independence hall tour times

Visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia: What to Know Before You Go

Independence Hall is the crown jewel of Philadelphia. One of the most important sites in the history of the United States, both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed there. Delegates to the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention shaped the future of the country while meeting in its rooms. It’s a must-see for visitors, and a place for locals to appreciate the history of the city.

Anytime we have company in town, visiting Independence Hall is on the top of our list, so we have visited more times than we can count. Based on our experience, we have outlined our best advice for visiting and what to expect when you get there.

When to visit

Spring (March or April) or fall (September or October) are typically the best times to visit Independence Hall and Philadelphia as a whole. The weather is generally pleasant and crowds are fewer. The summer months of June, July, and August are the most crowded times to visit Philadelphia attractions due to school breaks. If a winter trip is on your agenda, make a beeline here because there is often no wait, and no tickets are required in January or February.

It is free to visit Independence Hall, and admission is by guided tour only.

Ticketing procedures have changed recently, and there are now two ways to visit–go at a time when tickets are not required or reserve advanced tickets. They can be booked up to four months in advance.

Not required

Tickets are not required in the low season months of January and February (except holiday weekends) or after 5pm.

Advanced purchase

If you’re visiting during a busy time, reserving an advanced ticket for a specific day and time is required. There is a $1 reservation fee per ticket. You can print your tickets or display them on your mobile device. If the tour is not sold out, tickets can be booked up until the scheduled time of the tour.

Tickets can also be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 from 10am to midnight.

What to see inside

Originally the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall was completed in 1753. During the years surrounding the American Revolution, the events that took place inside its walls make it one of the most historically important buildings in the country, and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors have the chance to walk in the footsteps of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and the other founders.

After an introduction and overview from a park ranger, the tour makes its first stop in the Supreme Court Chamber. In the 18 th century, it hosted the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The guide provides information about the legal system of the time and how trials took place before continuing.

The second room—the Assembly Room—is the most important room of the tour. This is the room where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted in 1776. Most of the furnishings in this room are reproductions, but it is set up in the same way it was during the debates. The one piece of original furniture is Washington’s “Rising Sun” chair, which he used during the Constitutional Convention.

The main tour only runs about 20 minutes, so it won’t take up a substantial part of your day. Depending on staffing, three other spaces in Independence National Historical Park may be available for visiting. The first is the Great Essentials Exhibit, which showcases copies of the Declaration of Independence , the Articles of Confederation , and the Constitution . Visitors can also see the inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration of Independence .

Next door (but still within the secure zone) is Congress Hall. During the time that Philadelphia was the capital of the United States from 1790-1800, this building was the meeting place of both the House of Representative and the US Senate. Significantly, it is also the room where George Washington and—eight years later—John Adams were sworn in as president, completing the nation’s first peaceful transfer of power.

Outside the secure zone but in the same building complex is Old City Hall. This building was the meeting location for the nation’s first Supreme Court from 1791 to 1800. We’re history lovers, so we find all these places and the stories they hold pretty fascinating. There are park rangers throughout to answer questions and give additional information, if you want to know more. If your level of interest is less than ours, it’s possible to make the visits brief.

Planning your visit

The National Park Service provides a free app with information about all the National Parks. You will find information about the 28 buildings and sites that are part of the Independence National Historical Park in Old City , including the Liberty Bell, Christ Church Burial Ground , Carpenters’ Hall , and more. It also provides a map and useful information about amenities such as nearby food and restrooms.

If you are traveling with children, they may enjoy the Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger iPhone and iPad app includes interactive activities related to the park and allows kids to earn a certificate. A Junior Ranger Activity Booklet available at the Independence Visitor Center also allows participants to earn a certificate and badge.

Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for your Independence Hall tour to allow enough time to go through security.

On-street parking is possible near the National Park, but duration is usually capped at 2 or 3 hours (using the meterUP app is easiest). The Philadelphia Parking Authority is known for being aggressive with ticketing, so we do not recommend letting your meter expire. If you plan to spend longer exploring the historic sites , convenient parking is available at the Bourse food hall or the Visitor Center.

If you book through the affiliate links below, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

Where to Stay Marriott Old City – An 8-minute walk from Independence Hall, this 4-star hotel is noted for its comfortable beds and helpful staff. Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Known for its views of Independence Mall, this modern hotel offers a rooftop lounge and top-notch service.

Share this post:

About the author, laura longwell, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independence National Historical Park Tours

Independence National Historical Park

At Independence National Historical Park, the old cracked bell still proclaims "liberty," and Independence Hall still echoes the words "We the People." Explore Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia and learn about America's past and present struggle to fulfill the Founders' declaration that "all men are created equal." The citizens of Philadelphia constructed Independence Hall between 1732 and 1756 as the State House of the Province of Pennsylvania. Then, from 1775 to 1783, the Assembly Room of this building served as the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress , which adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the same room, they agreed upon the design for the American flag and the Articles of Confederation (1777), and in 1787, the Constitutional Convention met here and drafted the U. S. Constitution. The building, inside and out, has been restored wherever possible to its original late-18th century appearance. Most of the furnishings are 18th century period pieces, the only original piece being the "Rising Sun" chair used by George Washington as he presided over the Constitutional Convention. Another original piece, the Syng Inkstand, which was once on the Speaker's table and believed to be used for the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, can now be found in the West Wing of Independence Hall . While Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are the main attractions within Independence National Historic Park, there are plenty of other fantastic sites for visitors to see before or after taking a tour. Spanning over 55 acres on 20 city blocks within the historic district of Philadelphia, the park preserves and interprets many of our country's most important resources associated with the establishment of the United States of America. These sites include the Second Bank of the United States, Congress Hall and Old City Hall. Additionally, the park tells the story of Philadelphia's most famous citizen, Benjamin Franklin, in Franklin Court, where his home once stood.  

Need to Know

Reserved tickets. You must bring your “print at home” ticket(s) with you or show your ticket(s) on your mobile device. You must arrive at least a half hour (30 minutes) before your tour time, on the day of your visit, at the security entrance for Independence Hall at 5th and Chestnut streets. Tickets may be reserved through the National Park Reservation system. You may call 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 12 Midnight Eastern Time or you can use the website https://recreation.gov. While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the administrative fee is $1.00 per ticket. The Interagency passes do not cover this fee. There are no refunds under any circumstances. All ticket reservations and fees for Independence Hall are final. If you cannot make your tour time or date, please contact https://recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Tickets are not required in January and February except on holiday weekends.

Independence National Historical Park will no longer distribute walk-up tickets on site. All tickets may be reserved on https://recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 12 Midnight. Advance tickets will be reservable up to four months in advance. These tickets will be limited in quantity and will remain available until fully reserved, or until the time of the scheduled tour, whichever comes first. Tickets can be printed in advance or shown on a mobile device for scanning at the time of entry. Tickets are not required in January or February except on holiday weekends.

Park buildings, programs, films and exhibits are accessible via curb cuts, ramps, text/photo albums describing second floor displays, verbal presentations, park folders in Braille and large print, printed tours, pamphlets and booklets, park-wide signage featuring text and graphics, open captioning and assistive listening devices. American Sign Language interpretation is available by request. Those requesting an ASL interpreter must first reserve Independence Hall tickets at least two weeks in advance of their visit. Once you have obtained reserved tickets, email us at [email protected] to arrange for an interpreter at least 14 days prior to your visit. The ASL interpretation service is FREE.

Booking Windows

For entrance into Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were signed, you must have a tour ticket with a specific day and time. These tickets eliminate the long wait for Independence Hall tours and give you more time to see the other historic sites in the area. You need a ticket from March 1 to December 31st, except for July 4th. Select holiday weekends in January and February will also require a ticket. Independence National Historical Park will be closed on Christmas Day.

Changes and Cancellations

Customers may request changes until midnight Eastern Time the day before the arrival. Please note: there are no refunds for cancellations and no-shows will forfeit the entire reservation fee and re-book.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

143 S. 3RD STREET Philadelphia PA 19106

Phone Number

215-965-2305

Available Tours and Tickets

• Independence Hall

Photo Gallery

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!

Get to Know Us

• Rules & Reservation Policies
• Accessibility
• Media Center

Plan with Us

• Find Trip Inspiration
• Build a Trip
• Enter a Lottery
• Checkout our Mobile App
• Get Involved
• Use Our Data
• Add Your Facility

Let Us Help You

• Help Center
• Submit Feedback
• Responsible Disclosure

• visitPA.com
• Hospitality Jobs

Type To Search

Tips For Visiting Philadelphia's Independence Hall & Liberty Bell

Accessing the city's most iconic attractions in 2021 requires planning.

Copied to Clipboard

• [email protected] (215) 599-0789
• View/Download Related Photos
• View Photo Library
• Download PDF

Historic sites abound throughout Greater Philadelphia, but the two most iconic ones are the jewels of Independence National Historical Park: Independence Hall , a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Liberty Bell . These two Philadelphia stalwarts are must-dos for visitors — whether it’s their first time or 50 th time to the city — but getting inside to see them up close requires a bit of planning as safety precautions remain in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some tips for visiting two of Philly’s most famous sites; for more information, go to visitphilly.com :

Liberty Bell :

• No tickets are required to access the Liberty Bell Center , though a 20-person capacity limit (that’s about 130-150 people per hour) — implemented to keep both visitors and staff safe — has reduced access to this popular site. Pro tip: Visitors increase their odds of avoiding a long line by visiting early in the day.

Independence Hall :

• Advance reservations are required for 15-20-minute tours of Independence Hall. Tickets are available by calling (877) 444-6777 from 10 a.m. to midnight or by logging onto recreation.gov . While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the administrative fee is $1 per ticket. Tickets must be presented in printed form or on a mobile device. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before their tour time to go through security screening.
• Tickets for available four months in advance. Weekend tickets sell out quickly, so it’s best for visitors to reserve their preferred day and time as soon as possible.

Bell & Hall :

• Masks are required inside all Independence National Historical Park buildings regardless of vaccination status.
• Signs in the queue indicate wait times at the one-hour, two-hour and three-hour point for Independence Hall, and at the 90-minute point for the Liberty Bell Center.
• Visitors wait outside the Bell and Hall in an uncovered area, so it’s best to check the weather in advance to determine rain-gear needs.
• There are few places to sit while waiting in line, so visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes or bring a light chair if unable to stand for long periods.
• Large groups are split up when visiting the Bell and Hall.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA ® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets. 6 th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676

Note to Editors: For high-resolution photos and high-definition B-roll of Greater Philadelphia, visit the Photos & Video section of visitphilly.com/mediacenter .

• Museums & Attractions
• VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is the birthplace of America. In this building, the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed. The legacy of the nation's founding documents - universal principles of freedom and democracy - has influenced lawmakers around the world and distinguished Independence Hall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

*New Independence Hall Tour Tickets Reservation Procedures*:  Timed tickets to tour Independence Hall must be reserved in advance online at Recreation.gov , or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.  Tickets are free, but there is a  non-refundable processing fee of $1 per ticket . 

Up to nine tickets can be reserved per account. Tickets can be printed or displayed on a mobile device to redeem at the entrance to Independence Hall.

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled tour time to go through security screening. Current tour capacity is 60 visitors per tour.

Service Animals Welcome

520 Chestnut Street Philadelphia , PA 19106 United States

Directions...

Independence Visitor Center

Liberty Bell Center

Great Essentials Exhibit

• PARKS BY NAME
• PARKS BY STATE
• REVIEWED PARK INDEX
• PHOTO LICENSING
• ABOUT NATIONAL PARK PLANNER
• REPORT ERRORS
• PRIVACY POLICY

Independence National Historical Park | INDEPENDENCE HALL

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
• DEMONSTRATIONS
• GARDENS / SQUARES
• HISTORIC SITES
• RANGER PROGRAMS
• DIRECTIONS / CONTACT

Independence Hall

SITE OVERVIEW

Independence Hall is a post-revolution name given to the Pennsylvania State House building. During its occupation by the second and third meetings of Congress between 1775 and 1787, independence from Great Britain was declared and the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation (the new government’s first constitution), and the current United States Constitution were all written and signed.

Independence Hall is located at 520 Chestnut Street (between 5 th and 6 th streets). In order to enter Independence Hall, all visitors must pass through an airport-type security gate located near the corner of 5th and Chestnut streets.

OPERATING HOURS

• 9 AM to 7 PM
• 9 AM to 5 PM
• Closes at 8 PM on July 1 – 4
• Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day: 11 AM to 4 PM
• Christmas Eve: 9 AM to 3 PM
• Closed Christmas Day

Times can always change, so before making travel plans be sure to get the latest schedule on the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for Independence National Historical Park.

TICKETS AND FEES

A free ticket is required to tour Independence Hall from March through December between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM. No tickets are needed in January and February; after 5 PM during the summer; or on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and The Fourth of July. All tickets must be obtained online at  Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Most tickets are available up to four months in advance, but a select number become available after 5 PM for the next day only. While technically free, there is a small service charge—$1 / ticket at the time of this writing. There are no refunds of the service charge if you do not make your tour for whatever reason, though you might be able to change tour times by calling Recreation.gov (phone number above).

Ticketed tours of Independence Hall depart every 20 minutes, with the first tour at 9 AM and the last tour at 4:40 PM. There are 60 tickets for each time slot.

The busiest time of year is May and June due to school groups, though July and August are also very busy. During these months tickets are usually “sold out” every day.

Entry into Independence Hall is by Ranger-guided tour only. Tours begin outside the building; a sign marks the spot. When tickets are required, you must present either a printed ticket or be able to display your ticket order on a mobile device. When no tickets are required, you must wait in line. Rangers will let in a set number of people every 20 minutes.

For ticketed tours, it is recommended that you arrive at the security check point at least a half hour before your tour. There are other attractions inside the gated area ( Congress Hall and The Great Essentials ) that do not require a ticket, so there are things to do if you arrive even earlier.

Meeting spot outside of Independence Hall

Once it is time to begin, a Ranger will lead the group into the East Wing and will give a short lecture on the building’s history before proceeding into Independence Hall.

Tour begins in the East Wing of Independence Hall

The first stop is the courtroom where the Pennsylvania Supreme Court met, both in colonial and post-colonial times. The room is furnished as it might have been in the mid-1780s.

On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time. Immediately afterwards, riled up patriots stormed the Pennsylvania State House and tore down the coat of arms of King George, then proceeded outside and burned it. Today the Pennsylvania coat of arms hangs over the judge’s bench. It was placed there in 1785.

Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court

The second stop on the tour is the Assembly Room where the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Congress met. While the interior of the building is mostly original, with only one exception, the furniture is not the same furniture that was in the building in the 1770s and 1780s. All of it is, however, Philadelphia made antiques from the same time period.

Assembly Room at Independence Hall

The only original furnishings are the Rising Sun Chair and the silver ink stand, which are featured at the center of the hall. The chair takes its name from the rising sun decoration engraved along the top of its back. This was used during the meeting of the Constitutional Congress in 1787, not during the earlier meeting of the Second Continental Congress. The ink stand is the one used during the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Rising Sun chair and ink stand

The second floor is not shown during the busy season, but there are three rooms on that level: the Long Gallery, the Governor’s Council Chamber, and the Committee of the Assembly Chamber. To see these, take a tour in January or February. I visited in June when only the first floor is included on the tour.

Tours are on a tight schedule, and other groups are right behind you. The Rangers give short lectures about the importance of each room, answer a few questions, and then move on. If you have further questions, ask them outside after the tour is over. There are no exhibits in the building that require time to read.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Allow one hour for your tour of Independence Hall. From the time I got in line at security until the time I was back outside was roughly 45 minutes, with perhaps a half hour spent inside the building.

INDEPENDENCE HALL HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

The Pennsylvania State House, what is now known as Independence Hall, was where the Second Continental Congress met starting in May 1775 and remained throughout the American Revolution. However, the building itself was around long before that. Construction began in 1732 and was completed in 1753. It was built by the colony of Pennsylvania to be its capitol building. At the time, it was the largest building in the thirteen colonies.

Much of what you see today is a reconstruction. The east and west wings were torn down in 1812 and replaced with larger buildings to be used as government offices. During this time there was talk to tear down the entire Independence Hall, but local citizens banded together to halt the demolition. The city of Philadelphia then purchased the building from the state.

The wing replacements themselves were torn down in 1898 and reconstructions of the originals were built. This was the result of a public push to restore the building to its 1776 appearance.

West wing of Independence hall

The original steeple, which was made of wood, had rotted to the point that it was removed in 1781. The current steeple was erected in 1828.

Steeple of Independence Hall

Most of the interior was restored to its 1776 appearance by the National Park Service in the mid-1900s.

Foyer of Independence Hall

By the 1770s, Philadelphia was the largest city in America, which is why it was chosen as the meeting place for the colonial representatives, a group called the Continental Congress. The first meeting was held at Carpenters’ Hall from September 5 to October 26, 1774, to decide what to do about the escalating situation with Great Britain, particularly after the British enacted what the colonies called the Intolerable Acts. The decision was to petition King George with a list of grievances. The king’s response was to send more troops to the colonies in order to quell any talk of rebellion. This prompted the colonies to meet for a second time beginning in May 1775.

Now known as the Second Continental Congress, this time delegates met at the Pennsylvania State House. The Pennsylvania government moved to the upper level and gave the Congress use of the larger, lower level room. It is during the Second Continental Congress that independence from Great Britain was declared, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed, and the Articles of Confederation—the new country’s first constitution—was written.

Prior to the Articles of Confederation, Congress was called the Continental Congress. The Articles changed the name to the Confederation Congress, but all members still referred to themselves by the original name. Those elected to the Continental Congress automatically were members of the Confederation Congress; no new elections were required. Other than the name, there were very few changes to the way Congress operated.

Drawn up between 1776 and 1777 and ratified by the thirteen states in 1781, the Articles of Confederation had very limited power, with a major shortcoming being the inability to collect tax revenue. This was a big problem due to the debt the country had accumulated during the war. There was a growing desire for a stronger federal government and a revision of the Articles, so in 1787 it was decided that Congress would met for a third time starting on May 25th. Each state sent five delegates to what is now called the Constitutional Convention. The State House was chosen again as the meeting venue, though this time around the Pennsylvania government moved completely out and turned the entire building over to the Convention.

Though sent by their states to revise the Articles of Confederation, the delegates knew that the document was so weak and poorly written that this would be impossible. A completely new constitution was needed, though this was not authorized by the state governments. Thus, the delegates swore themselves to secrecy and set out to write a new constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787.

Realizing that the state governments would never accept the new constitution because it had stripped away so much of their power, Congress called for each state to have a ratifying convention where the people elected the delegates. It also called for ratification by only nine of the thirteen states, whereas the Articles of Confederation had to be ratified unanimously. Within one year, eleven states had ratified the new constitution, making it the law of the land. In 1789, George Washington was elected the first president of the United States under the new constitution.

It is interesting to note that the United States technically existed once the Articles of Confederation were ratified on March 1, 1781, so there was a leader, or president, of the country on that date. This man was Samuel Johnston, the president of Congress. However, the first official election for a president wasn’t held until July 1781. Johnston was elected, but declined. This led to the election of Thomas McKean, but he only served three months of his one-year term. In November 1781, John Hanson was elected president and he finished his term, making him technically the first president of the United States to do so. Of course, history has long forgotten all of these men and instead remembers only George Washington.

Back to the Top

Independence NHP, Edgar Allan Poe NHS & Thaddeus Kosciuszko NM

© 2014-2024 Copyright Steven L. Markos . All Rights reserved. Designed by National Park Planner

Loading, Please Wait!

Independence Hall in Philadelphia: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When it comes to U.S. history, Independence Hall in Philadelphia is always positioned at the top of every visitor's list. Known as the birthplace of America, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. If you’re vacationing in the City of Brotherly Love, Independence Hall is a must-see destination, as it invites guests to take a step back in time and experience the political climate as well as elements of everyday life during the 1700s, as this historical and revolutionary era truly shaped the nation.

History and Background

Located in the charming center of the Old City district, in the Independence National Historic Park, this world-famous site is considered the nation’s hallowed ground. Facing north, toward the National Constitution Center, this majestic building is where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the United States Constitution several years later in 1787. Visitors are invited inside via a guided tour only and have the unique opportunity to walk through and view the interior while listening to an experienced park ranger recount the days of the Continental Congress and paint a vivid portrait of this revolutionary era.  

What to See at Independence Hall

• Beginning in the building’s courtroom, this tour showcases the main area where the Founding Fathers may have sat to discuss politics and fight legal battles.
• The courtroom is set up to reflect the turbulent revolutionary times, with the furniture arranged as it was during the first Constitutional Convention.
• George Washington’s impressive wooden carved “sunburst” chair is on display in the courtroom.
• The authentic inkstand that was used to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in the building’s west wing.
• Visitors can gaze upon the original draft of the United States Constitution, which is on exhibit here as well.

Tips for Visiting

Independence Hall is free to visit! Understandably, it’s one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, so you should expect big crowds during the summer, holidays, and other prime times. This destination is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months and until 5 p.m. the rest of the year. Tickets are free and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis daily, so if you’re flexible, go to the Independence Visitor’s Center early (before 9 a.m.) to ensure you will have the largest selection of entrance times available. Another option is to go later in the day, as tickets are not required after 5 p.m. Be sure to check the Independence Hall website, as no tickets are needed on some holidays throughout the year. For those who prefer to plan in advance, you can select tickets online, but you will pay a nominal service fee for this option.

Entrance to Independence Hall is by park ranger-led tour only, and visitors are expected to walk through a security area and metal detector before being allowed inside. Small bags are recommended, and be sure to visit the website for a list of items not allowed inside.

Visitors who enjoy an evening stroll should know that the area is quite dramatic at night. You may not be able to get inside the buildings, but the entire Old City area is lit up brightly and crowds are almost non-existent. However, there are plenty of lively bars and restaurants on the adjacent streets if you wish to have dinner or drinks in the area. 

What’s to Do Nearby

Philadelphia’s Old City district is home to just about everything historical in the city. This compact and often quaint area is the hub for all things worth seeing from the colonial days. In this part of town, you can see the world-famous Liberty Bell , Carpenters' Hall , the National Constitution Center , and Benjamin Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground. When you’re ready for a break or a meal, be sure to visit City Tavern , one of the oldest restaurants in the city where the menu reflects a number of traditional specialties and the staff wear outfits from the olden days. Another great spot nearby is the Bourse Food Hall , which has been recently refurbished and is now home to a number of food stands and cafés. 

Top Destinations in the Eastern United States

48 Hours in Philadelphia: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Top 20 Things to Do in Philadelphia

The Top 6 Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

20 Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Museum of the American Revolution: The Complete Guide

LGBTQ Travel Guide: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What to See and Do on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

20 Best Things to Do in Vermont

Thomas Jefferson Memorial: Washington DC (Visiting Tips)

The 26 Best Washington, D.C. Monuments and Memorials

Your Trip to Philadelphia: The Complete Guide

Best 14 Washington, D.C. Museums

Top 10 Haunted US Destinations for the Halloween Lover

Berlin's Mitte Neighborhood: The Complete Guide

Tips for Visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia

H ello friends! Are you planning a trip to Philadelphia? One of the top attractions you’ll want to visit is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed.

After exploring revolutionary history in Boston, our next stop on our adventure was Philadelphia. We only had one a few hours allotted here but knew we absolutely had to visit Independence Hall.

Before this trip, I embarrassingly didn’t know much about it except for seeing it in the movie National Treasure. But I was determined to walk the very halls where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

This historic site is a must-see for any history buff. Here are my tips for making the most of your visit to Independence Hall.

Independence Hall in Philidelphia

Originally called the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall once housed all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government.

Today it still stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Walking through gives you chills knowing the history that happened within these walls!

How to get Tickets to Independence Hall?

Getting tickets to tour the famous Independence Hall is super easy! From March through December, you’ll need to reserve timed entry tickets online at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.

You can reserve up to 10 tickets per account for tours through February 2024. Tickets are just $1 each. Make sure to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to get through security screening.

Have your printed or mobile tickets ready to show at the entrance. Tours are limited to 60 people each and fill up fast, so book your tickets well in advance.

No tickets are required for January and February tours except on holidays – it’s first come, first served then. Grab your tickets and get ready to explore where America began at Independence Hall!

Where to go for your tour of Independence Hall?

The security for Independence Hall is located to the right of Independence Hall. You’ll enter near the intersection of 5th Street and Chestnut. Food and drink are both prohibited.

Of all the security I went through in Washington DC, I found this security to be just as secure. The only difference was that the guests were not prepared. Almost everyone needed wanding because they failed to put stuff through the X-ray machine. I recommend adding in a little extra time for the security process because of this.

Taking a Tour

Once you get through security screening, head around the corner next to Independence Hall. You’ll join your tour group outside. A friendly park ranger will gather everyone together and then lead you right up the front steps into this iconic building where America began.

Stepping inside, you’ll first see the stately Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chambers.

Then it’s on to Congress Hall, where the early US Congress met. Your guide will share fascinating stories as you walk through the Assembly Room, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed by our Founding Fathers.

In 1776 in the Assembly Room, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, breaking away from England. Just over a decade later in 1787, delegates gathered here again to draft and sign the US Constitution, creating a radical new democratic government.

After the tour, you’ll have time to take photos and soak in the significance of this place. Then you’ll exit Independence Hall through the back doors. Can you imagine John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and all the signers walking these very halls?

The West Wing

After your tour, don’t miss visiting the West Wing to see the incredible exhibits. You’ll view rare original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution. It’s amazing to see these important documents up close.

There’s also the Inkstand, the silver vessel used by 56 Founding Fathers to dip their quills and sign the Declaration of Independence. They mutually pledged their lives, fortunes, and honor to the cause of freedom using this very inkstand!

Seeing the original Printed version of the Declaration of Independence is a surreal experience. You can vividly imagine the debates, compromises, and political struggles that happened right here in this hall.

What amazes me most is how close you can get up to the document compared to Washington DC at the national archived.

Is this the official Declaration of Independence?

This is the Dunlap Broadside. After the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4th 1776, congress voted to authenticate the document and add the signatures.

That evening the Declaration was taken to the print shop where John Dunlap printed 100-200 copies to be sent out to several assemblies, conventions, committees and continental troops.

Visiting Congress Hall

Just across the courtyard from Independence Hall is Congress Hall. From March through December, programs here run every 20 minutes on a first-come, first-served basis.

During your 15-20 minute program, you’ll explore the House of Representatives chamber on the first floor. Upstairs is the beautiful Senate chamber, currently closed for maintenance.

In January and February, you can visit Congress Hall at your own pace without a guided program. This is where the US Congress met from 1790 to 1800 when Philadelphia was the temporary national capital.

Within these walls, President George Washington was inaugurated for his second term. John Adams also took his inaugural oath of office as president in Congress Hall. Walking the same floors where Congress debated and created laws in the earliest days of America is an incredible experience.

Old City Hall

In addition to Independence Hall and Congress Hall, don’t miss seeing Old City Hall.

Old City Hall, completed in 1791, once served as the city hall for Philadelphia. In the 1790s, the courtroom on the first floor was even used by the Supreme Court of the United States. Upstairs, the second floor housed the City Council chambers.

Tips for Your Visit to Independence Hall

To make the most of your time at Independence Hall, keep these tips in mind:

• Arrive early to avoid long lines
•  Get your tickets online
•  Plan for Security.
•  Don’t be afraid to ask questions. This surprised me each time the number of people that don’t.

Would I Visit Independence Hall again?

Visiting Independence Hall is like taking a walk through history. Within these walls, some of America’s most important foundational documents were debated, drafted, and signed.

As the site where unprecedented ideas became reality, Independence Hall is hallowed ground. Walking in the Founders’ footsteps inspires appreciation for the courage and cooperation it took to build the United States.

I couldn’t believe how amazing it was to walk the steps and see where our nation was found. When you consider the epic trip through America’s founding we were taking, it was worth the extra train ticket to do it.

The post Tips for Visiting Independence Hall in Philadelphia appeared first on DayTripper .

Everything You Need to Know to Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

quickwhittravel

These are THE must-do things in Philadelphia, right?! I mean, you can’t say you’ve been to Philadelphia AT ALL unless you’ve been to Independence Hall and gotten a selfie with the Liberty Bell. I mean, you literally came all this way to see them! So you want to do it right the first time, and who can blame you? Here is everything you need to know to help you do just that.

Independence Hall

There are definitely some things you need to know to plan your trip to Independence Hall. Most notably, if you show up without a reservation, there’s a good chance you’ll get turned away! But not if you heed this insider advice:

• Opening Hours : The site opens at 9:00am and closes at 5:00pm, except during the summer when it stays open until 7:00pm.
• Tour Time : Tours are 15-20 minutes long, and they run every 20 minutes.
• Tour Guides : Your guide will be a very knowledgeable National Park Ranger. Feel free to ask questions and learn things you didn’t know you needed to know!
• Security: You will have to go through a metal detector and put your bag through a scanner before you can visit this site. Don’t worry–you can bring your water bottle through!

More here: The Best Sites in Philadelphia for Early American History Lovers

Tickets and entry.

For this particular site, you will need to get timed tickets, which are $1 per ticket (not per transaction). You can reserve your ticket(s) here on Recreation.gov . Just create an account first if you don’t have one already.

If you happen to be visiting in summer, however, you may visit without a timed ticket from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Entrance is first-come, first-served, and Park Rangers will only allow as many people in line as there are time slots available until 7:00pm. The National Park Service recommends being in line by 4:45pm to secure your spot.

Visiting in January of February? No timed tickets are required! This is understandably the low season, so you’ll be able to visit at your liesure. The only exceptions are Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend and President’s Day weekend.

Keep reading: Where to Eat in Old City Philadelphia

Highlights of the tour.

This site can only be visited on a guided tour, and you will be glad you have one! Here are the highlights.

Architecture

Personally, I’m a sucker for architecture, and especially 18th century woodwork! So much of the building is original, and it’s been incredibly well-preserved and restored as needed over the years.

Park Ranger Tour Guides

Throughout my trip to Philadelphia, I was constantly surprised and delighted with how much information the Park Rangers here could rattle off on-demand! From the most basic information to the most complicated questions from fellow historians (actual and amateur), they will be able to help!

Also nearby: Visiting the Betsy Ross House

The liberty bell.

The Liberty Bell is less complicated to visit than Independence Hall. You don’t even need an advance reservation! It’s located right across the street from Independence Hall, so you can easily visit both, one after the other.

Read next: The Ulitmate Guide to Solo Travel in Philadelphia

The Liberty Bell is open every day from 9:00am-5:00pm. In the summer, the building stays open until 7:00pm. You’ll have the best chance to get photos of and with the Bell early (just after 9:00am until about 10:00am) or late (between 6:00pm and 7:00pm in summer). Be sure to ask the Park Rangers a ton of questions while you’re there! They know so much more than you think there is to know.

Also interesting: Washington, D.C., for History Lovers

The non-line.

Because there is no option for timed tickets, you will have to stand in line to see the Liberty Bell. As previously noted, the earlier you arrive, the better! Please note you will be subject to a security screening upon entering the building.

Take a day trip: What to Know Before You Visit Valley Forge National Historic Site

Need more? Find everything you need to plan your trip to Philadelphia on my dedicated United States Page !

Love this post? Pin it for later!

Share this:

3 responses to “everything you need to know to visit independence hall and the liberty bell”.

[…] Helpful info: Tips for Visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell […]

[…] More here: Tips for Visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell […]

[…] Read next: Tips for Visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from quick whit travel.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, independence hall tickets, park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

143 S. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

215-965-2305

Stay Connected

• Skip to content
• Accessibility
• Buy Tickets

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

• Date Dec. 04 , 2018
• Event Starts 7:00 PM
• Venue Fine Arts Theatre
• Doors Open 1 Hour Prior To Performance
• Ticket Prices $30.50-$177.50
• Availability On Sale Now
• Seating Chart View Seating Chart

Event Details

Christmas is coming and so is the one and only Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls – Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages. “Kids wide-eyed with delight!” says the New York Times. Experience the Dove of Peace Tour, spreading goodwill in over 100 cities across North America. Get seats now for the whole family and make memories for a lifetime at Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker!

Additional Ticket Information

Ticket Prices

$177.50 - platinum.

• Floor: Row F, Seats 22-36
• Meet-n-Greet and Photo Opportunity with the world-renowned Moscow Ballet Ballerinas and Danseurs
• Take Home Gifts including one-of-a-kind, Moscow Ballet branded memorabilia! *Please note! Platinum Experience patrons meet the Moscow Ballet Tour Manager in venue lobby 45 minutes prior to opening curtain in order to guarantee the personal Meet-n-Greet. Moscow Ballet cannot guarantee a Meet-n-Greet if patrons are not in the venue lobby 45 minutes prior to curtain.

$104.50 - Gold Circle

• Floor: Row B, Seats 9-33
• Floor: Row C, Seats 10-34
• Floor: Row D, SEats 13-37
• Includes Moscow Ballet Gift Package including:
• Moscow Ballet hand-crafted, wooden Nutcracker Doll
• Limited Edition Moscow Ballet Souvenir Program book filled with over 50 pages of stunning images.  Please note - Gold Circle patrons redeem Gift Packages at Moscow Ballet merchandise table prior to the performance.
• Floor: Row(s) A & E and G-N
• Floor: Row B, Seats 1-8 & 34-39
• Floor: Row C, Seats 1-9 & 35-42
• Floor: Row D, Seats 1-12 & 38-47
• Floor: Row F, Seats 1-21 & 37-55
• Floor: Rows O-V
• Balcony: Rows AA-EE
• Floor: Rows W-ZZ
• Balcony: Rows FF-LL

• About Us - Overview
• Job Opportunities
• Master Plan Development
• Enabling Legislation
• The Constitutional Memorandum
• The Freedom Trail
• Legal Notices
• Press Releases
• Photo Library
• Video Library
• Logo Library
• By the Numbers
• Story Ideas
• Government Relations
• Tour Guide Licensing
• Directions Overview
• Driving Distances
• Parking - Cars
• Motorcoaches - Arrival & Departure
• Parking - Motorcoaches & Buses
• Bus Driver's Survival Guide - Cheap Eats & More
• Events Overview
• Partners & Offers
• Feedback - Group and Guided Tours
• Brochure Request

Search form

For more information: 215.525.1776 [email protected]

• Buy Tickets
• Field Trips Overview
• Make a Reservation
• Scavenger Hunts
• Yellow Fever Tour
• Independence Hall Tickets
• Liberty Bell Visitor Guide
• Virtual Field Trip
• NEW: Flat Stanley Field Trips
• NEW - Combo Package - Museum of the American Revolution
• Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts & Girl Scouts
• Constitution Day & Essay Contest
• Educational Standards
• Suggested Itineraries For Visits To Historic Philadelphia
• Teacher Resource Guide for Grades K-12
• Testimonials
• Top 10 Reasons To Take The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia
• Certificate of Achievement
• Black History Field Trip Combo Package
• Performance Opportunities - Parades & Other Venues
• Field Trip Grants
• Timeline - Road to Nationhood
• Philadelphia Firsts
• Founding Documents Overview
• Group Tours Overview
• Theme Tours
• The Constitutional Bus Tour of Philadelphia
• Guided Tours Overview
• Combo Package - The Constitutional & Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour

Independence Hall Tickets & Visitor Guide

• Philly Attractions Guide
• VIP Tours Overview
• VIP Tour Map
• VIP Tour Reservation Request
• The Constitutional App Overview
• The Constitutional App - Tour Map
• The Constitutional Walking Tour App - Credits
• Purchase a CD - Audio Tour

Related Posts:

• Independence Hall History - Our blog about the incredible history of the Birthplace of America.
• Buy Tickets for The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia – See 20+ Sites on a Primary Overview of Independence Park 
• Liberty Bell History

The Basics - Free Tickets

January to february , march to december.

Advance Reservations and Ticketing

• Visit the recreation.gov web site, by clicking here (or call toll free at 877.444.6777 from 10AM to 10PM (Eastern Time)) 
• Everyone in your group needs a ticket, including infants.
• While the tickets are free, there is a non-refundable $1.50 service fee for each ticket that you reserve through the recreation.gov Web site.
• Once you reserve your tickets, you will receive a confirmation letter with a reservation number. 
• Reserved tickets must be picked up the day of your tour at the “will-call” desk Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets, at least 45 minutes before your scheduled tour on the day of your visit (make sure to bring your reservation number and identification). The Independence Visitor Center opens at 8:30AM every day of the week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas).

• Keep in mind that while everyone picks up their Independence Hall tickets from the same desk at the Independence Visitor Center, there are two different lines: 1) for those who have reserved their tickets in advance online or by phone, and 2) for those who are trying to secure walk-up tickets on a first come, first served basis. The Will Call line is the express line that is generally short or non-existent, so if you have a reservation number and you find yourself in a long line, please confirm that you are in the right line.
• Tickets not picked up 45 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time will be released to walk-up visitors. For example, if your tickets are for 11:00AM, you must pick your tickets up by 10:15AM on the morning of your visit.
• If your preferred day and time slot is not available online in advance, do not worry. It is still possible that you might be able to get tickets on the day of your visit. See below.  

Walk Up Tickets on the Same Day of Your Visit (No Advance Reservations)

• The Independence Visitor Center opens at 8:30AM every day of the week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), and there is often a line outside of the building with people waiting to go inside and get tickets for Independence Hall. 
• The line for Independence Hall tickets forms in front of the East entrance of the Independence Visitor Center which is on the side of the Visitor Center facing 5th Street. 

• One person may pick up a maximum of ten (10) tickets for a family or small group.  We suggest that groups of more than 10 should all wait in line to increase your chances that everyone gets a ticket.

Some of the VIP tour packages that we offer also include tickets to Independence Hall, pending availability, for no extra cost.  Contact us at 215.555.1776 or email us at [email protected] .

Ticketless Times: Summer Hours and Holidays

• During the Summer, Independence Hall offers extended hours when it is open until 7PM.  Between 5PM and 7PM, there are no tickets required to take a tour of Independence Hall.
• The dates when Independence Hall switches between regular and Summer hours are determined by the National Park Service, and are not announced more than a few months in advance.  Generally though, Summer Hours start sometime in mid-June and extend to the beginning of September.
• In 2018, Summer hours are offered through September 3rd.
• There are also no tickets required on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, or Independence Day (Fourth of July).  On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve day, Independence Hall is only open from 9AM to 3PM, and it is closed on Christmas Day.
• During time periods when tickets are not required, you should proceed directly to the security line.  Once you clear security, a line will begin to form in the courtyard behind Independence Hall to enter the building and take the tour.

Stand By Access to Independence Hall Without a Ticket

• Eighty tickets are given out for each tour time, but just because 80 tickets were given out, that does not mean that all 80 people with those tickets will show up on time to see their tour.  When someone with a ticket for a designated day and time slot is a no show, the Park Rangers may let guests without a ticket in to visit Independence Hall.
• If you are trying to visit without a ticket, go through security and find the National Park Service Ranger collecting tickets in the courtyard behind Independence Hall. Politely let the Park Ranger know that Independence Hall tickets were sold out, and you were hoping to take the Independence Hall tour if there is any extra room available from no shows. 
• The smaller your party is, the more feasible this plan may be.  It may be more likely that a couple of people do not show up for their designated tour; however, it is less likely that 20 people do not show up.
• Larger groups should split up to increase their odds that they’ll all be able to fit in a tour group of Independence Hall and groups attempting to view the hall through this method should be prepared to wait a few tours to see if any spots become available.

Group Tickets

Security line.

• Once you have your tickets, you and your entire party should arrive at the Independence Hall security screening line at least 20-30 minutes before the scheduled start time of your Independence Hall tour.  When picking up your tickets at the Independence Visitor Center, the Park Ranger may alert you to increased wait times and advise getting in the security line even earlier.
• The security screening line to access Independence Hall begins at the corner of 5th and Chestnut Streets.  You will see signs pointing you to the entrance like those in the photo below.

• Be prepared for airport level security screening.  
• While phones and cameras are allowed, you cannot bring any weapons into Independence Hall, including small pocket knives.  
• While you can bring in sealed water bottles or packages of food in a bag, you are not allowed to bring in any beverage that cannot be sealed and placed in a bag, nor any open food products.
• Once you have cleared security, you will see the area where people lining up for the next tour of Independence Hall.

Insider Tips

• Once you’ve gotten through security, you must remain within the secure gated area while you wait for your tour to start.  If you leave the gated area, the only way to obtain reentry is to wait in line and go back through security.
• If you get through security earlier than expected, there are things you can see including the West Wing which contains and original printed copy of the Declaration of Independence or Congress Hall, which is where the United States Congress met from 1790 to 1800.

Planning Your Visit to Historic Philadelphia

Additional information.