Old City Historic Walking Tour

New To The Site! Philadelphia, USA

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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

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Offered in: English

Overview

Discover Philadelphia’s vibrant history with a local comedian and guide on this engaging 90-minute walking tour through Old City. Explore iconic sites like Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth’s Alley, all while enjoying a blend of humor and captivating storytelling. With small group sizes, expect a personalized experience that shares his deep passion and insider knowledge of this historic neighborhood. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, this tour promises an entertaining journey through America’s past.

- 90-minute guided walking tour through Philadelphia’s Old City
- Visit historic sites, including Independence Hall and Christ Church
- Enjoy storytelling and humor from a local expert guide
- Small group size of up to 20 guests for an intimate experience

What's Included

Small Group Experience (20 Max)
Elfreths Alley

Air-conditioned vehicle

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

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

End point

Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Ends directly across from Independence Hall. There are restrooms available in the visitor center across the street.

What To Expect

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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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Arch Street Meeting House

The largest Quaker meetinghouse in the world, the Arch Street Meeting House has stood at the heart of Philadelphia since 1804. Here we explore the remarkable story of William Penn's Holy Experiment — a radical vision of religious tolerance that shaped Pennsylvania and laid the groundwork for American democracy. We'll also dive into one of the most harrowing chapters in American history: the yellow fever epidemic of 1793, which killed nearly 10% of Philadelphia's population and forever changed the city. (Tour outside only).

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Benjamin Franklin's Grave

Tucked behind Christ Church on Arch Street lies one of the most visited graves in America — Benjamin Franklin, founding father, inventor, diplomat, writer, and arguably the most fascinating person who ever lived. We'll pause here to talk about the man behind the myth, his complicated legacy, and why Philadelphians have a uniquely personal relationship with their most famous resident. Guests are invited to toss a penny on the grave — a tradition with more history behind it than you might expect. (Tour outside only).

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Betsy Ross House

Home to the woman credited with sewing the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House is one of Old City's most iconic stops. But the real story of Betsy Ross is far more interesting than the legend — a three-time widow who ran her own upholstery business in colonial Philadelphia and defied the conventions of her era at every turn. We'll explore her remarkable life, the contested history of the flag story, and what her home tells us about everyday life in 18th-century Philadelphia. (Tour outside only).

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Elfreth's Alley

Welcome to the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, dating back to 1702. Elfreth's Alley is 32 cobblestone feet wide and feels like stepping directly into colonial America. We'll spend time here exploring the stories of the tradespeople, craftsmen, and families who called this alley home over three centuries — and occasionally we get a rare peek inside one of the historic homes from a resident who knows us well. There's nowhere else in America quite like it

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Christ Church

Known as the Nation's Church, Christ Church has stood on this corner since 1695 and counts George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Betsy Ross among its congregation. Your guide knows this building intimately — having served as an official guide here — and will bring you inside the stories that most visitors never hear. The church also houses the original baptismal font brought from England in 1696 — the very font in which William Penn himself was baptized. (Tour outside only).

8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Franklin Court

Built on the site of Benjamin Franklin's actual home, Franklin Court is one of the most thoughtfully designed historic sites in Philadelphia. The original house was demolished in 1812 but the National Park Service created a striking "ghost structure" — a steel frame outlining exactly where Franklin's home once stood. We'll explore the courtyard and peer into the actual excavations of Franklin's original foundation, giving you a rare glimpse into the physical remains of where he lived and worked. We also stop into the B. Free Franklin Post Office — the only post office in America that doesn't fly a flag and still uses hand cancellation stamps — a quirky and uniquely Philadelphian experience.

8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

First Bank of the United States

Standing at Third and Chestnut, the First Bank of the United States is the oldest bank building in the country and one of the most stunning examples of Federal architecture in Philadelphia. Built in 1797 under Alexander Hamilton's vision for a national financial system, this building was the center of fierce political debate between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over the very soul of the new republic. The argument they had over this bank essentially created the two party political system in America — a fight that feels remarkably familiar today. The building is no longer open to the public which makes seeing it on foot with a knowledgeable guide the best way to truly appreciate its significance. (Tour outside only).

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Carpenters' Hall

Often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors, Carpenters' Hall is one of the most significant buildings in American history. Built in 1770 by the Carpenters' Company — the oldest trade guild in America — this modest hall hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774, where delegates from twelve colonies met in secret to organize resistance against British rule. It was here, not Independence Hall, where the seeds of revolution were first planted. Admission is free and when time allows we encourage guests to step inside and experience this remarkable piece of history up close.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Independence Hall

We conclude your tour at the most important building in American history — Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. We'll take in the full scope of what happened here and what this building represents not just for Philadelphia but for the world. I'll point out the Liberty Bell pavilion across the street and make sure everyone knows where the bathrooms are — because that's what a good guide does. We cap things off with the remarkable story of the Marquis de Lafayette's return to Philadelphia in 1824, and how his visit inspired a complete restoration of Independence Hall. (Tour outside only).

8 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

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 20 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Old City Historic Walking Tour?

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 (EDT). Read more Apr 2025