Congress Hall in Philadelphia Tours and Activities

Immediately following the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was declared the original capital city of the United States, and Congress Hall served as the first U.S. Capitol Building. It hosted the United States Congress until May 1800, when political focus shifted to Washington, D.C.
When used as the home of Congress, the House of Representatives met on the first floor, and the Senate met upstairs. The second floor is the more elaborate of the two, with a hand-loomed carpet bearing seals of the original colonies, and oil portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette bequeathed by the French government to a newly liberated America.
The presidential inaugurations of Washington and Adam were held here, as were ceremonies establishing the First Bank of the United States and the ratification of Jay’s Treaty with England. The latter, named for then Chief Justice John Jay, ended the American Revolution and created ten years of peaceful trade between the Crown and the Colonies.
Beautifully restored to its original Colonial condition, Congress Hall is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Only small groups are allowed in at any one time, so be prepared for a short wait.
Address: 6th and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Congress Hall in Philadelphia
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The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia
417
Discover the birthplace of America on this guided walking tour through the country’s most historic area in Philadelphia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Independence National Historical Park and more than 20 other historic sites on this 1.25-mile trek, including the National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and many more.
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From
$19.00
From
$19.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Philadelphia Historical Independence Walking Tour
114
Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy — and rich in American history. Discover the historical sites in Philadelphia on this expert-guided, 75-minute walking tour. See where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin lived and worked. Stop at some of the city’s most iconic landmark locations, like Independence Hall. Visit the Betsy Ross House, where the seamstress is said to have sewn the first American Flag; plus Congress Hall, the original Supreme Court building, the Library Company of Philadelphia, Franklin Court at the Independence National Historical Park and more.
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From
$21.34
From
$21.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Philadelphia Prohibition Pub Crawl
30
Hear tales of prohibition and gangsters such as Al Capone and Leo Lanzetti on this evening walking tour and pub crawl in Philadelphia. A spirited guide takes you around city landmarks and to local taverns—savor a complimentary drink and snacks, and then make use of drink specials at the places you visit. Good at trivia? Answer quickly and correctly to get more free beer. Don’t miss this lively night out on the town and learn about Philadelphia’s dark side.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00

Haunted Philadelphia: Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour
53
Dare to visit more than 20 of Philadelphia’s scariest sites on this ghoulish 75-minute, outdoor walking adventure. From the legendary ghosts of Independence Hall to the paranormal on Pine Street, this Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour explores Philadelphia’s haunted facts and folklore. Experience the city’s monuments by moonlight and listen to spooky stories. Travel the cobblestone streets of Old City and see famous film locations from big screen thrillers ‘The Sixth Sense’ and ‘National Treasure.’
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From
$19.00
From
$19.00

Dark Philly Adult Night Tour
345
See the dark side of Philly during this adult night tour developed by a local university professor. Not for the faint of heart, this tour uncovers Philadelphia’s R-rated sites and stories, from vampires, pirate ghost ships, and haunted attractions to torture, executions, and the red light district. You'll also visit historical attractions and see the sights illuminated at night. This tour is not suitable for children.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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Small-Group Founding Fathers and Independence Walking Tour
Philadelphia is widely regarded as one of America’s most historically significant cities, and for good reason! This is the city where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were born. It was Philly that served as America’s capital before Washington DC even existed. Here is where the American flag was created, where Ben Franklin proved that lightning was just electricity, and where the iconic Liberty Bell rang and cracked but endures as a symbol of freedom.
These are just a few examples of how Philadelphia has helped shape the United States of America. Come and take a guided stroll along the cobblestone streets of Old City, through the history you think you know.
Our local expert will separate the fact from the fiction, and you will be amazed by Philadelphia’s remarkable past.
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From
$36.00
$9.00 savings
From
$36.00
$9.00 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Things to do near Philadelphia
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