Philadelphia’s Black History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Duration1h 15m - 1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the nation. Its identity was shaped by the contributions of Black Americans whose stories go untold.

On this walking tour, you’ll hear their powerful and inspiring stories. I’ll tell you about the lives of enslaved individuals who sought freedom, including Ona Judge, whose escape defied the odds. You’ll see iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and discover their connections to Black Americans’ fight for freedom and justice.

This Black history tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore the city’s rich heritage. Walk in the footsteps of those who lived through struggle and triumph, and connect with Philadelphia’s legacy in a profound and personal way.

This isn’t just a tour — it’s a celebration of resilience, a deep dive into history, and a must-do experience for anyone visiting Philadelphia.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

What to expect

Benjamin Franklin Museum
Pass by

The Benjamin Franklin House site highlights Franklin’s contributions to American independence while also reflecting the complexities of early American society, including its ties to slavery. Though Franklin later became a prominent abolitionist, his earlier involvement with enslaved labor underscores the contradictions within the nation’s founding ideals.
The President's House
Pass by

The President's House site in Philadelphia served as the executive mansion for Presidents George Washington and John Adams, where nine enslaved Africans lived and labored under Washington’s presidency. It stands today as a powerful reminder of the contradictions between the nation's founding ideals of freedom and the realities of slavery, honoring the lives of those who resisted bondage.
Liberty Bell Center
Pass by

The Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom, was adopted by abolitionists in the 19th century as a rallying cry for the end of slavery. Its inscription, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land," highlighted the contradiction between America’s ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery. Admission is free.
Independence Hall
Pass by

We will pass by Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, shaping the nation’s foundation. For Black history, it symbolizes both the promise of freedom and the contradictions of a nation built on ideals of liberty while maintaining slavery.
Congress Hall
Pass by

We will pass by Congress Hall in Philadelphia served as the meeting place for the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, where pivotal decisions about the nation’s early laws and governance were made. During this time, debates over slavery and the rights of free Black people highlighted the contradictions between the ideals of liberty and the realities of racial inequality in America.
Pass by

Congo Square in Philadelphia, now known as Washington Square, was a gathering place for free and enslaved African Americans in the 18th century. It served as a site for cultural expression, community building, and resistance, reflecting the resilience and rich heritage of Philadelphia’s Black community.
Washington Square
Pass by

On this self-guided audio tour, you'll have a chance to pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, which honors the 5,000 Black patriots who fought during the American Revolutionary War.
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Pass by

We will pass by Mother Bethel AME Church, founded in 1794 by Richard Allen, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the United States and a cornerstone of Black resilience and faith. It served as a spiritual, cultural, and political hub for African Americans, playing a vital role in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of civil rights.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at the corner of Front and Market Streets. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends on the corner of Chestnut and 4th Street.

Additional information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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From

$11.99 per person

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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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