Beyond the [Liberty] Bell History Walking Tour

Overview

Calling all curious travelers and nosey locals looking to delve deeper into the city. Are you ready to get into the nitty gritty of our fair and storied city of Philadelphia? Hit all the main sites in historic Old City and Independence Park, but hear it all from the perspectives often minimized by mainstream tourism. Spend an afternoon with us and come hear this fresh take on an Old City Tour of Philadelphia! 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

Fri 25 Jul

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

Fri 25 Jul

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

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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

Washington Square

Hear about William Penn's vision for Philadelphia and our forgotten female founder, Hannah Callowhill Penn.

Liberty Bell Center

Hear our take on the Liberty Bell and what makes is such an iconic symbol in America.

The President's House

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

Elfreth's Alley

The oldest continuously lived in street in America!

Betsy Ross House

Hear about the women that have formed Philadelphia

Welcome Park

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

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (70)

Abytravels0011

Oct 2021

After going on the Beyond the Bell tour, I would definitely take another one of Rebecca and Joey’s tours. Rebecca and Joey took us through the Liberty Tour attraction and opened our eyes up to see the true history behind the liberty bell and its connection to both the abolitionist movement and lgbtq+ rights movement. They showed us how this history is minimized and is not as spotlighted as the claim of its supposed connection to American independence. During our tour, we were told to come up to strangers and ask for their reasoning behind going to see the liberty bell. It was interesting to hear their reasoning and even more interesting to hear Rebecca’s insightful dissection of it. It was also particularly compelling when Rebecca challenged the visibility and authenticity of the structure built to honor enslaved peoples and whether it was an accessible or effective means to tell their story. Overall, the tour pushed me to consider how typical tours are designed to neglect certain parts of history and encouraged me to seek tours in the future that explore those important pieces. Thank you Rebecca and Joey!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

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

raquelem35

Oct 2021

My experience on the Beyond the Bell tour was unlike any other touristic experience I have had in Philly. The tour, faithful to its name, went beyond the plaques and told us the frequently untold history behind the bell. Rebecca and Joey were excellent tour guides, and their insight changed my perspective on the monument and the motivations behind its construction. Rebecca allowed us to make our own observations, but enhanced our knowledge with her own. To those who want an unabridged understanding of the Liberty Bell and what it represents, I couldn’t more highly recommend the Beyond the Bell tour.

Response from Host

Oct 2021

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

tschefer

Oct 2021

Rebecca and Joey's tour does not merely help you see the sights, but critically understand them. Without even stepping foot within the Liberty Bell Center a people's history of the iconic bell was concisely conveyed by Rebecca, whose sheer knowledge and clear appreciation for history drew me in and had me hanging on every last fact. Through exploring the discrepancies between the bell as a symbol for many Philadelphia-based social movements and the almost-sterile common-understanding (or lack thereof), I feel like I was actually able to directly engage with history and come to a deeper appreciation of Philly. Though the beginning activity was a bit rough in execution, I appreciated the opportunity to explore the grounds and have personal conversations with those hoping to see the bell. It was an excellent demonstration of the tour's necessity and was an interesting way to cater to a way-too-big group of students. My only real complaint is that we got the abridged version! I'd love to see the rest someday!

Response from Host

Oct 2021

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