Independence Hall
Independence Hall
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center East
How to get there
- 5th St • 3 min walk
- 8th St • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
2,955 within 3 miles
Attractions
686 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Steph SBristol, United Kingdom94 contributionsBrilliant visitVisits to the Independence Hall are in 20 minute blocks so overall it’s not a long visit, it’s a really unique place to visit while you are in the city. Special thanks to Julian who was our guide for our visit, he knew absolutely everything and you could tell he was passionate about history and the place itself. Definitely well worth visiting as like most things we found on our trip, it’s free to enter you just need to book tickets for a slot which you can do at the visitor centre across the road.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- Joni PAtlanta, Georgia261 contributionsEssential U. S. historyThe National Park Service requires you to make your reservation in advance to visit this popular attraction. They charge only $1 a person which helps cover some of the costs of the security screening required to enter. Park Service tour guide Larry M. did an excellent job giving our group about a 20 minute tour of the two historic rooms.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 10, 2023
- OBXLOKALManteo, North Carolina244 contributionsPre Purchse tour tickets and securityDidn't take the tour, was planning too but.. there is a security check, metal detector. Had just gone through all that empty pockets, take off your belt at the liberty Bell, didn't feel like going through it again right across the street so we skipped the tour. You have to schedule tour in advance, about 20 minute tour or so, only $1 per person. I have no problem with the security, just didn't want to deal with it again so quickly. Was satisfied with pictures of the exterior!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 4, 2024
- Dean_Amy-2004Gettysburg, Pennsylvania8,398 contributionsTourPlan ahead during busy times by getting advance tickets. They are $1 on the Recreation.gov website or you can get them free of charge at the Independence visitor center. You have to go through security check, so they recommend arriving 30 min before your tour. There is also a non-ticketed tour in site of the first Congress. The park service does a great job with historic information and other “side stories”.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 13, 2024
- tinylassSheffield, United Kingdom6,167 contributionsExcellent visit with a very interesting and knowledgeable tour guideWe visited on a Saturday in January so no need to book. There was a short line to go through security which took about 5 minutes. We wandered around Congress Hall first whilst waiting for the tour which was very interesting. Tour is free and was about 25 minutes. Larry (the guide) was excellent and kept everyone interested. He told us plenty of facts and to see the room where the Declaration was signed was fascinating. You have to pre-book every day apart from in January and February but there is no charge and I would highly recommend doing the tour.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 23, 2024
- BF826Birmingham, United Kingdom97 contributionsVery EducationalDefinitely worth the visit, so educational really learn a lot and so cool to be able to see these very important rooms. Timed entry really helps things run smoothly. TIP time on the ticket is the time of the independence hall tour as soon as you go in, don't start exploring and miss your time slot but they do sometimes accommodate if not busy.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 24, 2024
- Richie_IBlessington, Ireland284 contributionsLovely building & grounds.Beautiful building. Got to visit and see the outside of this in March on a day-trip to Philadelphia. Sadly due to time constraints with traffic we could only see the outside. Glad i got to see it and one day i may go stateside again and visit again.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts745 contributionsGreat guided tours of site of United States' beginningsIndependence Hall has great guided tours of the site of United States' beginnings. Our National Park Service tour guide gave us a history of the major rooms we visited and the artifacts on display. A must visit of any American History fan.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 24, 2024
- moodbluWest Valley City, Utah1,656 contributionsAmazing Heritage SiteI am fascinated by the history of the forming of our country. I can really say little more that would be meaningful than has already been written or spoken about this building and the events that took place there. It took my breath away to stand in the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence, and later the Constitution were hammered out, written & signed. The National Park Ranger did an excellent job of presenting the background behind the events, and the outcome thereof. He also gave us background and history about the court chambers adjacent to the Assembly Room, and some about the pre-revolutionary justice systems. If you go, be sure to look at the beautiful architecture in the building, including the woodwork, window casings and the staircase at the hall between the rooms. Tours require a ticket, and a fairly tight security check, with no large bags, no weapons, and all bags subject to inspection. We loved our time at Independence Hall, a bucket-list site for me. If there was a cost for this site, it was covered in the tour group we were with.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2024
- MeryMeCoGalesburg, Illinois934 contributionsGreat ranger programThis was the top historic attraction of our trip to Philadelphia. The reason why we came. It was easy to get our passes months in advance. We found out where we were supposed to go through security from the people at the visitor's center. We got there early and found another ranger program going on and tagged along to that one. We didn't see any signs for any of the other programs in that area. Our tour guide was wonderful asking questions to make us think of how the constitution was relevant in our lives today and not just a part of history.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,174 reviews
Excellent
5,911
Very good
2,403
Average
715
Poor
106
Terrible
39
pat l
Gainesville, GA1,099 contributions
Dec 2019
I cannot express how amazing this visit was. I LOVE history and have wanted to be here on this tour for so long and being there did not disappoint. So, we reserved our tickets online - you have to pay $1 per ticket when you reserve rather than walk up, but it was completely worth it for us. Just pick a time that you know you can get there an hour before because that's when you need to pick up your tickets and get in line for the security into the area where your tour starts.
The Park Ranger will give you a tour, telling you about the events of 1770s that led to this place being so important to our nation. The building is mostly original so you can't touch anything, but are able to take plenty of pictures!
The tour lasts less than an hour, but is just amazing.
The Park Ranger will give you a tour, telling you about the events of 1770s that led to this place being so important to our nation. The building is mostly original so you can't touch anything, but are able to take plenty of pictures!
The tour lasts less than an hour, but is just amazing.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ritapeterson2
Philadelphia, PA10 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
You must get timed entry tickets during popular months at the Visitors Center on Market and Fifth. It is free entry an they allow a good number of folks to enter at a time. There is security screening first and then you will be ushered in and given a tour guide. Some allow you to ask questions. This is America’s history and impacting to stand where our founders gathered to birth our country.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy Y
Sunderland, UK23 contributions
Jul 2022
I would recommend booking a tour of Independence Hall online on the National Park Service website as it can be busy if you try to turn up on the day. You have to pay a $1 but it saves queuing up early and there was plenty of availability.
The tour itself is very short, there are only two rooms you can visit inside of the main Hall but there is a tour guide who will explain what the rooms were used for (one is obviously the court room, the other room has a little more history to it). The guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining and it was nice to learn more about the history of American Independence, as a Brit I feel ignorant not knowing it too well previously.
There are a couple of other smaller buildings to the side of Independence Hall which are worth a visit, one holds copies famous documents, like the declaration of independence.
Also if you're lucky there was a re-enactment outside the hall every couple of hours when we visited, I think it was more aimed at Kids but the staff were all in character and it seemed like it would be fun - we didn't hang around.
The tour itself is very short, there are only two rooms you can visit inside of the main Hall but there is a tour guide who will explain what the rooms were used for (one is obviously the court room, the other room has a little more history to it). The guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining and it was nice to learn more about the history of American Independence, as a Brit I feel ignorant not knowing it too well previously.
There are a couple of other smaller buildings to the side of Independence Hall which are worth a visit, one holds copies famous documents, like the declaration of independence.
Also if you're lucky there was a re-enactment outside the hall every couple of hours when we visited, I think it was more aimed at Kids but the staff were all in character and it seemed like it would be fun - we didn't hang around.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cbpilot
Menifee, CA98 contributions
Jan 2022
We visited in January, and crowds were minimal. Tour groups to the inside of Independence Hall were limited to 17 people. Free tour lasted about 25 minutes. Tour was excellent and we learned a lot about our history that we did not know. The tricky part about Philadelphia is the parking. The city parking is not friendly to tourists. On street parking is reasonable if you can find it, but read the signs carefully as available hours vary and we got a $75 ticket for being 15 minutes late while on the 25 minute tour. Parking lots are plenteous but outrageous charging between $11-15/hour.
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Indianapolis, IN118 contributions
Nov 2020
Thankfully Independence Hall and a few other key sights are still open while Covid is still hanging around. Independence Hall used to allow 70 people in on each tour and currently only 9 at a time are allowed inside. We went during a time when there weren’t a lot of tours, so even with 9 at a time, we didn’t have to wait long. We heard from one of the park rangers that weekdays are shorter lines than weekends. Another tip when visiting the old city is to plan your visiting day of the week around what you want to see. Check the websites ahead of time as several things we found had only partially re-open Wednesday-Saturday.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptMancuso
North Garden, VA272 contributions
Jun 2022
This should be on the list of things to see for every American and a must see for any student of American history.
The National Park Service does an outstanding job of running the operation and the Rangers are very knowledgeable. The tour inside Independence Hall is 20 minutes long and you get to see a good portion of the interior. Frankly, that’s about the right amount of time.
After seeing Independence Hall, you are free to walk around the rest of the area and take a guided tour of Congress Hall (worth it). There is no extra charge, and you can spend as little or as much time as you wish. However, once you leave the compound, there’s no re-entry without a new reservation.
A few negatives that must be mentioned.
Due to the world we live in, there is a TSA style security checkpoint. It’s quick and they get the tour groups through efficiently but it’s still a bit annoying that we must have this at a historic site.
You cannot just walk up and get in line; you must purchase the tickets on-line and reserve a time slot. The ticket fee is minimal. This appears to be more about tracking who is visiting, how many are visiting and control of the visitor load than the desire to make a profit. The process isn’t difficult (although you will need access to the internet). They read the QR code off your smart phone, so no paper ticket is needed.
The National Park Service does an outstanding job of running the operation and the Rangers are very knowledgeable. The tour inside Independence Hall is 20 minutes long and you get to see a good portion of the interior. Frankly, that’s about the right amount of time.
After seeing Independence Hall, you are free to walk around the rest of the area and take a guided tour of Congress Hall (worth it). There is no extra charge, and you can spend as little or as much time as you wish. However, once you leave the compound, there’s no re-entry without a new reservation.
A few negatives that must be mentioned.
Due to the world we live in, there is a TSA style security checkpoint. It’s quick and they get the tour groups through efficiently but it’s still a bit annoying that we must have this at a historic site.
You cannot just walk up and get in line; you must purchase the tickets on-line and reserve a time slot. The ticket fee is minimal. This appears to be more about tracking who is visiting, how many are visiting and control of the visitor load than the desire to make a profit. The process isn’t difficult (although you will need access to the internet). They read the QR code off your smart phone, so no paper ticket is needed.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will
Marietta, GA85 contributions
Jul 2021
This is one of Philadelphia's obvious must-see locations. The beautiful architecture of the building is very well preserved, and is a truly awe-inspiring experience to stand in the room where the United States of America was born, and the revolutionary structure of government was first set forth. Our Park Ranger tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and though the tour length is on the short side, I would say it was still well worth the wait. Timed tickets (booked on Recreation.gov) are required, which keeps the crowds down and the tour groups a manageable size. A visit to Independence Hall is truly an experience every American should have at some point.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramblinggirl67
Atlanta, GA1,141 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
Current protocols indicate that you need to reserve your ticket ahead of time to attend a scheduled tour. We got our tickets about a month in advance. They’re only $1- just to reserve your spot as space is limited due to covid. No tickets were remaining for the weekend that we were there so be sure to plan ahead. With your ticket, you get a guided tour by a park ranger, lasting about 15 minutes, of two important, historical rooms in Independence Hall. We felt that it was well worth it.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen P
20 contributions
Sep 2022
Touring Independence Hall is a must. The tour only lasts for 20 minutes so well worth the time. You only get to see the 1st floor but the tour guide is full of information. You HAVE to have a ticket to get in but the tickets are free at the visitor's center. If you get your tickets on line, you pay a $1 service fee per ticket. They want you there 30 minutes in advance to allow time to enter thru security. Once you park your car, look for the "information" building and they will guide you to the check in location at the Hall. You have to go thru Security check in and you enter into the back courtyard of the Hall. Most of the security people and the Park Rangers are all crabby and act like they hate their jobs. But stronly advise this quick tour. Well worth the time.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Starkville, MS844 contributions
Dec 2019
We carved out a half day at Independence National Historic Park to end our first trip to Philly. Needless to say, Independence Hall was the centerpiece of that half day. No matter what we did, my photographic senses constantly gravitated back to this historic building. We took the tour early in the morning (9:40) which, after seeing the lines after we came out, was probably smart. The tour only lasts about 45 minutes but is incredibly informative. Afterwards, you do have to leave IH itself, but can remain on its grounds for as long as you want (until you exit the barriers immediately surrounding it). And there are other things to see while still there - such as Congress Hall - so make sure to research before your visit. Simple stated - there's just an incredibly awesome feeling while standing in the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were deliberated and signed, and our nation was founded.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an area of town that you'd recommend that has hotels and is near public transportation for easy access to Independence Hall? Or perhaps any parking garages or lots that have cheaper parking to catch a ride from...?
Written May 3, 2023
We stayed at the Kimpton Hotel that is literally across the street from Independence Hall. We used valet.
Written June 4, 2023
Hi, how long does it take to line up and pass through the security screening before entering the Independence Hall? can I bring food and plastic water bottle inside the backpack? (( won't eat them during the tour, but want to know if we can bring food and water ), thanks.
Written July 25, 2022
We arrived right at 10:00. There was no line. Later in the day, the line was longer and appeared to be longer than 15 minutes.
We carried water bottles in with us. I assume food in backpack would also be okay.
Written July 26, 2022
Where is the closest parking to independence hall?
Written October 15, 2021
Robert gave you the straight stuff. There are several close. I personally used the Autopark at Olde City garage. Do not believe you will find any free parking close by. However there is a SEPTA station close if you park elsewhere and come in by public transportation. Also, city tour buses (double decker commercial), start and stop at Independence NHP, so if you want to see more of the city with a "hop on, hop off" tour, you can include your visit in that.
Written October 15, 2021
Can you go into Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell without participating in the tour? A couple of us just want to see the bell without doing the tour because our son has autism and it's too hard for him to go on a tour. Thanks!
Written April 24, 2019
Yes the Liberty Bell isn't inside Independence Hall; it's in a separate building across the street that doesn't cost or require tickets. The tour is of Independence Hall only.
Written July 12, 2019
When are the least busy dates to visit Eastern State Penitentiary?
Written October 7, 2018
My guess would be in the winter. Some of the tour is outside and some is inside but none of it is heated. I know I would not choose this time of year.
Written October 15, 2018
Map is showing wrong location on the map, I am not allowed to post links but it's pointing to Coatesville, PA
Written July 3, 2018
Thanks, it's right in the city but if you see the map on the side, it shows Coatesville, PA if you browse the "browse nearby" when you are visiting Coatesville or the area. If you filter by attraction, it shows Liberty Bell in wrong location. How do we report this to TripAdvisor?
Written July 3, 2018
Reserved tickets online are sold out for the days I would like to visit. I see the Hall is open until 7, but tickets the last tickets are for 4pm. Do you need a ticket to tour after 4?
Written May 14, 2018
We couldn't get tickets for the tour either but we were still able to go round some of the premises and museum freely, this was late afternoon but i cannot recall the exact time - good luck
Written May 15, 2018
we are going on Sat April 14 to eastern state penitentiary than may swing by interdependence hall. would we be able to get tickets at that time? if no tickets what can ne done around there without tickets. How is parking?
Written April 7, 2018
To Eastern Penitentiary, you can by tickets there without problem and parking stays at the left side.(Adult tickets $16 and parking $8 per
2 Hours)
Regarding Independence Hall, the tickets are free and distributed at visitor center on the opposite side of independence hall, however, it is distributed for specific time ahead.
There is also public parking available.
Written April 7, 2018
Is reading terminal market within walking distance of independence hall?
Written August 12, 2017
Its a long walk. Subway or Uber is a better option. Parking near the Terminal Market is tight. At Terminal Market try the Bassetts Ice Cream-oldest ice cream stand in America and its really good.
Written August 12, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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