11 Philadelphia History Tours to Book First

1.Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,944 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29Our pick

Spend two hours walking Old City Philadelphia with guides such as Josh, Kyle, Vince, Joseph, and Ted, all trained in history. Hear lively stories about 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Washington, Hamilton, and the city’s first government while seeing major landmarks from the outside.

“My son and I did the tour with Josh who s a wonderful storyteller. He made it so fun and engaging that the two hours went by fast. He knows his stuff too and you can tell that he loves doing what he does. I highly recommend this tour and tour company to anyone. Great job!”

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2.Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,020 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Spend 90 minutes walking Philadelphia’s Old City with a former stand-up comedian and history teacher. Guides such as Seamus, Joseph, Amanda, and Ty connect Revolutionary-era landmarks with lively stories, from Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

“Joseph was a wealth of history knowledge and had great stories and added some fun in as well! Would definitely recommend him for a future tour.”

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3.2.5 Hour Philadelphia History Tour with Washington War Tent Show

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 924 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Walk through Philadelphia’s Revolutionary heart with a guide such as Tom, John, Maria, or PJ. You’ll see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell area, Elfreth’s Alley, Franklin’s grave, and the President’s House, then view George Washington’s war tent at the Museum of the American Revolution. Full museum admission comes at a discount afterward.

“Fun way to explore the city! The tour guide PJ was very knowledgeable and fun! If you're going to Philly, check it out!”

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4.Philadelphia: Revolution and The Founders History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 450 reviews · 2 hours · from $29

Join guides such as Wendy, Joseph, Vince, Josh, or Bill outside the Independence Visitor Center for a two-hour walk through Revolutionary Philadelphia. Expect stories about Franklin, Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and Paine, plus the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall, and Betsy Ross’s neighborhood.

“Had a great tour! Wendy was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information with us.”

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5.True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 416 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

Walk through Old City with a history teacher or college professor, visiting Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, Franklin’s grave, and more while hearing tales of H.H. Holmes and notorious Philadelphia crimes. The tour ends with a complimentary drink.

“Ted gave a really great tour. Very knowledgeable and interesting. He knew the answers to most questions and when he did not, he just said so. The tour ran well over 2 hours and I really felt we all got our money’s worth.”

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6.Philadelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 317 reviews · 2h 30m · from $45

Spend 150 minutes walking Philadelphia’s Old City with a local English-speaking guide such as Adam, Tom, Nina, or David. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Betsy Ross House, and Franklin’s grave, then watch a special Museum of the American Revolution presentation with discounted admission afterward.

“David was great and we learned a lot about Philadelphia and America’s history. Highly recommended.”

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7.Philadelphia: Grim, Dark, and Twisted History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 231 reviews · 2 hours · from $44

Walk through Philadelphia with Grim Philly Twilight Tours and hear the city’s darker stories, from pirates and vampires to brothels, polluted prisons, and mass burial grounds. University professor Joe Wojie created the tour, while guides such as Ted, Christa, Sarah, and Madame Toni bring the tales to life.

“Britnee was a great guide. She was such an entertaining storyteller with a great ability to rally and captivate a group of strangers. As a museum/interpreter myself, I really appreciated her tour. This was a fun way to not only explore more of Philadelphia, but to learn more about the city’s lesser known histories. I was traveling alone, and I appreciated that Britnee waited with me at the end of the tour until my ride picked me up. Great tour and an attentive, educated staff—definitely recommend the Grim Philly tour if you’re looking for a fun evening!”

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8.Philadelphia: Revolutionary Walk Through Historic Old City

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 208 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Start at the Betsy Ross House and follow an English-speaking guide through Old City Philadelphia. Guides such as Seamus, Jay, and Greg mix founding-era facts, Benjamin Franklin stories, humor, and lesser-known stops. Expect an outdoor walking tour, with admission to interiors not included.

“Tour was great! I could have spent another 2 hours listening to Greg talk about American history!”

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9.Philadelphia: Guided Walking Tour of Historic District!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 1h 30m · from $25Best value

Walk Philadelphia’s Historic District with Tom, a history teacher and owner-operator, on a 90-minute English tour covering 21 sites. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Franklin Court, Elfreth’s Alley, and more from the outside. The $25 price includes guiding, not admissions.

“Great tour. So lovely learning and exploring Philly. The guide was super knowledgeable and gave some amazing food recommendations. Would deffo recommend”

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10.Philadelphia: Valley Forge National Historical Park Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 39 reviews · 4h 30m · from $115

Ride from central Philadelphia to Valley Forge National Historical Park in a small group of up to 14. Your English-speaking guide sets the Revolutionary War context, then leads you to the visitor center, Washington’s Headquarters, soldiers’ huts, the chapel, General Wayne’s statue, and other key sites.

“Adam was so pleasant and knowledgeable. We learned so much. It was one of our most enjoyable experiences on our trip. Thanks Adam”

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11.True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 25 reviews · 2h 30m · from $44

Walk from the Independence Visitor Center through Betsy Ross’s neighborhood, Elfreth’s Alley, and Christ Church Cemetery while guides such as Ted and Joseph connect Philadelphia history with true-crime cases. Expect adult content, cemetery stories, and a rain-or-shine route led in English.

“Ted was awesome! Super knowledgeable and personable! Had a great time!”

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