Philadelphia's Old City Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

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Philadelphia's Old City Self Guided Walking Audio Tour

By TravelStorys

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Features

2h
Mobile voucher
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Overview

In 1776, delegates from the 13 American colonies met in Philadelphia to sign one of the most pivotal documents in world history: the Declaration of Independence. On this tour, we return to that and other key moments in America’s earliest infancy, looking at them in a new light from our 21st-century perspective.

As you walk in the footsteps of this country’s founders, you’ll hear about their dramatic efforts to establish the new United States. This tour’s vivid narration brings to life the events surrounding American independence.

This tour also explores the young nation’s complicated history with slavery, revealing the contradictions of leaders who called for liberty while simultaneously enslaving people themselves. And it shares the stories of enslaved African Americans who sought their own freedom, as well as the abolitionists who supported them.

NOTE: This is a self-guided outdoor walking tour. Your purchase does not include entrance to any attractions highlighted on the tour.

Activity location

Independence Square
- 111 South Independence Mall West
- 19106, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Independence Square
- 111 South Independence Mall West
- 19106, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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Philadelphia's Old City Self Guided Walking Audio Tour in English

2h
Opening hours: Fri 12:00 am-11:30 pm
English

Travellers

Language options: English

Price details

AU$7.25 x 1 TravellerAU$7.25

Total

What's included, what's not

Self-guided, GPS-triggered mobile audio tour

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transport options are available nearby
Transport options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Independence Square

Independence Square is often called “the most historic square mile in the nation.” A fitting claim, as the buildings of this noble spot hosted some of the most pivotal events in the history of not only America, but the world.

Declaration House (Graff House)

As the summer of 1776 dawned, with America in the thick of the Revolutionary War, a Virginia farmer named Thomas Jefferson travelled here to Philadelphia to attend the Second Continental Congress. This was the famous meeting of delegates from America’s thirteen colonies. Its central purpose that fateful summer was to decide whether the colonies should declare their independence as a nation. Jefferson, known for his inspiring writing, was voted to draft one of the most important and influential documents in history: the Declaration of Independence.

The President's House

Oney Judge. Moll. Austin. Hercules. Richmond. Giles. Paris. Christopher Sheels. Joe. These nine names are inscribed on a wall at the President’s House Site. This is where America’s first president, George Washington, lived from 1790 to 1797, while Philadelphia served as the nation’s temporary capital. The names on the memorial wall are those of enslaved people who worked in this house for President Washington.

Liberty Bell Center

A dramatic glass structure is home to one of America’s most enduring symbols of freedom: the Liberty Bell. Though it stands quietly today, the iconic bell still calls millions of visitors here each year to learn about its rich, often mythical history—and its unique place in America’s storey.

Library Hall

Above the door of Library Hall stands a statue of Benjamin Franklin, inventor, revolutionary—and America’s “first librarian.” When Franklin posed for the statue—believed to be America’s first public monument—he insisted on being depicted wearing a toga. This Roman clothing was Franklin’s nod to the republican style of government central to his ideals. He holds a sceptre pointed downward to show his contempt for kings.

First Bank of the United States

The infamous murder of Alexander Hamilton wasn’t just the death of one of America’s most outspoken patriots. It was also the death of one of Hamilton’s greatest dreams: that of a central national bank. That dream lived here, if only briefly, in this beautiful old building with marble columns. This is the First Bank of the United States.

Sonny's Famous Steaks

No tour of Philadelphia would be complete without sampling the iconic local speciality: the cheesesteak. There are many stories about where and how this beloved sandwich originated, but the credit often goes to local merchants Pat and Harry Olivieri. According to legend, the pair was running a Philadelphia hot dog stand in the early 1930s when they decided to experiment with a new menu item. A taxi driver waiting for his hot dog saw the experimental sandwich being made and asked if he could have one. He loved it so much he told the owners to pitch the hot dogs and switch to just making the new sandwiches.

Betsy Ross House

Many American flags fly on the homes and buildings here in Philadelphia’s Old City. But the one flying on the house at 239 Arch Street has a controversial history indeed. Because this was, according to some, the house of Betsy Ross, who is believed to have lived in this house from 1776 to 1779. As you probably learned in school, Betsy Ross was the Philadelphia seamstress credited with stitching America’s first flag. And yet, only oral tradition backs up that storey. No written accounts, journal entries or other evidence exists to prove it.

Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited street in the nation. It was founded in 1702 when two local blacksmiths gave up parts of their properties to create a thruway to the river. Their neighbors were metalsmiths, woodworkers, glassblowers and other artisans. You can still see their handiwork in the lovingly crafted colonial doorframes, brass knockers and detailed, multipaned windows of these handsome period homes. Benjamin Franklin often darkened the door of Number 122 to visit a fellow member of the Junto Club.

Benjamin Franklin's Grave

One of Ben Franklin’s most famous quotes was: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” So you might imagine him turning in his grave each time a visitor tosses another penny onto his headstone. It’s a practice said to bring good luck to the visitor.

Location

Activity location

Independence Square
- 111 South Independence Mall West
- 19106, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

Independence Square
- 111 South Independence Mall West
- 19106, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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