Old City

See Independence National Historical Park and Visitor's Center

This national park, covering several blocks of Old City Philadelphia, includes some of Philadelphia's most famous historic sites, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin's house and grave, and the house in which the Declaration of Independence was written. The park also includes a modern interactive museum, the National Constitution Center. The Independence Visitor's Center, where you must buy tickets to see Independence Hall, offers a wealth of information on historical sites and other attractions in the area. Costumed interpreters at the Visitor's Center are a great source of entertainment for children. The National Park Service provides a helpful map of the historical sites in the park.

See Independence Hall

The centerpiece of the park and one of the most important buildings of the Revolutionary period. Built as the Pennsylvania State House, this is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and where the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787, among other momentous historical events. The Independence Hall is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors to the park are encouraged to take a tour of the interior of the building, which is furnished with period pieces, including the exact desk and chair the Declaration of Independence was signed. Timed tour tickets must be reserved in advance online or at the Visitor's Center in order to enter. Tickets reserved online have a $1.50 processing fee, but are free at the Visitor's Center.

See Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell once rang out public announcements from above the Pennsylvania state house (now Independence Hall). It became a public symbol of freedom when it toured the country after the Civil War to help mend political and social divisions. Returning to Philadelphia in 1915, it is now housed in the Liberty Bell Center where visitors can get an up close look at the 2000-pound bell and its mysterious crack. Admission to the Liberty Bell is free, so expect extraordinarily long lines during typical tourist hours (during the day on weekdays especially).

See National Constitution Center

This museum, which opened its doors in 2003, bills itself as the most interactive history museum in America. A visit to the museum begins with a performance of "Freedom Rising," a multimedia presentation about the major themes and origin of the Constitution. Afterwards, visitors can experience the democratic process first hand and see exhibits like the 42 life-size bronze statues of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Fun for all ages. Upcoming special events and exhibits are posted on the center's website.

See Carpenter's Hall

The delegates from the first Continental Congress gathered in this building, built in 1770, and voted to declare independence from Great Britain. Afterwards, the hall housed the first and second banks of the United States and was the site of the first bank robbery in America.

See New Hall Military Museum

A small museum showcasing the role of the Army, Navy, and Marines in early American history. The building is a reconstruction of one built in the 1790s that housed the office of the first Secretary of War.

See Congress Hall

This smaller building to the right of Independence Hall is where the U.S. Congress met from 1790-1800 when Philadelphia served as the nation's capital. The Bill of Rights was ratified here, and it was the site of George Washington's second inauguration. A tour of the interior is a must, since much of the furniture and decoration is original.

See Franklin Court

This area contains the remnants of Benjamin Franklin's house (torn down 20 years after his death), the first post office (still in operation today), a Postal Service museum, an 18th-century printing office, and a Franklin museum. U.S. Park Rangers conduct printing demonstrations and performances of Franklin's "Glass Armonica." Great for kids.

See Christ Church

Christ Church, the first parish of the Anglican church in Pennsylvania, was founded in 1695 and is still active today; the building dates from 1744. Many of the founding fathers worshiped here, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, as well as Francis Hopkinson and Robert Morris.

See Christ Church Burial Ground

Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence and five signers of the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin, are buried in this cemetery, affiliated with the church listed above. The earliest grave dates to 1721.

See Second Bank of the United States

The Second Bank was chartered in 1816, five years after the First Bank lost its charter. Founded a block away in the same building the First Bank was in (see above), it soon relocated to its permanent home. Its charter expired in 1836 and wasn't renewed; it then functioned as an ordinary bank until it went bankrupt in 1841. The building then served as the Philadelphia Custom House from 1845-1935; nowadays it houses a portrait gallery (the People of Independence exhibit) containing artwork depicting various colonial and federal leaders.

See First Bank of the United States

The second site of the first national bank (originally located at Carpenters' Hall). Its exterior is made of blue marble, and the pediment contains the oldest known architectural reference to the Great Seal of the United States (an eagle).

See Betsy Ross House

This house, more than 250 years old, was the home of Betsy Ross. In 1777, Ross sewed by hand the first American flag, with its distinctive circle of thirteen stars. Visitors may tour the house independently, or purchase an audio guide for $5, and afterwards "meet" Betsy Ross and other colonial craftsmen in the courtyard of the house. A fun, low-key activity for children.

See Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth's Alley is the oldest continually inhabited residential street in the entire United States. The earliest dated house was built in 1702. The Alley comes alive in the summer, when historical reenactments take place regularly. Each house is privately owned, and visitors are not usually allowed to take a tour of the interior, except on "Fete Day" (the first Sunday of June) when most of the houses will be open for public touring. On all other days, however, the museum at numbers 126 and 124 is accessible to the public and offers a look at the lives of the houses' earliest inhabitants.

See Fireman's Hall Museum

The restored firehouse was built in 1902 and today is a museum of firefighting owned by the city of Philadelphia. The museum exhibits include firefighting equipment, photographs, uniforms and fire marks from the 18th century to the present.

See United States Mint

Taking a self-guided tour of the first and largest US Mint in America is an interesting but often overlooked activity. The tour allows visitors to see how new money is made, and exhibits describe the history and coinage of the Mint. See the nation's first coinage press from 1792, and seven glass Tiffany mosaics created to celebrate the opening of the third Mint in 1901. A gift shop sells commemorative and new coins. Please note that visitors will be asked to show government-issued ID before entering and have to pass through a security checkpoint. Photography inside the building is prohibited.

See National Museum of American Jewish History

Near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the National Museum of American Jewish History is dedicated to chronicling the American Jewish experience.

See The 'Real World' House

Fans of MTV's The Real World will recognize this former bank building, turned living space for the seven cast members of the show's 2005 season. Now the building, which stands next to the Betsy Ross House, is a gallery and wedding hall.

See Science History Institute

Free museum that has an interesting collection of multimedia with art, scientific instruments, books, photographs and other exhibits that document the history of chemistry, chemical engineering and the life sciences.

See Museum for Art in Wood

See Museum of the American Revolution

See Benjamin Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walkway

A pedestrian walkway that takes visitors across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, formerly the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. The tunnel on the Philadelphia side of the walkway contains a lovely, expansive mural. There are north and south entrances to the walkway. It would be a good idea to check the website to see which entrance(s) is open.

See Independence Seaport Museum

This museum has lots of interesting displays regarding the maritime history of Philadelphia, from colonial times through the days of slave-trading to the Industrial Revolution. Admission to the museum, which has some lively, but rather sparse exhibits, includes tours of the USS Olympia, built in 1892 and the oldest steel warship still afloat, and the submarine Becuna, used in the Pacific Ocean during WWII. Other highlights include a mockup of a navigation room and a place where you can view woodworkers handcrafting rowboats. Children will find touring the ships great fun, and adults may find the museum exhibits and the views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge interesting and relaxing.

See Riverlink Ferry

Relaxing 12-minute ferry ride across the Delaware River to all the waterfront attractions in Camden, New Jersey. Offers a great view of the city from the river as well as the Ben Franklin Bridge. Ferries depart from Philadelphia every hour on the hour, and from Camden at 30 minutes after the hour.

See Race Street Pier

Pier that juts out into the Delaware River right by the Ben Franklin Bridge, offering great views of both the river and bridge. Includes a spacious lawn and benches. View the schedule of events for nights featuring musicians or outdoor movies. One can also enjoy one of the many fireworks displays on the river during the summer months from the pier.

See The Irish Memorial (Leacht Cuimhneacháin na nGael)

A memorial dedicated to the victims of the Irish Starvation, An Gorta Mór.

See Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

The house of this little-known freedom fighter and military engineer who designed fortifications for the colonists during the Revolutionary War is now open to the public. Visitors can watch a video of Kosciuszko's career in Poland and the United States, see his bedroom, and view exhibits commemorating his accomplishments. Audio materials are presented in English or Polish.