The 11 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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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!”

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6.History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 317 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Join an English-speaking local guide for a 150-minute walk through Old City Philadelphia. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House, Franklin’s grave, and more. The tour includes a special Museum of the American Revolution presentation, discounted museum admission, and a donation to a local community organization.

“Carla was exceptional and went above and beyond to see that we had an informative, enjoyable tour. Her recommendations for later in the day --Campos for one,-- were spot on. You can tell she loves her job and more importantly, Philadelphia. She is a gem!!”

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7.Grim, Dark, and Twisted History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 231 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

Walk through Philadelphia’s lesser-known past with guides including Joe, Ted, Christa, Sarah, Britnee, and Madame Toni. Over two hours, you’ll hear about brothels, mass burial grounds, polluted prisons, pirates, vampires, ghosts, and the first bank robbery in the United States. Earlier departures suit families, while the 8 PM tour is aimed at adults.

“Ted was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable. We went to a few locations and Ted told us lots of great stories from Edgar Allen Poe, ghosts, prostitutes, and even vampires. We even got a free fireworks show on our tour, we just happened to be at the right place at the right time!! I highly recommend this tour.”

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8.Revolutionary Walk Through Historic Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 208 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Start at the Betsy Ross House and follow a lively English-speaking guide through Old City. You’ll see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, and Franklin’s post office from the outside. Guides such as Seamus, Jay, and Greg mix clear history with jokes and stories.

“Shamus was very informative and entertaining. I enjoyed his historical knowledge. He's funny and made my visit to Philadelphia memorable.”

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9.Guided Walking Tour of Historic District!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 1h 30m · from $25Best value

Join Tom, a history teacher and Philadelphia guide, for a 90-minute walk through the Historic District. You’ll see 21 sites, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, Franklin Court, and Elfreth’s Alley. The tour stays outdoors, moves at a steady pace, and suits first-time visitors who want clear historical context before exploring inside on their own.

“Tom was amazing and so knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour”

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10.Valley Forge National Historical Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 39 reviews · 4h 30m · from $115

Ride from central Philadelphia to Valley Forge National Historical Park in a small group of up to 14. Your English-speaking guide explains the winter encampment, then leads you through the visitor center, soldiers’ huts, Washington’s Headquarters, Washington Memorial Chapel, and other major sites. Guides such as Marty, Dale, and Tom are praised for lively stories and clear explanations.

“This tour was very informative, very well done, and Tom, our guide, was very attentive to all our questions and needs. This was a great way to learn the history if Valley Firge. I would recommend this tour and guide to anyone!”

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11.True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 2h 30m · from $44

Walk through historic Philadelphia with guides such as Ted and Joseph, both trained in American history. See Betsy Ross’s neighborhood, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church’s graveyard, and Benjamin Franklin’s grave while hearing true-crime stories about Philadelphia killers. The tour costs $44, runs in all weather, and includes admission fees.

“My wife and I were joined by 3 other couples on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in June. Our guide was Ted. He was fantastic! He gave a great unfiltered history lesson that included Philly-based founding fathers, the revolutionary war, and somehow tied in the stories of several serial killers from the area. It was a great way to learn from an expert historian and enjoy some great morbid history of the area!”

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