During your Philadelphia tour you will see some of the city’s most incredible landmarks including wondrous buildings and structures, iconic places and Philadelphia’s renowned cultural arts scene.
The Liberty Bell
An iconic symbol of American Independence, the Liberty Bell was cast from the London firm of Lester and Pack in 1752, known today as the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Upon arrival the Liberty Bell was placed in the Steeple of the Pennsylvania State House and tradition tells of a chime that changed the world on July 8, 1776. On this day the Liberty Bell rang out from the State House, summoning the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. No longer in use, the Liberty Bell now resides in the Liberty Bell Center and is visited by thousands each year.
The Crack on the Liberty Bell
It isn’t quite clear when the Liberty Bell was cracked upon repair. While some sources claim its notorious crack was made during the visit of the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, other legends claim the crack formed during the funeral of Chief Justice John Marshall in 1835.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park known as the building where George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, where the design of the American flag was agreed upon in 1777 and where the Constitution was drafted in 1787.
Betsy Ross House
The well-known story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars and Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America’s rich history. Situated just several blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is the Betsy Ross House where Betsy Ross allegedly lived when she made the first American flag. While the house has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Philadelphia, the claim Ross lived and designed the first American flag in the house has been a matter of dispute.
The Mint
While the U.S. capital moved from Philadelphia to Washington DC in 1800, the manufacture of coins and medals has stayed mainly in Philadelphia over the past two centuries. Providing a wide array of coins and manufacturing services, your tour guide will provide you with interesting information about the history of the nation’s currency, Philadelphia’s past mints and information about Philadelphia current Mint as you pass by Philadelphia’s United States Mint.
The Federal Reserve
As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. Philadelphia’s Federal Reserve Building is one of the 12 regional reserve banks and along with the Board of Governors in Washington DC, makes up part of the nation’s central bank.
The Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center
Founded by Yaakov Riz, a Holocaust survivor who lost 83 members of his family in Hitler’s death camps, the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center is the only standalone Holocaust Museum in the Greater Philadelphia area, a population of nearly six million people.
Logan Circle
Logan Circle, often called Logan Square is an open-space park in Center City Philadelphia’s northwest quadrant and one of the five original planned squares laid out on the city grid. As you make your way around Logan Circle delight in Swan Memorial Fountain located at the center of the circle and the surrounding architectural works. Notable buildings in Logan Circle include the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, Moore College of Art and Design and the Roman Catholic Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Penn's Landing
Penn’s Landing encompasses the spot where William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia first touched ground in his “greene country town.” While Penn’s Landing quickly became Philadelphia’s maritime and the dominant commercial district, starting in 1967, Philadelphia began to redevelop the rundown area turning it into the riverside park. As you make your way through Penn’s Landing catch a glimpse of the wondrous walkways, the amphitheatre where people gather for celebrations and the World Sculpture Garden.
The Rocky Steps
The steps that lead to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are known worldwide as the “Rocky Steps” as a result of their appearance in the triple-Oscar-winning film Rocky and four of its sequels. As you make your way past the “Rocky Steps” you may even notice a tourist mimicking Rocky’s famous climb.
National Constitution Center
Your Guided Tour of Philadelphia will come to an end at the National Constitution Center. Step off your tour bus for free time in Philadelphia. Whether you want to explore the 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center and learn about the Constitution through the center’s high-tech exhibits, artifacts and interactive displays, or head back to the Liberty Bell Center for a closer look at the old Liberty Bell is all up to you.
Eateries can be found in both the National Constitution Center and the nearby Bourse Building. Enjoy salads, soups, sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks in the National Constitution’s Delegate’s Café, or head to Bourse Building’s food court and choose from a wide selection of international cuisine.