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Offered languages
- English
Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the nation. Its identity was shaped by the contributions of Black Americans whose stories go untold.
On this walking tour, you’ll hear their powerful and inspiring stories. I’ll tell you about the lives of enslaved individuals who sought freedom, including Ona Judge, whose escape defied the odds. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and discover their connections to Black Americans’ fight for freedom and justice.
This Black history tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s rich heritage. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through struggle and triumph, and connect with Philadelphia’s legacy in a profound and personal way.
This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of resilience, a deep dive into history, and a must-do experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
This tour starts at the corner of Front and Market Streets. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
This self-guided audio tour ends on the corner of Chestnut and 4th Street.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
The Benjamin Franklin House site highlights Franklin’s contributions to American independence while also reflecting the complexities of early American society, including its ties to slavery. Though Franklin later became a prominent abolitionist, his earlier involvement with enslaved labor underscores the contradictions within the nation’s founding ideals.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The President's House site in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion for Presidents George Washington and John Adams, where nine enslaved Africans lived and labored under Washington’s presidency. It stands today as a powerful reminder of the contradictions between the nation's founding ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, honoring the lives of those who resisted bondage.
Admission ticket free -
Liberty Bell Center (Pass by)
The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, was adopted by abolitionists in the 19th century as a rallying cry for the end of slavery. Its inscription, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land," highlighted the contradiction between America’s ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery. Admission is free.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We will pass by Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, shaping the nation’s foundation. For Black history, it symbolizes both the promise of freedom and the contradictions of a nation built on ideals of liberty while maintaining slavery.
Admission ticket free -
Congress Hall (Pass by)
We will pass by Congress Hall in Philadelphia served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where pivotal decisions about the nation’s early laws and governance were made. During this time, debates over slavery and the rights of free Black people highlighted the contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the realities of racial inequality in America.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Congo Square in Philadelphia, now known as Washington Square, was a gathering place for free and enslaved African Americans in the 18th century. It served as a site for cultural expression, community building, and resistance, reflecting the resilience and rich heritage of Philadelphia’s Black community.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which honors the 5,000 Black patriots who fought during the American Revolutionary War.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
We will pass by Mother Bethel AME Church, founded in 1794 by Richard Allen, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the United States and a cornerstone of Black resilience and faith. It served as a spiritual, cultural, and political hub for African Americans, playing a vital role in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of civil rights.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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