Philadelphia walk – Photo supplied by John Phelan
| Start/Finish | Category | Distance | Estimated Walking Time |
| City Hall / President’s House | History and Architecture, Tourism | 3.2 km | 50 min* |
Summary
Explores Philadelphia’s architecture and early American history. Starting at City Hall the walk passes sites such as the Museum of the American Revolution and Liberty Bell before finishing at President’s House.
Public transport
Catch the train to 15th St station or City Hall. Ends near 5th St Independence Hall station.
Directions
The Philadelphia walk starts outside Philadelphia’s City Hall. To get there you can catch the train to either 15th St or City Hall station. City Hall is the municipal seat of government in Philadelphia and also serves as a courthouse. Built using brick, white marble and limestone it was the world’s tallest habitable building upon its completion in 1894.
From Dilworth Park, which is located next to City Hall, cross John F Kennedy Boulevard and walk eastwards to the Masonic Temple. The temple, which faces City Hall was completed in 1873 and designated a national historic landmark in 1985.
From the masonic temple continue eastwards down Filbert St past the Reading Terminal Market. Turn left up N 10th St and then right down Arch St. This will take you past Chinatown. If you want to take a break this is the place to grab a bite to eat. There are restaurants serving a diverse range of Asian cuisines including Cantonese, Sichuan, Taiwanese,Burmese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese.
From Chinatown continue walking eastwards down Arch St and then turn right down N Independence Mall E. This will take you past the Christ Church Burial Ground, an important early American cemetery. It is the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah, as well as a number of other notable Americans who signed the Declaration of Independence.
At the corner of N Independence Mall E and Market St turn left onto Market St, then right onto S 3rd St walking in a southerly direction. Along S 3rd St is the Museum of the American revolution.
Museum of the American Revolution
Image: Museum of the American Revolution , photo supplied
The museum, which opened in 2017, is dedicated to telling the story of the American revolution. Visitors follow a chronological journey from the roots of the American revolution in the 1760’s to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
From the museum continue south down S 3rd St and then turn right in a westerly direction up Walnut St. Walk past Independence Square and then turn right up S 6th St in a northerly direction. This will take you to Liberty Bell Centre.
The Liberty Bell was a historic symbol of American freedom. In its early years, the bell was used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens about public meetings and proclamations. Just next to the Liberty Bell Center is President’s House where the walk ends. The President’s House was occupied by George Washington from 1790 to 1797.
To get home you can catch the metro from 5th St Independence Hall station, which is located on Market St, near the President’s House.
Philadelphia walk – GPX file
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Philadelphia walk – Map
Start – City Hall
- City Hall
- Masonic Temple
- Reading Terminal Market
- Chinatown
- Independence Visitor Center
- Christ Church Burial Ground
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Independence Square
- Liberty Bell Center
Finish – Liberty Bell Center
