Philadelphia Old City Tours
400 Reviews

Old City is a neighborhood in Central City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its antiquated charm and many historic sites important to the birth of the United States. Wander down its narrow cobblestone streets and you'll feel like you're stepping through a time warp into 18th-century colonial America.
The Basics
The neighborhood is a must-see for travelers who want to walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers. Highlights include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, and Carpenters' Hall. Elfreth's Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country, lined with centuries-old homes.
Bus tours, many via open-top, double-decker buses, skirt the boundaries of Old City, but some of the landmarks are on narrow streets or in courtyards best accessible on a walking tour. Tour guides fill visitors in on the life and times of Philly's most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin, while stopping at city landmarks. Horse-drawn carriage tours are another popular option, allowing visitors to travel like their historic compatriots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old City is a don’t-miss for colonial history buffs and first-time Philly visitors.
- Visitors can skip the (often long) line for the Liberty Bell and view the famous national symbol through the Independence Visitor Center side window.
- The historic cobblestone streets can make the area difficult to access for strollers and wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Old City occupies the blocks between Front and Sixth streets, bounded by Florist Street to the north and Walnut Street to the south. It is easily accessible via SEPTA (bus and rail), but street parking in the area is notoriously difficult.
When to Get There
By day, the area is thick with travelers on sightseeing tours, so visit early to avoid the crowds. Expect long lines at the top attractions (especially the Liberty Bell). Nighttime ghost tours are available for those in search of a creepy thrill, and neighborhood nightlife features top-notch restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Arts and Fashion
Today’s Old City is also a hub for Philadelphia's fashion, arts, and design scene. The neighborhood has more than 30 art galleries and home furnishing outlets, and boutiques showcase collections by local fashion designers.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Philadelphia Old City
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Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia
605
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.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Philadelphia Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
22
Journey back in time on a guided, 1-hour carriage ride through the tree-lined streets of historic Philadelphia. Visit Philly’s Independence National Historical Park, Society Hill and Old City. This leisurely ride features famous locations like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, Elfreth Alley, and much more.
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From
$136.00
per group
From
$136.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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From History to Happy Hour Philadelphia Walking Tour
34
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.
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From
$102.30
From
$102.30
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More

Segway Tour of Philadelphia's Murals
7
Experience Philadelphia’s most artistic neighborhoods like never before on this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group Segway tour. See the best of Philly’s many murals — from Old City to Northern Liberties, Spring Garden and Chinatown — and learn more about the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. Guided Segway training, headsets and photos from the tour are included. Dress in weather-appropriate clothes with flat, closed-toed shoes.
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From
$90.67
From
$90.67

Philadelphia Highlights Private Driving Tour
4
Enjoy a personal and private introduction to the City of Brotherly Love on this 2-hour sightseeing tour around Philadelphia. Climb aboard a comfortable minivan and explore the highlights of the city. See Philadelphia’s Historic District — from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street — plus landmark locations like the waterfront region of Penn's Landing along the Delaware River, the South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia City Hall, Love Park, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rocky steps at the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.
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From
$293.34
per group
From
$293.34
per group

Hop-on Hop-off and Philly By Night Tour Combo
5
Explore the best that Philadelphia has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. Visit 27 of Philadelphia’s top attractions — like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall — on a 1.5-hour loop. Select from a 1- or 2-day pass, then board at any of the 27 stops and get to know the city in custom fashion, with live on-board commentary. After dinner (own expense), enjoy the city as it’s illuminated for the evening on a ‘Philly by Night Tour.’ Pickup and drop-off from select hotels included.
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From
$59.74
From
$59.74

Small-Group Founding Fathers and Independence Walking Tour
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.
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From
$36.00
$9.00 savings
From
$36.00
$9.00 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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