Take a Historical Tour Through Philadelphia

If you have a history buff in the family, Philadelphia is a good place to visit — there are so many historic hot spots to check out. Although there are plenty of guided tours available, you can easily plan one yourself.

Here are some of the best spots to include on your list.

One of the most popular tourist locations in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell, located in the Historic District. Learn the story, meaning and history behind the famous bell on a walk-through tour — pictures are welcome.

While walking around Philadelphia’s Historic District, keep an eye out for some colonial VIPs hanging around — you might run into Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross and George Washington, among others. Learn about the beginnings of America and life in 18th-century Philadelphia.

Visit the birthplace of our country on a tour through Independence Hall. See where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. The tour normally only goes through the building’s first floor, but if you visit in January or February you might be lucky enough to tour the second.

Head to the National Constitution Center and walk among 42 life-sized bronze statues of the Founding Fathers in Singers’ Hall. Catch a glimpse of a rare original copy of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and one of the only surviving copies of the original Bill of Rights.

Take a tour of the Betsy Ross House and learn more about the making of the first American flag. While there, meet Betsy Ross herself and stick around to learn a little more about her life.

The Rocky movies were famously based in Philadelphia and are a more modern part of the city’s history. Recreate the iconic scene and run up the Philadelphia Art Museum steps just like Rocky did. If you aren’t too tired and can make it back down, take some pictures with the Rocky statue, located at the bottom of the steps.

With a little extra time, Washington’s Crossing is located right outside of Philadelphia in Bucks County and worth the trip for history buffs. Walk along the Delaware River, see the exact spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware and get a glimpse at what life and houses looked like back then.