Philadelphia City Hall Tours

Philadelphia City Hall, in the middle of Center City at the intersection of Broad and Market streets, is visible from all over town. For nearly 100 years, it remained the tallest structure in the city. Though it no longer bears the accolade, City Hall remains one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings.
The Basics
Officially the largest municipal building in the US, City Hall is a highlight on a number of Philadelphia walking, minivan, and bus tours. City Hall is also a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing double-decker bus.
Casual passersby can admire the building, especially its Second Empire edifice bearing impressive sculptures by Alexander Milne Calder, creator of the William Penn statue on its spire. Dilworth Park, located at the building’s base and added during a 2014 renovation, is a pleasant place to pause and catch your breath. Tours of the building’s interior are also available; tickets are based on 15-minute timed intervals and can be purchased online or at the venue. It’s also possible to book a guided tower tour and ascend to the observation deck located just below the William Penn statue.
Things to Know Before You Go
- City Hall’s viewing platform, the highest open-air observation deck in Philadelphia, offers panoramic views of the city at 548 feet (167 meters).
- Follow in the footsteps of your favorite actors: Philadelphia City Hall served as a filming location in classic movies ranging from Rocky to Philadelphia.
- While you can book tickets on the day, it’s wise to purchase them online and secure your admission slot in advance.
- One of the best perspectives of City Hall comes from the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps—it's visible directly down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
How to Get There
Philadelphia City Hall stands at what was once Center Square, a landmark still very accessible on foot. There are also a number of public transportation options for visiting City Hall, including SEPTA Regional Rail (use either Suburban and Jefferson stations), SEPTA Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines, SEPTA trolleys, SEPTA buses, and NJ Transit buses.
When to Get There
Philadelphia City Hall is open Monday–Friday and on select Saturdays year-round; it’s closed during public holidays. December is an exciting time to visit: That’s when Dilworth Park hosts the lively Rothman Ice Rink and companion Christmas market.
What's Inside Philadelphia City Hall?
While the tower tour is often considered the highlight of a City Hall visit, don't discount the interior splendors of this architectural treasure. The enormous building contains more than 600 rooms, including the opulent City Council Chamber, the wood-paneled Supreme Court Room, and the chandelier-lit Conversation Hall.
Address: Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
18 Tours and Activities to Experience Philadelphia City Hall
Sort by:Featured

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
1271
Explore the best that Philadelphia has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. Visit Philadelphia’s top attractions—like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall—on a full loop. Select from a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass. Board at any of the stops and get to know the city in custom fashion, with live commentary. A route map and courtesy shuttle from Center City hotels are included.
…More
From
$22.50
From
$22.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

BYOB Historically Hilarious Trolley Tour of Philadelphia
135
See Philadelphia’s historic landmarks and sites while sipping your own beer or wine and hearing little-known facts from a guide. This sightseeing tour by trolley takes the stress off finding a designated driver for exploring as you see tops sights such City Hall, Love Park, Boathouse Row, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’ House, and the Declaration House. Drinks are BYOB.
…More
From
$37.00
From
$37.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Double Decker Bus Tour of Philadelphia
14
Experience the History! Enjoy the sites of Philadelphia with a live Tour Guide on board our authentic Double Decker Buses. Due to COVID-19, the ability to hop-on hop-off is suspended until further notice.
…More
From
$37.34
From
$37.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Eastern State Penitentiary Admission
32
See the sights of Philadelphia at your own pace with a 2-day hop-on hop-off tour that includes admission to Eastern State Penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark. With the hop-on hop-off pass, you'll enjoy easy transportation to 27 stops around the city with live commentary by guides on board the double-decker bus. Get off at the attractions that interest you, such as the Rocky Steps, Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell, to learn about the history and culture of one of the oldest cities in the U.S.
…More
From
$65.00
From
$65.00

Philadelphia: Craft Beer, Bars and Brewing History (Small Group)
29
Take happy hour to a whole new level on this Philadelphia pub crawl. Get a taste of Philadelphia’s brew culture on this entertaining and educational beer tasting walking tour. Visit three Philly pubs that suit the group’s preferences and enjoy a full-sized beer at each. Learn about the history of each establishment — and the local bar scene — from a knowledgeable guide. One snack is included. Additional food and drinks can be purchased for a charge.
…More
From
$67.16
From
$67.16
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More

Half Day Private Philadelphia Driving Tour
11
Enjoy a personal and private introduction to the City of Brotherly Love on this half-day sightseeing tour around Philadelphia. Choose from a 4- or 6-hour tour around the City of Brotherly Love, then climb aboard a comfortable minivan and explore the highlights of the city. Visit all the must-see spots, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Exhibit, the South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia City Hall, Love Park, the Rocky steps at the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more. Local hotel pickup and drop-off included.
…More
From
$421.34
per group
From
$421.34
per group

Philadelphia Small-Group Holiday Tour
10
Take a holiday walking tour of Center City, the heart of Philadelphia and home to its central business district—both beautiful and bustling as the second-most populated downtown area in the US. During the holiday season, it comes to life like at no other time. Visit festive staples such as the Christmas tree at Rittenhouse Square; the Wanamaker Organ, with its seasonal show of lights and sound; and the Christmas Village at Love Park. A variety of foods are available for purchase along the way. Tour is limited to 12 participants.
…More
From
$49.00
From
$49.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More

Philly By Night Double Decker Bus Tour
25
Get a new perspective on the City of Brotherly Love with this nighttime sightseeing tour. Climb on board a double-decker bus and explore the best that Philadelphia has to offer. Visit 27 of Philly’s top attractions — like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Penn’s Landing and the Rocky Steps at the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art — on a 90-minute loop around this historic city.
…More
From
$36.27
From
$36.27

Hop-on Hop-off and Philly By Night Tour Combo
5
Explore the best that Philadelphia has to offer on this hop-on hop-off tour of the city. Visit 27 of Philadelphia’s top attractions — like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall — on a 1.5-hour loop. Select from a 1- or 2-day pass, then board at any of the 27 stops and get to know the city in custom fashion, with live on-board commentary. After dinner (own expense), enjoy the city as it’s illuminated for the evening on a ‘Philly by Night Tour.’ Pickup and drop-off from select hotels included.
…More
From
$59.74
From
$59.74

Philadelphia Architecture: Discover Every American Style on a GPS Audio Tour
Join me on a self-guided GPS audio tour that’ll open your eyes to the full range of Philadelphia’s architecture, spanning every American style from the 1850s to the present. One of the richest periods artistically, it was also one of the wealthiest. Mark Twain called these years the “Gilded Age” because America’s economy boomed and vast fortunes were rapidly made.
Gilded Age styles like Second Empire Baroque, High Victorian Gothic and Romanesque all compete for your attention on this tour. The styles they gave way to as we entered the 20th century are eye catching too, like Beaux Arts, Art Deco, and International Style. Then from the 1970s we enter the Postmodern era, where almost anything goes architecturally – and that’s where we still find ourselves today.
Along the way, I’ll tell you plenty of interesting but not strictly architectural stories about Philadelphia and its buildings too.
…More
From
$7.55
From
$7.55

Philly Basics
There is a lot more to Philadelphia than Ben Franklin, cheesesteaks, and the Liberty Bell. Philly is a living history lesson filled with stories, conflicts, food, and defiance. IT'S THE BEGINNING OF AMERICA. The Declaration of Independence from the Crown. The first capital of the United States. The first protest for the abolition of slavery. Home of the first to knock out Mohammad Ali. That is what exists in the city of Brotherly Love.
If coming to Philadelphia, whether it is a long layover, weekend getaway, or your a Sunday Historian; booking a tour with me is not simply learning a few facts but your first step in becoming a Philadelphian. This is your introduction. From Betsy Ross' House to the churches of Fishtown and onward to the Calle de Oro. You will see it all.
I look forward to being your guide.
Aww Right! (Philadelphian for Ok. )
…More
From
$141.67
per group
From
$141.67
per group

Philadelphia Highlights Running Tour
11
Join me for a 4 mile run sprinkled with stories most Philadelphians don’t even know! Rather than feeling like a tourist, you’ll become a local weaving through the streets of Philly with me.
In addition to being America's first capital and Ben Franklin’s hometown, did you know Philly invented the Cowboy Hat and Fast Food? We explore those little known facts and hundreds more. I'll tie together the unique Philly story as we run through its 5 main squares and tap into common themes like freedom, inclusion, reinvention, pop culture and many American Firsts.
Philly's beautiful, flat & straight streets are full of history - perfect for running tours! Whether you're here on vacation, business or even a local, there's no better way to learn about Philly while breaking a sweat! This tour is more fulfilling than running on a hotel treadmill and better than getting lost in the city alone.
You'll receive a detailed map overview (PDF) of 50 sites from our run to help you explore further!
…More
From
$37.34
From
$37.34

Philadelphia Museums Tourist Scavenger Hunt
Are you visiting Philadelphia? You must try our scavenger hunt through the Philadelphia Museum district to see all the sights! It will take you from City Hall to the Philadelphia Museum of Art all while taking a few side trips and proposing challenges at every leg. All the while, you will learn some local history and get valuable local tips.
This 3-hour self-guided walking tour is completed with your smartphone. You can start it at your leisure, on any day or time. You can also go as fast or as slow as you wish. Pause at any time and resume when ready.
…More
From
$36.52
per group
From
$36.52
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Eat Drink and Experience Philly Walking Tour
2
Journey around Philadelphia, see some of the city’s most popular sights and drink four local beers on this full-day walking tour. Your guide takes you to the city’s must-see areas, as well as bars and pubs loved by locals. Along the way, pass the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Queen Village, and Ben Franklin House. Plus, at each of the four bars you stop at, enjoy a beer and a snack.
…More
From
$143.63
From
$143.63
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Learn More

Philadelphia Double Decker Sightseeing Tour & Campo's Cheesesteak Combo
1
This Historical Double Decker Tour & Authentic Campo's Philly Steak Combo allow's you to experience the rich history and legendary sights of Philadelphia with an authentic Philadelphia cheese steak at stop 27 on the tour at Philadelphia's beloved Compo's. Experience local guides that offer live commentary as you travel a 90 minute loop to 28 different stops highlighting Philadelphia's 100 most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the US Mint. Aboard the double-decker bus, a 360-degree view of Philadelphia will leave you speechless and entertained while you soak up the history, heritage and beauty of one of America's oldest cities.
…More
From
$52.27
From
$52.27

Philadelphia Double Decker Night & Day Tour with Campo's Philly Cheesesteak
Get the best of the city by experiencing the top attractions in Philadelphia during the day, and the twinkling lights during the night! Experience local guides that offer live commentary as you travel a 90-minute loop to 28 different stops highlighting Philadelphia’s 100 most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the US Mint.
Experience Philadelphia with an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak at stop 27 on the tour at Philadelphia’s beloved Campo’s.
Aboard the double-decker bus, a 360-degree view of Philadelphia at night will leave you speechless and entertained while you soak up the dazzling lit up buildings, history, heritage, and beauty of one of America’s oldest cities in the night.
Have the option to Hop on, Hop off during the day!
Night tour is not a Hop on, Hop off tour.
Night Tour may be operated by Philadelphia Big Bus.
…More
From
$100.27
From
$100.27

Night & Day Tour of Philadelphia by Double Decker Bus
Get the best of the city by experiencing the top attractions in Philadelphia during the day, and the twinkling lights during the night! Experience local guides that offer live commentary as you travel a 90-minute loop to 28 different stops highlighting Philadelphia’s 100 most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the US Mint.
Aboard the double-decker bus, a 360-degree view of Philadelphia at night will leave you speechless and entertained while you soak up the dazzling lit up buildings, history, heritage, and beauty of one of America’s oldest cities in the night.
Have the option to Hop on, Hop off during the day!
Night tour is not a Hop on, Hop off tour.
Night Tour may be operated by Philadelphia Big Bus.
…More
From
$71.47
From
$71.47

Philadelphia Highlights Private Driving Tour
4
Enjoy a personal and private introduction to the City of Brotherly Love on this 2-hour sightseeing tour around Philadelphia. Climb aboard a comfortable minivan and explore the highlights of the city. See Philadelphia’s Historic District — from the Delaware River to 7th Street and from Vine Street to Lombard Street — plus landmark locations like the waterfront region of Penn's Landing along the Delaware River, the South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia City Hall, Love Park, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rocky steps at the entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.
…More
From
$293.34
per group
From
$293.34
per group
Things to do near Philadelphia
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in Amboseli National Park
- Things to do in Newark
- 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 Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Ottawa
- Things to do in New Jersey
- Things to do in New York