Must See in Philly

The mansion which once stood on this site served as an office and residence for Presidents George Washington and John Adams. Today, it commemorates the presidents as well as the enslaved Africans who lived and toiled here. 

As America’s iconic symbol of freedom, the Liberty Bell Center is located between Independence Hall and the Independence Visitor Center. The Liberty Bell Center includes the Liberty Bell, exhibits, and a short film. 

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were written, debated, and signed here. Guided tours begin in the East Wing building.  Tour tickets must be obtained at the Independence Visitor Center.  

The Great Essentials exhibit features surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States.  Also on display is the silver inkstand used to sign the documents.

This was the Capitol of the United States for ten years. The House of Representatives met on the first floor and the Senate on the second floor.  George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated in this building.  

The Supreme Court met in the first floor courtroom during the ten years that Philadelphia was the national capital. During the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic, volunteers met with the mayor here daily to combat the disease.  

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence from his rented rooms on the second floor of this recreated home in June 1776.

Built in 2003, this is the first-ever national museum to explain and document the Constitution of the United States. It includes interactive exhibits and a theater with live performances.

This beautiful Greek revival building holds the “People of Independence” exhibit.  Original life paintings by Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, and Charles Willson Peale bring the nation’s founders to life.

The First Continental Congress met here in 1774 to petition the British crown for their rights as Englishmen.  The hall also is a showcase for 18th century building techniques.

Called the most genteel tavern in America by John Adams, this fine dining restaurant serves colonial favorites such as West Indies Pepperpot soup and turkey pot pie in an 18th century atmosphere.

Benjamin Franklin lived here while serving in the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Although his house is long gone, a new state-of-the-art museum under the remaining foundations of the house explores his genius and accomplishments. Along Market Street, there is a working 18th century style printing office, an archeology exhibit, and a post office. (The Museum is currently under construction and will reopen in the summer of 2013)

This well-preserved house was the home and workplace of flag maker Betsy Ross. The house has been restored to reflect her life. She is buried in the garden courtyard.

This church is known as “The Nation's Church” because of the famous Revolutionary-era leaders who worshiped here. George Washington and Betsy Ross sat in the church’s pews, and Benjamin Franklin’s grave is in its burial ground, located just a few blocks from the church.

Known as the oldest continually inhabited street in the country, Elfreth’s Alley includes several homes that are open to the public. The oldest home was built in 1702.

Originally called Northeast Square, Franklin Square was renamed after Benjamin Franklin in 1825. This kid-friendly square, located near the historic district, includes a carousel, miniature golf course, playground, and park.