Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Walking Tour

Overview

Description:
Hit all the main sites in historic Old City and Independence Park, but hear it all from the perspectives often left out of mainstream tourism. Explore the cobblestone streets of America’s historic capital. Walk by Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, and more historic sites in Old City. Uncover incredible women, indigenous people, people of color, and LGBTQ folks who have made America what it is today.

City: Philadelphia

Wed 25 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Wed 25 Dec

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

What's Included

Local guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Liberty Bell Center

Learn about the Controversy of the President's House and hear about Ona Judge's escape from George Washington.

Welcome Park

Hear about William Penn's relationship with the local Indigenous community: the Lenape.

Betsy Ross House

Hear about the women that have formed Philadelphia

Elfreth's Alley

The oldest continuously lived in street in America!

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (57)

rstern2

Oct 2021

This experience is fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone who finds themselves with a few free hours in Philadelphia. Rebecca and Joey curated a tour that simultaneously challenged and deepened what I thought I knew about the history of Philadelphia and how we recount it. While it can be intimidating at first, Rebecca challenged us to talk to strangers waiting in line to see the Liberty Bell and ask why they had chosen to come see the Bell. After allowing us to share some of what we heard, she pushed back against the rationale of many of those visitors. She allowed us to make observations, but then deepened those observations with historical analysis and relevant context. She encouraged us to ask questions, and she was able to answer every one group had to offer. What I loved most about this tour was the way it left me curious and itching for more. For hours after the tour disbanded, I couldn’t stop going over and over in my head how what I had been taught about that metal heap on Market Street was not necessarily inaccurate, but grossly misleading. If you are in Philadelphia, you shouldn’t feel bad for wanting to see the Liberty Bell, but do yourself a favor and have Beyond the Bell help guide you.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you for your thoughtful and engaging review! So glad you enjoyed the tour. Stay in touch!

alicecF1821PL

Oct 2021

I really enjoyed the tour we took with Rebecca. She was very good at providing the context behind the real history of the liberty bell, and that made me think more deeply about the history and context behind tourist sites. I enjoyed the focus on the parts of the tourist destination that are more often overlooked but have a more significant and important history than the Liberty Bell itself. I would highly recommend taking a tour with Rebecca and checking out other Beyond the Bell tours!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you for your thoughtful and engaging review! So glad you enjoyed the tour. Stay in touch!

emilyhQ260UP

Oct 2021

I really appreciated this tour for challenging me to think about things and to think in a way that I would not have arrived at on my own. Through this experience, I felt like I was being taken on an exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure, not only behind the scenes of the Liberty Bell, but of American tourism culture in general. You're not just observing the Liberty Bell exhibit, but you're observing the scenes, sights, and people surrounding it. If you would like to question your instincts and your perspective, have a mirror held up to your ideas--this is the tour for you. This enriching experience was only helped by the charismatic and easygoing personalities of our tour guides, Rebecca and Joey. Not only do they contribute fresh and candid insights to their tour-guiding, but as people, they create an open, welcoming atmosphere in which you feel like you can candidly share your questions and ideas. They are authoritative in their knowledge, but still chilled out in a way that makes you feel like you can be friends with them. They bring their own opinions and experiences to the table without being overbearing, and while still allowing you to think in your own way. Overall, this is a very impressive tour, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to expand their horizons!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

Thank you for your thoughtful and engaging review! So glad you enjoyed the tour. Stay in touch!