Photo of Independence Hall by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Ah, spring. What a lovely time to get out and see this city, what with the greenery all (finally!) blooming again, the citizenry out and about, the sidewalk cafes bustling, and the weather so nice for walking. Whether you’re an out-of-town guest at Guild House, our luxury boutique Philadelphia hotel, or a Philly lifer, it’s really the perfect time to get out and enjoy this place and see the sights. And happily, there is no shortage of excellent tours you can take to make sure you don’t miss a single highlight. Here, we’ve rounded up some Guild House favorites, making sure there’s a tour for everyone included here—even lifelong, been-there-done-that Philadelphians. So go forth, enjoy and explore!
Photo of the Gayborhood streetscape by N. Santos for VISIT PHILADELPHIA™
The Tour: Beyond the Bell Tours
The Draw: The claim to fame of this brilliant little tour company is telling the stories that haven’t been told a million times. (It’s exactly why our historic boutique hotel has even partnered with them on occasion—to provide memorable opportunities and experiences for our guests.) Tour themes include the Badass Women’s History Tour, the Gayborhood/History of LGBTQ+ in Philly, the Medical History Tour, and more.
Photo of the Italian Market by K. Kelly for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: Beyond the Italian Market from Tiny Table Tours
The Draw: The eats! (Duh!) What really sets this new tour company apart is that its founder and sole tour guide, Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, is a seasoned Philly food journalist and storyteller who eschews the usual suspects (read: the cheesesteakeries and soft pretzel spots) for a fascinating tour through some of the city’s most diverse food neighborhoods. With Tiny Tables, you’ll weave your way from the foodie haven of East Passyunk Avenue through South Philly, across Washington Avenue to end up in the famed Italian Market, eating your way through some of the city’s best Mexican, Vietnamese, Italian and Jewish dishes while also learning about the restaurateurs, chefs and immigrant stories that define this chunk of the city. Tours are small—10 people max—and run two to three hours. Bonus: Not only will Sweitzer-Lammé offer up her own personal “cheat sheet” of other Philly favorite restaurants outside the tour, but if you DM her ahead of your tour, she’ll share her suggestions in advance of your stay so you can make reservations!
Photo of the Big Bus Tour by B. Krist for GPTMC/VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: The Big Bus Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
The Draw: Yes, yes, these are sort of the obvious “tourist” choice for a city tour. But you know what? The Big Bus can be pretty great for people who want to hit all the biggies—and maybe even linger at some sites—and still stay on a reasonable schedule. The convenient and frequent pick-up times mean you can hop off knowing you can easily hop back on at your leisure, and the stops are both wide-ranging—they traverse the city in a way you never could by foot in the same amount of time—and well curated. Also? You can’t underestimate the appeal of sitting on that top deck on a sunny, breezy day, whizzing around the birthplace of modern democracy (and the modern cheesesteak).
Photo of the Big Bus Tour by B. Krist for GPTMC/VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: BYOB Trolley Tours
The Draw: The booze, for one thing. For another, these trolley tours include a nice round-up of Philly’s highlight real—a lot of the must-sees, from the Liberty Bell to Reading Terminal Market and beyond—presented in a manner designed to entertain. Tours include a reasonably traditional (but light-hearted) version, one that features actual comedians, and one that includes local musicians between stops at some of the city’s best beer gardens and breweries. (Ps. You can also opt for a Founding Fathers-themed walking tour from the same company.)
Photo of the Ben Franklin Bridge by Elevated Angles for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: City Running Tours
The Draw: Well, obviously … running! Serious and casual joggers alike will appreciate being able to take in the city while getting in a (gentle) workout on a four-mile tour. And the tour themes are creative and fun, ranging from the “culture-clash” tour (which zooms around Old City and South Philly, looking at spots influenced by the Swedes, the Italians, and other immigrants who poured into Philly in the 19th and 20th centuries) to the Ben Franklin run, which takes runners to the legend’s home, his grave, the giant bridge named in his honor, and more … ending with a glass of Poor Richard’s Spruce Ale (Franklin’s old recipe!) at Yards Brewing Company.
Photo of Christ Church by Miles Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: Constitutional Walking Tour
The Draw: This 75-minute, 1.25-mile walking tour lets you soak in all the can’t-miss destinations and sights in Independence National Park, which means you get the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Washington’s house, Christ Church and the Christ Church Burial Ground (where Ben Franklin was laid to rest), and more.
Photo of 30th Street Station by E. Frizzelle for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: Hidden City Tours
The Draw: Hidden City focuses on exactly that—the parts and the stories of Philly that we tend to overlook or miss entirely. This is another set of tours run by journalists and storytellers (and public historians!) — and among the intriguing options are “Death and Life at Mt. Moriah Cemetery”, Philly’s Lost Jewish Quarter, Privy Artifacts and Delaware Waterfront History, Philly’s Elevated Trains and Trolleys, and more.
Photo of “Common Threads” mural courtesy of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: Mural Arts Tour
The Draw: One of our great claims to fame here in Philadelphia is the fantastic Mural Arts program; the art that it produces decorates every nook and cranny of the city. (Hey! Our little historic hotel even features a stunning mural honoring women on the west side of our building!) The many varieties of Mural Arts tour — most of which are walking, a couple of which are by trolley — offer a chance to study the art up close, to hear about the artists, and to consider the inspiration and motivation behind the art. They’re fabulous tours, each focusing on specific areas and neighborhoods — and they’re beloved even (especially!) by people who drive or walk by the art every day.
Photo of Geno’s Steaks by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia™
The Tour: Philly By Segway
The Draw: A walking tour without the walking! These one- or two-hour tours can take you around all the city’s sights OR zero in on specific interests, as with the cheesesteak tour, or the mural tour. They’re great for people who want to cover a lot of ground without having to break a sweat, or hop a bus or bike or car. (Also good people who’ve always wanted to try a segway, obviously.)
Photo of Rittenhouse Square by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Tour: Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Walking Tours
The Draw: From May to November, the PAGP offers super-niche walking tours in dozens of neighborhoods in and around Philly, and they are great for doing a deep dive into the history, architecture, landmarks and lore of specific slivers of the city. Tours through the next few months range from Rittenhouse Square West to North Philly to an art-deco themed tour to the Schuylkill River … and over the course of a year, they also offer many more locations and routes. (City Hall! Chinatown! Jewish immigrant Philly! Victorian Germantown!)
Want to book a room or suite at Guild House Hotel, a historic Philadelphia hotel in the heart of the city? Click here to plan your stay!
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FAQs
How long is the constitutional walking tour of Philadelphia? ›
The Constitutional is a 75 minute, 1.25 mile outdoor walking journey that provides a primary overview of the Independence National Historical Park area and visits more than 20 of the most historic sites in America's Birthplace, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Can you tour Independence Hall? ›Entrance to Independence Hall is by tour only. Timed entry tickets are required from March through December and on winter holiday weekends. Learn how to obtain tickets on the ticketing web page.
Can you see the Liberty Bell? ›The Liberty Bell is viewable 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year from outside of the Liberty Bell Center through the large glass windows. After waiting in line for the security screening checkpoint, you will need to pass through security before entering the Liberty Bell Center.
How long is the Grim Philly tour? ›Experience the grim side of Philadelphia's colonial history. Hear dark tales of death and disease, risque romps, and sadistic torture. Visit the Liberty Bell, as well as prison, execution, and mass grave sites on this 2 hour tour.
How long does Independence Hall tour take? ›What to know about Independence Hall tours: The tour is about 15-20 minutes long. There are 60 spaces/tickets for each tour. Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before their tour time to clear security screening.
How much does it cost to tour Independence Hall in Philadelphia? ›While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the administrative fee is $1.00 per ticket.
Is it free to see the Liberty Bell? ›Admission is FREE. NO tickets are required. Entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors must pass through security screening first.
Do I need a ticket to see Independence Hall? ›Overview. Independence Hall is considered the birthplace of the nation with both the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution signed here. Timed tickets are required.
What is cool about Independence Hall? ›Independence Hall is the birthplace of the United States. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here. Eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government - the United States Constitution.
Can I touch the Liberty Bell? ›Whatever you do, don't ever touch the Liberty Bell.
Could you touch the Liberty Bell? ›
At the bell itself, the ropes have been replaced by waist high metal rails that are farther back. That is, you have to go out of your way—and be more noticeable—to touch the bell. There isn't a policy against touching the Liberty Bell per se; rather, it's up to the discretion of the park ranger on duty.
Where is the hiding place of the Liberty Bell? ›Hidden in the wagon of a farmer returning from Philadelphia the Liberty Bell was brought to the church by John Jacob Mickley and Frederick Leaser. Along with other Bells removed from the city, the Liberty Bell was hidden by the pastor, Reverend Abraham Blumer, beneath the floorboards of the church.
How long is the spirit of Philadelphia ride? ›3 hours (approx.)
How long is the Lamb of God concert? ›How long are Lamb of God concerts? Most concerts last about 1-3 hours but can run shorter or longer depending on the Lamb of God, opening acts, encore, etc. Lamb of God concerts typically last 1.25 hours.
How long was the glory days tour? ›The tour began on 21 May 2017 in Birkenhead, England, and ended on 25 March 2018 in Kobe, Japan, where the group headlined POPSPRING, in support of their fourth studio album, Glory Days. The tour sold over 810,000 tickets worldwide and consisted of over 70 shows being performed across Oceania, Europe, and Asia.
How long is the Carnegie Hall tour? ›In-person tours are 60 minutes in duration, depending on congestion and/or questions raised during the tour. All tours begin in the main lobby of Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue and end in the Rose Museum on the second floor.
Why is Independence Hall closed? ›Closed for a comprehensive preservation project. The building will reopen June 30, 2023, Friday thru Sunday 11am to 5pm.
How long do people spend at Liberty Bell? ›Once inside, the length of your visit depends on what you want to see. Some groups pass by the exhibits, opting just to see the Liberty Bell (about 5-7 minutes). Other groups spend some time in the exhibit area (15-20 minutes) before seeing the Liberty Bell (another 5 minutes or so).
Can I bring water into Independence Hall? ›While you can bring in sealed water bottles or packages of food in a bag, you are not allowed to bring in any beverage that cannot be sealed and placed in a bag, nor any open food products. Once you have cleared security, you will see the area where people lining up for the next tour of Independence Hall.
How much is parking at Independence Hall Philadelphia? ›Up to 12 hours: $24. Up to 24 hours: $26. Lost Ticket: $26. Monthly: $250.
Why should I visit Independence Hall? ›
Independence Hall is the crown jewel of Philadelphia. One of the most important sites in the history of the United States, both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed there.
What is the misspelled word on the Liberty Bell? ›Pennsylvania's display bell was made out of sugar. On the Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania is misspelled “Pensylvania.” This spelling was one of several acceptable spellings of the name at that time.
Do people still ring the Liberty Bell? ›In the early 1800s, people who wanted to outlaw slavery called it the “Liberty Bell” and used it as a symbol for their cause. In 1846, another crack began to develop in the bell and it was repaired. It rang for George Washington's birthday in that same year, but then it cracked again and has not been rung since.
What's so great about the Liberty Bell? ›Particularly forward thinking were Penn's ideas on religious freedom, his liberal stance on Native American rights, and his inclusion of citizens in enacting laws. The Liberty Bell gained iconic importance when abolitionists in their efforts to put an end to slavery throughout America adopted it as a symbol.
Can you take pictures inside Independence Hall? ›Is photography permitted in the park buildings? Photography, including flash and video, is permitted in the park buildings with the exception of the Great Essentials exhibit in the West Wing of Independence Hall. Flash photography is prohibited in the exhibit to protect light-sensitive documents.
What is Independence Tour? ›Tours. Bow Tie Tours offers Independence Tour, a 75-minute walking tour that explores how the United States transformed from thirteen British Colonies into a new nation.
Can you tour Independence Hall in Philadelphia? ›Independence Hall is open to the public via ticketed tours only (except during select times in January and February). Visitors looking to tour Independence Hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. must reserve tickets in advance for all tours of Independence Hall.
What is on top of Independence Hall? ›The exterior of Independence Hall retains much of its 18th century appearance. The north facade features marble keystones above each window, a carved wooden cornice and a wooden balustrade stretching between the chimneys on the roof.
Is everything in Independence Hall original? ›While the shell of the central portion of the building is original, the side wings, steeple and much of the interior were reconstructed much later. In 1781, the Pennsylvania Assembly had the wooden steeple removed from the main building.
Is Independence Hall the same as City Hall? ›It served as Philadelphia's City Hall from 1800 to 1874, when the city government moved to the present site, covered in the Virtual Walking Tour of Center City. The State House or, as it is popularly known, Independence Hall, was begun in 1732 and considered finished by 1756 as the Pennsylvania State House.
Can you take pictures of the Liberty Bell? ›
The exhibits are self-guided; a park ranger is available to answer questions. Photos are permitted at the Liberty Bell.
How many times does the Liberty Bell crack? ›Answer and Explanation: The Liberty Bell cracked three times before being retired. The first crack happened during testing when it was newly hung in 1752. It was then recast by John Pass and John Stow, whose names are on the bell, at a foundry in Philadelphia.
Why isn t the Liberty Bell rung anymore? ›The Liberty Bell last hit the road in 1915. Back in the day, the Bell went on tour around the United States, but in the days before World War I, it became clear the Bell had condition issues. Today, it resides at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, where it is occasionally tapped to mark special occasions.
Whose funeral did the Liberty Bell crack while ringing? ›Then, on July 8, 1835, while tolling for the funeral procession of John Marshall, chief justice of the Supreme Court and one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the bell cracked.
When was the last time the Liberty Bell rang? ›The bell was repaired in 1846 and rung on February 23 for George Washington's birthday celebration. On this date, after a few hours, the bell received its fatal crack and has not been rung since. There is no documentation as to why the bell cracked; we surmise that it cracked from over ninety years of continual use.
What museum has the Liberty Bell? ›Discover the place where America's most famous symbol of freedom found refuge during the darkest days of the Revolution. The Liberty Bell Museum in Allentown, PA is home to an exact replica copy of the Liberty Bell … that you can ring.
Why was the Liberty Bell moved to Allentown? ›As army hospitals were moved north into the Lehigh Valley, there was a fear that the Liberty Bell would be melted down into munitions by the British. It was instead taken down from its tower and sent by guarded wagon train to Northampton Town, now Allentown.
Did the Liberty Bell hang in Independence Hall? ›On June 7, 1753, the bell was hung in the tower of Independence Hall. In 1777, during the American Revolution, British troops captured Philadelphia. For safekeeping, the bell was moved to Zion's Reformed Church in Allentown, PA. It was returned to Philadelphia in 1778.
What is the dress code for the Spirit of Philadelphia? ›Dress Code
We encourage casual attire that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional (khakis, nice jeans, dresses, casual button-ups/blouses) for your day on the water.
| Tickets | Our Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $79.90 |
| Child | $59.20 |
Do any cruise lines sail out of Philadelphia? ›
Princess Cruises - Port - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
How much does Lamb of God charge per show? ›The final Lamb Of God booking price is contingent on many variables and the booking fee we may show is based on a range derived from our past experience with what will Lamb Of God charge for an event. An example fee to book Lamb Of God is in the starting range of $75,000-$149,999.
What to expect at a Lamb of God concert? ›Lamb of God is not as quiet or innocent as their name implies, but the high energy, head-banging music they produce is sure to incite thrills. At a Lamb of God concert you can expect to see stacks of massive guitar amps that will blow you away with the loud, enthralling metal music that they are so adept at playing.
Where will Pantera tour 2023? ›- 202301sep2:55 am amState Farm Stadium @ Phoenix, AZWITH METALLICA! ...
- 202303sep7:31 am amPryor, OK @ Rocklahoma. ...
- 202307sep3:15 am amBangor, ME @ Waterfront Music PavilionWITH LAMB OF GOD. ...
- 202308sep3:18 am amGilford, NH @ Bank of New HampshireWITH LAMB OF GOD.
The concert began in 2001 at the former St. Burchard church in Halberstadt, Germany, and is scheduled to conclude in 2640, for a duration of 639 years.
How long was Elton John concert? ›The music legend and his crack six-man band performed 23 songs in their two-hour-plus concert at the sold-out stadium.
How long was the Rhythm Nation tour? ›Today in 1990, Janet Jackson played the first night on her 120-date "Rhythm Nation" world tour at the Miami Arena in Florida.
How long is the Freedom Trail walking tour? ›Foundation-led public walking tours are conducted by 18th-century costumed guides. Most public walking tours are 90 minutes, unless otherwise noted, and are equal to or less than 1 mile in length.
How much time needed at National Constitution Center? ›Depending on how much you want to read the constitution and history I would say 1-2 hours is enough. I had my 9 and 11 year old grandchildren and we walked through all the exhibits and watched the show (which is a must) very well done. We were there about 1.5 hours. We did it at a leisure pace.
How long is a congressman's tour? ›Each guided tour lasts between 1½ and 2 hours. The tour includes visits to the Old Supreme Court Chamber, Crypt, Rotunda and Old Hall of the House (Statuary Hall). The U.S. Capitol is located at First St NE, Washington, DC 20515.
How many miles is the perimeter of Philadelphia? ›
Set your own schedule, gather a group, and walk as little or as much of the perimeter as you choose. Maps, guidelines & remote assistance will be provided. Completing the entire perimeter has taken, in general, ~100 miles spread over five and a half days.
What is the best way to tour the Freedom Trail? ›Old Town Trolley is a convenient way to explore The Freedom Trail while maximizing your vacation time. With multiple stops along the 2.5 mile historic trail, you can hop on and off at the sites you want to visit and learn about the rest during our fully narrated 90 minute historic sightseeing tour.
What is so special about the Freedom Trail? ›The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
How many stops does the Freedom Trail have? ›The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path through Boston that passes by 17 locations significant to the history of the United States, marked largely with brick. It winds from Boston Common in downtown Boston through the North End to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
What can you do in the National Constitution Center? ›- Constitution 101 Course.
- The Drafting Table.
- Supreme Court Cases Library.
- Historic Documents Library.
- Constitutional Rights: Origins & Travels.
There are several areas to visit, the ship, the visitors center with video and the museum are the highlights. Probably 2-3 hours stay dependent on whether you visit them all.
Can I visit the Capitol without a tour? ›Do I have to take a tour to see the Capitol? Yes, the only way to see the historic Capitol is on a tour. How long is the tour and what will I see? Tours last about an hour and include the Rotunda , National Statuary Hall , and the Crypt .
How much does it cost to tour the Capitol? ›All tours, programs and activities are free of charge. Visitors enter through the Capitol Visitor Center, located underground on the east side of the Capitol. Please leave time to go through security and review the U.S. Capitol's prohibited items list before your visit.
Can you go inside Capitol Hill? ›The public entrance to the U.S. Capitol is through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Inauguration Day.
Is Philadelphia a walkable city? ›
Today, the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards announced that Philadelphia has been named the Most Walkable City in the U.S. (As if there was any doubt …)
Where can I walk around in Philly? ›- Independence National Historical Park. 2,998. ...
- Independence Mall. 507. ...
- Fort Mifflin. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas. ...
- Schuylkill River Trail Walk. Historic Walking Areas. ...
- Headhouse Square. Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas. ...
- Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
The first World Heritage City in the U.S., Philadelphia has 68 National Historical Landmarks in what's called the nation's “most historic square mile.” Tour Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were debated and adopted.