Washington Square Park, Philadelphia: Our most recommended tours and activities

Philadelphia: Downtown GPS-Guided Historic Audio Tour

1. Philadelphia: Downtown GPS-Guided Historic Audio Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map. Note: This 3+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Philadelphia in 1-2 hours. Journey back in time to historic Philadelphia to the days of George Washington. Follow this self-guided tour that has been developed by local guides and narrated by professional voice artists. Make stops along the tour to hike, visit historic homes, and marvel at waterfall views. Begin at the City Hall and make your way to the historic district while exploring the catalysts of the war. At the famous Independence Hall, dive into the Declaration of Independence’s drafting, debating, and signing. From there, explore George Washington’s legacy as a politician, general, and president. This leads to the iconic Liberty Bell and the history behind its famous crack and its status as an abolitionist symbol. Then explore the lives, museums, and homes of revolutionary figures like Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson, and Crispus Attacus. Continue your journey past the famous African American Museum, Franklin Square, National Constitution Center, and the Mint.  At the historic Betsy Ross House, see the birthplace of the American flag, and in picturesque Elfreth’s Alley, step back into a quaint, cobblestoned era. Finally, pass George Washington’s church and finish at the Museum of American Revolution.

Philly Ghosts: Phantoms of Philadelphia Tour

2. Philly Ghosts: Phantoms of Philadelphia Tour

Journey through the haunted streets of Philadelphia's Old City on this tour led by professional and courteous US Ghost Adventures guides. Benefit from intensely researched stories and documented accounts of historic hauntings. “Old City” refers to the area of Philadelphia that was first established as a colony, an area that saw much strife, war, and hardship as the newly formed America fought for its independence. Hear the story of Benjamin Franklin's ghost that haunts Independence Hall, a place where one of the Founding Fathers undoubtedly spent many days. Learn of the story of the wife who became jealous from beyond the grave. This tour also takes you by some of the city's most haunted cemeteries, home to victims of yellow fever, naval captains, First Wives, and more.

Philadelphia: In-App Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour

3. Philadelphia: In-App Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour

Embark on an exciting and informative walking tour of Philadelphia's most important historic sites using an app. Get a feel for the history of this important city while looking for clues and answering questions on the game. Your scavenger hunt-led audio tour will begin just east of Philly’s beautiful City Hall. As you walk, the app will prompt you with plenty of fun trivia questions to see how much you really know about America’s revolutionary history. From City Hall, head east and hear about the lead-up to the American Revolution, why it happened, and what led to key moments of escalation like the Boston Tea Party. Arrive at the historic Washington Square Park, home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After that, continue to Independence Hall, where the very first Continental Congress gathered back in 1774. Then it’s on to an impressive statue of George Washington, where you’ll learn about the man behind all the legends. Up next is one of the most important attractions along your route: the Liberty Bell. You’ll have a chance to see this iconic artifact up close and find out what exactly makes it so special. Then head to the open-air Benjamin Franklin Museum and the very first White House. Next is the historic Graff House, where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Past that is the African American Museum, revealing a different side of the revolutionary story. Next, you’ll see Franklin Park and the famous Bolt of Lightning sculpture, both of which offer a perfect opportunity to discover more about perhaps the wildest of the Founding Fathers: Benjamin Franklin. After passing the National Constitution Center and the United States Mint, you’ll also have an opportunity to visit Franklin’s grave. Continuing on, pass the Betsy Ross House, home to the woman who created America’s official flag. Then you’ll get to visit Elfreth’s Alley, which has been perfectly preserved as it appeared in the 1700s. Finally, you’ll reach the Museum of the American Revolution, offering the chance to dig even deeper into this fascinating period of American history. Your adventure will conclude here.

Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure

4. Amazing Philadelphia Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Looking for a way to turn Philadelphia into a giant game board?   Urban Adventure Quest has created an interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the amazing race with a three-hour sightseeing tour of Philadelphia.  Guided from any smart phone, groups make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history.   The adventure begins in the heart of the historic center of town and will take you on a journey among amazing iconic sights, famous houses, cool murals and other secret spots of the city. Using a smart phone as “the guide” allows participants to start when they want and determine their own pace of play. Stop for lunch and grab a Philly Cheese Steak or grab a refreshing drink and go at your own pace. Offered at a fixed price for a group vs. per person pricing, this city tour/game offers a great value to those on a budget. Points of Interest Washington Square Independence Hall Liberty Bell President’s House US Mint Betsy Ross House Efreth’s Alley Christ Church

Philadelphia: Hidden Histories Walking Tour

5. Philadelphia: Hidden Histories Walking Tour

Join a walking tour of Philadelphia that takes you beyond the standard history. Explore the city's cobblestone streets and go by its important attractions while uncovering the incredible stories of women, indigenous people, people of color, and LGBTQ folks who have made America what it is today. Meet your guide in Washington Square and follow them through the historic old city and Independence Park. Stop at Independence Hall and explore the foundational myths of Philadelphia. Hear pioneering stories of forgotten founders as you go between different statues and monuments. Listen to your guide as they tell you about the controversy of the President's House and hear about Ona Judge's escape from George Washington. At Welcome Park be told about William Penn and his relationship with the Lenni-Lenape nation through the Legend of the Penn Treaty Elm. Find out who Chief Tamanend was and why he was referred to as The Affable. During your walking tour hit the main sites such as the Betsey Ross House, the President's House Site, and the Liberty Bell. Understand their history through the perspective of those often left out of the mainstream.

Other Sightseeing Options in Washington Square Park, Philadelphia

Want to discover all there is to do in Washington Square Park, Philadelphia? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Washington Square Park, Philadelphia

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 107 reviews

Super great way to spend an evening. Learned a lot about Philly and its rich and spooky history! Our guide was an excellent storyteller and full of passion for the macabre. After the tour, we were blessed, or perhaps cursed, with an experience in the car! Fun to do even (maybe especially) on rainy evenings. Very fun!

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

This was really fun. The stories were entertaining and "frightening" Fred was very informative. We had a small group so it was very personable and very enjoyable. It was my first time in the city, and I loved the tour that went along with it.

Was a great tour! Family enjoyed it. It brings in some interesting lore, plus some historical facts along with it.

So great! Educational fun spooky. Good exercise. Awesome knowledgeable guide