Independence Mall Tours

Experience the history of the United States on this guided small-group walking tour around Philadelphia, the birthplace of freedom in America. See Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence (this tour does not enter Independence Hall). Learn about Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, and see where George Washington, the first President of the United States, lived. Then check out the galleries and eateries in Old City Philadelphia, America's most historic square mile, followed by a cold beverage at a local establishment.

This half-day Philadelphia tour ditches the guidebooks and provides a dose of history from a local perspective. Follow a guide through Old City and visit unmissable Philly landmarks. Then ride the subway to Center City for a happy hour pub crawl that includes beers. This small-group walking tour is limited to 12 people for a personalized experience.

Philadelphia is widely regarded as one of America’s most historically significant cities, and for good reason! This is the city where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were born. It was Philly that served as America’s capital before Washington DC even existed. Here is where the American flag was created, where Ben Franklin proved that lightning was just electricity, and where the iconic Liberty Bell rang and cracked but endures as a symbol of freedom. These are just a few examples of how Philadelphia has helped shape the United States of America. Come and take a guided stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old City, through the history you think you know. Our local expert will separate the fact from the fiction, and you will be amazed by Philadelphia’s remarkable past.

On the Colonial Era Streets and Historic Architecture Tour, you will learn the origin stories of several of the oldest buildings in Philadelphia. See Independence Hall - a beautifully proportioned building of perfect architectural balance and symmetry that is more evocative of a country house than an urban structure. A similarly outstanding building is Powell House, built in 1765 and elaborately refurbished by its second owner Samuel Powel (1738–1793) and often described as the "finest Georgian row house in the city". George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were frequent house guests in this grand pile and would attend Sunday morning services at St. Peter’s, a historic Episcopal church, and our next port of call. At each turn on the route, your guide will share stories of the old buildings, the preservation efforts that went into keeping the structure, and the way the city is telling its founding story.

Because Philadelphia is one of America's oldest cities, the historic city preceded cars by several centuries - making it an ideal city to see by foot. Originally founded as a haven for religious freedom by William Penn, Pennsylvania was colonised by French Huguenots, Mennonites, and most famously in the state - Quakers and Amish. The capital city was formed in 1682 and has served as the seat of government ever since. Throughout the centuries, Philadelphia has gone through revivals and slumps - prosperous then seasons of economic free fall. To see the remnants of these boom-and-busts of the city, nothing is better than a privately guided walk of it. On your tour, you will not only check off the highlights of the historic district, but also to fall in love with the city's unique combination of grit and charm. Please note: this tour still runs in winter, though it will cancel for fresh snow. Year round, we recommend great walking shoes, layers, and water.

On this walking tour of the storied Historic District, you and your family will explore Philadelphia’s historic district and learn not only its oft told narrative, but also the complexities of the nation. This tour will take you to the National Constitution Center, and the U.S. Mint on a stroll to the presidential home of George Washington and John Adams. Learn about Philadelphia’s role in the slave trade, its colonial past, and the development of trade links to claim its rightful place as one of the nation’s most important centres of trade. You will also discover Independence Hall, the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Your walk ends in one of Philadelphia’s old pubs, where you can all enjoy a snack and a drink (house wine or beer for adults) and discuss any lingering questions about the city’s history or how to plan the rest of your time in the city of brotherly love.

Join for a 4 mile run sprinkled with Rocky and Philly stories most locals don’t even know! You’ll become a local champ weaving through the streets of Philly. We cap it off with a run up the famous Art Museum Steps. In addition to being the home of the Rocky films, did you know Philly invented the Cowboy Hat and Fast Food? We explore those little known facts and hundreds more. We tie together the unique Philly story as we run through Colonial Old City, South Philly, and the Commercial Center. We tap into themes like freedom, the underdog story, and American Firsts. Philly's beautiful & flat streets are full of sites - perfect for running tours! Whether you're here on vacation, business or even a local, there's no better way to learn about Philly! You'll walk away refreshed! This tour is more fulfilling than running on a hotel treadmill and better than getting lost in the city alone. You'll receive a detailed map overview (PDF) of 50 sites from our run to help you explore further!