How To Tour Philadelphia: Top Historic Sites

Hi! It’s me. A Resident. Well, a (former) Resident. Close enough? My family lived in Philly for 2 years while my husband was in grad school. As an American Studies major, Old City Philadelphia was a dream come true. I’d load up my baby in the stroller & wander the old streets- soaking it all in. The historic buildings, large trees, and open grassy areas are gorgeous. And more importantly, SO MANY CRUCIAL THINGS happened in this city!!! Let’s check it out:

Independence Hall

THE CROWNING JEWEL of the city. The ACTUAL BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICA. OK I’m probably overdoing it with the capital letters but that’s not even possible because this is just one of those places. It’s very special, and you can sense it.

5th Grade Social Studies Recap: this is where The Declaration of Independence was signed and the US Constitution was created, and ratified.

It needs to be said that these documents are NOT perfect. They were drafted & created by very imperfect humans with major complexities worth learning more about (IE many freedom fighting founding fathers owned people for profit. The irony is not lost.) However the ideas and ideals brought forth in this building are incredibly important. The concepts of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (to name a few), are what this country was founded on… right here!

The guided tours of Independence Hall are free, but you do need to reserve a spot in the nearby Visitor’s Center– ahead of time if possible. I have been very impressed with the park rangers that provide the tours, and I learn something new each time I go.

Feel free to take antsy babes or toddlers to the hallway between the two Main Rooms.

The Liberty Bell

THE BELL. Even as a history buff, the major thing I think about here is the movie National Treasure and Nicholas Cage muttering something about “pass and stow.”

In my opinion, this humble bell had no idea what it was getting itself into when it was originally built. It somehow lives on, despite the major crack, inspiring groups across the decades to stand for liberty and freedom for all. (The Women’s Rights Movement and Civil Rights Movement in particular come to mind).

The bell used to ring at the top of Independence Hall, but for some time has been in a separate building next door. (Free as well- but you’ll still need a reservation from the Visitor’s Center). Most visitors stand in the lines to take a quick selfie…but the displays leading up to The Bell have some great historic info about the groups that have invoked this famous symbol in their quest for liberty.

The President’s Home

Raise your hand if you had NO idea that Philadelphia was the US Capital…for like, a decade. Did you know that?? It was mostly a holding place while they cleared out the murky swamphole that would become Washington DC. Unfortunately, the Presidential Home where George Washington and John Adams both resided while in Philly (think OG White House) no longer stands. BUT, they do have an open air exhibit where it used to be. You can learn about everyone that resided there during that time: the presidents, first ladies, the enslaved, and the children. It’s near the Liberty Bell building- no reservation required.

The Constitution Center

This museum is separate from Independence National Park (aka pay to enter), but right across the street. The museum is dedicated entirely to the US Constitution. My favorite exhibit has life-size statues of all of the ratifiers, as if the moment was frozen in time. It’s geared towards school-aged kids and up. It’s skippable if you’re short on time, but well-done and interesting for those into politics & government- past and present.

Elfreth’s Alley

Here it is: The Oldest– still existing–continuously inhabited–Street in America. That feels like a lot of qualifications if I’m being honest, but the street itself is definitely charming and worth a stroll. Located just a few blocks from the Delaware River, you catch a glimpse for what revolutionary life may have felt like.

It’s a bit of a walk from Independence National Park, so be aware of that (I’d skip it on especially hot & humid days). BUT if you do make the trek out, be sure to also visit:

Christ Church

This is a beautiful Georgian-style church deep in Old City. Its steeple made it the tallest building in America for a hot minute (before things like, the Empire State Building & Sears Tower came along). The windows and architecture are beautiful inside. Several important figures worshipped here, including George & Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, and Betsy Ross. Tours are free but donations welcome — It’s still a functioning congregation today. There’s a nice courtyard outside, too.

Museum of the American Revolution

Last but not least, this new & interactive museum was completed during my time in Philadelphia and I was STOKED. It features exhibits that are high-tech and the artifacts relevant and well-preserved. The signs go into incredible detail to thoroughly explain the timeline and events of the American Revolution…from the Tea Party to Yorktown and beyond.

The museum also does a fantastic job of telling different narratives too…ie women, Native Americans, and enslaved people. This was well worth the $$ for this history nerd.

Learn more at their website here!

Honorable Mentions:

If you have time to spare, also check out the following sights in Old City:

• United States Mint (Definitely interesting, but not top tier for me)
• Betsy Ross House (Living History actors make this interactive for kids; read more HERE)
• Benjamin Franklin Museum (gardens are free to explore but museum admission is $5; website HERE)

Be sure to look out for our other posts on Philadelphia :

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 2]: Best Cultural Sites

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 3]: Best Foods

A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 4]: Best Places for Kids