Independence National Historical Park
Ways to visit Independence National Historical Park
Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park tells the story of America’s founding. A popular destination among history buffs, families, and first-time visitors to the city—and considered a Philadelphia must—the park welcomes more than 4 million visitors each year. Highlights include: Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed; the Liberty Bell Center; the Benjamin Franklin Museum; the National Constitution Center; Congress Hall (where Congress met for 10 years); and much more.
Independence National Historical Park is among Philadelphia’s top tourist destinations, and as such features on numerous tour itineraries, including history-themed walking tours, hop-on hop-off bus tours, driving excursions, pub crawls, and more. It’s also possible to explore the landmark independently.
Things to know before you go to Independence National Historical Park
- To book same-day tickets to Independence Hall, and for navigation help and advice, begin your trip at the Independence Visitor Center, located at 6th and Market Streets.
- Most park sites are wheelchair accessible, including the Liberty Bell Center, Benjamin Franklin Museum, and the first floors of Independence Hall and Congress Hall.
- Most sites are free to visit, though some—including the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the National Constitution Center—have small entry fees.
- Accessible restrooms are available in the Independence Visitor Center, the Second Bank of the United States, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum (fee applies); wheelchairs can also be rented.
How to get to Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is located in the Center City neighborhoods of Old City and Society Hill. If using public transportation, take regional rail services to Jefferson Station, take the Market-Frankford El to 5th Street station, take PATCO from New Jersey to 8th Street, or use local buses. The landmark can also be reached on foot, by bike, and by car; underground garage parking is located directly below the Independence Visitor Center.
Trip ideas
When to visit Independence National Historical Park
Most sites within the park open daily from 9am–5pm, although hours can vary seasonally and from venue to venue. Most park grounds are open 24 hours, and all locations are closed Christmas Day, and some on other select holidays.
Hidden Gems of Independence National Historical Park
In addition to the blockbuster sights, Independence National Historical Park also comprises dozens of other historical locations that many visitors overlook, but which offer another glimpse into the site’s past. To learn more—and beat the crowds—discover the Second Bank of the US (authorized by Alexander Hamilton), the Fragments of Franklin Court (which displays an archaeology exhibition), or the Dolley Todd house (where future First Lady Dolley Madison once lived).
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Williamsburg
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Salem
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Montreal
- Things to do in New York
- Things to do in Virginia
- Museum of the American Revolution
- New Hall Military Museum
- Carpenters' Hall
- Dolley Todd House
- Second Bank of the United States
- Powel House
- Franklin Court
- Library Hall (American Philosophical Society Museum)
- National Liberty Museum
- National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH)
- First Bank of the United States
- Independence Mall
- Liberty Bell Center
- Philadelphia Old City Hall
- Congress Hall in Philadelphia