Lonely Planet Experiences Private Philadelphia Tour: History in HD

Forget watching History Channel documentaries, why not see the landmarks that shaped America in real life on this private Philadelphia tour? From the building where the US Constitution was signed to George Washington's house, and a church where America's founding fathers once sat, this private tour even includes a craft beer to help you digest all the history.

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers. 

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Visit those unmissable Philly sights on this historical Philadelphia private tour that ditches the guidebooks and gives you a dose of history from a local perspective. After all, this is the history that shaped the people of this city, so why not learn about it from them?

Start your private Philadelphia tour at the Philly Tour Hub, where you'll meet your guide and see some great local art and photography inside this historic space. Outside, we’ll see the Betsy Ross House and hear stories of the birth of the American flag.  From there, we weave through the charming back alleys of Old City, and wind up walking down the street famous for being the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the country.

Next, you’ll be treated to a visit inside Christ Church, where you'll hear stories of our founding fathers, sit where they sat, and learn about the birth of the Episcopal Church in America.

The next stop on the tour comes at a little local coffee shop, where you can grab a quick snack or a drink and relax with your guide — the perfect opportunity to ask any pressing questions you may have about Philadelphia history. As you walk through Old City, you’ll get a taste of this vibrant neighbourhood and pass some of the trendiest pubs, clubs, cafés, and shopping in Philly. You'll also get a chance to see some great art galleries and fantastic historic, industrial architecture along the way. 

You'll get some great views of the site of Ben Franklin's home as the tour continues through Philly’s Historic District. Past Franklin Court, you’ll be greeted with views of Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center, and the U.S. Mint. Walk across the Mall and into the President's House Site, home to George Washington and John Adams during Philly's tenure as our nation's capital.

From there we pass the Liberty Bell, where we might get a chance to go inside for pictures. We then continue this Philadelphia city tour to a spot where (on weekdays only) we can grab a view of Maxfield Parrish's Dream Garden mosaic mural.  Then off to Washington Square for stories of William Penn and possibly visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

We continue through Independence National Park and the must-see front yard of Independence Hall, sight of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. Your guide will also share knowledge of Congress Hall, Old City Hall, the Philosophical Society, the 2nd Bank of the US, and Carpenter's Hall as you make your way through the park. With all these local stories from your guide, you'll get a truly unique perspective on the much-visited spots in Philadelphia.

As this Philadelphia tour winds down, we exit the park and head back into the vibrant Old City neighbourhood.  We end the tour at a local brewpub. You'll get a craft beer brewed in-house (or soft drink if you wish) included in the price of the tour, and we'll say a cheers to the beautiful city of Philadelphia!

(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our History in HD group tour.)

This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.

Need a place to stay?

Heading to Philly without a place to rest your head? Have no fear — the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia Hotel is ready to welcome you to the City of Brotherly Love! As our preferred accommodation partner in Philadelphia, we recommend grabbing a room there if you haven't already booked any accommodation. Sleep tight!