here’s no better place to start your Philadelphia exploration than the city’s Historic District, an area that

extends from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine to Lombard Streets. This is the original city, and it’s filled with iconic sites, cobblestone streets, buzzed-about restaurants, beer gardens and owner-operated boutiques and art galleries.

Allow the itineraries featured here to guide your way—whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who wants to delve a little deeper. All visits to Philadelphia should begin at visitphilly.com/historic, where you’ll find the perfect lodging and essential information. Once you’re in the district, stop by the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets to make tour plans, check operating hours for National Park Service sites, grab a snack, buy gifts and use those all-important restrooms.

Historic District EssentialsNever been to Philadelphia’s Historic District before? Consider this your checklist for an all-American good time:

1. Liberty Bell: A symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers around the world and an American must-do. 6th & Market Streets, nps.gov/inde

2. Independence Hall: Where the U.S. Constitution was adopted and the Declaration of Independence was debated, drafted and signed. 6th & Chestnut Streets, nps.gov/inde

3. Betsy Ross House: Telling the story of America’s most famous flag maker. 239 Arch Street, historicphiladelphia.org

4. Franklin Court: A ghost house, museum, printing shop and post office exploring the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin. 322 Market Street, nps.gov/inde

5. Elfreth’s Alley: America’s oldest continuously inhabited street, where visitors tiptoe along the cobblestones and explore the quaint museum. 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, elfrethsalley.org

Philadelphia: Headquarters Of The American Revolution Long before the first musket shot was fired in Lexington in 1775, the seeds of the American Revolution were taking root in Philadelphia. Here are five places for your Revolutionary War exploration:

1. Museum of the American Revolution: New museum featuring immersive gallery experiences, rare and priceless artifacts and recreated historical scenes that tell the oh-so dramatic story of the nation’s founding—much of which happened right here in Philadelphia. 101 S. 3rd Street, amrevmuseum.org

2. Carpenters’ Hall: Site of the First Continental Congress, where representatives voted on a trade boycott—the first of many unified acts of defiance against the British. 320 Chestnut Street, carpentershall.org

3. Graff House (also known as the Declaration House): A country refuge where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. 599 S. 7th Street, nps.gov/inde

4. Independence Hall: The Declaration of Independence—signed, sealed and delivered right here. 6th & Chestnut Streets, nps.gov/inde

5. Christ Church Burial Ground: Final resting place for several of those who declared and fought for the country’s independence, including Ben Franklin, Dr. Benjamin Rush, Francis Hopkinson and many Revolutionary War officers. 5th & Arch Streets, christchurchphila.org Practical Advice: Bell & Hall Access

There is no charge to access the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Bell does not require tickets, but the Hall does. Day-of tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center on a first-come, first-served basis, but tours fill up fast. Go early for the best selection, or order online in advance for a small fee. nps.gov/inde

Practical Advice: Getting AroundThe side streets and quaint alleys of the Historic District are best explored on your own—no car required. Fortunately, navigating the city is easy. Numbered streets run north/south, and named streets run east/west.

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Photos by J. Fusco and R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

Fun For FamiliesToured all of the sites in the Historic District Essentials section? Now, check out these fun spots for families:

1. Franklin Square: A carousel, Philly-themed mini-golf, playgrounds, burger stand and special events galore at one of William Penn’s five original squares. 6th & Race Streets, historicphiladelphia.org

2. National Liberty Museum: Small-but-mighty museum focused on the importance of freedom, courage, equality, diversity—powerfully depicted in the popular Jellybean Children sculpture. 321 Chestnut Street, libertymuseum.org

3. National Constitution Center: All about the four pages that changed the world—a topic made fun with opportunities to take the presidential oath of office and sign the Constitution. 525 Arch Street, constitutioncenter.org

4. Fireman’s Hall Museum: Restored 1902 firehouse with some of the nation’s earliest firefighting equipment and a station to try on fire gear. 147 N. 2nd Street, firemanshallmuseum.org

5. Independence Seaport Museum: Home to a boat-building shop inside and the Spanish-American War Cruiser Olympia and the World War II Submarine Becuna for exploring outside. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, phillyseaport.org

MORE TO SEE, MORE TO DO

Practical Advice: Historic HappeningsWant to know what’s going on in the Historic District right now? Head to the Independence Visitor Center for a copy of the Historic Philadelphia Gazette, filled with the when-and-where details on daily programs, schedules for storytelling benches and other fun activities.

Stay In Touch On SocialStay up to date on what’s happening in the Historic District

by following Visit Philly:

Where To Eat: No matter what your budget or what your mood, the Historic District’s restaurants will please your palate. Feast on a gooey cheesesteak at Campo’s sandwich shop; huzzah-worthy hummus at modern Israeli favorite Zahav; buzzed-about bread and breakfast sandwiches at morning-to-night spot High Street on Market; and vegan and vegetarian delights at the no-frills Khyber Pass Pub. Large concentrations of restaurants on 2nd & 3rd Streets and on Arch to Walnut Streets

Where To Drink: In the mood for wine? Prefer craft beer? Perhaps only a specialty cocktail will do? Wine boutiques (Pinot Boutique), beer gardens (Independence Beer Garden), rooftop bars (Revolution House and Stratus Rooftop Lounge) and outdoor cafes (too many to name) are ready to pour your preference throughout the Historic District. Large concentrations of bars on 2nd & 3rd Streets and on Market to Walnut Streets

Where To Shop: Ben Franklin’s former ’hood is rich in both history and retail. Here, converted industrial buildings cater to a fashion- and design-forward clientele. On your don’t-miss list: Charlie’s Jeans for perfect-fitting denim, Erdon for investment-worthy fashion, Scarlett Alley for classic-yet-modern gifts and Vagabond Boutique for on-point women’s clothing, Bonus: Clothing and shoes are sold tax-free in Pennsylvania. 2nd & 3rd Streets from Race to Market Streets

On The River: Summer means roller skating at Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, relaxing in a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park or getting your yoga on at Race Street Pier. Come winter, you can lace up your ice skates for a spin around the Blue Cross RiverRink or take in a cutting-edge show at FringeArts. Columbus Boulevard from Vine to Lombard Streets

Art Galleries Galore: Any day is great to explore the contemporary art galleries that line the streets of Old City, but First Fridays are even better. On the First Friday evening of each month, join the crowds that gather for free art openings and special exhibits at Wexler, Snyderman-Works, Larry Becker, Pentimenti, The Center for Art in Wood, The Clay Studio and more than 20 other galleries, many of which serve light noshes and wine until 9 p.m. 2nd & 3rd Streets north of Market Street

Practical Advice: Planning Your TripWant more on where to go and what to do in Philadelphia’s Historic District? Consider visitphilly.com/historic your one-stop shop. It’s packed with info to help you plan your days and nights in the district—even when you’re on the go.

#historicphillyvisitphilly.com/historic

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Philadelphia’s Historic District is packed with places to explore, and it’s easily navigable like Center City itself. It’s just an 18-minute walk from the north end of the district—Franklin Square, for example—to the south end of the district—let’s say Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church. Heading from west to east—African American Museum in Philadelphia to Race Street Pier—takes about 15 minutes. Don’t feel like walking? Don’t worry. There are ample taxis, buses, Indego bikes and touring vehicles for the taking, as well as Uber and Lyft car services.

IN THE DISTRICT 1 River 4 Theaters & Performing Arts Venues 11 Hotels 13 Storytelling Benches (in season) 15 Parks & Gardens 17 Tours 20 Museums & Attractions 21 Churches 24 Historic Sites 29 Art Galleries 59 Historical Markers 86 Independent Shops 100 Restaurants & Bars 107 Public Artworks & Memorials

visitphilly.com/historic