The Founders History Tour
In short: Philadelphia: Revolution and The Founders History Tour is a 2-hour guided walk in English that meets outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center, at 6th and Market. According to its listing, the guide is a historian, the walk visits the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and the inclusions list Independence Hall timed tickets. It takes place rain or shine and is listed as wheelchair accessible.
What it is
A guided history walk around the Independence Mall area. The listing sums it up as a chance to “walk around Philadelphia with a historian and learn about the American Revolution”. Its inclusions add Independence Hall timed tickets, “interiors of NPS federal structures” and a free podcast. It is the one product of the six on this site whose listing includes Independence Hall timed tickets.
The route, as the listing describes it
The listing does not give a stop-by-stop itinerary with minutes. Its description names these places:
- The Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market: the meeting point, outside the Market Street doors.
- The Liberty Bell: “See the Liberty Bell”, in the listing’s words.
- Independence Hall, with the timed tickets that the listing includes.
- The site of the Continental Congress.
- The homes of Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, as the description puts it, including “the home of George Washington”.
The order above follows the description, not a timed route. The full stop list was not captured from the listing, so this page does not add stops to it.
What it shows of the bell
The listing promises to “see the Liberty Bell” and does not say whether the group goes inside the Liberty Bell Center or views the bell from outside. Entry to the Liberty Bell Center at 526 Market Street is free, with no ticket and first come, first served entry, open daily 9 am to 5 pm according to the NPS (check nps.gov before visiting). A visitor who wants the exhibits inside can join the line before or after the walk; the Liberty Bell Center explains what is inside and wait times covers the line.
Who it suits
Visitors who want Independence Hall and the bell explained by a historian, with the Independence Hall ticket arranged as part of the booking. The Independence Hall ticket itself is free on recreation.gov (a small reservation fee per ticket applies, shown on recreation.gov), so this walk is one way in, not the only one; Independence Hall tickets sets out the direct route. The listing marks the walk as wheelchair accessible and says it runs rain or shine.
What travellers mention
Candice from the US describes a guide passionate about history, with stories well told, and says she learned a lot. Dawn from the UK also mentions a passionate guide.
Practicalities
Included
- Walking tour
- Guide
- Free podcast
- Independence Hall timed tickets
- Interiors of NPS federal structures
Not included
- Not stated in the listing
Start times: check the calendar in the booking widget. The Independence Visitor Center has restrooms, according to the NPS, which is useful because the Liberty Bell Center has none inside. How to get there covers the 5th Street/Independence Hall station on SEPTA’s L.
Independence Hall screening asks visitors to arrive 30 minutes before a timed tour, per the NPS. The booking confirmation is the place to check how the walk handles that.
Two alternatives
Walk + museum demoPhiladelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour
After darkPhiladelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight
Frequently asked questions
Does the founders tour include Independence Hall tickets?
Yes, its listing includes Independence Hall timed tickets and “interiors of NPS federal structures”. Independence Hall tickets explains how the same free timed ticket works when reserved directly.
Does the founders tour go inside the Liberty Bell Center?
The listing says “See the Liberty Bell” and does not state whether the group goes inside. Entry is free and first come, first served, so a visit inside can be added before or after the walk. Do you need tickets covers the line.
Where does the founders tour meet?
Outside the Market Street doors of the Independence Visitor Center, at 6th and Market, according to the listing. How to get there covers the nearest SEPTA station.