Top 10 Historic Philadelphia Attractions

Held as a symbol of freedom both in Philadelphia and across America, the ubiquitous cracked bell is on display along with information about the bell's history and its significance to America.  Free.

526 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Historical re-enactors lead you on a guided tour of the building where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Entrance is free, but between March and December, tickets are required.  Information about getting tickets is available on the National Historic Park's website.

520 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

The National Constitution Center features a variety of permanent and changing exhibits and shows about the U.S. Constitution and American history, plus special events.

525 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-409-6600

Benjamin Franklin's house was, unfortunately, torn down in the early 1800s.  Today the site the house once stood on is known as Franklin Court, and it features a steel-framed outline of Franklin's home, a museum with a print shop, a working post office where you can send letters hand-stamped with with Franklin's original postmark and more.

314-321 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

The oldest residential street in America, this small Old City street offers a museum and several historic houses, many of which still serve as private residences.

126 Elfreth's Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2006
(215) 574-0560

Let's start with the bad news: Nobody is sure whether Betsy Ross lived here or at a house next door that has long-since been demolished.  But the over-250-year-old Betsy Ross House has been furnished as it was during Betsy's time, and it features a Betsy Ross re-enactor and artifacts to teach about the famous (if history-shrouded) flag maker.

239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-1999
(215) 686-1252

Founded in 1695, Christ Church is both where many of America's leaders worshiped and where many of them are buried.  Tours of the graveyard and talks on the church's history are available most days.

2nd Street above Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-922-1695

In 1743, writer, statesman, scientist and arguably Philly's favorite son Benjamin Franklin founded the American Philosophical Society with friends.  Dedicated to scientific study, the society now runs a museum focused on science, history and art in the original Philosophical Society building.

104 S 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-440-3442

In 1774, the First Continental Congress met in Carpenter's Hall, a building that also served as home for the Library Company of Philadelphia and as a meeting place for groups including the American Philosophical Society.

320 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-0167

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson rented rooms at the Declaration House, also known as Graff House after its owner, Jacob Graff, Jr. This is where Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. 

7th and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-965-2305