10 Must-See Historical Landmarks in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania. It has deep roots in US history. It’s where the most prominent early American leaders gathered to discuss important topics that would shape the nation.

As such, the city is filled with historical treasures that make up some of the best places to visit in Philadelphia. Most of the landmarks shed light on early US history. However, some are also related to other aspects of Philly’s past.

Each of them offers an educational and entertaining experience. From old cobbled streets to important buildings and famous monuments, here are the top historical landmarks in Philadelphia.

Photo byEthan HooveronUnsplash

Top 10 Historical Landmarks in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city where history is on full display. A good deal of the sites included in this list have to do with the founding of the nation, but there are also plenty of hidden historical gems too. This city has a lot to uncover, so let’s get started.

1. The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell is a proud symbol of American independence. This massive 943 kg (2,080 lbs) historical landmark was first rung on July 8, 1776, after the Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time.

In the following decade, it became very significant among abolitionists, who used it to symbolize the wrongs of slavery in America.

The last time the Liberty Bell chimed was in 1846, for George Washington’s birthday. However, this caused the bell to crack. You can learn more about this iconic American landmark and see it on display in Liberty Bell Center. The entrance is free.

2. Independence Hall

Independence Hall is a US civic building that holds monumental historical significance in the nation's founding. It’s the site where America’s founding fathers adopted and signed the US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.

Admission into the building is by timed tours only. Guests need to reserve their ticket beforehand ($1.00 per ticket online) in order to secure their spot.

3. Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is where American seamstress and US flag-maker Betsy Ross lived. It’s the place where she is purported to have sewed the first United States flag. Although some historians debate this claim, the house nevertheless provides a window into 18th-century living.

Tours of the house allow you to learn more about America’s most famous seamstress. You’ll be guided to the different rooms by an audio guide. There’s also a Betsy Ross reenactor that provides a nice touch to the learning experience.

4. The President’s House

From 1790 to 1800, the President’s House served as the official residence of the US President. This was when Philadelphia was the capital of the US, before the White House was built. It was home to the first two US Presidents, George Washington and John Adams.

Although the original building was demolished in 1832, it now operates as an open-air, outdoor exhibit. It sits at the original site, and you can still see the foundations of the house embedded in the ground. It features videos and exhibits that explore the paradox between independence in the new nation and slavery.

This landmark is a self-guided attraction and is free of charge.

5. The Declaration House (Graff House)

The Declaration House is the site where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He rented a room from Jacob Graff, a brick-layer, who built the three-story house on the outskirts of town.

Jefferson most likely found his own lodging in the heart of the city too busy for his liking; it’s thought that he sought out the solitude of a more quiet residence to complete his important task.

The original house was constructed in 1775, however, it was demolished in 1833. A reconstruction of the original home was built in 1975. It features exhibitions and period furnishings to reflect what it would have looked like when Jefferson was residing there.

6. Powel House

The Powel House is one of Philadelphia’s original Georgian-style houses. It was built in 1765 and owned by Samuel Powel, who was the mayor of Philadelphia before and after the American Revolution.Powel and his wife loved to host lavish dinner parties in their home that would entertain notable guests, like George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and the Marquis de Lafayette. The historical home now operates as a house museum. It’s accessible through tours, which are guided by a knowledgeable docent.

7. Hill-Physick House

The Hill-Physick House was built in 1786. It belonged to Philip Syng Physick, who is considered the “father of American surgery.” The three-story brick mansion was built in Federal styling, an architectural type prominent in the US from the 1780s to the 1840s.

You can visit the house and tour the well-appointed rooms that feature Federal period furnishings. You’ll learn about Physick’s medicine practice before modern anaesthesia, and other interesting anecdotes from his day.

8. Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall is the city’s ornate municipal building. This historical landmark is pretty remarkable. It was constructed from 1871 to 1901 and features 700 rooms. It’s the largest municipal building in the US.

When it was completed, it contained the world’s tallest clock tower. Currently, it’s the 5th tallest. Each side of the tower contains a clock face that’s larger in diameter than Big Ben in London. Apart from the large clock facades, the building also includes a giant statue of Pennsylvania founder, William Penn.

Guided tours of the interior are offered from the City Hall Visitor Centre. They also included access to the building's impressive observation deck which provides excellent panoramas of the city.

9. Independence National Historical Park

The Independence National Historical Park is a protected area of Philadelphia that covers 45 acres. The historic district houses several of the city’s famous landmarks, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Second Bank of America.

It also contains the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the United States Postal Service Museum. You’ll be surrounded by history as you stroll the scenic walking paths and admire the park’s beautiful gardens.

10. Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is often given the title as the oldest continuously inhabited street in the US. The picturesque cobblestone lane is full of old American architecture. It dates back to 1703 and features 32 houses that were built from 1703 to 1836.

There’s also a museum on the street known as the Elfreth's Alley Museum that takes you inside one of the historic houses. You’ll truly feel like you’re walking back in time as you stroll this historical gem.