Join, or Die! Tour
walk the path to Independence
Philadelphia’s only colonial, role-based walking tour
Philadelphia Tours
Follow in the footsteps of the roles that shaped a revolution, the printers, artisans, clergy, merchants, lawyers, and others who debated early Colonial America.
Decide for yourself: Patriot or Loyalist?
AS SEEN ON
The Join, or Die! Experience
Historic Neighborhood Access
Start in Society Hill’s oldest tavern, walk cobblestone streets, and experience colonial homes still preserved and lived in today.
Story-Driven Delivery
Follow a guided narrative arc from 1754 to 1776, experiencing key milestones and moments that shaped Philadelphia’s path to independence.
Guided by a Local
Guided by a local who lives in the neighborhood, sharing present-day insights, hidden gems, and recommendations for exploring afterward.
“The Confidence of the French in this Undertaking seems well-grounded on the present disunited State of the British Colonies, and the extreme Difficulty of bringing so many different Governments and Assemblies to agree in any speedy and effectual Measures for our common Defence and Security,”
-Benjamin Franklin, 1754 after hearing of George Washington’s defeat in the Ohio Valley
Tour starting point
Who will you be?
Attorney
❧
Merchant
❦
Artisan
✤
Clergy
✶
Writer
❖
Printer
✵
Physician
☙
Socialite
✻
Diplomat
✺
Financier
✣
Judge
❦
Attorney ❧ Merchant ❦ Artisan ✤ Clergy ✶ Writer ❖ Printer ✵ Physician ☙ Socialite ✻ Diplomat ✺ Financier ✣ Judge ❦
Patriots
Colonists who opposed British rule believing independence would secure freedom, expand opportunity, and create a fairer society built on self-governance and shared rights.
Independents
Colonists who avoided choosing sides valued neutrality, prioritizing personal livelihoods and community ties over entanglement in the growing conflict between Britain and America.
Loyalists
Colonists who stayed loyal to Britain believing allegiance to the Crown provided stability, prosperity, and protection, even as revolutionary tensions slowly grew.
Explore our current tours
Public Tour
Guided, public tour through Society Hill and Independence National Park
Private Tour
Guided, private tour through Society Hill and Independence National Park
Discover Society Hill, Philadelphia’s most charming neighborhood, where colonial homes and cobblestone streets share the city’s timeless story.
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Your ticket comes with a 75-minute immersive adventure through Society Hill, Old City, and Independence National Park. It is the only Philly tour that blends all three, giving you exclusive access through one of the oldest neighborhoods in America.
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The tour duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes. There are 12 stops that cover ~1.25 miles.
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The tour begins beside Philadelphia’s oldest tavern, Man Full of Trouble (yes, you can grab an ale), in Society Hill and wraps up in Independence Square in Old City.
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Yes, children are welcome and usually have a blast. Keep in mind the walk includes cobblestone paths and street crossings, so everyone should be able to walk comfortably on their own.
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Advance booking is strongly recommended, as space is limited. Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour will receive a full refund. In the event of inclement weather causing cancelation, a full refund will be delivered.
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Only twice! From 1764 to 1776 Benjamin Franklin spent most of his time lobbying and politicking in London, so you might meet some new influential colonists for the American revolution movement.
Join or Die! is led by a neighborhood guide who lives in Philadelphia, blending local insight with colonial stories. Our interactive, kid-friendly walk invites you to step into the shoes of printers, artisans, merchants, doctors, attorneys, socialites, and officials. Compare how their choices shaped the city with what you see today, discovering what changed and what endured 250 years in the making.
About us
Let's Keep in Touch
Interested in press, partnerships, or business inquiries? Reach out here to connect directly with our team. We’d be glad to share more about Join, or Die! and explore opportunities to work together.
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