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Philadelphia: Sights and Places of Interest |
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Rita
has put together some suggested itineraries for you. |
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1 Day
Tour |
Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour:
Start your tour early at 9am. We
suggest you park your car in a lot off Market Street between 2nd & 6th.
This walking tour will take you in a semi circle - you will end up near Arch &
2nd. The walking tour will stay in a five square block area in which you
can see at least 10 major historical sites. Each will take some time to
visit and depending on the crowds you may end up short on time, so I will
note the ""must see" sites just in case. I suggest that you do not take
too much time in each exhibit because you will miss some very interesting
things if you do. You must begin your tour at Independence Hall
because you must take a guided tour due to high security. The guided tour
tickets are free - but you must have one, so make sure you start out here
early and get your tickets. Your may end up with tickets for 4pm in the
afternoon, so you have to plan your tour accordingly. All the sites on
this tour are free to the public. (Click on the yellow highlighted sites
below to receive detailed information about tickets, location, hours,
etc.) Begin the tour at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets where you will get your tickets for Independence Hall (one person may get up to 6 tickets). Get a walking tour map located in the "Historic Philadelphia Gazette" free newspaper to make this easier or Click Here to print a map of this walking tour. Assuming you get an early ticket, you can either go right to Independence Hall (must see!) where the Declaration of Independence was signed at Chestnut between 5th & 6th (allow 20-30 minutes before your tour to go through security). Tours begin in the courtyard alongside Old City Hall, home of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800. Just in front of it is Philosophical Hall, home of the country's oldest learned society. Independence Hall is flanked on the other side by Congress Hall, which holds the restored chambers of the first U.S. Congress. You can stop at the Liberty Bell Center(must see!) on 6th between Market & Chestnut to view the Liberty Bell either before or after Independence Hall - depending on time. There may be a long line to get in the Liberty Bell Center through security and you will need 20-30 minutes to view the exhibit. After you have seen both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, go east on Chestnut Street. Just before 4th Street the Parthenon look-alike, the Second Bank of the United States, with its portrait gallery of Colonial Americans, its entrance is on Chestnut Street. Crossing 4th Street, follow a redbrick path to the Carpenters' Court; Carpenters' Hall (must see!) is on your right and ask the volunteer guide to show you around. Your next stop should be Franklin Court (must see!) - just past the National Liberty Museum, turn right through the gates and walk down the cobblestone path. Head into the underground museum that celebrates the achievements of Benjamin Franklin, rest your feet while you watch the short film about Ben. Go back out toward Market Street and visit the Colonial-era Print Shop (must see!) and Post Office (must see!) at 316 Market Street - we love these two places! Travel east on Market Street to 2nd Street, go north (left) on 2nd to Church Street, make a right to Christ Church (there is a great coffee shop on Church Street if you're in need of some caffeine). Ask the folks at the Christ Church gift shop if they can give you a tour of this magnificent building. Exit at 2nd Street and go north (left) on 2nd past Arch Street to Elfreth's Alley (must see!) on your right. Back on 2nd continue one more block north to the Fireman's Museum. Turn back south on 2nd to Arch Street and go west (right) to Arch Street Meeting House. Directly across the street you can visit Betsy Ross House (must see!). Just ahead one block west is the Christ Church Burial Ground, final resting place for Ben Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of Independence. If you have the energy to walk about six blocks, your last stop is the City Tavern at 138 2nd Street at Walnut, also called the Merchants' Coffee House, After your tour is finished, stop at the pub where the authors of the Continental Congress and Declaration of Independence discussed the birth of our nation. You can have a cocktail and a bite to eat as you reflect on your historical day. End of tour. |
| 2 Day Tour |
The Philadelphia Mint.
Constitution Center
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Independence Hall |
Independence National Historical
Park, located in downtown (called "Center City"), Philadelphia, is
often referred to as the birthplace of our nation. At the park, visitors
can see the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom, and
Independence Hall, a World Heritage Site where both the Declaration of
Independence and the U.S. Constitution were created. In addition, the park
interprets events and the lives of the diverse population during the years
when Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800.
A section of the park where Benjamin Franklin's home once stood is
dedicated to teaching about Franklin's life and accomplishments. Spanning
approximately 45 acres, the park has about 20 buildings open to the
public. Guided Tours: Guided tour is required to view Independence Hall. Tours are conducted by professional, approved guides. Free tickets may be picked up on the day of the tour from 8:30am to 4pm at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets. Tickets are limited, get there early. Ticket Reservations - Tickets may be reserved up to one year in advance through the National Park Reservation system. You may call 800 967 2283 from 10 am to 10 pm Eastern Time each day or you can use the website at http://reservations.nps.gov. While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the reservation fee is $1.50 per ticket. The Golden Eagle or National Park Passports do not cover these handling fees. Teachers and tour guides may reserve up to 80 tickets per day on each call, and families may reserve up to six tickets per call. Address: Chestnut St. between 5th and 6th Streets Tel: 1 800 537 7676. Hours: Tours are offered everyday from 9am to 4pm. Admission: Free with ticket from the Visitor Center Website: http://www.nps.gov/inde/ |
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Liberty Bell Center |
The Liberty Bell is housed in a
brand-new million glass pavilion, angled so you can see it against the
backdrop of Independence Hall. There is high security to enter the
building and it can take up to an hour during peak season. The tour of
the facility should not take more that 30 minutes. You can no longer
touch the bell, but you can still photograph it.
The pavilion is You can see
the bell at all times. Address: 6th Street between Chestnut & Market Streets Hours: Open Daily 9am-8pm in summer, and Daily 9am-5pm during the rest of the year. Tel: (215) 597 8974 Admission: Free Website: |
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Carpenter's Hall "MUST SEE" |
Carpenter's Hall,
the home of The First Continental Congress is one our favorite stops. This
unpretentious hall is where the foundations to our country began - with
quiet rebels, hiding from the British authorities, scheming independence
behind closed doors. There are usually volunteer guides that can tell you
some interesting fact about the hall - just ask! Address: 320 Chestnut Street Tel: (215) 925 0167 Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday 10am-4pm. Closed Monday. Admission: Free Website: http://www.ushistory.org/carpentershall/ |
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Franklin Court "MUST SEE" |
Franklin Court,
a museum built on the spot of Benjamin Franklin’s first permanent home
in Philadelphia, is a marvelous tribute to the city’s most beloved
inventor/pioneer. In addition to the museum itself, there is a skeleton
of his old home, which is displayed in the courtyard adjacent to the
original. Also nearby, there is a large park area that contains stones
engraved with some of Franklin’s quotes pertaining to his house, which
are quite witty even today. Mixed in with the stones are viewing
windows, allowing you to peer underground into early wall foundations
and cornerstones. Inside the museum, the visitor is treated to displays
celebrating the many, many inventions credited to Franklin, which are
presented interactively. There is an extensive sound system which allows
guests to listen to quotes from Franklin himself as well as what his
peers thought about him. Don’t miss the twenty-minute video showcasing
his life’s work as well; it’s much more interesting than it sounds. Address: 314-322 Market Streets Tel: Hours: Open Daily 10am-5pm. Admission: Free. Website: |
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Ben Franklin Post Office
& Museum "MUST SEE" |
Benjamin Franklin Post Office and Museum. Before you
go to the post office, buy a postcard and send it to yourself (they don't
sell picture postcards there). Kids can mail a postcard to their teacher
or their school for fun. It is the only post office in the USA that does
not require a flag on the postmark - and is marked instead with Ben
Franklin's signature. However, he signed "B. Free Franklin" instead of his
real name - what a patriotic guy! Address: 316 Market Street Tel: Hours: Open Daily 10am-5pm. Admission: Free. Website: |
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Print Shop "MUST SEE" |
The Print Shop is another
great stop for both adults and kids. This shop has a working Ben
Franklin press and employees actually print the Declaration of
Independence and Poor Richard's Almanac from it. It is fascinating to
learn about the ink, inking of the press and the press itself. And you
can buy the printed pages for a souvenir. Address: 316 Market Street Tel: Hours: Open Daily 10am-5pm. Admission: Free. Website: |
| Christ Church |
Christ Church
was established on 15 November, 1695, and for 66 years was the only Church
of England parish in the city of Philadelphia. The present building was
started in 1727 and completed in 1744. The tower and steeple, financed in
part by lotteries managed by Benjamin Franklin was completed in 1754. The
building is an outstanding example of colonial architecture in the
Georgian spirit. Christ Church was intimately associated with the men and
events that brought forth our nation, and because of this it is often
called 'The Nation's Church'. In this sanctuary worshipped such persons as
John Penn, George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris,
Francis Hopkinson, Dr Thomas Bond and Tench Coxe. Ask the folks at the
Gift Shop if they can show you around, otherwise you can visit on your
own. Address: 2nd Street above Market Tel: (215) 922 1695 Hours: Monday through Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm. Admission: Free Website: http://www.christchurchphila.org |
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Elfreth's Alley "MUST SEE"
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Elfreth's Alley is like no other place in America.
Tucked among hip art galleries, funky coffeehouses and fashionable
restaurants, many of the Alley's 33 houses were built prior to our
nation's birth. In that 300-plus-year, the Alley has been the home to
thousands - from Franklin's colleagues to families of four, from
immigrants to esquires - reflecting the diversity of Philadelphia
itself. Located in the heart of Philadelphia's history-rich Old City
neighborhood, Elfreth's Alley is a National Historic Landmark and the
nation's oldest residential street. Each year the Alley welcomes
thousands of visitors to stroll along the cobblestones and experience
the 18th century homes - still private residences today - and to
encourage their support of this American treasure. Address: 124-126 Elfreth's Alley Tel: (215) 574 0560 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm. Admission: Free Website: http://www.elfrethsalley.org/ |
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Fireman's Hall
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Fireman's Hall is a restored firehouse with a
magnificent collection of hand-drawn, horse drawn, steam-powered and
motorized equipment. Address: 147 North 2nd Street Tel: (215) 923 1438 Hours: Open 9am to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Admission: Free Website: |
| Friends Meeting House |
The Arch Street Meeting House stands as an
enduring symbol of the people who created Pennsylvania as a "Holy
Experiment." It was built to house the men's and women's Yearly
Meetings, which were the business sessions of the Religious Society of
Friends for Philadelphia and Environs, and remains as one of the oldest
active houses of worship in the City. The Society of Friends, called
Quakers by their critics, grew out of the teachings of George Fox in
England, in the seventeenth century. William Penn, a disciple of Fox,
founded Philadelphia as a haven for his persecuted co-religionists. His
"Holy Experiment" was to build a society according to Quaker ideals: the
absolute right of conscience, the equality of man, and nonviolence. Address: 4th & Arch Streets Tel: (215) 627 2631 Hours: Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm. Closed Sunday. Admission: Free Website: For more information visit http://www.archstreetfriends.org |
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Betsy Ross House "MUST SEE" |
Betsy Ross House, a 1740 Philadelphia row house at
239 Arch Street, is Philadelphia's third most visited historic attraction,
with nearly 300,000 visitors annually. The house is restored to the year
1777, when she is said to have created the first American flag. The Betsy
Ross House commemorates both the legendary event and the historical Betsy
Ross. In addition, the House is an important urban example of an artisan's
dwelling, a place to lie and work, in 18th century Philadelphia. During
your visit, take a self-guided tour, meet Betsy Ross herself, and enjoy
free spinning demonstrations (call ahead for times). Open
Everyday 10:00am-5:00pm. Address: Tel: (215) 686 1252. Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Closed Monday. Admission: Free Website: |
| Christ Church Burial Ground |
Christ Church Burial Ground, final
resting place for Ben Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of
Independence. Across 5th Street is the Free Quaker Meeting House, built
for Friends who had been disowned by their pacifist meetings for
participating in the Revolutionary War Address: Tel: Hours: Admission: Free Website: . |
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City Tavern
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City Tavern, also called the
Merchants' Coffee House, was the political, social, and business center of
the new United States. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and Paul Revere all ate
here. The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution both owe much
to the food and spirits consumed in this building. When the British
occupied Philadelphia, they and their Tory sympathizers partied here. In
1789, George Washington celebrated here with 250 Philadelphia bluebloods
prior to his inaugural in New York City. In 1774, Paul Revere, exhausted
after a long ride (not the British Are Coming! long ride, however),
brought the news here that Boston Harbor had been closed. John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson often met here to enjoy "a feast of reason and a flow of
soul." The dining room was a favorite haunt of Benjamin Franklin. Today you can visit the Tavern for a cocktail or enjoy a diner at the restaurant. Address: 138 South 2nd Street at Walnut Street Tel: (215) 413 1443 Hours: Daily 11:30am to 9pm Admission: Free Website: http://www.citytavern.com |
| Philadelphia Mint |
The Philadelphia Mint. Tours of students and youth groups
(grades kindergarten through 12), and organized military and veteran
groups may be arranged through the Office of Exhibits and Public
Services at the Philadelphia Mint at Tours for
groups of six or fewer citizens at a time may be arranged through
Congressional sponsorship. Contact information can be found for your
Senator at
http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm or for your
Representative at
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.htm. Please note that
two weeks advance notice is required for scheduling and security
purposes. |
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you have any questions, comments or if you have any full or half day
trips you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with
the world! Send all the details to Leah, your Travel Guide, at info@destinationcoupons.com |
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