Old City Historic Walking Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  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 not included
• 2
  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 not included
• 3
  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 not included
• 4
  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
• 5
  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 not included
• 6
  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
• 7
  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 not included
• 8
  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
• 9
  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 not included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• 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

Tags