The Independence Hall area at the center of historic Philadelphia is known as Independence Mall. A three block area that can transport you back to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the writing of the Constitution. Visit our attractions page for more information on all the attractions in Philadelphia.
An essential stop on a history lover's tour of Philadelphia, this guide to visiting Independence Hall area will help you make the most out of your visit.
Getting to Independence Hall Area
Tours of Independence Hall and Other Sites
What To See Around Independence Hall
Where to Eat Near Independence Hall
HOW TO GET TO INDEPENDENCE MALL
Independence Mall is bounded by Chestnut, Race, 5th and 6th Streets. The GPS address for the Independence Visitor Center is 41 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.
by foot:
The historic City Center is still laid out the in the grid designed by William Penn. It's only 25 blocks between the two rivers and they are easily navigated thanks to the naming of the streets. North and South streets are numbered and the East and West streets have tree names (e.g., Walnut, Spruce, Pine, Chestnut).
But if you did get lost, the city has kindly added Walk! Philadelphia signs throughout to help find your way.These are color coded depending on what area you want and highlight certain sites.
Independence Mall is in the RED - Historic District, but is only a ten minute walk to/from either the TEAL - Convention Center District (and Chinatown) or PURPLE - Washington Square District
And if you're really lost, there is goodwill ambassadors wandering the streets who can help you find your way.
By SEPTA
In Philly, the public transportation is called SEPTA. Numerous color coded bus and trolleys will take you around the city. You can find bus stops by the poles or bus shelters, each will indicate which route is serviced at that stop. Buses will also display their number and name on the front of the bus.
The quick and easy way to get around down is on the Philly Phlash buses. One way adult rides are $2 and an all day pass is $5. These buses run every 15 minutes but only from May to December. For Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Visitor Center alight at 6th & Market Streets.
by Trolley and Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus:
Many of the city's buses drive through Independence Mall. The Philly Pass and City Pass Philadelphia both offer the option to use the hop on-off buses.
Parking
There is a covered 24 hour parking garage underneath the Independence Visitor Center, located at 41 North 6th Street. The parking rates are:
- Up to 1/2 hour $4.00
- Up to 1 hour $8.00
- Up to 1 1/2 hours $11.50
- Up to 2 hours $16.00
- Up to 10 hours $17.00
- Up to 24 hours 18.00
You can reserve a guaranteed parking space ahead of time through a service called Parking Panda.
TOURS OF THE INDEPENDENCE HALL AREA:
Guided Walking Tours
There are many sites to see in the area, from Constitution Center to Betsy Ross' House. We offer a guided tour of the area both on and off the Mall in our two hour tour of Independence Mall.
Hop On-Off Bus Tours
Many of the city's buses drive through Independence Mall. The Philly Pass and City Pass Philadelphia both offer the option to use the hop on-off buses.
PLACES TO VISIT ON/NEAR INDEPENDENCE HALL:
Many of these sites are visited on our Independence Mall tour! Use the links below for tips on visiting these sites.
Independence Hall Area
- National Constitution Center
- Independence Visitor Center
- Free Quaker Meetinghouse
- Liberty Bell Center
- Congress Hall
- Independence Hall
- Old City Hall
- Carpenter's Hall
- Second Bank of the United States
Near the Independence Hall (Old City)
- Philadelphia Bourse
- Christ Church Burial Ground
- Philadelphia Mint
- Elfreth's Alley
- New Hall Military Museum
- Betsy Ross' House
- Ben Franklin Museum
- National Museum of American Jewish History
WHERE TO EAT NEAR INDEPENDENCE HALL:
Just across 5th St is the Philadelphia Bourse which has a food court and shops.
While not on Independence Mall, Chinatown is a short ten minute walk away! We offer a food tour of Chinatown to allow you to sample a few of the delicious treats this neighborhood has to offer.
The Reading Terminal Market is also only a few blocks away and is a great place for a meal and more Philadelphia history.
A visit to Philadelphia isn't complete without a bite of our famous cheese steaks, however. We've compiled a list of the best in town.
