African-American History Walking Tour Philadelphia: 2 Hours

Walk through Philadelphia's founding while learning the stories the monuments leave out

A two-hour guided walking tour of Philadelphia traces African-American history from the colonial period through the founding era, starting at Independence Visitor's Center and moving through the President's House, Congress Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and Washington Square Park. The guide covers the 9 enslaved people held at the President's House, the role of Black Americans in the nation's founding, and sites of resistance and freedom. A live guide in English leads the group through both major landmarks and former locations of historical significance.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. President's House15m
2. Congress Hallpass by
3. Washington Square Park10m

African-American History Walking Tour

• Start at Independence Visitor's Center
• Introduction to Black History colonial period
• Visit President’s House and learn about enslaved people
• Hear story of Martha Washington's handmaid
• Stop at Congo Square for celebrations and burial site
• Visit Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
• Learn about liberation trial of enslaved woman
• See Independence Hall and Liberty Bell
• Pass by Congress Hall and other historic sites
• Visit Washington Square Park

The experience

The tour opens at Independence Visitor's Center with an introduction to Black history during the colonial period, then moves to the President's House to hear about the 9 enslaved people who lived there while the first two presidents occupied it. From there you walk to Congress Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and Washington Square Park: each stop adding another layer to how Black Americans shaped the nation's founding, often in ways the standard history leaves unspoken.

Congo Square was a gathering place where people of African descent held celebrations, and it also served as a potter's field where free and enslaved Africans are still buried. Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church marks the site of a woman's liberation from attempted re-enslavement and the trial of those who rescued her. The guide also identifies former locations of the Philadelphia Prison, Benjamin Rush House, and Quaker sites that connect to this history.

The walk covers traditional Independence Hall landmarks (the Liberty Bell, which became a symbol for the abolition movement) alongside the lesser-known stories embedded in the same streets. A live guide in English leads the group through the two-hour route, which includes wheelchair-accessible paths and surfaces throughout the historic district.

What’s included

• In-person guide in English.
• access to Congress Hall, Liberty Bell Center, President's House, Washington Square Park and other historic sites.
• identification of former locations including the Philadelphia Prison Site, Benjamin Rush House Site, and Quaker meeting and school sites.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 14:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by The Black Journey Philadelphia Walking Tour

Is this one for you?Join a small group if you want to understand Philadelphia's founding through the experiences of Black Americans whose contributions shaped the nation: the guide connects the major monuments to the stories they don't tell on their own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What happened at the President's House during the founding era?

The President's House is where the first two U.S. presidents lived alongside 9 enslaved individuals. The tour covers their stories and the experience of one of Martha Washington's handmaids who ran away to escape slavery.

Does the tour visit the Liberty Bell?

Yes, the tour includes the Liberty Bell Center. The guide explains how the bell, which sat atop Independence Hall, became a symbol for the abolition movement.

What is Congo Square and why does the tour stop there?

Congo Square was a place where people of African descent gathered for celebrations. It also served as a potter's field where free and enslaved Africans are buried, making it a site of both community and loss.

How long does the walking tour take?

The tour runs for two hours and covers multiple stops across Philadelphia's historic district, including Congress Hall, Washington Square Park, and several former historical sites the guide identifies along the route.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?

Yes, all areas and surfaces along the walking route are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.