Philadelphia: True Crime & History Walking Tour Old City

Summary

Serial killer stories meet Philly’s oldest streets in this wild walk

You’ll walk Old City with a local historian who brings Philly’s true crime legends alive right where they happened. Expect eerie tales at sites like Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley, plus time to reflect over a drink at the end. If you want something deeper than just Liberty Bell selfies, this is your kind of day.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I signed up for this Philadelphia true crime & history tour mostly out of curiosity (and maybe a little morbid fascination). Didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did, or to feel that weird mix of awe and unease while walking past places like the Betsy Ross House and Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Our guide, Professor Harris, had this way of switching from dry facts to these wild tales about the Corpse Collector or H.H. Holmes — sometimes mid-sentence. At one point he stopped under an old streetlamp on Elfreth’s Alley and just let us listen to the city for a second. It was quieter than I thought it would be, except for someone playing jazz on their stoop a block away.

I think what got me most was how close everything felt — like you could almost touch the past here. We’d be talking about serial killers one minute, then suddenly there’d be Christ Church right in front of us, all brick and old gravestones. The air smelled faintly of rain on stone (it had drizzled earlier), and Harris kept tossing in these bits about colonial Philly life that made even the gruesome stories feel weirdly…human? He joked that “Old City has more ghosts than Starbucks,” which cracked me up even though I’m not sure it’s true.

The walking wasn’t tough — 2.5 hours went by fast, honestly. There were a few spots where we paused longer, like at Arch Street Meeting House, and Harris would get this look like he was about to reveal some huge secret. He also pointed out where the President’s House used to stand; people walked by without noticing but suddenly it felt heavy with history. Oh, and the tour ended with a drink at a local spot — nothing fancy but it gave everyone a chance to swap theories about which story creeped them out most (the Frankfort Slasher wins for me). Still thinking about those cobblestones under my shoes and how every corner seemed to hide another story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic and true crime walking tour

• Visit Betsy Ross House
• Explore Christ Church
• Walk through Elfreth's Alley
• See Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
• Visit Arch Street Meeting House
• Pass by Liberty Bell Center
• Pass by President's House
• Visit tombs of Declaration signers
• Hear tales of serial killers
• Enjoy complimentary beverage

Top questions

How long is the Philadelphia true crime & history tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

What sites are included on the tour?

You’ll visit Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Benjamin Franklin's Grave, Liberty Bell Center, Arch Street Meeting House, and President's House.

Who leads the Philadelphia true crime tour?

The tour is led by college professors or history teachers familiar with local history.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The content includes adult themes; children must be accompanied by an adult. Saturdays are adults only.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include any refreshments?

The experience ends with a complimentary beverage at a local spot.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the walk.

Does the Philadelphia true crime & history tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine; dress accordingly for outdoor walking.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Old City’s historic streets with stops at Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, Elfreth's Alley, Benjamin Franklin's Grave and more; storytelling from a knowledgeable history teacher or professor; plus you’ll finish up with a complimentary drink before heading off into your own Philly night.