Free Historic Sites in Philadelphia

Historic sites in Philadelphia give visitors a chance to experience the depth of the city's roots. After all, Philadelphia played an integral role in the founding of America. Walking the same streets as such American greats as George Washington and Edgar Allan Poe inevitably conjures up a sense of appreciation for the city, and as a bonus, all these historic sites are free. So save the cash and embark on a journey into Philadelphia's rich history.

Bishop White House
Preserved 18th-century house and garden of the First Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Free tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center. Tours are limited to 10 people per tour.

Carpenters' Hall
The Carpenters Company built carpenter's Hall in 1774. Weeks after its completion, the Hall hosted meetings of the First Continental Congress.

Christ Church
This is "the nation's church" where George Washington, Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin worshiped. (Donations Accepted.)

Congress Hall
Built in the late 1780’s, this is the location of the first House of Representatives and U.S. Senate when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital.

Declaration House
This was the house where Jefferson lived while drafting the Declaration of Independence. It is located at 701 Market St. (Seventh & Market Streets)

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
Explore the house where Poe lived during the most productive years of his life. Some of the author’s most famous works where written here.

Elfreth’s Alley
Step back into the 1700s on the oldest continuously occupied residential street in the United States (est. 1702). (Tour of the Mantua Makers House & Museum is $2.)

Franklin Court
Site of Ben Franklin’s home, print shop and first U.S. Post Office. Twenty years after Franklin's death (1790) the house was torn down and today a steal "ghost structure" outlines where the former building stood. It is located at 314 Market Street (Market Street, between Third & Fourth Streets).

Independence Hall
Pennsylvania’s first State House. Site where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution written. Free tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center.

Independence National Historic Park
America’s most historic square mile with more the 50 free attractions including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and more.

Independence Visitor Center
Located in Independence Historic Park, the center provides an orientation to the history and attractions of Philadelphia and the region.

Liberty Bell Center
Home of the Liberty Bell, one of the world’s most famous symbols of freedom.