Philadelphia's Voice of Liberty

Self-guided audio tour through the birthplace of American freedom

What to Expect

Step into the heart of Philadelphia’s historic square mile with the Philadelphia Heritage Walk, a self-guided audio tour that explores how liberty has been fought for, defined, and redefined over centuries. From Independence Hall to lesser-known alleyways and immigrant landmarks, this tour weaves together powerful stories of revolution, protest, innovation, and cultural change.

Walk at your own pace through a city that has shaped and challenged the meaning of freedom. With GPS-triggered narration and thoughtful insights, this tour invites you to see familiar places through a new lens, making space for reflection on how the American promise has unfolded, and who it has included, since 1776.

Ready to go? Book below or download our app and purchase directly from your phone.

  • 📍 Location: Philadelphia, PA

  • 🚶‍♂️ Type: Walking tour

  • Duration: Approx. 2 hours (flexible)

  • Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No expiration

  • 📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required

  • 🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish

Get Ready for Your Philadelphia Self-Guided Tour

Independence Hall in Philadelphia is lit up at night. The red brick building with a white clock tower stand out against the dim skyscrapers behind it
Philadelphia City Hall is lit up at night and seen down a street through large buildings. It's a long exposure shot, so the head- and taillights of cars appear to be long red and white streaks

Walk through the foundation of the American story on the Philadelphia Heritage Walk, a self-guided exploration through the city’s most historic square mile.

From brick-lined streets and world-famous landmarks to tucked-away places that hold quieter truths, this immersive route traces how ideas of liberty have been formed, tested, and reshaped over time.

Founded on principles of tolerance, Philadelphia has always balanced ideals of freedom with lived contradictions.

Along the way, you’ll encounter the lasting influence of revolutionaries, immigrants, and everyday residents whose experiences collectively shaped the city’s layered identity. Their stories reveal a past that is complex, contested, and deeply human.

This is more than a stroll between historic sites—it’s an invitation to consider what freedom has meant across centuries and what it continues to mean today.

Whether you’re discovering Philadelphia for the first time or returning with a deeper curiosity, the Heritage Walk weaves together history and reflection in a way that resonates long after the walk ends.

Book your Philadelphia tour now

What You’ll See on Your Philadelphia Walking Tour

A fountain sprays water into the air in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, is a small cobbled street lined with small houses flying American flags, and a Union Jack. It's very narow and lined with bollards

Christ Church Burial Ground

One of the most significant cemeteries of colonial America, this is the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and several other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors still leave pennies on Franklin’s grave, blending tradition with remembrance.

National Constitution Center

This modern museum brings the U.S. Constitution to life through interactive exhibits that explore its origins, interpretations, and ongoing impact on civic life.

New Market and Head House

Dating back to the 18th century, these preserved market structures once buzzed with merchants and farmers. They offer a tangible look at how commerce and community intertwined in early Philadelphia.

American Philosophical Society Museum

Located within one of the nation’s oldest scholarly institutions, the museum highlights scientific discovery and intellectual exchange, reflecting the curiosity that fueled the early republic.

Betsy Ross House

Believed to be the birthplace of the American flag, this modest home connects revolutionary legend with the everyday realities of colonial life.

Elfreth’s Alley

The oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, its narrow rowhouses tell the story of working-class life across nearly three centuries.

Carpenters’ Hall

Constructed by a guild of skilled tradesmen, this Georgian building hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774—an early milestone on the road to independence.

Christ Church

A striking example of colonial-era architecture, this church once counted George Washington and other founders among its congregation. Its steeple remains an enduring symbol of early American faith and leadership.

Independence Hall

Here, the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. The building stands as one of the most powerful symbols of democratic ideals.

City Tavern

A faithful recreation of a colonial-era gathering place where political debate, business, and social life blended. It recalls the informal settings where history often took shape.

Congress Hall

Serving as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress in the 1790s, this building witnessed the young nation’s earliest legislative debates.

Declaration House

Once home to Robert Hickman, this site is believed to be where Thomas Jefferson worked on early drafts of the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin Court

An archaeological site preserving the footprint of Benjamin Franklin’s home and print shop. Modern design elements help connect visitors with Franklin’s enduring influence.

Liberty Bell Center

Home to the iconic cracked bell, this space invites reflection on freedom, protest, and the enduring power—and fragility—of national ideals.

Museum of the American Revolution

Through immersive exhibits, this museum traces the full sweep of the Revolutionary era, from colonial unrest to the creation of a new nation.

President’s House Site

Once George Washington’s executive residence, this site now interprets both presidential history and the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there, confronting the contradictions of freedom.

South 9th Street Italian Market

The oldest outdoor market in the country, alive with food stalls, family businesses, and the energy of immigrant tradition passed down through generations.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Famous for its grand steps and world-class collections, this museum blends art, architecture, and pop culture with sweeping city views.

Delaware Waterfront and the Piers

A revitalized riverfront that mixes public art, open space, and modern design—offering a refreshing contrast to Old City’s colonial streets.

Chinatown Friendship Gate

This ornate red-and-gold gateway marks the entrance to Chinatown, celebrating cultural heritage and the city’s ongoing story of immigration.

Independence National Historical Park

Encompassing Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and surrounding landmarks, this park preserves the physical and symbolic birthplace of American democracy.

Meeting Point

Your Philadelphia walking tour begins at Independence National Historical Park.

The start point can be found in Independence National Historical Park, at the corner of Market Street and South 5th Street. This is close to the 5th St Independence Hall subway station, opposite the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

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FAQs About Our Philadelphia Audio Walking Tour

A detail of the clock tower on Independence Hall in Philadelphia. One clock has a red centre, with Roman numerals written in gold on a blue background. The other on a different building has a blue background with the Roman numerals on a metal frame
The statue of Rocky Balboa at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It shows Rocky lifting his arms above his head following victory in his first boxing match against Apollo Creed
  • Admission to the Christ Church Burial Ground costs the following:

    • Adult (Guided Tour): $10

    • Youth (5–12, Guided Tour): $5

    • Adult (Self-Guided Tour): $5

    • Youth (5–12, Self-Guided Tour): $2

    A combo ticket to Christ Church and the Burial Ground is available. This costs:

    • Adult: $8

    • Youth (5–12): $3 

    Visit the Christ Church website for more information

  • Admission to the National Constitution Center costs the following:

    • Adults: $24.95 on-site / $19.95 online

    • Seniors (age 65 and older): $19.95 on-site / $14.95 online

    • U.S. Military Veterans: $19.95 on-site / $14.95 online

    • College Students (With ID): $19.95 on-site / $14.95 online

    • Youth (Age 6–18): $19.95 on-site / $14.95 online

    • Family Pack (Two Adult and Two Youth Tickets): $78.95 on-site / $63.95 online

    • Children (0–5): Free

    • Active and Retired U.S. Military: Free

    Visit the National Constitution Center website for more information

  • Admission to the Betsy Ross House costs the following:

    • Adults: $12

    • Children (6–12): $10

    • Seniors (65+): $10

    • Students: $10

    • Military (With ID): $10

    • Children (5 and Under): Free

    Visit the Historic Philadelphia website for more information.

  • Admission to Christ Church costs the following:

    • Adult (Guided Tour): $10

    • Youth (5–12, Guided Tour): $5

    • Adult (Self-Guided Tour): $5

    • Youth (5–12, Self-Guided Tour): $2

    A combo ticket to Christ Church and the Burial Ground is available. This costs:

    • Adult: $8

    • Youth (5–12): $3 

    Visit the Christ Church website for more information.

  • Admission to Christ Church is free before 9.50 am. Tickets are required between 10 am and 4.20 pm, which have a handling fee of $1. Visit the National Park Service Website for more information.

  • ​​Admission to the Museum of the American Revolution costs the following:

    • Family Four-Pack (Online Only): $64

    • Any Day (No Need To Pick a Specific Date or Time): $27

    • Adults (In-Person): $27

    • Adults (Online Only): $25

    • Military, Students & Teachers: $21

    • Seniors (65 & Up): $21

    • Youth (6–17): $14

    • Children (5 & Under): Free

    • Members: Free

    • ACCESS Cardholders & SNAP Recipients (In-Person Only): Free

    Visit the Museum of the American Revolution website for more information.

  • General admission to the main building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art costs the following:

    • Adult (19+): $30.00

    • Senior (65+): $28.00

    • Student (With ID): $14.00

    • Youth (13–18): $0.00

    • Child (12 and Under): $0.00

    Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art website for more information.

  • Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.

    If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.

    Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.

  • Our Philadelphia walking tour covers approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) and takes about 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. This is mostly along well-paved surfaces with some small hills to climb.

  • Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.

    • Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal

    • The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop

    • Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content

    • To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons

    • Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route

    • Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast

    • Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings

  • No—download your Philadelphia tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.

  • Once you have purchased your Philadelphia walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.

  • Unfortunately, Dives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Philadelphia self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking the National Park Service website for detailed information.

Book your Philadelphia tour now

Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours Philadelphia Self-Guided Tour

The Washington Monument Fountain faces Philadelphia City Hall
The Philadelphia Museum of Art can be seen across a wier on the Delaware river. Different Classical buildings line the river, with skyscrapers climbing out of the city in the distance

Download before you go.

Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.

Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.

Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.

Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.

Book your Philadelphia tour now

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