Philadelphias Historic District is packed with places to explore, and its

easily navigable like Center City itself. Its just an 18-minute walk from
the north end of the districtFranklin Square, for example
to the south end of the districtlets say Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Heading from west to eastAfrican American Museum in Philadelphia
to Race Street Piertakes about 15 minutes. Dont feel like walking?
Dont worry. There are ample taxis, buses, Indego bikes and touring
vehicles for the taking, as well as Uber and Lyft car services.

visitphilly.com/historic

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SQUARE 4 Theaters & Performing

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POWEL 11 Hotels
HOUSE 13 Storytelling Benches
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15 Parks & Gardens
17 Tours
20 Museums & Attractions
SPRUCE 21 Churches
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Independence Hall

Philadelphia: Headquarters Of The

American Revolution
Long before the first musket shot was fired in Lexington
in 1775, the seeds of the American Revolution were
taking root in Philadelphia. Here are five places for your
Revolutionary War exploration:

1. Museum of the American Revolution: New museum

featuring immersive gallery experiences, rare and priceless
artifacts and recreated historical scenes that tell the oh-so
dramatic story of the nations foundingmuch of which
happened right here in Philadelphia. 101 S. 3rd Street,
amrevmuseum.org
2. Carpenters Hall: Site of the First Continental Congress,
where representatives voted on a trade boycottthe first
of many unified acts of defiance against the British.
320 Chestnut Street, carpentershall.org
3. Graff House (also known as the Declaration House):
A country refuge where Thomas Jefferson drafted the
Declaration of Independence. 599 S. 7th Street, nps.gov/inde
4. Independence Hall: The Declaration of Independence
signed, sealed and delivered right here.
6th & Chestnut Streets, nps.gov/inde
5. Christ Church Burial Ground: Final resting place for
several of those who declared and fought for the countrys
independence, including Ben Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush,
Francis Hopkinson and many Revolutionary War officers.
5th & Arch Streets, christchurchphila.org

Practical Advice: Getting Around

The side streets and quaint alleys of the Historic
District are best explored on your ownno car
required. Fortunately, navigating the city is easy.
Numbered streets run north/south, and named
streets run east/west.

Photos by J. Fusco and R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

 T heres no better place to start your Philadelphia
exploration than the citys Historic District, an area that
extends from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine
to Lombard Streets. This is the original city, and its filled with
iconic sites, cobblestone streets, buzzed-about restaurants,
beer gardens and owner-operated boutiques and art galleries.

Allow the itineraries featured here to guide your way

whether youre a first-time visitor or someone who wants to
delve a little deeper. All visits to Philadelphia should begin at
visitphilly.com/historic, where youll find the perfect lodging
and essential information. Once youre in the district, stop by
the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets
to make tour plans, check operating hours for National Park
Service sites, grab a snack, buy gifts and use those all-
important restrooms.

Historic District Essentials

Never been to Philadelphias Historic District before? Consider
this your checklist for an all-American good time:

1. Liberty Bell: A symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other

freedom-seekers around the world and an American must-do.
6th & Market Streets, nps.gov/inde
2. Independence Hall: Where the U.S. Constitution was
adopted and the Declaration of Independence was
debated, drafted and signed.
6th & Chestnut Streets, nps.gov/inde
3. Betsy Ross House: Telling the story of Americas most
famous flag maker. 239 Arch Street, historicphiladelphia.org
4. Franklin Court: A ghost house, museum, printing shop
and post office exploring the life and legacy of Benjamin
Franklin. 322 Market Street, nps.gov/inde
5. Elfreths Alley: Americas oldest continuously inhabited
street, where visitors tiptoe along the cobblestones and
explore the quaint museum. 124-126 Elfreths Alley,
elfrethsalley.org

Practical Advice: Bell & Hall Access

There is no charge to access the Liberty Bell and
Independence Hall. The Bell does not require
tickets, but the Hall does. Day-of tickets are
available at the Independence Visitor Center
on a first-come, first-served basis, but tours fill
up fast. Go early for the best selection, or order
online in advance for a small fee. nps.gov/inde
Franklin Square

Fun For Families

Toured all of the sites in the Historic District Essentials
section? Now, check out these fun spots for families:
1. Franklin Square: A carousel, Philly-themed mini-golf,
playgrounds, burger stand and special events galore at one
of William Penns five original squares. 6th & Race Streets,
historicphiladelphia.org
2. National Liberty Museum: Small-but-mighty museum
focused on the importance of freedom, courage, equality,
diversitypowerfully depicted in the popular Jellybean
Children sculpture. 321 Chestnut Street, libertymuseum.org
3. National Constitution Center: All about the four
pages that changed the worlda topic made fun with
opportunities to take the presidential oath of office and sign
the Constitution. 525 Arch Street, constitutioncenter.org
4. Firemans Hall Museum: Restored 1902 firehouse with
some of the nations earliest firefighting equipment
and a station to try on fire gear. 147 N. 2nd Street,
firemanshallmuseum.org
5. Independence Seaport Museum: Home to a boat-building
shop inside and the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia
and the World War II Submarine Becuna for exploring
outside. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street,
phillyseaport.org

Practical Advice: Historic Happenings

Want to know whats going on in the Historic
District right now? Head to the Independence
Visitor Center for a copy of the Historic
Philadelphia Gazette, filled with the when-and-
where details on daily programs, schedules for
storytelling benches and other fun activities.

Stay In Touch On Social

Stay up to date on whats happening in the Historic District
by following Visit Philly:

#historicphilly
visitphilly.com/historic
MORE TO SEE, MORE TO DO
Where To Eat: No matter On The River: Summer
what your budget or what your means roller skating at Blue
mood, the Historic Districts Cross RiverRink Summerfest,
restaurants will please your relaxing in a hammock at
palate. Feast on a gooey Spruce Street Harbor Park or
cheesesteak at Campos getting your yoga on at Race
sandwich shop; huzzah-worthy Street Pier. Come winter, you
hummus at modern Israeli can lace up your ice skates for
favorite Zahav; buzzed- a spin around the Blue Cross
about bread and breakfast RiverRink or take in a cutting-
sandwiches at morning-to- edge show at FringeArts.
night spot High Street on Columbus Boulevard from
Market; and vegan and Vine to Lombard Streets
vegetarian delights at the no-
frills Khyber Pass Pub. Large Art Galleries Galore: Any
concentrations of restaurants day is great to explore the
on 2nd & 3rd Streets and on contemporary art galleries
Arch to Walnut Streets that line the streets of Old
City, but First Fridays are even
Where To Drink: In the better. On the First Friday
mood for wine? Prefer craft evening of each month,
beer? Perhaps only a specialty join the crowds that gather
cocktail will do? Wine for free art openings and
boutiques (Pinot Boutique), special exhibits at Wexler,
beer gardens (Independence Snyderman-Works, Larry
Beer Garden), rooftop bars Becker, Pentimenti, The
(Revolution House and Center for Art in Wood, The
Stratus Rooftop Lounge) Clay Studio and more than 20
and outdoor cafes (too many other galleries, many of which
to name) are ready to pour serve light noshes and wine
your preference throughout until 9 p.m. 2nd & 3rd Streets
the Historic District. Large north of Market Street
concentrations of bars on
2nd & 3rd Streets and on
Market to Walnut Streets
Practical Advice:
Where To Shop: Ben Planning Your Trip
Franklins former hood is Want more on where to
rich in both history and retail. go and what to do in
Here, converted industrial Philadelphias Historic
buildings cater to a fashion- District? Consider
and design-forward clientele. visitphilly.com/historic
On your dont-miss list: your one-stop shop. Its
Charlies Jeans for perfect- packed with info to help
fitting denim, Erdon for you plan your days and
investment-worthy fashion, nights in the district
Scarlett Alley for classic-yet- even when youre on
modern gifts and Vagabond the go.
Boutique for on-point
womens clothing, Bonus:
Clothing and shoes are sold
tax-free in Pennsylvania.
2nd & 3rd Streets from Race to
Market Streets