Le parc historique national de l'Indépendance : Un guide complet

Where should I start my visit to INHP?

Centre des visiteurs d'Independence

Your best visit always starts at the Centre des visiteurs d'Independence at 6th & Market Streets, which serves as a one-stop shop for everything visitors need to know about navigating the historic Old City quartier.

Sightseers can stop in to snag tickets for attractions, chat with park rangers, check out interactive exhibits, pick up some snacks and souvenirs, and find out which sites are open to visitors that day.

  - Photo par Visit Philadelphia

In addition, non-native English speakers can connect with multilingual staff at the Philadelphia Information Desk for trip planning advice.

The visitor center also has public restrooms and tons of free maps and brochures.

Où ? Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphie, PA

How can I see Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell?

As iconic symbols of democracy and freedom in America, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell remain the most visited spots in the park.

Read on for a breakdown of how to see these historic sites.

Independence Hall

Au Independence Hall, visitors can step inside the rooms where it all happened.

Here in 1776, the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, representatives from a dozen states met in the same spot to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the building remains the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park.

  - Photo de D. Knoll pour Visit Philadelphia

Visitors can reserve tickets up to 30 days in advance. Tickets remain free, but there’s a non-refundable $1 processing fee.

Park staff advise arriving 30 to 45 minutes ahead of the ticket time to reserve enough time to get through security.

Où ? Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Le centre Liberty Bell

Originally adorning the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), the Liberty Bell has always been an iconic symbol, not just of Philadelphia but of freedom around the world.

The bell that was later named the Liberty Bell was originally cast in Great Britain and recast in 1753 in Philadelphia to adorn the State House. Used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to meetings, the bell was soon adopted by abolitionists, suffragists, Civil Rights advocates, Native Americans, immigrants, war protesters and others as a symbol of freedom.

  - Photo de D. Knoll pour Visit Philadelphia

While no tickets are necessary to visit the Liberty Bell Center, all visitors must first pass through a security screening, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis.

Inside the center, visitors can read about the bell’s history (available in multiple languages), check out exhibits, snap some selfies with the bell and bask in the its enduring glow.

Où ? The Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphie, PA

What other attractions can I see at Independence National Historic Park?

Once you get the biggies out of the way, look to the long list of sites that make up INHP to see which ones you can squeeze in during their visit.

All but one site (Germantown White House) is within a few minutes’ walking distance of Independence Hall.

A reminder: INHP sites may be closed or have limited hours depending on the season. Always check Independence National Historical Park’s official site, or head to the Centre des visiteurs d'Independence at 6th & Market streets to see which sites are open on the day or days you plan to visit.

Benjamin Franklin Museum, Printing Office and Courtyard

The Franklin Court complex honors one of Philadelphia’s most famous citizens with several attractions.

Le Musée Benjamin Franklin (paid admission required) showcases interactive displays celebrating the Founding Father, while the free-to-access Franklin Court Courtyard presents an archaeological display that contains artifacts and historical objects from the site of his home, as well as a life-size outline of Franklin’s home.

The free-to-visit Imprimerie de la Cour de Franklin (located within the Courtyard) allows visitors to view equipment that simulates the early typesetting and printing-production processes.

Où ? Différents lieux dont le Benjamin Franklin Museum, 317 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Maison Blanche de l'évêque

Le Maison Blanche de l'évêque dates back to 1787 and served as the home of William White until his death in 1836. White was the first bishop of the American Episcopal Church and also served as the rector for nearby Christ Church and St. Peter’s Church. The site still showcases many of his authentic artifacts.

Visitors can also admire the architecture of the home, a classic example of an 18th-century, upper-class Philadelphia home.

Où ? The Bishop White House, 309 Walnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Taverne de la ville

After long days of debating the future of the colonies, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and other Founding Fathers gathered at City Tavern for the 18th-century version of happy hour.

Rebuilt for the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976 and reopened as a restaurant in 1994 (now closed), visitors can stroll by the historic building and imagine what Colonial life might have been like.

When open to the public, visitors can explore the building’s first floor for free with no tickets required.

Où ? City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphie, PA

Congress Hall, Old City Hall and the West Wing

Visitors who have gone through security to visit Independence Hall should leave time to explore Congress Hall and the West Wing, as well as Old City Hall (located adjacent to but not within the security area).

Salle des congrès   - Photo par M. Edlow pour Visit Philadelphia

Construit comme le palais de justice Philadelphia County, Salle des congrès was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Visitors do not need tickets for a self-guided tour.

Le L'aile ouest showcases the Great Essentials exhibit with original printed copies of the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Visitors can also see where the Supreme Court once met in Ancien City Hall.

Où ? Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Maison de la déclaration (Graff)

Thomas Jefferson spent three weeks writing the Declaration of Independence while staying at the home of Jacob Graff, Jr., a well-known bricklayer.

When open to the public, le bâtiment - une reconstruction construite en 1975 - honore son patrimoine avec des expositions, un court métrage et des meubles d'époque.

Visitors can stroll by to admire the architecture when closed and take in how much the area has changed; its location was considered outside the city when Jefferson rented rooms there.

Où ? Declaration (Graff) House, 700 Market Street, Philadelphie, PA

Maison de Dolley Todd (Madison)

Avant de devenir la première dame des États-Unis, Dolley Todd (Madison) et son premier mari, l'avocat John Todd, vivaient à cette maison bourgeoise, just a few blocks away from Independence Mall.

When open to the public, visitors can take a guided tour of the house, furnished with many 18th-century antiques. Check in at Centre des visiteurs d'Independence to inquire about access.

Où ? Dolley Todd (Madison) House, 341 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

First Bank of the United States

Those wanting to walk in Alexander Hamilton’s footsteps might enjoy a stroll past the  First Bank of the United States to admire its colossal exterior.

  - Photo avec l'aimable autorisation de la First Bank of the United States

Hamilton originally proposed and chartered this financial institution as a step toward implementing sound fiscal policy in early America. Acclaimed as an architectural masterpiece when completed in 1797, the building remains a model of Classical monument design.

The site is set to open as a museum on July 1, 2026.

Où ? Première banque des États-Unis, 120 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphie, Pennsylvanie

Maison de réunion quaker libre

During the Revolutionary War, a group of Quakers in Philadelphia put aside their religion’s tenet of pacifism to help defend their new country.

These bold Americans formed their own group in 1783 and met regularly at the Maison de réunion quaker libre, qui est ouvert aux visiteurs tout au long du printemps et de l'été.

  - Photo de J. Smith pour Visit Philadelphia

Visitors here can see exhibits or even sit in a pew. Those visiting in the summer might even get to meet one of site partner Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s costumed staff.

Où ? Maison de réunion des Quakers, 500 Arch Street, Philadelphie, Pennsylvanie

Maison Blanche de Germantown

Located nearly 10 miles from Independence Hall, the Maison Blanche de Germantown (also known as the Deshler-Morris House) offers visitors a chance to see where George Washington stayed when fleeing the city’s Yellow Fever Epidemic in 1793 .

Les visiteurs de la Germantown site can tour the 18th century home (when open to the public), where Washington returned with his family again in 1794 for a summer retreat.

Vérifier le park website or inquire at the visitor’s center about access ahead of a visit.

Où ? Germantown White House, 5442 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA

Bâtiment de la Bourse des marchands

Conçu par l'architecte William Strickland et ouvert pour la première fois en 1834, l'hôtel de ville est le plus grand du monde. Merchants’ Exchange is the oldest stock exchange building in the country.

  - Photo de J. Fusco pour Visit Philadelphia

The building currently serves as park headquarters, with much of the inside closed to visitors. The exception: the first-floor lobby, where guests can see a display highlighting the building’s architecture and history.

The building’s Classical Greek-style exterior, with its curved facade and marble columns, warrants a visit all on its own.

Où ? Merchants’ Exchange Building, 143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA

National Constitution Center

Consacré aux quatre pages les plus importantes de l'histoire des États-Unis, le National Constitution Center explore en profondeur ce que “Nous, le peuple”signifie vraiment.

  — Photo prise par J. Miczek pour le National Constitution Center

Museum-goers can peruse exhibits and artifacts; view an original copy of the Bill of Rights; walk among 42 life-size bronze statues of the delegates who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787; and explore galleries about the Constitutional amendments that ended slavery (13th Amendment) and granted the right to vote to Black men (15th Amendment) and some women (19th Amendment), as well as a gallery on America’s founding.

Où ? Différents lieux dont le Benjamin Franklin Museum, 317 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Musée militaire de New Hall

Le Musée militaire de New Hall welcomes visitors into a recreation of the original building that once served as the office for the country’s first Secretary of War, Henry Knox.

While New Hall was originally constructed by the Carpenters’ Company in 1791, the building was later demolished and rebuilt to its original specifications in the 20th century.

When open to the public, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of the U.S. Army and Navy departments, along with information about Philadelphia’s role in the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Où ? Musée militaire New Hall, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

La Maison du Président

The President’s House memorializes the paradox of slavery and freedom at the site of the nation’s first executive mansion, in which Presidents George Washington and John Adams lived during their terms and where nine enslaved people served the first president.

  - Photo de M. Kennedy pour Visit Philadelphia

The open-air INHP site, located just steps from the Centre Liberty Bell, Il offre un espace de réflexion silencieuse et comporte également une grande vitrine en verre qui permet aux visiteurs de voir les fragments archéologiques mis au jour sur le site en 2007.

Note: The interpretive panels at The President’s House were removed by the National Park Service on January 22, 2026. Approximately half of the interpretive panels were restored on February 20, 2026.

Où ? The President’s House, 600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

Deuxième banque des États-Unis

Inspiré du Parthénon d'Athènes, en Grèce, l'édifice de l'Union européenne a été construit sur le modèle du Parthénon. Deuxième banque des États-Unis set the architectural tone for the look of many subsequent American banks. William Strickland’s stunning design is a remarkable example of Greek Revival architecture.

When open to the public, the building showcases an extensive collection of portraits of important figures like Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Mifflin and Patrick Henry.

Où ? Second Bank of the United States, 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphie, PA

Does Independence National Historic Park have any green spaces?

Parc de Washington Square

L'une des cinq places publiques d'origine de Philadelphie, cette un espace vert pittoresque has in the past served as a burial ground for victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic, African Americans and casualties of the American Revolution.

The park’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors fallen Revolutionary soldiers with a monument and an everlasting flame.

  - Photo de M. Kennedy pour Visit Philadelphia

Located just one block from Independence Hall, visitors and residents alike enjoy strolling the tree-lined pathways, eating lunch on a park bench or having a picnic on the lawn.

The park is free and open to the public year-round, 24/7.

Où ? Washington Square, 210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphie, PA

INHP Gardens

INHP has four gardens, all within a few minutes’ walk of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center:

• 18th Century Garden: The formal landscaping at this garden features plants frequently grown in the 1700s, with its gazebo often providing the backdrop for weddings. No tickets are required to visit the garden (399 Walnut Street).
• Benjamin Rush Garden: Located next to the Bishop White House, these jardins mark the spot of Declaration-signer Benjamin Rush’s home. Visitors to the space can see the Bicentennial Bell set among plants and flowers typically planted in the 18th century. No tickets are needed to visit (3rd & Walnut Street).
• Magnolia Garden: Inspiré par l'affinité de George Washington pour les magnolias, l'hôtel de ville a été conçu pour répondre aux besoins de la population. Jardin de Magnolia includes trees, ivy, wrought-iron fences and a working fountain. Surrounding the garden’s perimeter are 13 spring-blooming hybrid magnolias that represent each of the original colonies. No tickets are required to visit the garden (420 Locust Street).
• Jardin de roses: Funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Jardin de roses commemorates the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The serene space showcases 96 varieties of antique roses, many that only bloom once a year in late spring. No tickets are required to visit the garden (422 Walnut Street).

What museums and attractions are near Independence National Historic Park?

There’s a big list of places to explore in the neighborhood surrounding Independence Mall, including:

• African American Museum in Philadelphia, the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African-Americans (701 Arch Street)
• Musée de la Société américaine de philosophie, once the nation’s first museum, national library and academy of science that’s now ta museum with rotating exhibitions that explore the intersections of science, history and art (104 S. 5th Street)
• Maison Betsy Ross, the historic home and upholstery shop of America’s first flagmaker (239 Arch Street)

  - Photo par Visit Philadelphia

• Salle des charpentiers, where delegates from 12 colonies gathered in 1774 to support a trade embargo against England, one of the first unified acts of defiance against the King (320 Chestnut Street)
• Église du Christ, where many Founding Fathers worshipped, and nearby Le cimetière de l'église du Christ, where visitors can see where Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah are buried (20 N. American Street)
• Delaware River Waterfront, où se trouve Penn's Landing, sdeasonal dining and parks, and the site of major celebrations and fireworks displays (301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard)
• Franklin Square, one of Penn’s original five public squares, today offering an urban green space with family-friendly activities year-round (200 N. 6th Street)

  - Photo de J. Fusco pour Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

• Independence Seaport Museum, a riverfront museum with historic vessels to explore and exhibitions telling the stories surrounding Philadelphia’s river of history and world of connections (211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard)
• Musée national de la liberté, a site that sparks dialogue and encourages visitors to engage meaningfully with topics like liberty and equality (321 Chestnut Street)
• Cimetière Mikveh Israel, the oldest Jewish cemetery in Philadelphia, with a history dating back to 1740 (831 Spruce Street)
• Église épiscopale méthodiste africaine Mother Bethel, the mother church of the nation’s first black denomination and home to the Musée Richard Allen (419 S. 6th Street)
• Museum of the American Revolution, a modern museum with tons of interactive exhibits alongside historic artifacts that tells the multi-faceted story of the American Revolution (101 S. 3rd Street)
• Musée des illusions, an attraction filled with dozens of hands-on exhibits meant to trick the eye and teach visitors all about vision, perception and the human brain (401 Market Street)

  - Photo avec l'aimable autorisation du Musée des illusions de Philadelphie

• Ancienne église catholique Saint-Joseph, the site of the first public Catholic mass in Philadelphia, dating back to 1733 (321 Willings Alley)
• Bancs de conte "Il était une fois une nation, warm-weather sit-spots featuring costumed historians telling free, five-minute tales of America’s Founding Mothers and Fathers (various locations)
• Le jardin du signataire, a popular meeting spot for tours, located across the street from Independence Hall;(434-498 Chestnut Street)
• Mémorial national Thaddeus Kosciuszko, the home where the Polish freedom fighter lived, open seasonally (301 Pine Street)
• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a Smithsonian affiliate telling the story of Jews in America, with an extremely Instagram-worthy OY/YO sculpture out front (101 S. Independence Mall East)
• Parc d'accueil, an open-air plaza named for The Welcome, the ship that brought William Penn to the New World (129 Sansom Walk).

Where can I stay near Independence National Historic Park?

With millions of visitors heading to the extremely walkable Old City neighborhood surrounding Independence Mall each year, it’s no surprise the area has an abundance of hotels.

From the historic Maison Thomas Bond (dating back to 1769 and located within INHP) to ultra-hip and modern hotels, visitors can easily find a cozy home-away-from-home.

Check out our guide to the best hotels in the Historic District pour en savoir plus.

What’s the best way to get to Independence National Historic Park?

Public transit that serves INHP and the surrounding Old City neighborhood includes SEPTA bus, la ligne de métro L, la station Franklin Square du PATCO et le service saisonnier Bus PHLASH (desservant les principales attractions).

PHLASH   - Photo par Visit Philadelphia

Some visitors find signing up for a sightseeing tour a good way to get an overview of everything and then visit individual sites afterward.

Those who drive into the neighborhood or want to stay outside the Historic District might find our handy guide to navigating Philadelphia et parking in Philadelphia helpful when making plans.