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Independence Visitor Center
Located in the center of Independence National Historical Park (INHP), right across the street from the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center, the Independence Visitor Center (IVC) is the perfect launchpad for any Philadelphia adventure.
Operated in partnership by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and the National Park Service, the IVC — open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — is packed with helpful resources for first-time visitors, returning explorers and locals who are looking for info on exploring Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
Visitors can find a ticket counter, a gift shop and public restrooms, as well as unexpected amenities like exhibits, a boutique and one of the best views of Independence Mall around.
In short, start here, and you’ll know exactly where to go and what to do in the City of Brotherly Love.
These helpful resources and welcoming amenities make the Independence Visitor Center an essential first stop for anyone exploring Philadelphia:
At the heart of the Independence Visitor Center is the Philadelphia Information Desk, where friendly, multilingual staff offer expert advice on must-see attractions and the best ways to explore the city.
Pick up maps, grab brochures, and buy tickets to 100-plus attractions and tours around the city. Don’t miss the ever-changing chalkboard highlighting current museum exhibits and seasonal events.
TKTS Philadelphia
The TKTS ticket booth service offers an unbeatable deal: 30% to 50% off tickets to select live theater and performing arts shows at nearly two-dozen participating venues across Greater Philadelphia within 72 hours of the performance.
Available showtimes are updated daily on the Philadelphia Visitor Corporation Center’s website.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Chat with a National Park Service Ranger to learn about Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and other historic NPS sites throughout Greater Philadelphia, including Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
While you’re there, stamp your National Park Service passport with the date and location to commemorate your visit. You can also pick up maps and get information on free self-guided walking tours.
Get hands-on with history through engaging exhibits that bring Independence National Historical Park to life. Touch a replica of the Liberty Bell’s famous crack, imagine signing the U.S. Constitution while seated at a replica Independence Hall chair and desk, and explore a massive park map to get your bearings.
Touchscreen displays provide up-to-date information on park sites, including hours, fees and must-see highlights, making it easy to plan your next stop.
Two on-site theaters offer short films to help orient visitors to Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park.
Whether you’re looking to preview the city’s top attractions or dive deeper into the city’s history, these short films are a fun and engaging way to start your adventure.
Need a quick bite? The on-site Independence Café serves grab-and-go favorites, like soft pretzels, hot dogs, coffee, hot chocolate and bottled drinks.
Take a seat at the cafe tables and soak in the colorful mural images, offering a taste of why Philadelphia was voted the best city in America for street art.
Shop for Philadelphia-themed souvenirs, books and apparel at the Visitor Center’s official gift shop. Take home momentos like magnets, T-shirts, hats, mugs, plush toys and more.
And don’t forget to snap a photo with the life-sized Ben Franklin.
The Independence Visitor Center offers clean, accessible public restrooms — a welcome find in the heart of the Historic District.
Amenities include gender-neutral family restrooms and a private lactation room for nursing parents.
There’s more to the Visitor Center than maps and attraction information. Discover the hidden gems inside (and outside) that even surprise locals:
Looking for a locally made keepsake? The Art Star Philly boutique inside the Visitor Center offers a curated collection of handmade goods by local artisans.
Purchase Philadelphia-inspired art prints, screen-printed T-shirts, pottery, handmade jewelry and more — perfect for gifting (or keeping).
Located on the second floor, the Liberty View Terrace is open to the public (when it is not reserved for a private event) and offers a bird’s-eye view of Independence Mall.
Grab a seat, take in the sights and snap a photo of the iconic view.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Just outside the south entrance of the Independence Visitor Center, history is quite literally etched in stone.
Along the 500 block of Market Street, engraved pavers share the names and occupations of 18th-century Philadelphians, people from all walks of life who once called this block home.
— Photo by D. Becker Jones
To learn more about the Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia, visit the official website.
The Independence Visitor Center isn’t just a great first stop — it’s also right in the middle of the action. From here, you’re steps away from must-see Historic District attractions like Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center.
Liberty Bell Center — Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Or hop aboard the seasonal Philly PHLASH right outside the Visitor Center (at 6th and Arch streets) for easy access to even more historic and cultural attractions across the city.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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