Philadelphia – U.S. Independence in the Old City
The historic center of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Old City, was at the end of the 18th century the governmental hub of the newly birthed federation. The independence of the United States was declared in the Old City of Philadelphia, and since then, this area is considered one of the most attractive for American patriots. The Old City has a large number of attractions related to American history, leading with the famous Liberty Bell.
How much time do you need for a tour in the Old City of Philadelphia?
A tour in the Old City of Philadelphia requires at least half a day.
6 Things You Must See and Do in Philadelphia's Old City
- Ring (pretend to!!!) the Liberty Bell
- See where the Declaration of Independence was announced at Independence Hall
- Step back into 18th-century Philadelphia at Elfreth's Alley
- Learn about the role of the Jewish community in American identity at the National Museum of American Jewish History
- Discover historical items from the revolution at the Museum of the American Revolution
- Get to know a World War I destroyer at the Seaport Museum
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What is Philadelphia's Old City?
- The historical downtown of Philadelphia once covered the area that served as the first U.S. capital
- In the Old City area, the declaration of independence of the USA was made, and the administrative center of the young nation took place in what is now the historic Independence Park.
- Philadelphia's Old City is now largely a historical and museum site, with many fascinating landmarks around the historic Independence Park, including the iconic Liberty Bell.
- To the east, there are still houses remaining from the late 17th century, and in the streets (especially along the central Market Street), you can feel the old city vibe.
- The highlight of the Old City is Elfreth's Alley, which has become one of the most beautiful places to visit in the rather gray city.
- The massive Benjamin Franklin Bridge crosses the river from Camden in New Jersey and connects to the I-95 highway.
Map of Philadelphia's Old City
Everything to See and Do in Philadelphia's Old City
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is located in the western part of Philadelphia's Old City, the historical core of the city. The park stands on the historic grounds of Independence Mall. The avenue and the park were part of late 18th century Philadelphia. At that time, the streets east of the park toward the Delaware River were home to the residents of what was then the largest city in the U.S. West of the residential quarter, the park was the seat of the Confederation's governance at that time.
Entrance to the park and its historical sites is through the Independence Visitor Center. Independence Park houses some of the most important historical sites in the U.S., including Independence Hall, the President's House Site, and of course, the city's symbol – the Liberty Bell.
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In the northern part of the park is the Historical Museum of the American Constitution. Also in the park is Benjamin Franklin's Grave, located near the historic Christ Church Burial Ground.
In the central part of the park, near the 5th St. Independence Hall Station metro stop, there are two small museums – the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia and the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center.
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The historical park is one of the most visited places in the USA. It's packed with school groups from all over the country as part of their educational requirements.
Visitor center address: 599 Market St., Philadelphia
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Liberty Bell
The little historic bell has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Philadelphia and the entire United States. This is the bell that rang on the morning of July 4, 1776, to call the residents of Philadelphia to come and hear about the American Declaration of Independence. Engraved on the bell are the words: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants,” a translation of a verse from the Book of Leviticus.
About a year after the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia was occupied by the British, but before that, the bell was hidden in a church in Allentown. Only after two years was it returned to the liberated city, and since then, it has become one of the most important symbols of the American Revolution.
Ringing the bell became a tradition during significant events in the USA. After it was rung for several hours in honor of George Washington's birthday, the iconic crack appeared, and since then it was retired. Even after it was no longer in use, the bell's aura was preserved, and it became an important patriotic display item as part of the historical story of the American Revolution.
You can see the bell at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park. The bell is probably the most sought-after attraction in all of Philadelphia, overlooking the neighboring Independence Hall.
Independence Hall
The southern part of the Independence National Historical Park is crowned by the impressive Victorian building of Independence Hall. The building sits on the historic cobblestone Chesnut Street and features an imposing bronze statue of George Washington at its entrance. This is the building where assemblies concerning the drafting of the American Declaration of Independence and the formation of the Confederation of 13 founding colonies were held. It's the place where, on July 4, 1776, the United States declared its independence from British rule.
The building itself was constructed in 1753 by the British and was named the State House. Until the declaration of independence, the building served as the seat of the British governor of the state of Pennsylvania. The building is depicted on the back of Benjamin Franklin on the hundred-dollar bill. The hallmark of the hall is the elegant bell tower sitting atop the red brick house.
Address: Chestnut St. 520, Philadelphia
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The National Constitution Center
The large museum institution is located in the northern part of Independence Park and serves as a place for learning and research of all the park's sites. The museum opened in 2003 and offers a wide variety of exhibits and displays (mainly educational) related to the independence of the USA and Philadelphia's historical role. A large part of the museum is dedicated to research, including a large library and archives.
Address: Arch St. 525, Philadelphia
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The United States Mint
The U.S. Mint is located a block east of the National Constitution Center. It's the largest mint in the USA, where a significant portion of American currency coins are produced. The mint operates under the U.S. Treasury Department and was established in 1792 after a congressional act allowed its operation.
Address: N Independence Mall E, 151, Philadelphia
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
If you're in the mood to connect with the roots and see how Jews integrated into the American Revolution, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the place to visit. The museum is located in the eastern part of the historic Independence Park, on the main Market Street. The museum documents members of the Jewish community who played a role in America's Independence and the Civil War.
Most of the museum is dedicated to the Jewish community members and their integration into America, including in-depth views and items belonging to prominent community figures. Around six million Jews live in the US, and there are many famous people from the community in almost all fields.
Address: S Independence Mall E #2517, 101, Philadelphia
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Benjamin Franklin Museum
Benjamin Franklin was one of the prominent American figures and one of the founding fathers. His image is immortalized on the hundred-dollar bill, and he is one of the key figures associated with the city of Philadelphia. Franklin was born in Boston in 1706 but already at the age of 17, he left his family on his own and moved to Philadelphia.
In Philadelphia, Franklin thrived as a successful writer, scientist, and later a politician, eventually becoming the governor of the state. He played a significant role in the preparations for the Declaration of Independence and is still regarded as one of the nation's beloved figures and a key influence in Philadelphia's rise during the turbulent period of the rebellion against the British. The small museum offers an overview of Franklin's life and accomplishments.
Address: 317 Chestnut St., Philadelphia
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Museum of the American Revolution
A new museum that's a powerful addition to all the historic knowledge flowing through Old City Philadelphia. The museum opened in 2000, featuring a large collection of items all related to the tumultuous era of the Atlantic Coast at the end of the 18th century. In the museum, many exhibits are related to the revolt against the British, including original items from Boston, where the revolution began, as well as those linked to Philadelphia. It's considered more interesting than the heavy museum in Independence Park, and a bit more kid-friendly, assuming they're interested in American independence (probably not).
Address: S 3rd St. 101, Philadelphia
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Elfreth's Alley
Elfreth's Alley is a stunning architectural gem that the city has only recently realized the value of, leading to a comprehensive renovation. Today, the alley is a popular tourist site and an essential part of visiting Philadelphia's Old City. The alley consists of 32 houses of the historic city, with the earliest ones built in 1703. The ancient houses in the narrow alley offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of Philadelphia 300 years ago. You can learn a lot about the alley's houses at the Elfreth's Alley Museum located at numbers 124-126.
Independence Seaport Museum
The Seaport Museum, or Philadelphia's maritime museum, is an intriguing site where you can learn and see the maritime history of the USA. The museum is located on the banks of the Delaware River, close to the I-95 highway. Access to the port and museum is through two memorial parks, the Beirut Memorial, and the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the south, which are built along the highway path.
The museum mainly focuses on maritime trade and the factories that were built along the Delaware River. On display are several interesting items, notably the USS Olympia destroyer that served in World War I. Besides the destroyer, the museum is filled with fascinating exhibits related to American history and the evolution of seamanship.
Address: S Christopher Columbus Blvd. 211, Philadelphia
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