Discover Philadelphia: A Self-Guided Tour

Discover Philadelphia's extraordinary revolutionary heritage and vibrant urban culture with the self-guided tour, allowing you to explore America's birthplace at your own pace. Stand inside Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Constitution was drafted, then visit the Liberty Bell that cracked its way into legend. Walk the cobblestoned streets of Old City past Elfreth's Alley — America's oldest street since 1702 — and Christ Church where Washington and Franklin worshipped. Climb the 72 Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for views, then explore the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, and the Franklin Institute. Wander the haunting cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary where Al Capone served time. Browse Reading Terminal Market's 80 vendors beneath a Victorian train shed. Discover 4,000 murals making Philadelphia America's largest outdoor art gallery, and explore Fishtown's craft brewery and art scene.

1. 1

   Independence Hall

   45 min

   The UNESCO World Heritage Site where American democracy was born — the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776 and the Constitution drafted in 1787 in the same Assembly Room. Stand where Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, and Washington shaped a nation, beneath the restored original ceiling and the chair with the rising sun that Franklin famously remarked upon.

2. 2

   Liberty Bell Center

   30 min

   America's most iconic symbol of freedom — the 2,080-pound bell that cracked in 1846 and became a rallying symbol for abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights movements. The exhibit traces its journey from London foundry to international icon, with Independence Hall framed perfectly through the glass wall behind it.

3. 3

   Elfreth's Alley

   45 min

   America's oldest continuously inhabited residential street since 1702 — 32 Georgian and Federal houses on a narrow cobblestoned lane where artisans, craftsmen, and sea captains once lived. The surrounding Old City neighborhood preserves colonial-era architecture alongside contemporary art galleries and the First Friday gallery walk scene.

4. 4

   Christ Church

   1 hour

   The 'Nation's Church' where George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Betsy Ross all worshipped — a stunning Georgian masterpiece from 1744. The burial ground holds Franklin's grave where visitors still toss pennies for luck, along with five other signers of the Declaration of Independence.

5. 5

   Philadelphia Museum of Art

   Pass by

   One of America's largest art museums with 240,000 works spanning 2,000 years — medieval armor halls, Impressionist galleries, a complete Japanese tea house, and reconstructed temple interiors. Run the 72 steps immortalized by Sylvester Stallone and pose with the bronze Rocky statue at the base for the classic Philadelphia photo.

6. 6

   Reading Terminal Market

   1 hour

   America's oldest continuously operating farmers' market since 1893 — over 80 vendors beneath a spectacular Victorian train shed selling Amish baked goods, DiNic's legendary roast pork sandwiches, Beiler's doughnuts, Middle Eastern spreads, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, and fresh produce. A living institution where Philadelphians actually shop.

7. 7

   Eastern State Penitentiary

   Pass by

   The world's first true penitentiary (1829) — a Gothic fortress whose revolutionary design influenced over 300 prisons worldwide. Walk the crumbling cellblocks where Al Capone served time in surprising luxury, explore the haunting ruins reclaimed by nature, and confront the powerful exhibits on America's mass incarceration crisis.

8. 8

   Benjamin Franklin Parkway

   1 hour

   Philadelphia's grand cultural boulevard modeled on the Champs-Élysées — lined with international flags, fountains, and museums. The Rodin Museum holds the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's works outside Paris, including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais in a Beaux-Arts building with formal gardens.

9. 9

   City Hall Visitor Center

   30 min

   The largest municipal building in the United States — a Second Empire masterpiece crowned by the 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn at 548 feet. Take the elevator to the observation deck beneath Penn's feet for 360-degree views of the city grid that Penn himself designed. Over 250 sculptures adorn the building's exterior.

10. 10

    Rittenhouse Square

    1 hour

    Philadelphia's most elegant public square — shaded by centuries-old trees and surrounded by fine dining restaurants, boutique shops, and brownstone residences. One of five original squares laid out in William Penn's 1682 city plan, now the heart of the city's most prestigious neighborhood and a perfect spot for people-watching.

11. 11

    Italian Market

    30 min

    America's oldest outdoor market — ten blocks of South 9th Street lined with open-air stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and Italian specialties since 1884. The surrounding neighborhood is home to the legendary Pat's and Geno's cheesesteak rivalry at 9th and Passyunk, where neon-lit stands face off 24 hours a day.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.