Philadelphia Historic Sites Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Philadelphia Historic Sites Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active
(24 reviews)
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes, discover the iconic Liberty Bell, and relive the fight for American Independence with a self-guided audio tour! Journey back in time to historic Philadelphia in the days of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and their revolutionary collaborators.

After booking, check your email/text for a special password and setup instructions. Download the Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and once it's complete, you can enjoy it offline. Just open the app, hit the road, and follow the audio instructions!

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Available options

Philadelphia Historic Sites Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Next up: the Liberty Bell! We'll learn about what makes this bell iconic -- and what makes it so susceptible to cracks! As we explore its history and majesty, we'll also explore it's significance in later years as Americans fought for their freedom from slavery, for equal voting rights, and for true liberty.

Note: The tour is over 1.5 miles long, with more than 30 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as the travelers you have booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

2
Stop 2

Our trip jumps us back in time a bit -- to the birth of the American flag! The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution often overshadow this historic home but it's legacy is far more visible today! We'll learn all about Betsy Ross and her fateful meeting with George Washington one morning during Sunday service at Christ Church.

3

Embark on this journey into America's past at Philadelphia's City Hall! As we make our way into the heart of Historic Philly, we'll dive into 1700s to explore the foundations of the Revolutionary War. George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers had deep roots in Philadelphia, as we'll quickly discover. Then we'll We'll explore the events that led up to the revolt, including the catalyst: the Tea Tax.

4

We're finally at Independence Hall, the birthplace of America. This is where the First Continental Congress unified the colonial states into one entity, working together. This is where military revolts and battles against the British were planned. This is also where the Second Continental Congress took place, when votes were gathered from across all the colonies. Ultimately, this is where the Declaration of Independence, and America, was brought to life. As we walk around this historic hall, we'll learn about additional American figures like John Hancock, Patrick Henry, and John Adams, and their contributions to the new nation. We'll also understand what this Independence Hall represented to colonial Americans -- and what it represents to modern Americans today. We'll also check out George Washington's statue out front, and dive into his backstory.

5

At the corner of historic Washington Square, we'll catch a glimpse of where it all began: the site of the First Continental Congress. We'll explore the consequences of this historic conference before approaching the iconic Independence Hall.

6

Then we'll head over to Ben Franklin's museum. This historic statesman figures heavily in America's past -- and we'll learn why. As we walk through the museum we'll also peel back the layers of his personality, learning about his vast store of knowledge and huge diversity of interests. Then, we'll jump to the anti-hero to Franklin's hero: the traitor Benedict Arnold. As we continue to walk, we'll learn all about what Arnold planned to do -- and how.

7
Stop 7

Next up, the very first White House! We'll explore the original presidental home of George Washington and then of John Adams. Here, we'll be able to dive into the history of the presidents' lives and better understand life during the colonia era.

8

Then we'll head over to another unique historic home: the Graff House. This is where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and where Ben Franklin helped him edit it. Walk in the footsteps of these earliest inklings of American freedom as you pass by this site! Plus, we'll take this opportunity to learn about Thomas Jefferson, and understand his life and contributions towards American independence.

9
Stop 9

Philadelphia's history may be all about independence and freedom, but that didn't apply to African-Americans! As we pass this wonderful museum, we'll continue to explore slavery and it's impact of early America. We'll also learn about the historic contributions of African-Americans like Crispus Attucks and others.

10

Our journey into America's past then brings us to Franklin Square, where we can rest up and catch up on everything else that Ben Franklin did -- other than driving independence of course! We'll learn about his many book, ideas, and of course... experiments!

11

That brings us to this gigantic memorial to Franklin's most beloved discovery -- electricity! Here we'll explore what exactly Ben Franklin was discovering, why he wanted to try, and how exactly he planned to do it!

12
Stop 12

Next up, we'll pass by the National Constituion Center. Just like with the Declaration of Independence, we'll learn about how the colonists gathered here in Philadelphia to formalize their union into a concrete nation: the United States of America. We'll explore how American citizens' most fundamental rights were guaranteed, laying the basis for the American society today.

13
Stop 13

Our walk then brings us to the Mint! We'll learn about the gold and silver coins that formed the basis of the early American economy... and about the copper, nickel, and paper that makes our money today!

14
Stop 14

We'll walk by Benjamin Franklin's grave and learn about an important part his legacy: the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania. We'll dicover how UPenn represented Franklin's ideals for the young nation's next generation and about how his legacy continues to shine through Philadelphia today.

15
Stop 15

This brings us to Elfreth's Alley, the modern Instagram hot-spot of Philly and the historic origins of this great city. As the very first downtown, Elfreth's seen generations of changes... but has remained as quaint and colonial as ever!

16
Stop 16

We'll then walk over to historic Christ Church, where George Washington, Betsy Ross, and plenty of other American revolutionaries worshipped. We'll pass by the Church, diving into it's historical significance and admiring it's soaring architecture.

17

That brings us to the Museum of the American Revolution! Our journey ends near here, allowing you the opportunity to step inside if you didn't get quite enough revolutionary history already!

What's not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.5
11 reviews
5★
3
4★
4
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Tripadvisor 4.2
13 reviews
5★
9
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

Meeting point

Begin from 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-412-205-8152
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, is a city rich in history and culture. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its vibrant arts scene, Philly offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, world-class museums, and diverse culinary experiences.

Top Attractions

Independence Hall

The birthplace of the United States, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (timed entry tickets required)

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (free on certain days)

Reading Terminal Market

A historic public market offering a variety of food vendors, local produce, and specialty shops.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, prices vary by vendor

Must-Try Local Dishes

Philly Cheesesteak

A sandwich made with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese, served on a long roll.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with various cheeses and vegetables

Soft Pretzel

A chewy, doughy bread twisted into a knot and topped with coarse salt.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park Kayaking on the Schuylkill River Picnic in Rittenhouse Square Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art Attending a performance at the Kimmel Center Boat tours on the Delaware River Ice skating at Dilworth Park

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Philadelphia is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
  • • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas

Getting there

By air
  • Philadelphia International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train

30th Street Station, Suburban Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

SEPTA operates a network of buses, subways, and regional rail lines that cover the city and surrounding areas. It's affordable and convenient for getting around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Center City Rittenhouse Square Fishtown

Day trips

Valley Forge
30 km • Half day

A historic site where George Washington's army camped during the Revolutionary War, now a national park with hiking trails and museums.

New Hope
65 km • Full day

A charming riverside town known for its art galleries, antique shops, and scenic views of the Delaware River.

Festivals

Philadelphia Flower Show • March Wawa Welcome America • July

Pro tips

  • Visit the Liberty Bell early in the morning to avoid crowds
  • Take the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the full experience
  • Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods for unique shopping and dining experiences
  • Use the SEPTA Key card for convenient and discounted public transportation
  • Try the famous Philly cheesesteak at multiple locations to find your favorite
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 5-90
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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