Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania state and is a city of greatest historic significance. Philadelphia is a town which played a vital role in American history where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed. Philadelphia is also the resting place of four of the American forefathers and Benjamin Franklin himself. Philadelphia is filled with rich ancient architecture that speaks of history and the life in Philly from the 17th century. If you are someone who loves the brave old stories of people who worked hard yesterday to build the today we enjoy, you will fall in love with Philadelphia. Check out our list of the historical places in Philadelphia.
1. The Liberty Bell
Located within the premises of the Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell Center was first rang on July 8, 1776. It is traditionally believed that the chime of the bell changed the entire way of the world after it was first rang. The Bell was first rung from the Independence Hall tower to summon the citizens of Philly to the first public reading by Colonel Nixon of the Declaration of American Independence. It is place of such deep-rooted history and is a must-see spot in Philadelphia.
The Liberty Bell
Address: Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: The Liberty Bell
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: Free
Tip from tour guide
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia bears a timeless message (Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and all the inhabitants thereof).
Go beyond the iconic crack to learn how this State House Bell was transformed into an extraordinary symbol. Abolitionists, women advocates to vote, and Civil Rights leaders took inspiration on the Bell. During your visit in Philadelphia, visit The Liberty Bell Center.
2. Cliveden of the National Trust
Posted by Cliveden on Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Popularly called as the Benjamin Chew House, the Cliveden is another historic mansion similar to the Powel house in Philadelphia. The mansion is located in the German Town of Philly. This gigantic looking house is the historic witness to the bloodiest fights during the American Revolution including the Battle of Germantown in the year 1777.
Cliveden of the National Trust
Address: 6401 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
Website: Cliveden of the National Trust
Opening hours: Thu - Sun & Tue: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Wed)
Price: Adults & Seniors - 10 USD, Students : 8 USD, National Trust Members: 5 USD, Children under 6 yrs - Free
3. Fort Mifflin
Located on the Mud Island of the Delaware River Philadelphia, Fort Mifflin is another important place that has had a prominent contribution to the rich history of Philadelphia. It was earlier called as the Fort Island Battery and was first captured by the British Army in 1777 during the American Revolution. The fort has been named after continental army officer Thomas Mifflin who was the first governor of the Pennsylvania state after the American Independence. The fort was rebuilt over the years and has housed the prisoners during the American civil war. It serves as an excellent spot for educational picnics and school trips. Fort Mifflin is located very close to the Philadelphia International Airport.
Fort Mifflin
Address: 1 Fort Mifflin Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19153, USA
Website: Fort Mifflin
Opening hours: Thu - Sun & Tue: 10pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Wed)
Price: Adults – 8 USD; Seniors – 6 USD; Children (6 to 12) and Veterans – 4 USD; Children 5 years and younger – Free
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4. Betsy Ross House (from USD 45.0)
In this two-hour guided tour, visit the Betsy Ross House to know all about the story behind the designing of the American flag. The house also offers some of the stunning views of Benjamin Franklin’s home. In this tour you will also get to see other prominent historic places of Philadelphia including the Independence Mall, the US Mint, National Constitution Center, and much more. This tour ends with going back to the old city and enjoying the local brews of craft beers.
Philadelphia: Founding Fathers Historical Walking Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my colum... Read more
Tours by Vance
5. Carpenter's Hall
The Carpenters’ Hall is a very important historic center located in Philadelphia’s Old City. The Carpenters’ Company is the oldest craft guild of Philadelphia. The hall has seen numerous meetings during and after the American independence. The Carpenters’ Hall meeting hall is the meeting place of the First Continental Congress in the year 1774. It is now a part of the National Historic Park and has been featured as a preserved historic landmark from the year 1970. Get awed by the intricate wooden interiors of the hall.
Carpenter's Hall
Address: 320 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Carpenter’s Hall
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
6. Christ Church Burial Ground
Philadelphia is not only the seat of rich American history but also its resting place. The Christ Church Burial Ground holds the resting place of four of the American forefathers who first signed the declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin and his wife, and other important celebrities in history. Even today it is an active cemetery and is open for public visits for a small fee. The burial ground was first started in the year 1719. People pay their respects by dropping pennies at the grave site of Benjamin Franklin.
Christ Church Burial Ground
Address: 20 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Christ Church Burial Ground
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 2pm; Sun: 1:30pm - 5pm
Price: 3 USD
7. Elfreth's Alley
The last on this list is not just a building or a park but a whole alley by itself which was developed in the year 1706 and has been preserved ever since. Elfreth’s Alley started as an expansion project to accommodate the growing population. The alley has been named after popular silversmith Jeremiah Elfreth. Although the alley has undergone various developments of urban renewal, the historic architecture of these thirty-two Federal and Georgian residences are well preserved. Stroll through the alley and get goosebumps as you travel through history.
Elfreth's Alley
Address: 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Elfreth’s Alley
Opening hours:12pm - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adults - 3 USD; Children - 2 USD; Under 5 years - free
8. Eastern State Penitentiary (from USD 21.0)
The Eastern State Penitentiary first came to existence over 180 years before and today it stands in ruin with toppling cell blocks and lonely guard towers. It was the first ever penitentiary prison ever designed in the whole world in order to create the effect of penitence in the hearts of its inmates. The Eastern State Penitentiary has grand and intricate architecture. Go on a audio guided tour in the Eastern State Penitentiary and learn about the history of prisons in Philadelphia. The audio information provided in this tour is the called “The voices of the Eastern State.” Learn the history of this place by listening to it as you stroll through.
Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary Admission
9. Philadelphia Museum of Art (from USD 25.0)
Check out the stunning works of world-renowned artists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It includes the greatest works of legendary artists such as Auguste Rodin, Vincent Van Gogh, Marcel Duchamp, and more. The museum premises has a stunning collection of medieval armor, Rodin sculptures of the Rodin museum, the Perelman building, and much more. The tour includes a ticket for two days of visiting access to the museum. Enjoy strolling through the gardens of the museum as well.
Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Rodin Museum
Duration: 1 day
10. Independence Hall (from USD 85.0)
As the name suggests, the Independence hall is the actual place that witness the historic moment of the declaration of American independence. In this three hour guided walking tour you will visit the most important historic sight of Philadelphia - the Independence Hall. Get awed by the huge Liberty Bell. In this tour you will also visit the Powel house and St. Peter’s Episcopal church. Powel house is a brick mansion that was often visited by Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams and many others. The house was named after the first mayor of Philly. The Episcopal church is another important place where the Founding Fathers offered their prayers. This is a small group tour with a maximum of six members only.
Expert Led Tour of Colonial Philadelphia
Duration: 3 hours
History must be preserved
Apart from the above listed 10, there are numerous other historically significant places in and around Philadelphia. These places are being preserved by the state in order to pass on the history and the stories of the American forefathers’ struggles to the next generation. These places also attract a lot of tourism from across the globe. When you are in Philly, don’t forget to visit these amazing places to see and be part of the incredible history this town holds.
History
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