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Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy, and Independence National Historical Park (INHP) — established in 1948 — protects and interprets the sites where the fledgling nation was founded and grew before it gained its footing as a global leader of democratic ideals.
Each year, 3 to 5 million people visit the most popular sites in the park — Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center — but the park encompasses nearly two-dozen attractions, including monumental architecture, iconic spots where the Founding Fathers called home, historic sites, museums, gardens and more.
The best part: Many of these important sites offer free admission.
Note: Certain INHP attractions open seasonally or have limited public hours. Attractions can also close without notice. Plot out your visit ahead of time by checking the Independence National Historical Park’s official site, or head to the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market streets in person to see which sites are open on the day or days you plan to visit.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to INHP to help you make the most out of your visit to America’s most historic square mile.
— Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
Your best visit always starts at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market Streets, which serves as a one-stop shop for everything visitors need to know about navigating the historic Old City neighborhood.
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 by 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.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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.
At 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.
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.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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.
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.
Where: The Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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 Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market streets to see which sites are open on the day or days you plan to visit.
The Franklin Court complex honors one of Philadelphia’s most famous citizens with several attractions.
The Benjamin Franklin Museum (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 Franklin Court Printing Office (located within the Courtyard) allows visitors to view equipment that simulates the early typesetting and printing-production processes.
Where: Various locations including the Benjamin Franklin Museum, 317 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Bishop White House 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.
Where: The Bishop White House, 309 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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.
Where: City Tavern, 138 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
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).
Congress Hall — Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
Built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall 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.
The West Wing 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 Old City Hall.
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, the building — a reconstruction built in 1975 — honors its heritage with curated displays, a short film and period furnishings.
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.
Where: Declaration (Graff) House, 700 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Before she became the First Lady of the United States, Dolley Todd (Madison) and her first husband, lawyer John Todd, lived in this middle-class home, 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 Independence Visitor Center to inquire about access.
Where: Dolley Todd (Madison) House, 341 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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 courtesy The 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.
Where: First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
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 Free Quaker Meeting House, which is open to visitors throughout the spring and summer.
— Photo by J. Smith for 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.
Where: Free Quaker Meeting House, 500 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Located nearly 10 miles from Independence Hall, the Germantown White House (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 .
Visitors to the 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.
Check the park website or inquire at the visitor’s center about access ahead of a visit.
Where: Germantown White House, 5442 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Designed by architect William Strickland and first opened in 1834, the Merchants’ Exchange is the oldest stock exchange building in the country.
— Photo by J. Fusco for 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.
Where: Merchants’ Exchange Building, 143 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dedicated to the four most critical pages in America’s history, the National Constitution Center takes a deep dive into what “We the People” truly means.
— Photo by J. Miczek for the 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.
The New Hall Military Museum 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.
Where: New Hall Military Museum, 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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 by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
The open-air INHP site, located just steps from the Liberty Bell Center, offers a place for silent reflection and also features a large glass vitrine that allows visitors to view archaeological fragments that were unearthed at the site in 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.
Where: The President’s House, 600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, the Second Bank of the United States 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.
Where: Second Bank of the United States, 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of Philadelphia’s original five public squares, this picturesque green space 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.
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.
Where: Washington Square, 210 W. Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
INHP has four gardens, all within a few minutes’ walk of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center:
There’s a big list of places to explore in the neighborhood surrounding Independence Mall, including:
— Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
— Photo courtesy Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
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 Thomas Bond House (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 for more.
Public transit that serves INHP and the surrounding Old City neighborhood includes SEPTA buses, the L subway line, PATCO’s Franklin Square station and the seasonal PHLASH bus (serving major attractions).
PHLASH — Photo by 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 and parking in Philadelphia helpful when making plans.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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