. Thanks again, Mijuel!
I enjoyed my AA History Walking Tour with Mijuel. He was very knowledgeable & professional. Our group was small & very manageable. I only wish we could have seen a bit more, but it was my first tour of Philly, so I would strongly recommend.
Having grown up in Philly I was captivated. Myjewl(sic) the presenter was greatly informative and thoroughly
knowledgeable on the subject. My wife and I of 50 years had a wonderful time. If we could do it again we would, lots of info to absorb. Fly Myjewl Fly!!
I learned that Philadelphia PA is the original "Black Wall Street". Our tour guide was very knowledgeable!
Mike provided an exceptional experience. His extensive knowledge of African American history in the city of Philadelphia brought everything to life, offering valuable context and insights.
Mike's expertise was particularly evident in their ability to address our numerous questions with depth and clarity.
Overall, Mike's passion and expertise significantly enhanced our visit, making it a truly memorable and educational experience.
Mother Bethel church presentation as well as the first presidential palace and the relationship of the founders fight for freedom from Great Britain and slavery
Mike was a very knowledgeable, engaging guide. The tour was very informative and I am grateful to learn more about Philly’s rich Black history.
Our guide has definitely mastered his skill and did a really amazing job! I definitely recommend this tour.
To me it was everything but what hit me the most is when she talked a out the black woman undertaker that was sneaking slaves in caskets to freedom. And the history of the black church. I'm born and raised here and never heard these stories so it was enlightening and heart warming. The tour hostess done an excellent job explaining and showing pictures of Philly black history.
Walking through Congo Square and hearing about the thousands of people who still remain buried there.
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