Philadelphia: Ghosts of Historic District & Founding Fathers Tales

The Spirits Still Here: What Philadelphia's Founding Fathers Left Behind

You walk the shadowy streets of Philadelphia's Historic District hearing true stories of restless spirits tied to the Founding Fathers and the people whose lives unfolded in these buildings. The tour hits the Bishop White House, Benjamin Franklin's building, and Independence Hall's second floor: each with its own haunting. All entry fees are included, and the evening timing means the atmosphere does the heavy lifting. Book ahead if you're bringing a group of ten or more.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore haunted Philadelphia landmarks

• Visit Bishop White House
• Learn about Reverend William White
• Discover Benjamin Franklin's life and spirit
• Explore Independence Hall's first floor
• Learn hauntings on Independence Hall's second floor

The experience

The tour starts in the Historic District where the streets narrow and the stories get darker. You're walking past the Bishop White House, and your guide is already talking about Reverend William White: a respected man whose life got turned upside down by something as ordinary and terrible as mosquitos, and the spirits that lingered after. It's the kind of detail that makes history feel less like a textbook and more like something that actually happened to actual people, which is exactly what makes this Ghosts of Philadelphia tour work for families.

Next stop is Benjamin Franklin's building, and yeah, the man was a bookworm and a character in life, but apparently he didn't stop being interesting after death. The guide walks you through what his spirit apparently gets up to in there: the kind of stories that make kids lean in closer and adults realize they never learned this part in school. Then you're at Independence Hall, and the tour splits the experience: the first floor is where people fought for freedom, but the second floor held people who were denied it, and the hauntings you learn about are tied directly to those acts. It's not just spooky for spooky's sake. There's weight to it.

The whole thing runs through the evening in the Historic District, so the shadows are already doing half the work. You're moving between actual buildings (the Bishop White House, Benjamin Franklin's place, Independence Hall) not just hearing about them. Wheelchairs and strollers work fine on these streets, and if you've got a service animal, they're welcome. All the fees are already included, so there's no surprise charges at the end. If your group is ten or more, you'll want to contact the private group coordinator beforehand, but smaller groups just show up and join in.

What’s included

Your tour includes all entry fees and taxes, a guided walk through Philadelphia's Historic District visiting the Bishop White House, Benjamin Franklin's building, and Independence Hall, and stories connecting the hauntings to the people and events that shaped these spaces. The evening timing and accessible routes mean families of all abilities can join in.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:00Last departure this season: 29 Nov

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ghost City Tours Philadelphia

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want history and atmosphere mixed together without having to research which buildings matter: the tour connects the hauntings to actual events and people, which is what makes it stick with kids and adults alike.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): 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.

How long is the Ghosts of Philadelphia tour?

The tour runs for approximately 2 to 3 hours through the Historic District.

What's included in the price?

All fees and taxes are included. There are no additional charges at any of the stops.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?

Yes. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work fine on the Historic District streets. Service animals are also allowed.

What if I have a large group?

If you have 10 or more people, contact the private and group sales coordinator with Ghost City Tours to arrange your booking.

Which buildings do you visit?

The tour includes the Bishop White House, Benjamin Franklin's building, and Independence Hall (specifically the second floor).

When does the tour run?

The tour operates in the evening, which is when the Historic District's shadowy streets set the mood.