On your left you will see the a modern restaurant, the Ritz Five movie theater (which shows mostly art films), and older buildings occupied as offices and homes.
When you reach the corner of Walnut and 3rd, make a right. We're going to make a short detour to stop in the former Visitor Center of the Independence National Historical Park. Take a look at the 130-foot bell tower which houses the Bicentennial Bell, the British people's bicentennial gift to The United States. The Visitor Center has moved to Independence National Historical Park, so you'll probably find the building closed.
Directly across the street from the old Visitor center is the First Bank of the United States. This was the home of the government's bank from 1797 to 1811, and the oldest bank building in the United States. It is restored on the exterior but is not open to the public. The interior is open only for specially scheduled events.
Head back up 3rd Street to Walnut Street where we will make a right and continue our walk in Part II of "A Walking Tour of Downtown Philadelphia."
