The 5 Best Philadelphia History Tours

1.Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,944 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29Our pick

Spend two hours walking Old City Philadelphia with a guide who has a history degree. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Guides such as Josh, Kyle, Vince, Ted, and Joseph bring the founders’ stories to life, though major interiors require separate free tickets and extra time.

“Vincent was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. The tour went by very fast. Looking forward to taking it again in the spring.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,020 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Spend 90 minutes walking Philadelphia’s Old City with a local guide, often Seamus, Joseph, Amanda, or Ty. Expect humor, Revolutionary-era stories, and photo stops at more than 10 landmarks, including Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. It is a strong first-day introduction, though indoor admission is limited.

“Joseph was a wealth of history knowledge and had great stories and added some fun in as well! Would definitely recommend him for a future tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 924 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend 2.5 hours walking through Old City with a guide such as Tom, John, Maria, PJ, or Carla. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, Elfreth’s Alley, Franklin’s grave, and the President’s House, then view George Washington’s War Tent at the Museum of the American Revolution. The group is capped at 12.

“This was a very rich and full walking tour remembering the American Revolution. PK helped us to understand the flow of events and to make it real.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Revolution and The Founders History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 450 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Meet your English-speaking guide outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center for a two-hour walk through Revolutionary Philadelphia. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin and Washington sites, Carpenters’ Hall, and more. Guides such as Wendy, Joseph, Vince, Josh, and Bill bring the streets alive with stories and questions.

“Very informative and interesting. Josh kept the large group together and interacting with us all. Friendly and funny”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Walk Old City Philadelphia for 2.5 hours with guides such as Ted or Joseph Spurlock, combining Betsy Ross, Franklin’s grave, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, and dark tales of killers, riots, and unsolved crimes. The tour ends with a complimentary drink and suits adults and older teens who enjoy frank storytelling.

“Ted made Philly’s crime history unforgettable. He managed to make tales of serial killers both fascinating and even humorous without ever losing the edge of the story. A natural teacher and storyteller—he kept us laughing, learning, and totally engaged. Don’t miss this tour with Ted!”

Check availability →Read our full review