Colonial City in Context Tour

General information

Destination	Category
Philadelphia, United States	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Founded in the 17th century by William Penn as a haven for persecuted Quakers, Philadelphia quickly became the most important city in America. By the dawn of the revolution it was the largest English speaking city in the world outside of London. During the course of this three-hour, guided walking seminar through Philadelphia's Old City and Society Hill neighbourhoods, you will explore the social and political mechanisms that defined the city and set the stage for the Declaration of Independence and the Continental Congress.


Begin the tour as the city did, along the wharves and with a discussion of the critical figure of William Penn, founding father of the colony of Pennsylvania and architect of the city of Philadelphia. Make your way through the well-preserved historic core of the city, past buildings that still stand after more than 200 years and look at some of the key themes that defined Philadelphia in those early years including Quakerism and religious tolerance and unfettered trade.


The walk will take you into several historic house museums along streets dating to the 18th century, and into some of the churches that played a role in the founding of the U.S. As you walk you will move forward through history to discover how the city evolved socially, architecturally, and politically through the colonial period until the dawn of the revolution. End the tour at Independence Mall where you will explore Independence Hall from the outside, the West Wing and the so-called “President’s House”.


Meeting/pick-up point: City Tavern located at 138 South 2nd Street (corner of Walnut).
Duration: Three hours approx.
Start/opening time: At 10am.
End/closing time: At 1.pm approx.
Languages: English.
Others: Children under 12 years old are not allowed.