Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the tour?
Your ticket comes with a 90-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.
How long does the walking tour last?
The tour duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes with a 15 minute photo stop halfway totaling 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are 12 stops that cover ~1.25 miles.
Where does the tour stop and end?
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.
Is the walking tour kid-friendly and or mobile accessible?
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.
Parts of Society Hill and Old City include cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, and some small inclines. We do our best to choose routes that are as accessible as possible. If you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please contact us in advance so we can talk through the route and see if we can adjust this Philadelphia historic walking tour to meet your needs.
Do I need to book in advance and what’s the cancellation policy?
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.
What part of history does this tour cover?
Our tour focuses on the crucial years between roughly 1750 and 1780, when Philadelphia shifted from a colonial port city under British rule to the political heart of a new nation. We spend most of our time in the years leading up to the American Revolution, from the French and Indian War through the Declaration of Independence and its immediate aftermath.
What neighborhoods and sites do you visit?
We walk through Society Hill and Old City, two of the most historic neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Along the way, we stop at twelve key locations, including:
Man Full of Trouble Tavern
Head House Market and Shambles
St. Peter’s Church and graveyard
Hill-Physick House
Penn and Chew House
Thomas Paine marker
City Tavern
Benjamin Rush Garden
Carpenters’ Hall
Robert Morris statue, First and Second Bank area
Library Street
Independence Square
What major milestones in American history does the tour highlight?
The growth of colonial Philadelphia as a diverse port city
Rising tensions with Britain around taxes and trade
Organizing at markets, taverns, churches, and homes that fed into protest movements
The Continental Congresses at Carpenters’ Hall and Independence Hall
The writing and spread of revolutionary ideas, including pamphlets like Common Sense
The financial and political experiments that followed independence, including early banking and public finance along Chestnut Street
What makes this tour unique?
This route is designed as a guided Society Hill walking tour that naturally flows into Old City, so you get both neighborhoods in one experience. We start in the cobblestone streets and historic rowhouses of Society Hill, then move toward the markets, churches, taverns, and banks that made Old City Philadelphia the political and financial center of the Revolution. If you are searching for “Society Hill walking tours” or “Old City Philadelphia tours,” this experience covers the most scenic blocks, hidden alleys, and landmark sites in a single loop.
Do you offer an America 250 themed walking tour in Philadelphia?
Our tour is built with America 250 in mind. We focus on the years leading up to 1776 and walk through the very streets where the ideas of independence were debated, printed, and put into action. This makes it a strong option if you are planning a visit around America 250 celebrations in Philadelphia and want a walking tour that connects Society Hill, Old City, and the story of the Declaration of Independence. As America marks the 250th anniversary, this tour offers an on-the-ground way to experience that history through real places, not just museum exhibits.
Can your Society Hill and Old City tour be part of my America 250 trip or group event?
Yes, this tour fits perfectly into an America 250 itinerary for visitors, families, and groups. Because we focus on Society Hill and Old City, guests see key Revolutionary-era sites while also enjoying one of Philadelphia’s most picturesque residential neighborhoods. The walk pairs well with visits to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, or other America 250 events nearby, and can be scheduled before or after museum time, meals, or classroom activities. If you are planning a Philadelphia America 250 trip and searching for a “historic walking tour of Society Hill and Old City,” this experience is designed to plug in smoothly.
Do you offer private or small group Society Hill and Old City tours?
Yes, private tours are available for families, friend groups, school trips, and corporate outings. A private Society Hill and Old City walking tour lets you choose the pace, ask more questions, and tailor the experience to your interests, whether that is the lead up to 1776, architecture, religion, or early finance. We also tailor the experience for Wedding Parties, usually as a pre-rehearsal dinner activity for friends and family.