Philadelphia: Founding Fathers Walking Tour & Liberty Bell

Summary

Walk in the footsteps of Franklin & Hamilton through Philadelphia’s tangled revolutionary stories

You’ll follow a historian through Philadelphia’s tangled streets—past the Liberty Bell crowds and into secret corners of Independence Hall—hearing stories of Franklin, Washington, and Hamilton right where they happened. Expect quick stops at each site, lively facts you won’t find in textbooks, and a real sense of what those revolutionary days must have felt like.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I almost skipped the Liberty Bell because of that line curling around the block. But our guide, James (history teacher by day, total trivia fiend by nature), just grinned and said, “Trust me, you’ll get what you need from out here.” He was right. There’s something about standing outside that glass pavilion, hearing the muffled chatter and camera clicks inside, while James explained how the bell cracked on its very first ring (which honestly feels like a metaphor for America). The air smelled faintly metallic — or maybe that was just my imagination running wild with all this talk of revolution.

We zigzagged through Independence Hall’s brick courtyards, dodging school groups and pigeons. James pointed out where Washington and Adams actually worked — not just the postcard spots but these quieter corners where you could almost hear old arguments echoing off the walls. He had us touch the worn stone steps at Congress Hall (“Imagine Madison in those shoes,” he said) and I actually got goosebumps. At Franklin Court, I tried to picture Ben Franklin shuffling around in his slippers; apparently he once joked about hanging together or hanging separately if things went south with Britain. The quote hit different when you’re standing right there.

The President’s House site surprised me most — it’s just open air now, fragments of foundation and ghostly outlines. People drifted through quietly, reading plaques or just staring at nothing in particular. It felt heavier than I expected. Then there was Carpenters’ Hall: creaky floors, sunlight slanting through old windows, and a story about secret meetings with French spies that made me wish I’d paid more attention in high school history. We didn’t linger long anywhere (it’s a two-hour tour), but somehow it didn’t feel rushed.

I keep thinking about that moment outside the post office — still working after all these centuries, no American flag flying because there wasn’t one back then. A little detail I never would’ve noticed on my own. So yeah, if you want a quick but surprisingly personal crash course on Philadelphia’s founding fathers (with someone who actually knows their stuff), this walking tour is worth it. Even if your feet hurt by the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic Philadelphia walking tour

• Check-in and introduction
• Visit Liberty Bell exterior
• Explore East Wing of Independence Hall
• See America's first White House
• Visit Congress Hall
• Tour Franklin Court
• Visit New Hall Military Museum
• Discuss Benjamin Franklin's life
• Visit Benjamin Franklin Post Office & Museum
• See Carpenters' Hall
• Visit First Bank of the United States
• Visit Second Bank of the United States
• Walk by American Philosophical Society
• Walk by Library Company
• See Dolley Todd House

Top questions

How long is the Philadelphia Founding Fathers walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does this tour include entry to Independence Hall?

You’ll visit highlights and get instructions for further exploration; full interior access requires separate timed passes.

Is the Liberty Bell included in this walking tour?

Yes—the guide covers its history from outside; you can return later for interior viewing if you wish.

Are guides on this Philadelphia history tour qualified historians?

Yes—all guides have history degrees; many are teachers or professors.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour runs every morning and afternoon rain or shine.

Are children allowed on this Philadelphia historic sites tour?

Yes—children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What sites are included on this Philadelphia walking tour?

You’ll see the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall complex, President’s House site, Congress Hall, Franklin Court, Carpenters’ Hall, First & Second Banks of the United States, Dolley Todd House and more.

What’s included

Your day includes a lively two-hour walk through historic Philadelphia with a professional historian as your guide. You’ll see essential sites like the Liberty Bell (with tips for skipping lines), Independence Hall highlights, Franklin Court, Carpenters’ Hall and more—all within easy walking distance from central meeting points. Tours run daily rain or shine; strollers and wheelchairs welcome throughout.