History in HD

Duration: 2 hours

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About

Philadelphia is widely regarded as one of America’s most historically significant cities, and for good reason! This is the city where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were born. It was Philly that served as America’s capital before Washington DC even existed. Here is where the American flag was created, where Ben Franklin proved that lightning was just electricity, and where the iconic Liberty Bell rang and cracked but endures as a symbol of freedom. These are just a few examples of how Philadelphia has helped shape the United States of America. Come and take a guided stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old City, through the history you think you know. Our local expert will separate the fact from the fiction, and you will be amazed by Philadelphia’s remarkable past.

Note: Some churches may not be open to us on a Sunday.

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General Itinerary

Visit those unmissable Philly sights on this historical Philadelphia tour that ditches the guidebooks and gives you a dose of history from a local perspective. After all, this is the history that shaped the people of this city, so why not learn about it from them?

Start your Philadelphia tour behind the Religious Liberty Statue just outside the National Museum of American Jewish History, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your Best. Day. Ever.

From here, we’ll take you back to the time of our nation’s founding, weaving your way through Independence National Park. Your guide will share knowledge of the most significant sites of the park, such as Independence Hall, Congress Hall, and Old City Hall, among other sites that were instrumental in establishing many of the country’s firsts in institutions and ideologies.

Continue this Philadelphia city tour to a spot where (on weekdays only) we can grab a view of Maxfield Parrish's Dream Garden mosaic mural and a possible excursion into Washington Square for stories of Philadelphia founder William Penn.

We then pass the Liberty Bell, where you'll hear about why this iconic symbol has become so famous all around the world. Just next door, you’ll enter the President’s House site, home to George Washington and John Adams during Philly’s tenure as our nation’s capital. You’ll stroll up through the grand stretch of Independence Mall, home to Independence Visitor Center, the National Constitution Center, the Bourse, and the U.S. Mint.

After passing by the gravesite of the city’s most renowned inventor, Ben Franklin, you’ll enter the charming back alleys of Old City with its unique art galleries, trendy cafés, and fascinating industrial architecture and where you’ll have the chance to grab a quick snack or a drink and relax with your guide — the perfect opportunity to ask any pressing questions you may have about things to do in the neighborhood after the tour.

Continue to be immersed in history as you venture past the Betsy Ross House and then down Elfreth’s Alley, the street famous for being the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the country.

Next, you may be treated to a visit inside Christ Church, where you'll hear stories of our founding fathers, sit where they sat, and learn about the birth of the Episcopal Church in America.

As this Philadelphia tour winds down, your guide will help you make the rest of your visit just as memorable, recommending restaurants, pubs, and more fun things to do!

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Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, admission to various historic buildings, and a surprise local treat. Exclusions: Personal shopping, additional food and drink, gratuity.