Our most recommended things to do in Society Hill

Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

1. Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Explore the origins of America on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Philadelphia. Discover the city where America’s Founding Fathers first declared independence, and ratified the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of historic landmarks including the Christ Church Burial Grounds, Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall.   Begin your tour at the Bourse Building, across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Listen to the multilingual audio commentary as you enjoy the views from the open-top deck. See the Friendship Gate in Chinatown and be amazed by the architecture of Philadelphia’s City Hall.   Hop off to explore the various museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the world's largest collection of post-impressionist art at the Barnes Foundation. Marvel at Philadelphia’s skyline and stop to enjoy a bird’s-eye view from the One Liberty Observation Deck. Pass through the charming neighborhood of Society Hill and end your tour with a drive along the banks of the Delaware River. Stops:  • The Bourse Building  • Betsy Ross House  • National Constitution Center  • Chinatown  • Reading Terminal Market  • Love Park  • Cathedral Basilica  • Logan Circle  • Rodin Museum  • Eastern State Penitentiary  • Special Events - The Perelman Building  • The Rocky Steps and Statue  • West Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boat House Row  • Civil War Memorial  • Please Touch Museum  • Philadelphia Zoo  • Franklin Institute  • Mutter Museum  • One Liberty Observation Deck  • Avenue of the Arts  • Society Hill, Antique Row  • Mother Bethel A.M.E Church  • Headhouse Square  • Vietnam & Korean War Memorials  • Penns Landing  • Museum of the American Revolution  • Christ Church  • The Liberty Bell

Philadelphia: Segway Adventure Tour

2. Philadelphia: Segway Adventure Tour

Take a Segway tour of Philadelphia to see the main city sights and get an informative commentary on the history of the city at the forefront of the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence. Your guide will give you a 30-minute training session before you set off on the self-balancing vehicles. Then, traveling in groups of up to 6 people, head down to Penn's Landing for views across to New Jersey and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Glide through the Historic District, passing Elfreth's Alley and the Betsy Ross House. Admire Independence Hall en route to Society Hill, where you can marvel at the stately homes while catching the aroma of fresh coffee at quaint cafés. Pass over Avenue of the Arts to Rittenhouse Square, before winding through the Fitler Square neighborhood to Schuylkill River. The scenery changes here, as you work your way along the paths of the Schuylkill Banks, joined by runners and bikers en route to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Admire the statue of Rocky Balboa at the bottom of the famous steps he ran up in the 1976 blockbuster movie, before moving on to Benjamin Franklin Parkway to see Rodin’s “Thinker” statue in the outdoor sculpture garden.  Take back streets that will lead you to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, from where you can loop through Chinatown and the end of your tour.

Philadelphia: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Flex Pass & Campo's Steak

3. Philadelphia: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Flex Pass & Campo's Steak

Hop aboard a double-decker bus and discover Philadelphia's top attractions with comfort and ease. From the top deck, admire panoramic views of the city that will leave you speechless and entertained while you soak up the history, heritage, and beauty of one of America's oldest cities. Benefit from a local guide's informative commentary as you travel around a 90-minute circuit to 28 different stops highlighting Philadelphia's 100 most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the US Mint. At Stop number 27, hop off and enjoy a delicious cheesesteak sandwich combo meal at one of Philadelphia's most well-loved institutions, Campo's. Sit down to your choice of sandwich, served with potato chips, water, and Philadelphia's own TastyKake and Peanut Chews.

Philadelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight

4. Philadelphia Ghost Tour by Candlelight

Join an entertaining evening tour of Philadelphia on a ghostly walking tour by candlelight. You will see Philadelphia's historic districts, including Independence National Park, Old City, and Society Hill in a completely new light! A costumed tour guide will lead you off the beaten path and spin tales of the rich and famous, and of heroes and villains from America's colonial era. You will hear tales of the well-known, like William Penn, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold and Mad Anthony Wayne, and tales of the unknown, such as the spectral Quakeress of Washington Square and the ghost of Old Pine Street Cemetery. The tour departs from Signers Garden at 5th and Chestnut Streets, lasts approximately 90 minutes, is appropriate for all ages, and is ideal for anyone with the inclination to hear Philadelphia's dead brought back to life! The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia has offered tours since 1995 and continues to be one of the city's most popular night-time attractions. It was recently named one of the top 15 "must see" attractions in the country by Budget Travel Magazine.

Philadelphia: Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

5. Philadelphia: Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus Tour

Climb aboard the double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and discover the sights of Philadelphia at your own pace. Benefit from the services on an onboard guide and avail of frequent departures every day of the week. Learn the history of the city and its cultural attractions, and hear where the best places to eat and shop are along the way. Follow in the footsteps of "Rocky" and climb the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy an authentic cheesesteak or retrace the steps of the founding fathers and see where they signed the Declaration of Independence. Sit back and enjoy the 90-minute ride around Philly seeing almost 30 points of interest along the way. Sights you will see: • Independence Visitor Center (northeast corner of 5th and Market Streets) • Betsy Ross House  • U.S. Mint and Ben Franklin’s Grave  • National Constitution Center  • Chinatown (northeast corner of Arch Street at 10th Street) • Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center  • City Hall and Love Park • Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul/Sister Cities  • Barnes Foundation (21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway)  • Rodin Museum • Eastern State Penitentiary • Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art • Philadelphia Zoo  • Please Touch Museum/Memorial Hall/Fairmount Park • Rocky Steps • Philadelphia Museum of Art • Franklin Institute/Logan Circle • The Bellevue/Rittenhouse Square • Academy of Music/Broad Street • Antiques Row (10th and Pine Street) • South Street/Headhouse Square • Vietnam Veterans Memorial • Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing/Columbus Boulevard • Penn's Landing/Waterfront • Old City/Christ Church • Museum of American Jewish History

Philly Cheesesteak Tour and Tastings by Segway

6. Philly Cheesesteak Tour and Tastings by Segway

Enjoy tastes of 5 different Philly cheesesteaks as you tour South Philly by Segway, stopping at the best cheesesteak establishments on your route. Meet your entertaining guide and begin your tour with a 30-minute orientation session. Once you feel comfortable riding your self-balancing electric Segway, you’ll weave through the streets of South Philly on a 5-mile loop. Glide along the neighborhood’s streets, passing the Italian Market, South Street, and Society Hill – all without breaking a sweat. As you enjoy these scrumptious tastings of the sandwich that made the city famous, you’ll understand why there’s nothing quite like a crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sautéed beef and melted cheese. You’ll sample 5 different cheesesteaks and decide which is your favorite. Gobble up a quarter of a sandwich at each vendor, from your classic hole-in-the-wall restaurant to the take-out window. Enjoy the flavors and textures of ribeye beef and melted cheese, dripping with toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, ketchup, and hot or sweet peppers. Your guide will make sure you order the traditional Philly cheesesteak, known locally as a Whiz Wit, topped with processed cheese spread and fried onions! This small-group Segway tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention from your guide.

Philadelphia Private Driving Tour - Half or Full-Day

7. Philadelphia Private Driving Tour - Half or Full-Day

Explore the city of Philadelphia on a private driving tour, customized to suit your preferences, and available as either a half-day or full-day option. The former capital of the Pennsylvania Colony, Philadelphia is intimately connected to the history of Amercia. You will see all the highlights, including Elfreth’s Alley and the Liberty Bell. Go to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was first debated. Pass Christ Church to see the birthplace of the American Episcopal Church, and Penn's Landing, where William Penn docked in 1682. Drive down the Avenue of the Arts and see Love Park (JFK Plaza), dominated by Robert Indiana's “Love” sculpture. Continue the arts theme at the Rodin Museum or Philadelphia Museum of Art, complete with Rocky’s statue and the steps used in the blockbuster movie. See where Al Capone was incarcerated at the Eastern State Penitentiary, admire the boat houses on the Schuylkill River, and visit Memorial Hall in Centennial Park. You’ll almost certainly get out to Belmont Plateau for a great view before coming back through Rittenhouse Square. There will be time to get out and take pictures or enjoy a short walk, perhaps down Elfreth’s Alley, or to the gazebo next to the boat houses on the Schuylkill. It’s your tour and your choice, but your guide will give some great suggestions. Take detours into Society Hill and out to the 9th Street Italian Market, home of the great Philly Cheese Steak. The full-day tour can be customized to include nearby neighborhoods or the beautifully situated Laurel Hill Cemetery and Historic Rittenhouse Town. Suggestions will also be given for lunch, whether you fancy a snack or full-blown meal.

Taste of Philadelphia Mobile Car Tour

8. Taste of Philadelphia Mobile Car Tour

Explore historic Philadelphia in a modern private mobile electric car. Sights include a stop at Sonny's Famous Cheese steak, Ben Franklin's Grave and Betsy Ross House. Enjoy the beauty and architecture of the colonial homes amd churches in Society Hill. Tour begins and ends at the Liberty Bell located at 6th & Market Streets. The 90 minute tour gives you plenty of time to taste the savory treats of local Philly Foods while your driver/guide tour you through Philadelphia's historic sights.

Philadelphia: Private Electric Car Tour of the City

9. Philadelphia: Private Electric Car Tour of the City

Discover Philadelphia's history and famous attractions on board a sustainable electric car tour. Departing from the car stand at 6th and Market Streets across from Independence Hall in downtown Philly, travel back in time on a modern ride through the city. The guide will share stories behind every passing landmark location, including Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. Visit the Society Hill neighborhood, with the largest collection of original 18th- and early 19th-century residential architecture of any location in the United States; and Old St. Joseph's Church, the first Roman Catholic church ever built in Philadelphia. In Old City, stop briefly at the famed Betsy Ross House, where it is believed the seamstress and flag maker lived when she created the first American Flag. Continue on to the famous Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the US, plus the Philadelphia Mint (aka the United States Mint at Philadelphia), Benjamin Franklin’s grave at Christ Church Burial Ground, the nonpartisan National Constitution Center and much more. Tours limited to Children 8 Years and older

Other Sightseeing Options in Society Hill

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What people are saying about Society Hill

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 661 reviews

Best hop on hop off tour we have ever taken! This was our second time taking it… several years apart. Both times we had a live tour guide and both times the guide was awesome! Philadelphia has so many visually interesting landmarks and iconic areas to visit. The tour gets up close to all areas, buildings and statues. We found most everything to be within a quick few minutes walk of the stops. If you’ll be in town several days it would be worthwhile to get a 2 day pass.

We had a blast! "Sarge" was super supportive and patient throughout the learning phase and kept supporting when we went out to the street. He is full of Philadelphia's stories and fun facts and you can feel his passion to his city and job. If it is your first time in the city, Sarge is your man and if its your second third or whatever he still is.

our ghost tour guide Jamar, I think that is his name was absolutely amazing!He's an amazing story teller and you can tell he's passionate about it!we can't wait to come back to Philly everyone was so nice and made our sightseeing a very great experience

Sargeant very knowledgeable and certainly made our Philadelphia historic experience very positive.

It was great, everyone should definitely give a try