Historic Philadelphia in one day

Our Local Expert Says:

Be prepared to encounter crowds at Philadelphia's most well-known tourist destination. View the Liberty Bell that only rang once, stand where the signers of the Declaration of Independence once stood, and read up on history in the newly built Constitution Center. When you're ready for some peace and quiet, take a horse and buggy ride around the site and through the cobblestone streets of Society Hill.

Description:

Independence Hall, completed in 1753, is known to many as the birthplace of America. This building is where the nation's founders issued the Declaration of Independence; where they drafted and signed the Constitution; and where, oddly enough, the new city's stray dogs were kept (in the basement). Independence Hall is located in the heart of the city's historic district and is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city's historic sites or hoping to learn about the founding of the United States.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Liberty Bell stands out as one of the most important symbols of American freedom. Its prime location in Independence National Historical Park makes it an easy stop on a tour of historic Philadelphia.

Description:

The Liberty Bell, located in Independence National Historical Park, rang in 1776 as a summons to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was to be read publicly. What started as a small crack became an irreparable chasm, and the Liberty Bell never rang out again. While the Bell initially symbolized America's independence from Britain, abolitionists adopted it in the mid-19th century as a symbol of freedom for all Americans, no matter their race. Today, it represents different things to different people, but it is inarguably one of the most important symbols of our nation, and well worth a visit.

Our Local Expert Says:

While you may have to wait in line a bit, this is the essential place for a Philadelphia visit to begin. Learn about Philadelphia history and see some of the most important sites of the colonial era.

Description:

Independence Hall, completed in 1753, is known to many as the birthplace of America. This building is where the nation's founders issued the Declaration of Independence; where they drafted and signed the Constitution; and where, oddly enough, the new city's stray dogs were kept (in the basement). Independence Hall is located in the heart of the city's historic district and is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city's historic sites or hoping to learn about the founding of the United States.

Our Local Expert Says:

Anyone touring important U.S. history locales should stop here, where Betsy Ross sewed the flag that became the official flag of the United States. The house small brick house is a relic of old Philadelphia; nearly all of the buildings around it were torn down and replaced by factories.

Description:

The Betsy Ross House in Old City is where Betsy supposedly sewed the flag that became the official flag of the United States. The building at the time housed several small businesses, and Betsy's descendants claimed that she (and perhaps others) also lived there. The building might have been torn down in the late nineteenth century, as most others on the block were, had it not been for the efforts of concerned citizens hoping to preserve some of America's history. Today, the small colonial house is an anomaly in a neighborhood of large factory and warehouse buildings, just a few blocks away from Independence National Historical Park.

Description:

Part of the Independence Hall group of buildings, this was supposed to be the Philadelphia City Hall, but by the time it was completed in 1791 it had been reassigned as the home of the newly established Supreme Court of the United States. The Supreme Court met here until the nation's capitol moved to Washington D.C. in 1800. After that, it finally became the City Hall, and eventually a national museum in the late 19th century. Guided tours are conducted several times a day. Entry is free, but restricted to guided tours.

Description:

Initially chartered in 1791 to combat the debt the United States had incurred from the war with Great Britain, the First Bank of the United States created uniform currency for the 13 original states. This brainchild of then-Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton was erected in the neo-classical style to echo the democracy of Ancient Greece. However, Congress abandoned the use of a national bank in 1811; legislators of the time felt it made the federal government too centralized by not giving enough power to the states. The space is now a portrait gallery featuring the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. There are many fine portraits here, particularly by Charles Wilson Peale. Other exhibits chronicle early currency and the bank's importance in American history are on display. The bank is also one of the first historic sites to use the bald eagle as a national symbol.

Description:

The only monument dedicated to honor the memories of unknown Revolutionary War soldiers was originally used as a Potter's Field, where the poor and indigent were buried. Although Philadelphia is not known as a battleground, this section of Washington Square became the final resting place of thousands of soldiers as the barracks near the Square received the sick, wounded and dying of the war. By 1825 the site was no longer used as a cemetery and in 1954 a memorial honoring George Washington and an Unknown Soldier was erected.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is an excellent way to view the historic sites of old Philadelphia. Tour guides will lead you through the distinctive sites and beautiful cobblestone streets of Philadelphia's most historic neighborhood.

Description:

There's no better way to see historic Philadelphia than to see it from a horse-drawn carriage, operated by 76 Carriage Company. Drivers wait for passengers at 5th and Chestnut Streets, right by Independence National Historic Park, and offer tours of varying lengths. Carriage drivers are well versed in Philadelphia history. They'll take you down the cobblestone streets, of Society Hill, pointing out and explaining important historical sites as they go. The carriages operate year-round, with blankets to keep you warm in the winter.

Description:

The Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church is the only remaining Colonial Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and has an interesting history. Old Pine's first Pastor, George Duffield, served as chaplain to the First Continental Congress in 1774 and, with many of his parishioners, joined General Washington at Valley Forge in the winter of 1776-77. Old Pine soon became known as the "Church of the Patriots." Early members included John Adams and Dr. Benjamin Rush. William Hurry, who was the first to read the Declaration of Independence, is buried in the churchyard.

Description:

Situated in the birthplace of Philadelphia's first citizen, at 125 Walnut Street, Old Original Bookbinder's fosters a refined atmosphere of elegance and tradition dating back to the 1860s. The restaurant is historically known as the place to be seen in Philadelphia. Old Original Bookbinder's delivers the finest personal service and the highest quality ingredients. The traditional menu features fresh local seafood and prime cuts of beef classically prepared by Chef David Cunningham and perfectly accentuated by an extensive wine list. They also offer a Full Service Sushi Bar (available for dinner only)

Description:

Experience the American Revolution, as it happened, where it happened - through state-of-the-art technology at the Lights of Liberty Show, the first ambulatory sound and light show of its kind in the world. As you journey through Independence National Historical Park, the story is told through beautiful hand painted images that are projected up to 50 feet high onto the buildings where the events actually took place over 230 years ago.