Get more from a visit to Philly and walk in the footsteps of America's Founding Fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia's old city. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters' Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history. This walking tour is ideal for history buffs or first-time visitors trying to get their bearings in a new city.

Photo Stops at 10+ Sites including Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and Liberty Bell
Multiple departure times make it convenient for your schedule
Learn about the Revolutionary War and how it shaped the United States today
Pass by 15+ Philadelphia sites including Christ Church, and Ben Franklin Court

What's Included

90-Minute Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Photo Stops at 10+ Sites including Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and Liberty Bell
Trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through the streets of historic Old City
Learn about the Revolutionary War and how it has shaped the United States today
Local Guide; tours are led by a former stand up comedian and history teacher
Pass by 15+ Philadelphia sites including Christ Church, and Ben Franklin Court
Visit Carpenter's Hall (Note: Site currently closed, will visit when available to public)

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

302 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Departure Point: Anima (We meet outside of this pet store across the street from the Starbucks on the corner of 3rd and Arch) Address: 302 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

End point

Independence Hall
520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
The tour concludes outside of Independence Hall around 5th and Chestnut, about four blocks away from the starting location. Our guides will happily provide directions back to the start if needed.

What To Expect

Your 90-minute walking tour begins when you meet your guide and group at a central location in Philadelphia at your chosen start time.

Led by an ex-stand-up comedian and history teacher, trace the footsteps of the Founding Fathers through cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the city's rich history with a unique blend of humor and knowledge.

This journey covers all the must-see landmarks, including the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, and the iconic Liberty Bell, with insightful commentary on the Revolutionary War and its enduring impact on the United States. As you explore Philadelphia sites, such as Christ Church, Carpenter's Hall, and the Second Bank of the United States, gain a profound understanding of the nation's roots.

The tour concludes at Independence Hall, where you'll learn about its significance and the courageous founding fathers who shaped America.

Betsy Ross House

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Elfreth's Alley

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Pass By)

Christ Church

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

B. Free Franklin Post Office

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Carpenters' Hall

7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Second Bank of the United States

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Liberty Bell

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Independence Hall

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible

Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

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.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

1,258 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,258 reviews

Liked the tour

Tim_K, Apr 2024

This was a good tour to start off my Philly city trip, so you can get a bit of orientation in the old city. You could do it yourself but then you would miss out on the vast knowledge of our guide Seamus. He told us a lot of the history of each site in a fun and engaging way (certainly not boring). He also gave his tour advice on other site to see in Philly when the tour was over. For me the tour had a nice pace to it (not rushed nor tedious). Also lucky that we had wonderful weather.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your detailed review and for choosing our tour to kickstart your Philly city adventure! We're delighted to hear that you found it informative and engaging, especially thanks to our guide Seamus. He's truly passionate about sharing the city's rich history in a fun and interactive manner, and we're thrilled that you appreciated his vast knowledge and engaging storytelling style. We couldn't agree more about the value of having a knowledgeable guide to uncover hidden gems and provide insights you might miss on your own. It's fantastic to hear that Seamus not only enhanced your tour experience but also offered valuable recommendations for exploring more of Philly after the tour concluded. Maintaining a comfortable pace for our guests is always a priority, so we're pleased that you felt neither rushed nor bored during the tour. And isn't it wonderful when Mother Nature cooperates with perfect weather? Thank you again for your kind words, and we hope your Philly adventure was filled with many more memorable experiences. If you ever find yourself back in the city, we'd love to have you join us for another exploration!

I wish I had Seamus as my...

Rosemary_S, Apr 2024

I wish I had Seamus as my high school history teacher. He made the story of the birth of our country interesting and engaging. My family and I were in Philly for a short time and this was the perfect tour to learn about the history of Philadelphia. We lucked out on the weather! It was the perfect day to walk around the city. We have done a variety tours through Viator. This one is a great one!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that Seamus made the history of Philadelphia come alive for you and your family. His passion for storytelling and deep knowledge of the city's history truly shine through, and we're delighted that you found the tour both interesting and engaging. It's fantastic to hear that our tour was the perfect fit for your short time in Philly, providing a comprehensive yet enjoyable overview of the city's rich history. And isn't it wonderful when the weather cooperates to make your exploration even more enjoyable? We're honored to be recognized among the variety of tours offered through Viator, and we truly appreciate you choosing to explore Philly with us. If your travels ever bring you back to the city, we'd be thrilled to welcome you on another adventure!

10/10 Would do it again

Carolyn_W, Apr 2024

My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Seamus, was excellent-knowledgeable, personable, and enthusiastic. 100% would do it again.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your friend had a fantastic time on our tour! Seamus is indeed a gem of a guide, and we're delighted that his knowledge, personality, and enthusiasm added so much to your experience. Knowing that you would do it again speaks volumes, and we would be honored to welcome you back anytime for another memorable exploration of the city. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback!

A don’t miss tour!

Patti_A, Apr 2024

Seamus brought Philadelphia colonial history to life! Knowledgeable & fun, he embodied the perfect tour guide.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Seamus was able to bring Philadelphia's colonial history to life for you. His passion for the subject and his dedication to making the tour enjoyable truly shine through, and we're delighted that you found him both knowledgeable and fun. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to Seamus. If your travels ever bring you back to Philadelphia, we'd love to have you join us for another unforgettable tour experience!

Our tour guide was amazing!

Rosemarie_K, Apr 2024

Loved all of it! Learning about the history of Philly was interesting. Elfreth’s Alley was a favorite.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're thrilled to hear that you loved the tour and found learning about Philadelphia's history interesting! Elfreth's Alley is indeed a gem of our city's past. Did you know that it's the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in America, dating back to the early 1700s? Its cobblestone streets and charming row homes provide a fascinating glimpse into Philadelphia's colonial past. Many notable figures, including artisans, tradespeople, and even some of our founding fathers, once called Elfreth's Alley home. It's truly a living piece of history right in the heart of Philadelphia. We're delighted that you enjoyed exploring it with us!

Great, Quick Overview of Philadelphia History

Catherine_W, Apr 2024

Great, quick overview of Philadelphia history! Seamus was great and very funny, loved his insight. Definitely recommend.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our tour and found it to be a great, quick overview of Philadelphia's rich history. Seamus is indeed a fantastic guide, and we're delighted that you appreciated his humor and insightful commentary. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful that you chose to explore Philadelphia with us. If you ever find yourself back in the city, we'd love to have you join us for another exploration!

A must do!

Christine_F, Apr 2024

Seamus was an excellent guide and really brought it all to life. He was helpful with additional recommendations, too!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was my pleasure to guide you and I'm thrilled to hear that you found the experience enjoyable and informative. If you ever need more recommendations or assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels!

Do the Tour!

Kim_T, Apr 2024

Our tour guide, Seamus was awesome. He was very knowledgable and patient with all of us. He made it a fantastic day!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience with Seamus as your tour guide! Seamus takes great pride in sharing his knowledge and ensuring that everyone has a memorable time. Your appreciation for his patience and expertise means a lot to us. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to Seamus, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure soon!

Excellent tour!

Whitney_C, Apr 2024

Greg was an amazing tour host! We had a great time learning about the different sites on the tour. I was most excited for Elfreth's Alley, which did not disappoint. At every point, we learned the history, and also some lesser known facts, with some humor thrown in. Would recommend to anyone wanting to know more about the history, with a short, fun walk between areas.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hey there! Thanks a bunch for sharing your experience with Greg on the tour! We're thrilled to hear that you had a blast exploring Philly's gems with him. Elfreth's Alley is indeed a special spot, and we're glad it lived up to your excitement. Greg's knack for blending history with humor and throwing in those extra nuggets of info really makes the tour shine. We're delighted you had such a great time and would love to welcome you back anytime you're up for another adventure through Philly's vibrant history!

Awesome tour of Philly

Freya_H, Apr 2024

We had a fantastic tour guide (Greg) who made the whole tour interesting for us and our kids (ages 12 and 17). Plenty of places to stop and learn about the sights, and also plenty of time for questions. The whole thing was closer to 2 hours, so definitely try to leave extra time after your tour in case it runs late. Greg had great suggestions and knows his Philly and US history well to explain the bigger picture.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with Greg! We're thrilled to hear that he made the tour enjoyable and engaging for both you and your kids. Providing ample opportunities to learn and ask questions is always a priority, and we're glad Greg delivered on that front. We appreciate the heads-up about the tour potentially running a bit longer than expected, and we'll make sure to communicate that to future guests. Greg's passion for Philly and US history truly shines through, and we're delighted that you got to experience it firsthand. If you ever find yourselves back in Philly, we'd love to have you join us for another adventure!

Seamus was great...adding...

Suzanne_R, Apr 2024

Seamus was great...adding a lot of flavor to the history. Good way to get a nice overview of the sites

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Seamus as your guide! Bringing history to life with flavor and enthusiasm is Seamus's specialty, and we're delighted that you found his insights enriching. Providing a comprehensive overview of the sites while keeping the experience engaging is always our goal, and we're glad that Seamus succeeded in delivering just that. Thank you for joining us on the tour and for sharing your positive feedback. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more adventures in the future!

A wonderful tour!

Dominique_F, Apr 2024

Greg was a fabulous tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and friendly, but most of all engaging and patient with our large group. As a solo traveler, I felt safe and left having learned and seen a lot!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We're thrilled to hear that you had a fabulous experience with Greg as your tour guide! Greg's knowledge, friendliness, and engaging personality truly shine through, and we're delighted that you found him to be patient and accommodating with your large group. Ensuring the safety and comfort of our guests, especially solo travelers, is always a top priority, and we're glad to hear that you felt safe throughout the tour. It's fantastic to know that you left feeling enriched with new knowledge and experiences. Thank you for choosing us for your tour, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more adventures in the future!

Fun and Informative Walking Tour

Jerome_M, Apr 2024

Shamus was a great guide. Would have liked to spend some time at Betsy Ross House but the tour must go on to fit everything in. Leave some time in your schedule to go back and take an in depth tour/visit to sites of interest. Well worth the time and money.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour with me. I completely understand your desire to spend more time at the Betsy Ross House, and I appreciate your understanding that we have a schedule to keep to cover all the attractions. Leaving time in your schedule for a return visit to explore sites more in-depth is an excellent idea, and I'm glad to hear that you found the tour well worth your time and money. Your feedback is invaluable, and I truly appreciate you sharing your experience. If you ever decide to revisit Philadelphia for a more detailed exploration, I'd be delighted to guide you again or offer recommendations for your self-guided tour. Thanks again for joining me on the tour!

Educational and fun

Melissa_R, Apr 2024

It’s so cool that these historic sites still stand and all within walking distance. My favorite part was Elfreth’s Alley, but I really enjoyed learning how Philadelphia/America came to be. We really liked our guide, Shamus, who also had great recommendations for food/entertainment.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed exploring the historic sites of Philadelphia and learning about the city's rich history. Elfreth's Alley is indeed a gem, and I'm glad it stood out as a favorite for you. Sharing the story of how Philadelphia and America came to be is always a highlight for me, and I'm delighted that you found it enjoyable. Providing recommendations for food and entertainment is something I love to do, so I'm glad you found them helpful. If you ever find yourself back in Philadelphia or want more recommendations for your next adventure, I'd be more than happy to assist. Thanks again for joining me on the tour, and I hope to see you again soon!

Fab walk & talk, but missing the Liberty Bell 🔔

Ratha_P, Apr 2024

Seamus is a knowledgeable guide, and enjoyed his walk & talk (as well as little en-route chats). Thinking back, I would have liked to have learnt more about the Liberty Bell. I think maybe 90 mins was not long enough for this walk/talk - although I’d had a long day before joining the walk.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I'm glad to hear that you found the walk and talk enjoyable, as well as our little en-route chats. Your feedback regarding the length of the tour is duly noted, and I completely understand that after a long day, even 90 minutes can feel a bit short, especially when there's so much fascinating history to delve into, such as the Liberty Bell. I appreciate your suggestion for a longer duration to allow for a deeper exploration of key sites like the Liberty Bell. Your insights help us continually improve the tour experience for our guests. If you ever find yourself back in Philadelphia and eager to learn more about its history, I'd be more than happy to accommodate a longer tour or provide recommendations for further exploration. Thanks again for joining me on the tour, and I hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another adventure!

Super duper

Sophie_B, Apr 2024

Great guide in Greg - v personable and knows his stuff. I know absolutely nothing about American history and he really bought it to life. Plus worth adding I was the only one who turned up to my tour and I really appreciated that they still ran it for me. It's happened on the past where operators have cancelled of minimum numbers not met.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Greg as your guide and that he was able to bring American history to life for you, even with little prior knowledge. Providing an engaging and informative experience for our guests is always our goal, and we're glad Greg was able to deliver that for you. We also appreciate your understanding and patience when you were the only guest to turn up for the tour. We believe that every guest deserves a memorable experience, regardless of group size, and we're glad we could still provide you with the tour you signed up for. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have shared our passion for history with you. If you ever find yourself back in the area or want to explore more, we'd be delighted to welcome you for another tour. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

A great insight for a historical perspective into Philly, 10/10

Raunak_P, Apr 2024

I did this tour with Greg and I had a blast on this tour. Super well organized with a wealth of information to share added with really good humor made this such a fun tour. If you're looking for a fun historic tour you're in great hands, loved it, thank you Greg!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a blast on the tour with Greg. Providing a well-organized and informative experience while keeping things fun and engaging is always our goal, and we're delighted that Greg was able to deliver that for you. Your kind words about Greg's humor and wealth of information mean a lot to us, and we'll be sure to pass along your appreciation to him. We're glad we could provide you with a memorable and enjoyable historic tour experience, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have shared our passion for history with you. If you ever find yourself back in the area or want to explore more, we'd be delighted to welcome you for another tour. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

Just the right amount of humor and history.

Harold_P, Apr 2024

I enjoyed the little details that weren’t on the signs and Greg's sense of humor. He wasn’t dry. I have never been to Philadelphia and this was a nice highlight.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour with Greg and appreciated his sense of humor and attention to detail. Providing a unique and engaging experience is always our goal, and we're delighted that Greg was able to make your visit to Philadelphia a highlight. Exploring a new city can be exciting, and we're glad we could contribute to your experience in such a positive way. If you ever find yourself back in Philadelphia or want more recommendations for your next adventure, we'd be delighted to assist. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

Great time

Jose_O, Apr 2024

We had Greg as our tour guide. He was extremely informative and also funny. Brought a lighthearted mood the the tour. Also gave you time to do your own thing when it came to do pictures. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Greg as your tour guide. Providing informative yet lighthearted tours is always our goal, and we're delighted that Greg was able to bring a fun and enjoyable atmosphere to your experience. We understand the importance of having time to capture memories through photos, and we're glad to hear that Greg provided you with the opportunity to do so. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience. If you ever find yourself back in the area or want more recommendations for your next adventure, we'd be delighted to assist. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

New and Old

Claire_N, Apr 2024

So fun and learned a lot. I am originally from Philadelphia but moved to California many years ago and I was surprised at the amount of new information there was to learn in the tour. Great tour

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fun and informative experience on the tour, even as a native of Philadelphia who has been living in California for many years. It's always our goal to provide valuable insights and new perspectives, and we're delighted that we could offer you a fresh look at your hometown. We appreciate your feedback and are glad that we could contribute to your enjoyment of the tour. If you ever find yourself back in Philadelphia or want more recommendations for your next visit, we'd be delighted to assist. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

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