English
English
Contents
Find the perfect itinerary for you
Philadelphia welcomes every type of traveler with open arms, and a Hop-on Hop-off tour makes experiencing the city effortless and enjoyable. Whether you're embarking on Philadelphia for solo travel, creating memories with the whole family, or diving deep into America's founding story on a Philadelphia history tour, these convenient buses whisk you through iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and unexpected treasures, letting you discover Philadelphia your way, at your own pace across 3 days in Philadelphia.
Solo travelers
Families
History buffs
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day at Cafe La Maude, a charming French-Lebanese brunch spot in Northern Liberties. Try their Shakshuka, Turkey Kafta, or Pain Perdu (French toast), paired with La Colombe coffee for an authentic Philly morning experience.
Attraction: Liberty Bell Center
Description:
An enduring symbol of American freedom, the Liberty Bell draws visitors from around the world to witness its iconic crack and learn about its powerful role in the abolitionist and suffragist movements throughout history.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Liberty Bell / Independence Hall
Highlights:
- The exhibit halls trace the bell's journey from the Pennsylvania State House bell to an international symbol of liberty and justice for all.
- View the bell's famous crack up close and read its biblical inscription: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.
- Interactive displays explore how the bell became a rallying symbol for abolitionists, suffragettes, and civil rights activists seeking freedom.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and have unobstructed photo opportunities with this iconic American symbol before tour groups arrive.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Head to Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia's beloved indoor food hall since 1893. Grab a roast pork sandwich from DiNic's, sample Amish baked goods from Beiler's Donuts, or enjoy fresh oysters at Pearl's Oyster Bar.
Attraction: Independence Hall
Description:
The birthplace of American democracy, Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed in 1776, and where the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787—making it one of the most significant buildings in world history.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Stand in the Assembly Room where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and debated the framework of the Constitution.
- View the Rising Sun chair used by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention, with its distinctive carved sun on the back.
- Explore the original chambers where delegates from the thirteen colonies gathered to create a new nation based on democratic principles.
Pro tip: Book your free timed-entry tour tickets online in advance through the National Park Service website, as they often sell out during peak season.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Description:
One of America's largest and most prestigious art museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art houses over 240,000 works spanning 2,000 years, from ancient artifacts and medieval masterpieces to contemporary installations and American classics.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Big Bus Philadelphia: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Highlights:
- Run up the iconic "Rocky Steps" and pose with the Rocky statue for the quintessential Philadelphia photo opportunity with stunning city skyline views.
- Explore world-renowned collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh in beautifully curated galleries.
- Wander through the museum's reconstructed period rooms, including a medieval cloister, Japanese teahouse, and Indian temple hall.
Pro tip: Visit on the first Sunday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission, or arrive after 5pm on Fridays for discounted evening tickets and a more intimate viewing experience.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Fork in Old City, a farm-to-table pioneer serving seasonal New American cuisine. Try the roasted Green Circle chicken, wood-grilled ribeye, or seasonal gnocchi, paired with local wines in a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Stop by Sabrina's Cafe for their famous stuffed challah French toast, hearty omelets, or creative breakfast specials. This beloved local chain has multiple locations and always draws a crowd for good reason.
Attraction: Eastern State Penitentiary
Description:
Once the world's most famous and expensive prison, Eastern State Penitentiary pioneered solitary confinement as rehabilitation from 1829 to 1971, and now stands as a haunting historic site offering guided tours through crumbling cellblocks that once held Al Capone and Willie Sutton.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Big Bus Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Highlights:
- Tour Al Capone's restored cell, which was furnished with luxurious items, including rugs, artwork, and a radio, during his incarceration.
- Walk the revolutionary wagon-wheel architecture designed by John Haviland, which inspired over 300 prisons worldwide with its innovative hub-and-spoke layout.
- Experience the haunting atmosphere of abandoned cellblocks where nature has reclaimed the space, creating an eerily beautiful decay.
Pro tip: Download the award-winning audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, which includes first-person accounts from former guards and inmates that bring the prison's history vividly to life.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Grab a bite at Hershel's East Side Deli in Reading Terminal Market, serving some of the best hot pastrami sandwiches in Philadelphia. Try their pastrami and egg, matzo ball soup, or classic Reuben with a side of crispy latkes.
Attraction: National Constitution Center
Description:
The first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, the National Constitution Center brings America's founding document to life through interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and rare historical artifacts that explore constitutional principles and debates.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Highlights:
- Experience Freedom Rising, a powerful 17-minute multimedia theater production that traces the Constitution's evolution and its expanding definition of "We the People."
- Walk among 42 life-sized bronze statues of the Founding Fathers in Signers' Hall, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton.
- Explore interactive exhibits examining current constitutional debates and how amendments have shaped American society throughout history.
Pro tip: Time your visit to catch one of the daily constitutional debates or educational programs featuring scholars, journalists, and civic leaders discussing contemporary constitutional issues.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Elfreth's Alley
Description:
Dating back to 1703, Elfreth's Alley is one of America's oldest continuously inhabited residential streets, featuring 32 beautifully preserved Georgian and Federal-style homes that transport visitors back to colonial Philadelphia's vibrant artisan community.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House / Elfreth's Alley
Highlights:
- Stroll the charming cobblestone street lined with authentic 18th and early 19th-century homes, each with unique architectural details and historical significance.
- Visit the Elfreth's Alley Museum at houses 124 and 126 to learn about the working-class tradespeople who built and lived on this historic street.
- Photograph the picturesque colonial architecture and gas lamp-lit alley, which looks remarkably similar to how it appeared over 200 years ago.
Pro tip: Visit during the annual Fete Day in June when residents open their private homes for tours, or during Deck the Alley in December when the street is adorned with period-appropriate holiday decorations.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at Zahav in Society Hill, an award-winning Israeli restaurant by Chef Michael Solomonov. Savor their famous hummus, grilled lamb shoulder, and seasonal mezze in a warm, sophisticated setting that has earned James Beard recognition.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit High Street on Market for artisan toast, seasonal sandwiches, and exceptional baked goods. Try their strawberry-rhubarb Dutch baby with whipped saffron labneh or a hearty breakfast sandwich on house-made bread.
Attraction: Museum of the American Revolution
Description:
This immersive museum tells the complete story of America's founding through dramatic artifacts, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking displays that explore the Revolutionary War's origins, battles, and lasting impact on the nation.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Museum of the American Revolution
Highlights:
- View George Washington's actual headquarters tent, an incredibly rare artifact that served as his command center throughout the Revolutionary War.
- Experience immersive galleries featuring life-sized recreations, including a privateer ship and a winter encampment at Valley Forge.
- Explore diverse perspectives through exhibits highlighting the roles of women, African Americans, and Native Americans in the revolution.
Pro tip: Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so if you're passionate about history, split your visit across two mornings to fully absorb the extensive collection and rotating exhibitions.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Parc, a French brasserie in Rittenhouse Square offering classic bistro fare. Enjoy steak frites, French onion soup, or their signature burger, paired with excellent people-watching from the sidewalk terrace.
Attraction: Philadelphia City Hall
Description:
The largest municipal building in the United States, Philadelphia City Hall is an architectural masterpiece of French Second Empire design, crowned by a 37-foot bronze statue of city founder William Penn atop its ornate tower.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: City Hall
Big Bus Philadelphia: City Hall
Highlights:
- Take the elevator to the observation deck just below William Penn's statue for 360-degree panoramic views of Philadelphia's skyline and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Marvel at the building's intricate exterior sculptures, including over 250 statues depicting historical figures, allegories, and symbolic representations.
- Tour the ornate interior featuring marble staircases, hand-carved details, and the spectacular Mayor's Reception Room with gilded ceilings.
Pro tip: Book your tower tour in advance through the city's website, as spots fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak tourist season.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Rittenhouse Square
Description:
One of William Penn's original five squares, Rittenhouse Square is an elegant urban park surrounded by upscale shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, offering a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Philadelphia's most sophisticated neighborhood.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Rittenhouse Square
Big Bus Philadelphia: Rittenhouse Square
Highlights:
- Relax on park benches or sprawl on the lawn surrounded by beautiful landscaping, fountains, and sculptures by renowned artists.
- Browse the upscale boutiques and galleries lining Walnut Street and the surrounding blocks in this premier shopping district.
- Watch locals and visitors enjoying outdoor activities, from dog walking to chess playing, in this vibrant community gathering space.
Pro tip: Visit on a Saturday morning when the Rittenhouse Farmers Market sets up on the square, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from local vendors.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Treat yourself to Vetri Cucina, one of Philadelphia's finest Italian restaurants, offering an intimate $250 tasting menu experience. Enjoy 12-15 courses of exquisite handmade pasta, cured meats, and seasonal Italian specialties in an elegant setting.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Fuel up at Green Eggs Cafe, a family-friendly spot known for generous portions and creative breakfast dishes. Try their Green Eggs and Ham, stuffed French toast, or build-your-own omelet with kid-approved options.
Attraction: Franklin Institute
Description:
One of America's premier science museums, the Franklin Institute captivates visitors of all ages with hands-on exhibits exploring physics, astronomy, biology, and technology, alongside a planetarium and a giant walk-through human heart.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Franklin Institute
Big Bus Philadelphia: Franklin Institute
Highlights:
- Walk through the Giant Heart exhibit, a two-story, anatomically accurate heart where kids can journey through chambers and learn how blood circulates.
- Explore the space science exhibits and catch a show at the Fels Planetarium featuring stunning visuals of our solar system and beyond.
- Get hands-on in the interactive Sports Zone, testing your reflexes, balance, and athletic abilities through engaging scientific experiments.
Pro tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines, and arrive right at opening to experience popular exhibits like the Giant Heart before crowds gather.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab food from nearby Logan Square food trucks. Alternatively, the Franklin Institute has a café serving kid-friendly options like pizza, chicken tenders, and sandwiches.
Attraction: Please Touch Museum
Description:
Philadelphia's premier children's museum, the Please Touch Museum, is entirely designed for kids seven and under to learn through interactive play, featuring themed exhibits including a supermarket, hospital, construction zone, and Alice in Wonderland's Wonderland.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Please Touch Museum
Big Bus Philadelphia: Please Touch Museum / Memorial Hall
Highlights:
- Ride the beautifully restored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, a National Historic Landmark featuring hand-carved animals and original band organ music.
- Explore the River Adventures exhibit where kids can navigate boats through water channels, operate locks, and learn about Philadelphia's waterways.
- Let imaginations run wild in Wonderland, climbing through the rabbit hole, having tea with the Mad Hatter, and painting the roses red.
Pro tip: Visit on weekday mornings when the museum is less crowded, allowing your children more space to explore exhibits without long waits at popular stations.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Philadelphia Zoo
Description:
America's first zoo, founded in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to over 1,300 rare and endangered animals and features the innovative Zoo360 trail system, where animals roam above visitors in see-through mesh pathways.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Philadelphia Zoo
Big Bus Philadelphia: Philadelphia Zoo
Highlights:
- Watch big cats, primates, and red pandas traverse the Zoo360 elevated trails that crisscross above walkways, offering unique eye-level animal encounters.
- Visit the KidZooU interactive learning area where children can climb like a monkey, hop like a wallaby, and burrow like a naked mole rat.
- Experience the Rare Animal Conservation Center, showcasing endangered species and the zoo's important breeding and conservation programs.
Pro tip: Feed the giraffes during scheduled feeding times for an unforgettable up-close encounter that kids will talk about for years to come.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Head to City Tap House, a family-friendly gastropub near Logan Square. Enjoy craft burgers, mac and cheese, grilled chicken, and an extensive kids' menu, plus a great selection of local beers for adults.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Stop at Federal Donuts for their famous fried chicken and donuts. Kids love the variety of glazed donuts, while parents appreciate the quality coffee and savory breakfast sandwiches.
Attraction: Betsy Ross House
Description:
The legendary home where upholsterer Betsy Ross is said to have sewn the first American flag in 1776, this colonial residence offers family-friendly tours exploring Revolutionary War-era life and the flag's creation story.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Highlights:
- Meet "Betsy Ross" herself through engaging first-person interpretation programs where costumed educators bring the flag-maker's story to life.
- Explore the authentically restored colonial home featuring period furnishings, including the upholstery shop where Betsy worked.
- Learn the fascinating story behind the design of the American flag and the role this working-class woman played in American history.
Pro tip: Time your visit to catch one of the interactive programs where kids can participate in colonial crafts and hear stories directly from historical interpreters.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Campo's Deli in Old City, famous for its enormous sandwiches, including the Heater (fried chicken cutlet with hot sauce and blue cheese) and traditional Italian hoagies that easily feed two people.
Attraction: National Constitution Center
Description:
An interactive civics museum bringing the U.S. Constitution to life for families through theatrical performances, hands-on exhibits, and life-sized statues of the Founding Fathers that make learning about American government engaging and accessible.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Highlights:
- Watch the inspiring Freedom Rising multimedia show that dramatizes the Constitution's creation and evolution in an engaging 17-minute performance.
- Take selfies with life-sized bronze statues of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers in the impressive Signers' Hall.
- Participate in interactive exhibits where kids can take the presidential oath of office, test their constitutional knowledge, and explore voting rights.
Pro tip: Pick up the family activity guide at the entrance, which provides scavenger hunts and age-appropriate discussion prompts to keep kids engaged throughout your visit.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Spruce Street Harbor Park
Description:
A seasonal waterfront park along the Delaware River featuring colorful hammocks, floating barges, boardwalk games, food vendors, and stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, creating a festive carnival-like atmosphere perfect for families.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Penn's Landing
Big Bus Philadelphia: Penn's Landing
Highlights:
- Relax in oversized multi-colored hammocks suspended over the water while kids play arcade-style boardwalk games nearby.
- Enjoy food and drinks from outdoor vendors serving everything from local beer to ice cream, tacos, and barbecue.
- Play giant chess, corn hole, and other lawn games while taking in spectacular sunset views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge.
Pro tip: Visit during weekday evenings to avoid weekend crowds, and bring a light jacket as it can get breezy along the waterfront even in summer.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Walk to Positano Coast in Old City for family-style Italian dining. Share wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, and chicken Parmesan in a welcoming atmosphere that accommodates families with children.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Reading Terminal Market for breakfast, letting each family member choose from dozens of vendors. Options include Beiler's fresh donuts, Dutch Eating Place's pancakes, or Beck's Cajun Cafe's hearty breakfast plates.
Attraction: Adventure Aquarium
Description:
Located just across the Delaware River in Camden, New Jersey (accessible via RiverLink Ferry), Adventure Aquarium features sharks, stingrays, penguins, hippos, and a stunning ocean tunnel creating an underwater world that mesmerizes children and adults alike.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Penn's Landing (take RiverLink Ferry)
Big Bus Philadelphia: Penn's Landing (take RiverLink Ferry)
Highlights:
- Walk through the Shark Tunnel surrounded by hammerhead sharks, sand tiger sharks, and sea turtles swimming overhead and alongside you.
- Visit Hippo Haven to see Button and Genny, the aquarium's resident Nile hippos, in their expansive habitat with underwater viewing.
- Experience the touch tanks where kids can gently touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other marine animals under staff supervision.
Pro tip: Combine your aquarium visit with RiverLink Ferry tickets for a fun boat ride across the Delaware River, adding an extra adventure to your day.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: Ferry back + 10-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Termini Brothers in Reading Terminal Market for authentic Italian pastries and gelato. Try their famous cannoli, sfogliatelle, or a slice of tiramisu while kids enjoy colorful Italian ice.
Attraction: Liberty Bell Center
Description:
Home to one of America's most recognizable symbols of freedom, the Liberty Bell Center offers families an accessible introduction to Revolutionary history through the iconic cracked bell and engaging exhibits exploring its significance.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Liberty Bell / Independence Hall
Highlights:
- View the Liberty Bell up close and examine its famous crack while learning about its transformation from a Pennsylvania State House bell to a symbol of freedom.
- Explore family-friendly exhibits with touchable replicas explaining how the bell became associated with abolition, women's rights, and civil rights movements.
- Take advantage of free admission and no reservation requirements, making it easy to fit into your itinerary with minimal planning.
Pro tip: Let kids participate in the Junior Ranger program available at the Independence Visitor Center, earning badges while learning about Philadelphia's historic sites.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Description:
An immersive mixed-media art environment created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens features indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture spaces covered entirely in colorful mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, and found objects.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: South Street
Big Bus Philadelphia: South Street
Highlights:
- Wander through the magical outdoor labyrinth where every surface sparkles with intricate mosaics incorporating mirrors, ceramics, and recycled materials.
- Discover the indoor galleries showcasing Zagar's artwork and learn about his vision to transform Philadelphia's South Street neighborhood through public art.
- Participate in family programs and scavenger hunts designed to help children engage with the unique artistic environment.
Pro tip: Visit on the second Sunday of the month when family-friendly craft activities are offered free with admission, letting kids create their own mosaic masterpieces.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: End your day at Jim's Steaks on South Street for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience. Watch your sandwich being prepared on the griddle and choose from classic toppings like fried onions, peppers, and your choice of cheese.
Day 1
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start at Old City Coffee, a local favorite near Independence National Historical Park. Enjoy artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and breakfast sandwiches in a historic building dating back to the 1700s.
Attraction: Independence National Historical Park
Description:
Often called "America's most historic square mile," this National Park encompasses Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the Liberty Bell, and numerous other sites where the United States was born and the Constitution was created.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Tour Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed by the Founding Fathers.
- Stand before the Liberty Bell and contemplate its journey from colonial bell to enduring symbol of American freedom and civil rights.
- Explore Congress Hall, where the U.S. Congress met from 1790 to 1800, witnessing George Washington's and John Adams' presidential inaugurations.
Pro tip: Start at the Independence Visitor Center to watch the orientation film and secure same-day Independence Hall tour tickets, which are distributed first-come, first-served during the off-season.
Suggested time to spend: 3 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Dine at City Tavern, a faithful recreation of the 18th-century tavern where Founding Fathers gathered. Enjoy period-authentic recipes including West Indies pepperpot soup, turkey pot pie, and ale-battered fish.
Attraction: Museum of the American Revolution
Description:
This comprehensive museum chronicles the complete Revolutionary War story through immersive galleries, rare artifacts, including George Washington's headquarters tent, and thought-provoking exhibits examining the revolution from multiple perspectives on your Philadelphia history tour.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Museum of the American Revolution
Highlights:
- Marvel at George Washington's actual headquarters tent, the revolutionary general's mobile command center throughout the war, and one of the museum's most precious artifacts.
- Experience dramatic recreations, including a life-sized privateer ship and immersive battlefield scenes that transport you to Revolutionary America.
- Explore diverse narratives highlighting the roles of women, African Americans, Native Americans, and British perspectives in the revolution.
Pro tip: Your ticket is valid for two consecutive days, so consider splitting your visit to fully absorb the extensive collection and special exhibitions.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Carpenters' Hall
Description:
This elegant Georgian building served as the meeting place for the First Continental Congress in 1774, where colonial delegates first gathered to coordinate resistance against British rule, setting in motion events leading to revolution.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Stand in the very room where delegates from twelve colonies met in September 1774 to draft petitions to King George III.
- View exhibits about the Carpenters' Company of Philadelphia, the oldest craft guild in America, founded in 1724 and still active today.
- Admire the building's elegant proportions and period furnishings that reflect 18th-century meeting spaces for Philadelphia's influential tradesmen.
Pro tip: Admission is free, and the intimate size means you can experience this significant historical site thoroughly in just 30-45 minutes.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Visit Bookbinder's, a historic seafood restaurant serving Philadelphia diners since 1865. Try their famous snapper soup, lobster thermidor, or classic oysters Rockefeller in an atmosphere steeped in Old Philadelphia tradition.
Day 2
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Silk City Diner, a retro diner serving classic American breakfast with a modern twist. Order their challah French toast, corned beef hash, or build-your-own omelet.
Attraction: Christ Church
Description:
Founded in 1695, Christ Church is where many Founding Fathers worshipped, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Betsy Ross, making it a vital link to Philadelphia's colonial and Revolutionary heritage.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Highlights:
- Sit in the same pews where George Washington and Benjamin Franklin attended services during the colonial and Revolutionary periods.
- Admire the magnificent Georgian architecture, including the original 1727 baptismal font imported from England and the stunning Palladian window.
- Visit the adjacent Christ Church Burial Ground, where Benjamin Franklin, four other Declaration signers, and over 4,000 others are laid to rest.
Pro tip: Place a penny on Benjamin Franklin's grave at the burial ground for good luck, continuing a tradition practiced by thousands of visitors annually.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute bus ride
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Stop at Sonny's Famous Steaks in Old City for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Choose between Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese on a fresh Amoroso roll with fried onions.
Attraction: Eastern State Penitentiary
Description:
A revolutionary prison that pioneered solitary confinement as rehabilitation, Eastern State Penitentiary operated from 1829 to 1971 and influenced prison design worldwide, now preserved as a haunting museum exploring incarceration history on your Philadelphia history tour.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Big Bus Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary
Highlights:
- Explore the innovative hub-and-spoke architecture designed by John Haviland that became a model for over 300 prisons worldwide.
- Visit Al Capone's luxuriously furnished cell, complete with rugs, furniture, and a radio—far different from standard cells—during his 1929-1930 incarceration.
- Walk through crumbling cellblocks where skylights and nature's reclamation create an eerie beauty while learning about prison reform movements.
Pro tip: Take the award-winning audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi, featuring former guards' and inmates' voices that bring the prison's revolutionary and troubling history to life.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 25-minute bus ride
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: National Constitution Center
Description:
The only museum dedicated exclusively to the U.S. Constitution, this institution brings constitutional history alive through interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and programs examining how the Constitution continues shaping American democracy on your Philadelphia history tour.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: National Constitution Center
Highlights:
- Experience Freedom Rising, the stirring 17-minute live performance exploring the Constitution's creation and evolution across American history.
- Photograph life-sized bronze statues of the 39 signers and three dissenters in Signers' Hall, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with American history.
- Engage with interactive exhibits exploring constitutional amendments, Supreme Court cases, and contemporary debates about constitutional interpretation.
Pro tip: Check the museum's calendar for scholar talks, constitutional debates, and special programs that provide deeper insights into specific historical periods or constitutional issues.
Suggested time to spend: 2.5 hours
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Dine at Talula's Garden in Washington Square, a farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing seasonal ingredients. Enjoy wood-fired dishes, handmade pastas, and locally sourced ingredients in a charming garden setting.
Day 3
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Visit Metropolitan Bakery for fresh-baked breads, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. This beloved local bakery supplies bread to many of Philadelphia's top restaurants.
Attraction: Betsy Ross House
Description:
The modest colonial home where seamstress Betsy Ross allegedly created the first American flag in 1776, this historic house museum offers insights into Revolutionary-era daily life and the legendary flag-making story central to your Philadelphia history tour.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Big Bus Philadelphia: Betsy Ross House
Highlights:
- Tour the restored 18th-century home featuring period furnishings, including the upholstery shop where Betsy Ross practiced her trade.
- Learn the debated story of how George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross commissioned Ross to create the first Stars and Stripes.
- Meet costumed interpreters portraying Betsy Ross who share stories of Revolutionary Philadelphia and women's roles in the founding era.
Pro tip: Combine your visit with a walk down nearby Elfreth's Alley to see how colonial tradespeople and artisans lived in 18th-century Philadelphia.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Buddakan in Old City, a modern Asian fusion restaurant in a stunning space. Try their edamame dumplings, crispy calamari salad, or miso-glazed Chilean sea bass.
Attraction: Second Bank of the United States
Description:
A stunning Greek Revival masterpiece designed by William Strickland, the Second Bank of the United States (1824) now houses the National Portrait Gallery, featuring paintings of Revolutionary and Federal-era luminaries who shaped the young nation.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Admire the magnificent Greek Revival architecture inspired by the Parthenon, representing early America's connection to classical democratic ideals.
- View portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and other Founding Fathers painted by renowned artists like Charles Willson Peale.
- Learn about the crucial role the Second Bank played in America's early financial system before President Andrew Jackson vetoed its recharter.
Pro tip: This often-overlooked site offers free admission and air-conditioned respite during summer, making it perfect for a midday cultural break.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: President's House Site
Description:
An outdoor installation marking the location of the President's House, where George Washington and John Adams lived during Philadelphia's decade as U.S. capital (1790-1800), while also confronting the uncomfortable truth of the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
Nearest stops:
City Sightseeing Philadelphia: Independence Visitor Center
Big Bus Philadelphia: Liberty Bell / Independence Hall
Highlights:
- Explore the powerful outdoor memorial featuring glass panels, archaeological remains, and interpretive exhibits addressing slavery at the president's residence.
- Learn about the nine enslaved Africans Washington brought from Mount Vernon to serve in the President's House despite Pennsylvania's gradual abolition law.
- Reflect on the complex contradiction between America's founding ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery practiced by some Founding Fathers.
Pro tip: Visit during daylight hours when the glass panels and video installations are most visible and the site's emotional impact most profound.
Suggested time to spend: 45 minutes
Time to next stop: 15-minute bus ride
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Celebrate your final evening at Morimoto, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's flagship restaurant. Experience innovative Japanese cuisine, including omakase sushi, wagyu beef, and the chef's creative interpretations of traditional dishes.