FREE. – Located next door to Independence Hall might be Philly’s most famous item: the Liberty Bell. While it once hung in the bell tower of Independence Hall, it now has a place of honor inside its own building. Stepping inside to see this iconic bell is completely free for anyone.
FREE. – Another of the fantastic historical buildings in downtown Philly, Congress Hall was where the House of Representatives and the Senate met from 1790-1800. Site of the inauguration of two Presidents, along with many other events that shaped the founding on the country, Congress Hall is a fantastic and free thing to do in Philadelphia.
FREE. – Not only is Independence Hall one of Philly’s most well-known buildings, but it’s completely free to visit! Tour the building and learn about the Founding Fathers who once roamed its halls and the Declaration of Independence which was agreed to in this very building.
FREE. – Carpenter’s Hall is one of Philadelphia’s most historic buildings. The site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, a Revolutionary War hospital, the 1st and 2nd banks of America, and Benjamin Franklin’s first library, Carpenter’s Hall has more history than most buildings twice its age.
90-Minute Tour
Using the museum’s inspiring art collection, compelling stories, and a variety of teaching and learning strategies, our Museum educators will guide your group on an exploration of the museum’s galleries, as we explore the big ideas that shape liberty.
Group size: Maximum 100 people (excluding chaperones); minimum 10* people
Rates: $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students
One adult for every 10 students is free.
Tour hours: 7 days a week, 10am-3:30pm
$2 Scouts, $5 Adults. Visitors can learn about the various roles Franklin filled during his lifetime, including his work as a printer, a scientist, a diplomat and a founder of civic institutions. Individual rooms in the museum reflect different aspects of Franklin’s personality and character traits, as he was known to be strategic, rebellious, curious and full of wonder.
FREE. – Franklin Court stands on the grounds where Benjamin Franklin’s Philadelphia home once stood. The excellent Benjamin Franklin Museum costs money to enter, but the courtyard is free. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find a metal frame that stands where Franklin’s house once stood. Several glass boxes allow you to peer down to the foundations of the old home. The printing office is also worth checking out. Park Service employees regularly operate the machinery and print out period manuscripts.
Free Franklin Post Office & Museum is the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark "B. Free Franklin" is still used to cancel stamps. The museum on the second floor features displays of postal history and memorabilia.
FREE. Opened in 1695, Christ Church was the first Anglican Church in America, and years later, was the birthplace of the US Episcopal Church. During the time that Philadelphia was our nation’s capital, Christ Church featured a who’s who of founding fathers in their membership and regular attendance. If you visit today, you can still see where George Washington sat during his time as president. Also make sure to find the baptismal fount, which was the same one used to baptize William Penn as a child in England.
Get free tickets to various historical buildings and see informational movies.
FREE. – As America’s oldest, continually-inhabited residential street, Elfreth’s Alley already has an amazing amount of history along its narrow cobblestone street. While the street itself might be short, the beauty of the houses and its history make it a great destination for any history lovers visiting Philly.
FREE. Located in a restored turn-of-the-century fire hall, the Fireman’s Hall Museum focuses on the rich history of firefighting in Philadelphia.