Bow Tie Tours
Bow Tie Tours
5
Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours
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About
We offer the best and most historically interesting walking tour in Philadelphia, which includes The Declaration House, Liberty Hall, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, The Philosophical Society, Carpenter Hall, Benjamin Rush House, City Tavern, Franklin Court, Christ Church, Constitution Center, Betsy Ross House.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(8 reviews)
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(7 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
183 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
13
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Jason F
Flower Mound, TX4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We only had one full day in Philadelphia and wanted to not just see the iconic historical sites but get an in-depth understanding of the history of the City of Philadelphia and in particular the birth of our Country.
Andrew was phenomenal, thorough, interesting and attentive to our group. I cannot recommend Bow Tie Tours enough if you want to do more than just take a photo of the sites.
Andrew was phenomenal, thorough, interesting and attentive to our group. I cannot recommend Bow Tie Tours enough if you want to do more than just take a photo of the sites.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kairho1
Ocala, FL1,054 contributions
Oct 2021
I had the pleasure of booking their “Independence Tour Extraordinaire” the afternoon prior and turns out I was the only one on the tour! Really glad they even ran it as I had been looking forward for weeks to putting physical places into all the reading I had been recently doing.
My tour guide, Linda, was superb; knowledgeable, pleasant, and eager to go above and beyond when my sometimes arcane questions, wonderments, and observations reared up. It turned out to be a comfortable stroll (no stragglers to be of concern) where I learned way more than I had expected (especially considering I spent 4 years in the city for college, years ago). Linda has lived in the area for years and knew minute details and pieces of trivia.
I love doing city walking tours and have done so around the globe, with Bow Tie easily being in my Top Five. Overall, I really enjoyed the day and, even with larger groups, heartily recommend Bow Tie and especially this longer, in depth walk.
My tour guide, Linda, was superb; knowledgeable, pleasant, and eager to go above and beyond when my sometimes arcane questions, wonderments, and observations reared up. It turned out to be a comfortable stroll (no stragglers to be of concern) where I learned way more than I had expected (especially considering I spent 4 years in the city for college, years ago). Linda has lived in the area for years and knew minute details and pieces of trivia.
I love doing city walking tours and have done so around the globe, with Bow Tie easily being in my Top Five. Overall, I really enjoyed the day and, even with larger groups, heartily recommend Bow Tie and especially this longer, in depth walk.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Doug D
Willow Grove, PA34 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
My wife and I had some time off, and even though we live in the Philadelphia suburbs, we decided to visit Philadelphia as tourists to get a new look at the city we’ve lived near all our lives. We decided to join a Bow Tie tour of the historic area after reading reviews of many tour options.
We were so happy with our choice. Our tour guide Andrew was phenomenal. He told great stories, keep us fascinated by how the revolution played out in Philadelphia as we walked from site to site, gave us great background information on some of the well know figures of the time (Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, etc.), taught us the importance of people who played significant roles that we weren’t even aware of, and answered questions with ease and grace. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the time went by so quickly. We highly recommend Bow Tie Tours and Andrew - you’ll have a great experience!
We were so happy with our choice. Our tour guide Andrew was phenomenal. He told great stories, keep us fascinated by how the revolution played out in Philadelphia as we walked from site to site, gave us great background information on some of the well know figures of the time (Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, etc.), taught us the importance of people who played significant roles that we weren’t even aware of, and answered questions with ease and grace. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the time went by so quickly. We highly recommend Bow Tie Tours and Andrew - you’ll have a great experience!
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
skibum123
Indiana118 contributions
Jul 2021
We have learned that when you visit a city rich in history, it is wise to find people that know the ins and outs...you get more out of your time there. This is why we booked with Bow Tie Tours. And they didn't disappoint. We were lucky enough to have Cpl. Mike, 2nd PA Regiment take us on about a 90 minute tour of notable places around Independence Hall. He knows his stuff, and was absolutely great. He treated us to all kinds of great anecdotes and facts and our kids loved him as well. Mike would be a treat to sit down, have a few beers and talk history with for hours.
Spend the money and the time with these people and get so much more out of your time around this historical part of our country than you would just looking at the Liberty Bell. If it were me, I would request Mike specifically. This was an A+ experience, even in the sweltering heat. And he was wearing period-authentic wool clothes! Bravo!
Spend the money and the time with these people and get so much more out of your time around this historical part of our country than you would just looking at the Liberty Bell. If it were me, I would request Mike specifically. This was an A+ experience, even in the sweltering heat. And he was wearing period-authentic wool clothes! Bravo!
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Forcttouse
Grand Rapids, MI1 contribution
Apr 2021 • Family
Recently my family and I decided to take a trip to Philadelphia. The Bow Tie walking tour was my family’s favorite event by far while we were in town. The tour guide was very nice and showed a great amount of flexibility by allowing me to sign my family up for the tour very last minute. The guide was very knowledgeable of the city’s history, and I loved his interaction with the tour group. I definitely would recommend this tour stop to anyone visiting the Philadelphia area!!!!
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EMILIE
3 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Our family of 6 took the Independence Tour with Kyle. He was intuitive about whatwe wanted to hear and learn about, and engaging for all ages (kids are 9-14 years old). I loved how he kept the tour focused on 6 of the founding fathers and kept drawing the historical stories back to those 6 to keep the kids engaged and involved and focused without being overwhelming with too much info. He gave us a couple of especially passionate and enthusiastic dramatized quotings of historical passages which we loved. He took extra time with us on the tour because we were so engaged in the stories. We loved every second and learned so much. Thanks for going over and above on our tour! We loved it!
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caoyuanhui Wang
Lubbock, TX31 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
I ordered GO Philadelphia pass, and the independence tour as well as other tours is included within the pass. I went to the visitor center first for more info to compare those several tours before I redeemed this tour. But the person in the front desk said they sell independence tour here and the feedback was super good. So I book the independence tour for same day at 10am.
Booking process was Very easy. I gave them a phone call at around 9:20. David confirmed immediately after I sent my pass. And the tour guide Mike, is waiting in the visitor center 9:50. Surprisingly, I was the only one in that tour. And it became more like a private tour. Luckyyyyyy!
The whole tour was very informative, Mike is such a great guide that he not only guided me for the historical sites but also exposed the interesting story in behind. The tour was ~90 min, which covered most of the sites in that area, liberty bell, independence hall, first and second bank, you name it. At the end the tour, he even helped me plan my next trip. Great help!!! Thank you very much!!!
Booking process was Very easy. I gave them a phone call at around 9:20. David confirmed immediately after I sent my pass. And the tour guide Mike, is waiting in the visitor center 9:50. Surprisingly, I was the only one in that tour. And it became more like a private tour. Luckyyyyyy!
The whole tour was very informative, Mike is such a great guide that he not only guided me for the historical sites but also exposed the interesting story in behind. The tour was ~90 min, which covered most of the sites in that area, liberty bell, independence hall, first and second bank, you name it. At the end the tour, he even helped me plan my next trip. Great help!!! Thank you very much!!!
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marc6222022
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Fantastic job. Walking tour of Old Philly for me (single dad) and my 3 kids (12yo, 10yo, 8yo). He kept things interesting, interactive and tied things into Hamilton for my kids (they love that musical). Deep knowledge of history - not just dates and events but causations and consequences, and how actions in Philadelphia at the places we saw echoed into today. Truly, living history. He also took into account need for snacks, drinks, restroom breaks and crafted the tour accordingly. One of the best private tours I’ve ever experienced.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
G1001FWdavidc
I’m so glad you enjoyed our tour together! When your kids are a little older, let’s do Gettysburg!
Written August 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken H
1 contribution
May 2021
Too often, tour guides function as robotic mannequins who follow a script almost verbatim, which is fine for an elementary school class trip.
However, Bow Tie Tour guides are true scholars who have done their own extensive research. Therefore, they are able to address any question/issue accurately, with sufficient supporting data to fully satisfy any lingering curiosity. Also, their knowledge is so comprehensive that they are able to tailor their narrative to fit the interests and sophistication level of the tour compliment; which they do with sensitivity and grace that engages listeners, thereby enhancing their experience.
Note: Unlike other "tour" guides out there; these professionals will not even drop a hint regarding a gratuity. So, please be mindful of your experience and express appreciation in a meaningful way.
However, Bow Tie Tour guides are true scholars who have done their own extensive research. Therefore, they are able to address any question/issue accurately, with sufficient supporting data to fully satisfy any lingering curiosity. Also, their knowledge is so comprehensive that they are able to tailor their narrative to fit the interests and sophistication level of the tour compliment; which they do with sensitivity and grace that engages listeners, thereby enhancing their experience.
Note: Unlike other "tour" guides out there; these professionals will not even drop a hint regarding a gratuity. So, please be mindful of your experience and express appreciation in a meaningful way.
Written May 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris B
Durham, NC23 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Absolutely fabulous tour of Philly by Dana. We saw the area from city center to the independence mall, churches, Chinatown, the mall and more. Very informative. She had a very pleasant sense of humor and knew her history cold. We were a group of about 15, all asking questions, and she added stols as we walked. I have been coming to Philly for business meetings for many years but never took the time to explore the city. I came with my wife this time so i took a tour. I learned a ton and like the city even better now. Very gkod tour!
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carolinagyrl22
Las Vegas, NV141 contributions
Do you tour any bldgs on this tour?
Hi. Our “Independence Extraordinaire Tour includes admission to Independence Hall, 2nd National Bank, Christ Church, Congress Hall, and Carpenter’s Hall.”
yakayaka
Colombo, Sri Lanka38 contributions
how much do the entrance fees come to - or any other fees that are apart from the walking tour fee?
davidY4746NV
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
The regular walking tour goes visits the sites without going into them. (You can have a lengthier private tour that does go in style sites.). All of the sites he visits are free to go inside except for the Betsy Ross house ($5.00) and the Constitution Center. Tao go to Independence Hall you need to visit the Visitors Center and obtain your free tickets.
Zoe Z
3 contributions
Where does the guide meet group?
davidY4746NV
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
Tours start at the Visitor's Center at 6th and Market Street. The guide will be out front wearing a bow tie at 10, 12, at 2!