Independence

National Historical Park

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M. Edlow for IVCC

"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal..."

Goods, ideas, and people intermingled in early Philadelphia. In this diverse city, a new republic was born. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall.  Nearby sits the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of liberty. 

Independence National Historical Park preserves and interprets Park resources significantly associated with the American Revolution and the founding and growth of the United States of America, to improve public understanding of the historic people, events, and ideas associated here and inspire individuals.

Historical Buildings & Sites
Sort:
American Philosophical Society

American Philosophical Society Museum

Benjamin Franklin Museum

Bishop White House Interior

Bishop White House

City Tavern exterior

City Tavern

Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Declaration House

Declaration House

Dolley Todd House Kitchen

The Dolley Todd House

Edgar Allen Poe House

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

First Bank

First Bank of the United States

Fragments of Franklin Court

Fragments of Franklin Court

Franklin Court

Franklin Court

Franklin Court Printing Office

Franklin Court Printing Office

Free Quaker Meeting House

Free Quaker Meeting House

Germantown White House

Germantown White House

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Great Essentials Exhibit

Great Essentials Exhibit

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Independence Visitor Center

Independence Visitor Center

The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

Merchant's Exchange

Merchants' Exchange Building

New Hall Interior

New Hall Military Museum

Old City Hall

Old City Hall

President's House Site

President's House Site

Second Bank of the United States

Second Bank Portrait Gallery

The Signer Statue

Signers Garden

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Washington Square

National Park Service Sites

Get Around

D. King for IVCC
M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

Explore the City of Brotherly Love with ease.

Philadelphia's centralized location (just 100 miles south of New York City and 133 miles north of Washington, D.C.) make it a convenient travel destination, and the city itself is one of the easiest for visitors to navigate—by car, foot, bus, or bike.

Before European colonization, the area was inhabited by the Lenape, whose village name referenced its easy navigability: Nitapèkunk (today's Fairmount Park area) translates as "Place that is easy to get to."

After deeming the area the "most convenient place upon the Delaware River for health and navigation," William Penn purchased the land from the Lenape, and founded the modern city with streets laid out in a grid to promote green urban living.

Getting to Philadelphia:

Philadelphia International Airport
From the Airport

Located just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport is easily accessible from Interstates 76, 95, and 476.

30th St. Station
By Train

30th Street Station is a major intercity rail transit hub. Located between Center City and West Philadelphia, it provides connections to Amtrak, NJ Transit Rail Service, and all SEPTA Regional Rail Lines.

Getting Around the City:

Septa
On Public Transit

SEPTA offers a vast selection of routes on many modes of public transit, including: buses, trolleys, subways, and regional railways. In 2018, SEPTA debuted a re-loadable plastic card for fares, the SEPTA Key, available for purchasing and reloading at the Independence Visitor Center. 

Locust Walk
On Foot

Voted the most walkable city in the nation, Philadelphia features tree-lined streets and neighborhoods that make exploring on foot the perfect way to see the City of Brotherly Love. Stop in for a map of the city and ask us any question you have about getting around.

Indego Bike Share
On Bike

Get around Philadelphia on two wheels is even easier with the city’s bike sharing program, Ride Indego, which has 1,000's of  bicycles available at 125 stations throughout the city, including one located right outside Independence Visitor Center at 5th and Market Streets.

Explore the City
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Center City Philadelphia

Center City

Chinatown

Chinatown

fairmount

Fairmount

Independence Mall

Independence Mall

Kelly Drive

Kelly Drive

Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing

Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

Pat's King of Steaks

South Philly

Locust Walk

University City

Philadelphia's Adjacent Counties
Sort:
Peddler's Village

Bucks County

Brandywine Valley

Chester County's Brandywine Valley

The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts

Delaware County

Valley Forge

Valley Forge & Montgomery County

Explore More
Top Questions:
What is the best way to get around Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Try our visitor-friendly downtown bus loop, the Philly PHLASH, or the city's bike sharing program, Ride Indego. Check out our Get Around page for more suggestions on how to make navigating Philly a breeze.

Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

Are strollers permitted on the PHLASH?

Collapsible strollers are permitted to board the PHLASH at the driver's discretion. Riders must collapse the stroller before boarding.

Do I need a car, or is public transportation/walking enough?

You do not need a car to explore Center City Philadelphia. The city is very walkable, and attractions like Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and the Liberty Bell are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, public transportation is a great option you can take SEPTAPHLASH BusIndego Bike Share or rideshare apps are always an option! See our getting around page.

How do I get from the airport/train station to the city?

From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), the SEPTA Airport Line runs every 30 minutes, stopping at 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. A rideshare or taxi takes about 20–30 minutes to Center City, with taxis offering a flat rate of $32.50. For a budget-friendly option, the PHL Trolley + Market-Frankford Line costs just $2.50. If arriving at 30th Street Station (Amtrak & SEPTA), the SEPTA Regional Rail provides quick connections to Suburban and Jefferson Stations, while the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) offers direct service to Old City. If you prefer to walk, it’s about 15–20 minutes to City Hall or Rittenhouse Square. Check out our getting around page.

Find

Things to Do

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M. Stanley for DWRC

Enjoy your time in Philadelphia

This summer Philadelphia welcomes visitors to explore the city's museums, attractions, cultural institutions, and historic sites.

Start at the Independence Visitor Center to make the most of your time by speaking with expert staff for trip-planning advice, information about attractions', discounts, parking, and more.

While you're there, make sure to ask for a FREE walking map of Philadelphia's Historic District!

Attractions:
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Amish country tour

A Day in Amish Country

Academy of Natural Sciences Dinosaur Hall

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

adventure aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

African American Museum in Philadelphia

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Arch Street Meeting House

Arch Street Meeting House

Women's Walking Tour

Badass Women's History Tour

Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation

Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial

Buy Online
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

Buy Online
Big Bus Tours

Big Bus Tours

Black Journey Walking Tour

Black Journey Walking Tour

Summerfest

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Bow Tie Tours

Bow Tie Tours

Carpenter's Hall

Carpenters' Hall

Cherry Street Pier

Cherry Street Pier

Buy Online
Christ Church Burial Ground

Christ Church Burial Ground

Buy Online!
city hall

City Hall Building Tour

Buy Online
Tower Tour

City Hall Tower Tour

Buy Online
Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

Buy Online
Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley Museum

Founding Footsteps Tours

Founding Footsteps Philly Phables Walking Tour

The Franklin Institute Wondrous Space

Franklin Institute

Buy Online
Franklin Square Fountain

Franklin Square

Gayborhood Tour

Gayborhood LGBTQ History Tour

Buy Online
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

Ghost Tour of Philadelphia

E-Tickets
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Go Philadelphia Pass

Great Plaza

Great Plaza at Penn's Landing

Buy Online
Hill-Physick House

Hill-Physick House

cafe

Independence Café

Buy Online
Visitors at Independence Seaport Museum

Independence Seaport Museum

Italian Market Tour

Italian Market Food Tour

Earthquake Tables

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens

Longwood Gardens Experience

Love Park

Love Park and Love Statue

Movies On The Mall

Movies on the Mall

Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

Buy Online
Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution

Mutter Museum

The Mütter Museum

Buy Online
National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

Buy Online
National Liberty Museum

National Liberty Museum

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches

paul robeson house

Paul Robeson House

Buy Online
Penn Museum

Penn Museum

Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing

Buy Online
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Philadelphia History, Highlights and Revolution

Philadelphia History, Highlights and Revolution

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Buy Online
Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

Philadelphia Zoo Lions

Philadelphia Zoo

Buy Online
phlash

Philly PHLASH

Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum

Free

Polish American Cultural Center

Buy Online
Powel House Interior

Powel House

Race Street Pier

Race Street Pier

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market

RiverLink Ferry

RiverLink Ferry

rocky tour

Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours

Free
Rocky Statue

The Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps

Rothman Ortho Roller rink at Dilworth Park

Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park

Free
Interior of Science History Institute Philadelphia

Science History Institute

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse

South Philly Art Tour

South Philadelphia Art Tour

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park

universal sphere comcast center

The Comcast Center Campus

magic tour

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk

walking tour

The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour

tree top quest

Treetop Quest Philly

Free
U.S. Mint

United States Mint

Valley Forge tour

Valley Forge: American Revolution

National Museum of American Jewish History

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Locations:
Philadelphia's Premier Theaters and Performances:
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1812 productions philly

1812 Productions

arden

Arden Theatre Company

EgoPo Theater

EgoPo Classic Theater

kimmel center

Ensemble Arts Philly

Fringe Arts

FringeArts

Hedgerow

Hedgerow Theatre Company

Inis Nua

Inis Nua Theatre Company

InterAct

InterAct Theatre Company

lantern Theater

Lantern Theater Company

penn live arts

Penn Live Arts

academy of music

Philadelphia Ballet

theater

Philadelphia Orchestra

Philadelphia theatre Co

Philadelphia Theatre Company

plays and players theater

Plays and Players Theatre

Quintessence Theatre

Quintessence Theatre

The Bearded Ladies Cabaret

The Bearded Ladies Cabaret

Theater Ariel

Theatre Ariel

theater

Theatre Exile

Theatre Horizon

Theatre Horizon

theater

Theatre Philadelphia

wilma theatre

Wilma Theater

Top Reasons to

Start Here

D. King for Bluecadet

Welcome to your first stop for visiting Philadelphia.

Make the most of your time in the City of Brotherly Love by starting at any of our Visitor Center locations.

Speak with friendly staff for free trip-planning advice; explore things to do on; and purchase tickets for local attractions and tours. 

After starting here, you'll know what to do, when to go, and how to get there. 

Our Visitor Centers:
Independence Visitor Center

Independence Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

Rocky Day

Parkway Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

Plan and Save Time:

ivc desk
Tickets, Maps & Visitor Essentials

Make the most of your trip with easy access to attraction tickets, tour bookings, free maps, and helpful brochures. Stop by any Visitor Center to plan your perfect Philly adventure.

IVC Byron Image
Expert Tips & Local Insights

Our friendly team knows Philly inside and out! Get personalized recommendations on must-see attractions, hidden gems, and the best ways to explore the city like a local.

Inside the Independence Visitor Center!
cafe

Independence Café

art star

Art Star Philly

Gift Shop

Independence Gift Shop

Get Inspired:

Welcome Theater
Free Films

Preview the city's sights and sounds in the official welcome film of Philadelphia, which plays daily in the Visitor Center's open-walled theater. 

NPS Desk
National Park Service Exhibit Space

Explore the National Park Service exhibit at the Independence Visitor Center, where interactive displays bring America’s founding history to life. Don’t miss the theater, showcasing a short film about the Revolutionary era and the significance of Independence National Historical Park! Get your National Park passport stamped here!

Access to Independence National Historical Park:
Independence Hall

Independence Hall

The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

President's House Site

President's House Site

Facilities & Accessibility:

Wheelchair Rentals:

Wheelchair rentals are available at the National Park Service Desk. Visitors can fill out a provided form and present a photo I.D. to reserve a manual wheelchair at no cost, based on availability and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

American Sign Language (ASL):

ASL interpretation is available by request.  Please call (215) 597-7130 at least 14 days prior to your visit.

Parking:

On-site parking is available at AutoPark at Independence Mall, a  24-hour, fully enclosed, secure garage located underneath the Independence Visitor Center. 
 

 

Stay Connected:

Free Wi-fi is available throughout our building, so you never have to go unplugged. 

Hearing Impaired:

Open captions are available on all Independence National Historic Park films. Assistive Listening Devices are available upon request. A portable Loop System is available at the Visitor Services Desk, compatible with all telecoil equipped hearing aids, cochlear implants, and induction loop receivers. A receiver with headphones is also available for persons without compatible hearing aids.

Top Questions:
Where is the Liberty Bell?

Since 2003, the Liberty Bell has been on display in a structure located on Independence Mall, called the Liberty Bell Center. No timed tickets are required to visit the Bell, but a security check is required for entry. 

Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

Do I need a car, or is public transportation/walking enough?

You do not need a car to explore Center City Philadelphia. The city is very walkable, and attractions like Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and the Liberty Bell are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, public transportation is a great option you can take SEPTAPHLASH BusIndego Bike Share or rideshare apps are always an option! See our getting around page.

Where can I find tourist info or help in person?

The best place for visitor information in Philadelphia is the Independence Visitor Center, located at: 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (at 6th & Market Streets) Here, you can - Get free maps and brochures, buy tickets for tours and attractions, or ask visitor services for recommendations. We have 3 other visitor centers located around Philly City Hall Visitor Center – Inside Philadelphia’s historic City Hall, Parkway Visitor Center – At the base of the Art Museum steps and LOVE Park Visitor Center – Near the famous LOVE sculpture.

Where are the best public restrooms in Center City?

Finding clean public restrooms in Philadelphia can be tricky, but these are the best options - Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St.), Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St.), Fashion District Philadelphia (901 Market St.), The Bourse Food Hall (111 S. Independence Mall E.) and Rittenhouse Square (Walnut St. & 18th St.) – Nearest restrooms are inside Barnes & Noble at 18th & Walnut.

How can I redeem the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package?

Looking for a hotel deal when you visit Philadelphia? The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package is a great way to save when you stay over, available year-round with different perks included seasonally.

Learn more and find participating hotels: VisitPhilly.com/PackageHotels

Welcome to

Philadelphia

D. King for Bluecadet

The best trips start at the Visitor Center.

Seeing the best of the City of Brotherly Love is as simple as starting at the right place. 

The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation operates visitor center locations throughout the city, including the Independence Visitor Center in cooperation with the National Park Service, the LOVE Park Visitor Center, the City Hall Visitor Center and the Parkway Visitor Center.

Start at any one of our locations for ​​​​​free, personalized service and helpful information.

Our Locations + Services:
Independence Visitor Center

Independence Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

LOVE Park Visitor Center

Rocky Day

Parkway Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center

Tower Tour

City Hall Tower Tour

phlash

Philly PHLASH

city hall

City Hall Building Tour

walking tour

The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour

rocky tour

Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours

Things to Do:
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

adventure aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Franklin Institute Wondrous Space

Franklin Institute

Philadelphia's Performing Arts:
kimmel center

Ensemble Arts Philly

wilma theatre

Wilma Theater

arden

Arden Theatre Company

academy of music

Philadelphia Ballet

theater

Philadelphia Orchestra

Other Sites on Independence Mall:
The Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell Center

Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Old City Hall

Old City Hall

President's House Site

President's House Site

Second Bank of the United States

Second Bank Portrait Gallery

Top Questions
Where is the closest place to park by Independence Hall?

Convenient, onsite parking is available for visitors who start at the Visitor Center. The AutoPark at Independence Mall is a 24-hour, fully enclosed parking garage operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Entrances are located on both 5th and 6th Streets, between Market and Arch Streets.

Where is the Liberty Bell?

Since 2003, the Liberty Bell has been on display in a structure located on Independence Mall, called the Liberty Bell Center. No timed tickets are required to visit the Bell, but a security check is required for entry. 

Where are the best public restrooms in Center City?

Finding clean public restrooms in Philadelphia can be tricky, but these are the best options - Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St.), Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St.), Fashion District Philadelphia (901 Market St.), The Bourse Food Hall (111 S. Independence Mall E.) and Rittenhouse Square (Walnut St. & 18th St.) – Nearest restrooms are inside Barnes & Noble at 18th & Walnut.

Where are the Rocky Steps?

The Rocky Steps are the 72 stone steps leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Climbing these steps is a must-do Philly experience, made famous by Sylvester Stallone in Rocky!

Where can I find tourist info or help in person?

The best place for visitor information in Philadelphia is the Independence Visitor Center, located at: 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (at 6th & Market Streets) Here, you can - Get free maps and brochures, buy tickets for tours and attractions, or ask visitor services for recommendations. We have 3 other visitor centers located around Philly City Hall Visitor Center – Inside Philadelphia’s historic City Hall, Parkway Visitor Center – At the base of the Art Museum steps and LOVE Park Visitor Center – Near the famous LOVE sculpture.

Where can I see Philly’s famous murals?

Philadelphia is known as the “Mural Capital of the World” with over 4,000 murals! For an immersive experience, Mural Arts Philadelphia offers guided mural tours by trolley or walking.

Where is the Rocky Statue?

Rocky Statue is at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, near Kelly Drive. The exact address is 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. This iconic statue, originally created for Rocky III, is a popular photo spot for visitors. The statue was created in 1980 by sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg.

 

How do I get from the airport/train station to the city?

From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), the SEPTA Airport Line runs every 30 minutes, stopping at 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. A rideshare or taxi takes about 20–30 minutes to Center City, with taxis offering a flat rate of $32.50. For a budget-friendly option, the PHL Trolley + Market-Frankford Line costs just $2.50. If arriving at 30th Street Station (Amtrak & SEPTA), the SEPTA Regional Rail provides quick connections to Suburban and Jefferson Stations, while the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) offers direct service to Old City. If you prefer to walk, it’s about 15–20 minutes to City Hall or Rittenhouse Square. Check out our getting around page.

Do I need a car, or is public transportation/walking enough?

You do not need a car to explore Center City Philadelphia. The city is very walkable, and attractions like Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and the Liberty Bell are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, public transportation is a great option you can take SEPTAPHLASH BusIndego Bike Share or rideshare apps are always an option! See our getting around page.

City Hall Visitor Center

City Hall Visitor Center