Independence Hall
Independence Hall
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: City Center East
How to get there
- 5th St • 3 min walk
- 8th St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,952 within 5 kms
Attractions
683 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Steph SBristol, United Kingdom94 contributionsBrilliant visitVisits to the Independence Hall are in 20 minute blocks so overall it’s not a long visit, it’s a really unique place to visit while you are in the city. Special thanks to Julian who was our guide for our visit, he knew absolutely everything and you could tell he was passionate about history and the place itself. Definitely well worth visiting as like most things we found on our trip, it’s free to enter you just need to book tickets for a slot which you can do at the visitor centre across the road.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 October 2023
- Joni PAtlanta, Georgia253 contributionsEssential U. S. historyThe National Park Service requires you to make your reservation in advance to visit this popular attraction. They charge only $1 a person which helps cover some of the costs of the security screening required to enter. Park Service tour guide Larry M. did an excellent job giving our group about a 20 minute tour of the two historic rooms.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- OBXLOKALManteo, North Carolina242 contributionsPre Purchse tour tickets and securityDidn't take the tour, was planning too but.. there is a security check, metal detector. Had just gone through all that empty pockets, take off your belt at the liberty Bell, didn't feel like going through it again right across the street so we skipped the tour. You have to schedule tour in advance, about 20 minute tour or so, only $1 per person. I have no problem with the security, just didn't want to deal with it again so quickly. Was satisfied with pictures of the exterior!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 January 2024
- Dean_Amy-2004Gettysburg, Pennsylvania8,399 contributionsTourPlan ahead during busy times by getting advance tickets. They are $1 on the Recreation.gov website or you can get them free of charge at the Independence visitor center. You have to go through security check, so they recommend arriving 30 min before your tour. There is also a non-ticketed tour in site of the first Congress. The park service does a great job with historic information and other “side stories”.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 January 2024
- tinylassSheffield, United Kingdom6,184 contributionsExcellent visit with a very interesting and knowledgeable tour guideWe visited on a Saturday in January so no need to book. There was a short line to go through security which took about 5 minutes. We wandered around Congress Hall first whilst waiting for the tour which was very interesting. Tour is free and was about 25 minutes. Larry (the guide) was excellent and kept everyone interested. He told us plenty of facts and to see the room where the Declaration was signed was fascinating. You have to pre-book every day apart from in January and February but there is no charge and I would highly recommend doing the tour.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 January 2024
- BF826Birmingham, United Kingdom97 contributionsVery EducationalDefinitely worth the visit, so educational really learn a lot and so cool to be able to see these very important rooms. Timed entry really helps things run smoothly. TIP time on the ticket is the time of the independence hall tour as soon as you go in, don't start exploring and miss your time slot but they do sometimes accommodate if not busy.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 January 2024
- Richie_IBlessington, Ireland285 contributionsLovely building & grounds.Beautiful building. Got to visit and see the outside of this in March on a day-trip to Philadelphia. Sadly due to time constraints with traffic we could only see the outside. Glad i got to see it and one day i may go stateside again and visit again.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 March 2024
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts735 contributionsGreat guided tours of site of United States' beginningsIndependence Hall has great guided tours of the site of United States' beginnings. Our National Park Service tour guide gave us a history of the major rooms we visited and the artifacts on display. A must visit of any American History fan.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 24 April 2024
- moodbluWest Valley City, Utah1,596 contributionsAmazing Heritage SiteI am fascinated by the history of the forming of our country. I can really say little more that would be meaningful than has already been written or spoken about this building and the events that took place there. It took my breath away to stand in the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence, and later the Constitution were hammered out, written & signed. The National Park Ranger did an excellent job of presenting the background behind the events, and the outcome thereof. He also gave us background and history about the court chambers adjacent to the Assembly Room, and some about the pre-revolutionary justice systems. If you go, be sure to look at the beautiful architecture in the building, including the woodwork, window casings and the staircase at the hall between the rooms. Tours require a ticket, and a fairly tight security check, with no large bags, no weapons, and all bags subject to inspection. We loved our time at Independence Hall, a bucket-list site for me. If there was a cost for this site, it was covered in the tour group we were with.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2024
- MeryMeCoGalesburg, Illinois936 contributionsGreat ranger programThis was the top historic attraction of our trip to Philadelphia. The reason why we came. It was easy to get our passes months in advance. We found out where we were supposed to go through security from the people at the visitor's center. We got there early and found another ranger program going on and tagged along to that one. We didn't see any signs for any of the other programs in that area. Our tour guide was wonderful asking questions to make us think of how the constitution was relevant in our lives today and not just a part of history.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
9,170 reviews
Excellent
5,907
Very good
2,403
Average
715
Poor
106
Terrible
39
cbpilot
Menifee, CA98 contributions
Jan 2022
We visited in January, and crowds were minimal. Tour groups to the inside of Independence Hall were limited to 17 people. Free tour lasted about 25 minutes. Tour was excellent and we learned a lot about our history that we did not know. The tricky part about Philadelphia is the parking. The city parking is not friendly to tourists. On street parking is reasonable if you can find it, but read the signs carefully as available hours vary and we got a $75 ticket for being 15 minutes late while on the 25 minute tour. Parking lots are plenteous but outrageous charging between $11-15/hour.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa S
Indianapolis, IN118 contributions
Nov 2020
Thankfully Independence Hall and a few other key sights are still open while Covid is still hanging around. Independence Hall used to allow 70 people in on each tour and currently only 9 at a time are allowed inside. We went during a time when there weren’t a lot of tours, so even with 9 at a time, we didn’t have to wait long. We heard from one of the park rangers that weekdays are shorter lines than weekends. Another tip when visiting the old city is to plan your visiting day of the week around what you want to see. Check the websites ahead of time as several things we found had only partially re-open Wednesday-Saturday.
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaptMancuso
North Garden, VA273 contributions
June 2022
This should be on the list of things to see for every American and a must see for any student of American history.
The National Park Service does an outstanding job of running the operation and the Rangers are very knowledgeable. The tour inside Independence Hall is 20 minutes long and you get to see a good portion of the interior. Frankly, that’s about the right amount of time.
After seeing Independence Hall, you are free to walk around the rest of the area and take a guided tour of Congress Hall (worth it). There is no extra charge, and you can spend as little or as much time as you wish. However, once you leave the compound, there’s no re-entry without a new reservation.
A few negatives that must be mentioned.
Due to the world we live in, there is a TSA style security checkpoint. It’s quick and they get the tour groups through efficiently but it’s still a bit annoying that we must have this at a historic site.
You cannot just walk up and get in line; you must purchase the tickets on-line and reserve a time slot. The ticket fee is minimal. This appears to be more about tracking who is visiting, how many are visiting and control of the visitor load than the desire to make a profit. The process isn’t difficult (although you will need access to the internet). They read the QR code off your smart phone, so no paper ticket is needed.
The National Park Service does an outstanding job of running the operation and the Rangers are very knowledgeable. The tour inside Independence Hall is 20 minutes long and you get to see a good portion of the interior. Frankly, that’s about the right amount of time.
After seeing Independence Hall, you are free to walk around the rest of the area and take a guided tour of Congress Hall (worth it). There is no extra charge, and you can spend as little or as much time as you wish. However, once you leave the compound, there’s no re-entry without a new reservation.
A few negatives that must be mentioned.
Due to the world we live in, there is a TSA style security checkpoint. It’s quick and they get the tour groups through efficiently but it’s still a bit annoying that we must have this at a historic site.
You cannot just walk up and get in line; you must purchase the tickets on-line and reserve a time slot. The ticket fee is minimal. This appears to be more about tracking who is visiting, how many are visiting and control of the visitor load than the desire to make a profit. The process isn’t difficult (although you will need access to the internet). They read the QR code off your smart phone, so no paper ticket is needed.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will
Marietta, GA85 contributions
July 2021
This is one of Philadelphia's obvious must-see locations. The beautiful architecture of the building is very well preserved, and is a truly awe-inspiring experience to stand in the room where the United States of America was born, and the revolutionary structure of government was first set forth. Our Park Ranger tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and though the tour length is on the short side, I would say it was still well worth the wait. Timed tickets (booked on Recreation.gov) are required, which keeps the crowds down and the tour groups a manageable size. A visit to Independence Hall is truly an experience every American should have at some point.
Written 14 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ramblinggirl67
Atlanta, GA1,131 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
Current protocols indicate that you need to reserve your ticket ahead of time to attend a scheduled tour. We got our tickets about a month in advance. They’re only $1- just to reserve your spot as space is limited due to covid. No tickets were remaining for the weekend that we were there so be sure to plan ahead. With your ticket, you get a guided tour by a park ranger, lasting about 15 minutes, of two important, historical rooms in Independence Hall. We felt that it was well worth it.
Written 28 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen P
20 contributions
Sept 2022
Touring Independence Hall is a must. The tour only lasts for 20 minutes so well worth the time. You only get to see the 1st floor but the tour guide is full of information. You HAVE to have a ticket to get in but the tickets are free at the visitor's center. If you get your tickets on line, you pay a $1 service fee per ticket. They want you there 30 minutes in advance to allow time to enter thru security. Once you park your car, look for the "information" building and they will guide you to the check in location at the Hall. You have to go thru Security check in and you enter into the back courtyard of the Hall. Most of the security people and the Park Rangers are all crabby and act like they hate their jobs. But stronly advise this quick tour. Well worth the time.
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Starkville, MS844 contributions
Dec 2019
We carved out a half day at Independence National Historic Park to end our first trip to Philly. Needless to say, Independence Hall was the centerpiece of that half day. No matter what we did, my photographic senses constantly gravitated back to this historic building. We took the tour early in the morning (9:40) which, after seeing the lines after we came out, was probably smart. The tour only lasts about 45 minutes but is incredibly informative. Afterwards, you do have to leave IH itself, but can remain on its grounds for as long as you want (until you exit the barriers immediately surrounding it). And there are other things to see while still there - such as Congress Hall - so make sure to research before your visit. Simple stated - there's just an incredibly awesome feeling while standing in the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were deliberated and signed, and our nation was founded.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emory
23 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Surreal to be in such a historic spot. Very cool to be in spot where our country’s independence originated. They have it in 20 min blocks, you need to reserve it through recreation gov app (1$ tickets). Only complaint is Ed the guide we had was rude to visitors. Schoo group that was slated to be in our group arrived a minute before our tour began and he was reusing to let them join (even though we had not begun tour yet!) because they didn’t arrive 30 min early. All these tours say to 30 min early and then when you do you simply sit there and wait for 30 min until it begins. Additionally, he was very kirt throughout tour, drilling kids for info that they would have otherwise known. But by they way he was presenting information and telling the story left the kids and the rest of more confused! Ha. I was just happy to see the spot. I am a school teacher and my fiancé is a lawyer and we both admittedly left the tour a little more confused then when we got there just because of the way his presented the info and his demeanor.
Written 4 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GattoGirl
Georgia243 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Of course you MUST go. Waking in the same doors, seeing the same things our founding fathers saw each day, was a humbling experience. They have actual drafts of the Dec of Ind that are even older than the one in DC.
We went on a snowy, dreary Saturday in January, so there weren’t many people. We were surprised by the level of security (expect to be put through a TSA level scanner.)
We went on a snowy, dreary Saturday in January, so there weren’t many people. We were surprised by the level of security (expect to be put through a TSA level scanner.)
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
phvi2617
Anaheim, CA647 contributions
June 2022
The tour of Independence Hall is just 20 minutes, but the rangers do a nice job summarizing all the history within its walls, from its original function as state house to the vote for independence and the Constitutional Convention. It's probably best to reserve tickets ($1 apiece) at least a week in advance if you want a particular time.
Be sure to visit the West Wing, where original copies of America's founding documents and the inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence are displayed. The short tour of Congress Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated, was also great and does not require a reservation.
The grounds are very nice, and since I visited on Flag Day, there was an impromptu performance of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, which was a real treat.
Be sure to visit the West Wing, where original copies of America's founding documents and the inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence are displayed. The short tour of Congress Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated, was also great and does not require a reservation.
The grounds are very nice, and since I visited on Flag Day, there was an impromptu performance of the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, which was a real treat.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there an area of town that you'd recommend that has hotels and is near public transportation for easy access to Independence Hall? Or perhaps any parking garages or lots that have cheaper parking to catch a ride from...?
Written 3 May 2023
We stayed at the Kimpton Hotel that is literally across the street from Independence Hall. We used valet.
Written 4 June 2023
Hi, how long does it take to line up and pass through the security screening before entering the Independence Hall? can I bring food and plastic water bottle inside the backpack? (( won't eat them during the tour, but want to know if we can bring food and water ), thanks.
Written 25 July 2022
We arrived right at 10:00. There was no line. Later in the day, the line was longer and appeared to be longer than 15 minutes.
We carried water bottles in with us. I assume food in backpack would also be okay.
Written 26 July 2022
Where is the closest parking to independence hall?
Written 15 October 2021
Robert gave you the straight stuff. There are several close. I personally used the Autopark at Olde City garage. Do not believe you will find any free parking close by. However there is a SEPTA station close if you park elsewhere and come in by public transportation. Also, city tour buses (double decker commercial), start and stop at Independence NHP, so if you want to see more of the city with a "hop on, hop off" tour, you can include your visit in that.
Written 15 October 2021
Can you go into Independence Hall to see the Liberty Bell without participating in the tour? A couple of us just want to see the bell without doing the tour because our son has autism and it's too hard for him to go on a tour. Thanks!
Written 24 April 2019
Yes the Liberty Bell isn't inside Independence Hall; it's in a separate building across the street that doesn't cost or require tickets. The tour is of Independence Hall only.
Written 12 July 2019
When are the least busy dates to visit Eastern State Penitentiary?
Written 7 October 2018
My guess would be in the winter. Some of the tour is outside and some is inside but none of it is heated. I know I would not choose this time of year.
Written 15 October 2018
Map is showing wrong location on the map, I am not allowed to post links but it's pointing to Coatesville, PA
Written 3 July 2018
Thanks, it's right in the city but if you see the map on the side, it shows Coatesville, PA if you browse the "browse nearby" when you are visiting Coatesville or the area. If you filter by attraction, it shows Liberty Bell in wrong location. How do we report this to TripAdvisor?
Written 3 July 2018
Reserved tickets online are sold out for the days I would like to visit. I see the Hall is open until 7, but tickets the last tickets are for 4pm. Do you need a ticket to tour after 4?
Written 14 May 2018
We couldn't get tickets for the tour either but we were still able to go round some of the premises and museum freely, this was late afternoon but i cannot recall the exact time - good luck
Written 15 May 2018
we are going on Sat April 14 to eastern state penitentiary than may swing by interdependence hall. would we be able to get tickets at that time? if no tickets what can ne done around there without tickets. How is parking?
Written 7 April 2018
To Eastern Penitentiary, you can by tickets there without problem and parking stays at the left side.(Adult tickets $16 and parking $8 per
2 Hours)
Regarding Independence Hall, the tickets are free and distributed at visitor center on the opposite side of independence hall, however, it is distributed for specific time ahead.
There is also public parking available.
Written 7 April 2018
Is reading terminal market within walking distance of independence hall?
Written 12 August 2017
Its a long walk. Subway or Uber is a better option. Parking near the Terminal Market is tight. At Terminal Market try the Bassetts Ice Cream-oldest ice cream stand in America and its really good.
Written 12 August 2017
…
Showing results 1-10 of 36
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing