Philadelphia Historical Sites—A Walking Tour – Roaming Historian

When I have only a few days in a city, I look to make the most of my sightseeing in a short stint. Getting around to sites that are spread out around a city can eat up precious time in a place. In this walking tour of Philadelphia historical sites, I will take you to some of the city’s finest historic spots while keeping you mainly on only three streets: Market St., 2^nd Street, and Arch Street. Along the way, I’ll point out a few great places for food (one requires a slight detour).

Market St.

This part of the walking tour of Philadelphia historical sites, starts at the corner of Market St. and 7^th street with Declaration House. As you walk down Market St, you will pass the Philadelphia sites below in order.

Declaration House—the house where Thomas Jefferson stayed when drafting the Declaration of Independence.

President’s House Site—this is the site of the house where Presidents Washington and Adams lived. Videos and placards examine the paradox between slavery and freedom in the early Republic.

Liberty Bell Center—see the bell that topped Independence Hall in 1776 when it rang out to gather Philadelphians to hear the proclamation that we were declaring our independence from Great Britain.

Independence National Historical Park—you will need to veer off Market St. down 6^th St. for a block. Most of the year you will need tickets in advance to visit this fabulous park (link below). The complex includes Independence Hall tour, Congress Hall, West Wing, Old City Hall, and the American Philosophical Society. Before you enter security for Independence Hall, check out Old City Hall (where Supreme Court met in the early days).

In the block next to the Independence Hall complex, take a peek at the Signer’s Garden, the 18^th century garden, the Merchant Exchange Building, the Bishop White House, Carpenter’s Hall, New Hall Military Museum, and the Second Bank of the U.S., if they’re open. Then enter the Benjamin Franklin complex off of Chestnut Street making your way through it back to Market St.

Franklin Court—this complex holds the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Franklin Court Courtyard, Fragments of Franklin Court exhibit, Franklin Court Printing Office, and the B. Free Franklin Post Office. Wander down a cobbled covered walkway between the post office and the printing office to get back to Market St where you will turn right.

Sonny’s Famous Steaks—for a tasty Philadelphia cheesesteak stop by this…