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Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by Cool Philadelphia and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Philadelphia, USA
Book online or call us

from $29 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill Image 1
Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill Image 2
Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill Image 3
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Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

This is the only walking tour through Society Hill, Philadelphia - America's largest concentration of Colonial-era homes.

Join a local resident on this 90-minute walking tour that begins at Philadelphia’s oldest remaining tavern (still open!), winds through Colonial Philadelphia's most picturesque cobblestone streets in Society Hill, and concludes at Independence National Park in Old City. Learn how artisans, merchants, printers, clergy, and other locals shaped public opinion in the struggle between Patriots and Loyalists from 1754 to 1776. And, enjoy Colonial architectural notes from an Urban Planner.

Owned, operated, and guided by a local.

What's Included

  • Government Fees
  • Alcoholic beverages Tour begins next to Man Full of Trouble - Philadelphia's oldest tavern. Visit www.joinordietour.com to purchase drink + tour package.
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

125 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

50 North Independence Mall East
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

The tour ends at the Liberty Beer Garden, stop in for a drink with a great view of the historic Pennsylvania State House in the foreground.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

A Man Full of Trouble

We begin at Philadelphia’s oldest surviving tavern, a 1700s watering hole once a lively stop for sailors and dock workers from Dock Street. Arrive a little early to enjoy an ale and get into the colonial spirit before the tour sets off.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Headhouse/Shambles

Walk beneath the Shambles, the oldest open-air market structure still standing in Philadelphia.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St, Peter's Church, Philadelphia

Built between 1758–1761 in Society Hill, this elegant Georgian church was attended by early US leaders and stands almost unchanged since the 18th century.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hill-Physick House

Admire the stately Federal-style mansion once owned by wealthy merchant Henry Hill and later by Dr. Philip Physick, the “Father of American Surgery.” You’ll see one of Society Hill’s best-preserved 18th-century façades and its charming garden setting, a reminder of the neighborhood’s early elite.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

James Madison's House (pass by)

Pause outside the elegant Society Hill residence where James Madison lived while serving in the Continental Congress.
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Powel House (pass by)

See the grand Georgian mansion of Samuel Powel, Philadelphia’s last colonial mayor and a trusted host to Washington, Adams, and Franklin.
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John Penn and Benjamin Chew Home

Stand before the refined Society Hill home once connected to Governor John Penn and statesman Benjamin Chew. Its dignified façade hints at the wealth, influence, and political tension that surrounded Philadelphia’s Loyalist leadership during the 1760s and 1770s.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

City Tavern (Museum)

Stand at the site of Philadelphia’s most influential colonial tavern, once a bustling hub for delegates of the First Continental Congress. Imagine the clatter of tankards, heated debates, and late-night strategy sessions that shaped the Revolution.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Benjamin Rush Garden

Stroll through this peaceful garden honoring Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration and a leading Patriot voice in Philadelphia. From here you can view the Bicentennial Bell, gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976, a fitting reminder of how far the city had come since the Revolution Rush helped inspire.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Carpenters' Hall

See the historic hall where the First Continental Congress met and the colonies first coordinated their response to British rule.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery (pass by)

Admire the monumental Greek Revival building that once housed the nation’s central bank.
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Independence Square

Stand in the landscaped square where Philadelphians gathered to hear the first public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Independence Mall

Tour ends right outside of Liberty Beer Garden on the Independence Mall.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 12 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5618512P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Philadelphia and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Philadelphia customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Government Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. Tour begins next to Man Full of Trouble - Philadelphia's oldest tavern. Visit www.joinordietour.com to purchase drink + tour package.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Take the Path to Independence, starting in Society Hill will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Philadelphia. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Government Fees
  • Alcoholic beveragesTour begins next to Man Full of Trouble - Philadelphia's oldest tavern. Visit www.joinordietour.com to purchase drink + tour package.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name