The Official Trail of Philadelphia’s Historic District

Even locals pop into the Independence Visitor Center for info on what’s happening around town. This is also the place to pick up free, timed tickets to Independence Hall. Consider this the essential get-the-scoop, purchase-tickets, grab-a-snack, buy-a-gift spot.

Located next to The Liberty Bell Center, The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation tells the stories of Hercules, Oney Judge and the other enslaved people who served George and Martha Washington. The open-air site is open 24/7, so sightseers can watch the on-site videos any time for an often-overlooked history lesson.

It doesn’t make a sound, but its message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” Discover how the cracked but mighty Liberty Bell became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers around the world.

Independence Hall is where it all happened — where the upstart colonies declared independence and where representatives of a young nation framed its Constitution. Check out an original copy of the U.S. Constitution in the adjacent West Wing, and learn how the terms “upper” and “lower” house came to be at Congress Hall.

It’s all about science, art and history, so it’s no surprise that the American Philosophical Society (ASP) was another of Ben Franklin’s ideas. Exhibitions come from APS’s collection of nearly 13 million early American manuscripts, maps, Native American languages, scientific instruments and more.

This modern museum delves into the story and impact of Jewish people in the U.S., from early settlers to history-makers such as Albert Einstein, industry giants such as Esteé Lauder and entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld. Four floors of artifacts, memorabilia and artwork weave important and artful true stories; limited-time exhibits take those stories further.

The Museum of the American Revolution sits just steps from Independence Hall and in the heart of a city that served as the headquarters for the Revolution. Through immersive exhibitions and priceless artifacts, the museum traces the evolution of the colonies from the earliest days of unrest through a legendary war and the improbable victory that led to a new nation. Highlights include General George Washington’s original headquarters tent, Revolutionary War weapons, centuries-old military documents and hundreds of other authentic objects.

Inventor. Postmaster. Printer. Name it, and Ben Franklin probably did it. Tucked below Franklin Court, a revamped museum features artifacts and interactive exhibits that chronicle the inventor’s life as a citizen and statesman. In the courtyard outside the museum, visitors can view the iconic “ghost house,” a standing steel structure that traces the outlines of Franklin’s now-vanished house and print shop.

To get the picture of America’s roots, pop into the Second Bank of the United States. The walls are lined with portraits of the nation’s earliest movers and shakers. Just steps away is the First Bank, which, although closed to the public, boasts a photo-worthy exterior.

Spying. Upheaval. Revolution. Those feisty colonists fanned the flames of independence during the First Continental Congress at Carpenters’ Hall. Exquisite architecture, original details and artifacts give a hint of the dramatic — and sometimes secretive — events that shaped a new nation.

Ahoy, matey. The Independence Seaport Museum is the place for fans of seafaring history. Exhibits focus on the wonders and challenges of regional waterways, Philly connections to the founding of the U.S. Navy and African experiences on the Delaware River. Don’t leave without touring the Olympia cruiser and the Becuna submarine.

Whatever the season, there’s always something fun going on at Penn’s Landing, where founder William Penn first arrived in Philadelphia via the Delaware River. Summer means festivals, concerts and the cool vibe at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Spring and fall bring free yoga at Race Street Pier and winter means it’s time for ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. And Cherry Street Pier offers a year-round creative arts hub and mixed-use public attraction in the shell of a century-old municipal pier, as well as exhibitions, fairs, food and drink.

Christ Church is nicknamed “America’s Church” for good reason. George Washington, Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin and John Adams all worshipped here, and Reverend Absalom Jones was ordained here. Nearby is the who’s-who Burial Ground of the colonial era, where visitors can toss a penny on Franklin’s grave for good luck.

It doesn’t get more charming than Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited street. Tiptoe along the cobblestones and check out the 32 homes once owned by the nation’s earliest craftsmen, merchants and artisans. But no peeking in windows — real folks still live there. Be sure to pop into the quaint museum, too.

What’s a colonial-era widow to do when she has an upholstery shop to oversee, a family to raise, a (very tiny) household to run and a flag to sew for a new nation? Find out from the woman herself at the Betsy Ross House.

Dedicated to the four most powerful pages in America’s history, the National Constitution Center is wholly devoted to honoring and exploring the U.S. Constitution. Museum-goers view exhibits and artifacts, take in the 360-degree live theatrical production Freedom Rising, walk among 42 life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers, and explore the constitutional debates from the Civil War and Reconstruction in the exhibit Civil War and Reconstruction.

A carousel ride is just part of the fun at Franklin Square. Mini-golf, a playground, a snack bar and lots of events for the family make this one of the liveliest of William Penn’s five original squares.

Follow The African American Museum in Philadelphia’s winding ramp to the artwork and artifacts that showcase the African diaspora. Then step right up and listen to Octavius Catto, Richard Allen and other trailblazers tell their stories — with a little help from modern technology.

Such a small house to hold such big ideas. Known as the Declaration House, the home of Jacob Graff is where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and slept in a (really tiny) bed. Hours are limited, so check at the Independence Visitor Center for tour times.

Let history take the lead at Washington Square, a former animal pasture and burial ground for victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic, African Americans and 2,600 soldiers who died during the Revolution. Today it’s a peaceful and popular place for picnicking, reading, playing Frisbee and more.

Pay homage to Bishop Richard Allen, who is buried at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, which he founded after his original church began to insist on segregation. In the museum, see sacred artifacts that trace the denomination’s roots from a small congregation of African American worshipers to one with an international presence.

Think America’s forefathers were stodgy? Think again. Explore the elegant Physick House, where scandal erupted when the wife of Dr. Phillip Syng Physick, father of American surgery, left him. Then head to the Powel House to get the scoop on George and Martha’s big 20th wedding anniversary party.

Geared towards young adults, this museum aims to teach about the diversity of Americans and respect for all people through interactive exhibits, stories of heroes and works of art — and is especially known for its art glass collection.