In this historic district discover some of Philadelphia’s finest green spaces and more than 20 landmark buildings with close ties to the foundation of the USA.
Spend a day exploring the impressive collection of buildings, parks and museums in the Independence National Historical Park. Visit the sites closely associated with the USA’s declaration of independence and walk in the footsteps of presidents. Relax in landscaped parks, browse displays of antique artifacts and admire art exhibitions. Independence National Historical Park covers an area of 54 acres (22 hectares) in Philadelphia’s Old City.
Start your visit at Independence Square, framed by buildings that witnessed significant events in national history. See where state representatives signed the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall. Take a tour of Congress Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as president. See a restored courtroom at the Old City Hall.
Stroll along the lawns and pavements of elegant Independence Mall. See the original Liberty Bell and exhibits about its cultural importance at the Liberty Bell Center. Watch short movies about the establishment of America and the Revolutionary War at the Independence Visitor Center. Learn all there is to know about the U.S. Constitution via family-friendly exhibits at the National Constitution Center.
Go to the Benjamin Franklin Museum to retrace the life of one of the country’s founding fathers. Find a variety of military artifacts at the New Hall Military Museum. Marvel at the portraits of explorers, military officers and politicians at the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank. Glimpse into the life of Philadelphia’s 18th-century upper classes at Bishops White House and middle classes at Dolley Todd House.
Sit on a bench and reflect on what you have seen or enjoy a picnic on the lawns at Washington Square. Look for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, dedicated to the service people that fought during the Revolutionary War.
The wide pavements and short distances between this area’s attractions make it easy to explore on foot. Chinatown Station–BSL and 5th Station–MFL are the most convenient metro stations.
Opening times and admission fees of Independence National Historical Park’s attractions vary. Full details are available on the park’s official website. Expect long queues in the summer months.