In Philadelphia, the main sightseeing you should do as a first-time visitor to the city is to learn about its history from the early years of the United States. Where democracy started in this country, the individuals who helped shape it, and famous historical locations that have now become official heritage sites and museums dedicated to teaching us the past.

Lucky most of these historic locations are all close to one another in Old City (Philadelphia has been rated the most walkable city in America or take a hop on-hop off bus tour), so it’s easy to get a general understanding of early America from a history tour in a day. You don’t need to go in any particular order or may choose to skip some of these if you don’t have any interest. Welcome to America! Let’s get started on these top attractions.

Independence Hall

Any history tour you take will or should have its meeting point at Independence Hall, part of the Independence National Historical Park. This is where the founding fathers discussed, debated, and decided the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Its historical significance has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You are only allowed entry through guided tours of the building during the day.

Inside you will see several significant rooms such as the assembly room, gallery, and council chambers. You will be walking through history along with viewing the period artifacts and replica furnishings to show you the social and intimate politics of early America.

Part of your guided tour will include the other historic buildings of Congress Hall and Old City Hall. When Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States before Washington D.C., almost all the important business of running the country was conducted here. Legislation was decided by Congress. The Supreme Court made its official rulings on the legal system. So much history and influence of what we know now packed into these three buildings it’s unbelievable.

Liberty Bell

Across the street from Independence Hall is the Liberty Bell Center. It has a lot of interesting facts about being a symbol of freedom and independence for America, how it was an attraction brought through multiple states before resettling here permanently and has free entry. But once you see it, you might find it a bit underwhelming. It’s a bit smaller than you will imagine. You don’t even have to go inside to see it and can just view it from the window if you don’t want to wait in line for entry.

National Constitution Center

Want to learn more about the history of the United States Constitution? This is where you want to go. You will be taken through the history of the Constitution with many interactive exhibits and displays. Learn about the core principles that make up the First Amendment and how they may affect you. Go into the private polling booth where you can vote on different presidents and policies through the decades. Put on the judge’s robe and be ready to make your case in the Supreme Court. Or stand behind the podium to accept your presidential nomination.

The Signers’ Hall has life-size bronze statues in multiple poses of the different members who signed the Constitution. You will feel like you just walked into one of the most important meetings in the history of the country. And finish with a single-actor performance in the circular theatre of the timeline from drafting the Constitution to its completion.

Benjamin Franklin Museum

Learn about the most famous citizens in all of Philadelphia and one of the most prominent Founding Fathers. He encompassed what the 18th century was all about with vivid new ideas, expanding his knowledge as an inventor, diplomat, scientist, and printer.

The museum is separated into several different rooms that not only focus on his life but each different part of his personality. He was witty, eccentric, inventive, a mentor, practical, determined, and diplomatic. How can one person have so many different qualities that shaped history? See his written works, scientific instruments, and early printing techniques.

From here you can walk over to his resting place at the Christ Church burial ground, where many other notable figures are buried as well, with Benjamin Franklin being the most well-known. There is the old Philadelphia tradition of putting pennies on his gravestone attached to an idiom he was rumored to have said. This plus the small entrance fee allows the maintenance of the entire site by the church.

Elfreth’s Alley

The oldest residential street in all of America, make a quick stop just to see the cobblestone street and early architecture of colonial brick homes. There is a small museum inside two of the houses where you can learn about particular residents of this street that were composed of craftsmen, artisans, their families, and its history in Philadelphia. Some of the homes at the front are festive and decorative with bright national colors.

This will only take 15-20 minutes of your time if you skip the museum and just want to walk up and down for the experience. It’s well maintained and preserved so that it remains an important part of the Philadelphia historic landmarks.

Betsy Ross House

Around the block from Elfreth’s Alley is the home of seamstress Betsy Ross where she first sewn the American flag (Star Spangled Banner), becoming part of the American folklore. You can take a self-guided tour with exhibits to learn about her history, supposed interaction with George Washington, and that of her family pre and post-American Revolution. The small restored 18th-century home with period reenactor (going full method by the way) helps to show the period in which she lived and worked.

Carpenters’ Hall

Another small two-story building that served an important role in hosting delegates and other groups involved in early American history, the birthplace of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth, and the First Continental Congress (before the more famous second one we all know). It’s worth seeing with a quick walk-through as there is free entry and takes 20-30 minutes at most around the ground floor and read from the exhibit placards.

Next to Carpenter’s Hall is the small New Hall Military Museum and the original War Department when Philadelphia was originally the country’s capital. Its focus is the beginnings and organization of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which originated in Philadelphia. The second-floor exhibits showcase the U.S. Army and Navy. The focus is period weapons and uniforms, similar to the Museum of the American Revolution. It’s worth visiting just because you are already here.

Museum of the American Revolution

This is a prominent museum that details the extensive early years of America and highlights particular individuals both large and small and the different groups of people (Slaves, Indigenous, women, families) affected during the American Revolution. You can see how the people started as British subjects before becoming an independent nation.

Multiple galleries and interactive exhibits showcase each of the original colonies’ involvement, how the Revolutionary War progressed over 8 years from 1775 to 1783 with numerous engagements between the American and British armed forces, and what happened after America was able to secure its freedom. You will find dozens of artifacts including letters, clothing, weapons, and mannequins detailing the long hard road to the United States.

It’s perfect for history fans and those looking to learn. Families can choose to participate in craft activities held in the museum, walking tours, and interactive artisan reenactors who will introduce you to historical techniques of their crafts. And you will find out this is one of the best museums in Philadelphia to see as part of your tour.

Honorable History Mentions

Arch Street Meeting House – A Quaker meeting house and historic site still in use today by the community. Learn about the Quaker religion, practices, and history of its involvement in Philadelphia and early American History.

Declaration House (Graff House) – The reconstructed home where Thomas Jefferson stayed as he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Discover the drafting process he used, the ideas discussed and debated, and the political context at that time. It is free admission and you can take your self-guided tour as there is repetitive information you will see at other locations.

First Bank of the United States – You won’t be going inside as it is not open to the public. But you can get a history lesson on the outside from your guide about the key features and significance of this institution to provide economic stability.

Conclusion

This American History tour of Philadelphia will vividly show you the nation’s past. Each stop will inform you and give you an appreciation of what you are can achieve now. Don’t forget to stop and take a break in between. You can find some of the best food in Philadelphia just a short stop away from any of these places. It’s a worthwhile experience to have whether you are into history or just a traveler passing through. This is just one of the many things that highlight such a fantastic city.