Second Bank of the United States Tours and Activities

Set within the Independence National Historical Park, this stately building was designed in 1818 by Philadelphia architect William Strickland, renowned for pioneering the Greek Revival movement in America. Based on the Parthenon in Greece, this was the original home of the country’s second national bank, which was discontinued with great vitriolic fanfare in 1836 by President Andrew Jackson, who feared the institution was gaining more economic power than the still-new United States itself.
The building now houses The Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank, where the cornerstone exhibit is “People of Independence,” a collection of 185 paintings of historically significant Colonial- and Federal-era individuals – a veritable Who’s Who of the 18th century in America. Several of these portraits are by local artist Charles Wilson Peale, whose life and work are celebrated in an adjunct gallery called Peale’s Museum. Also on display are a wood-carved sculpture and death mask of George Washington.
Address: Center City East, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Wed-Sun 11am-5pm
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Second Bank of the United States
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Old City Walking Tour in Philadelphia
219
Walk in the footsteps of America's founding fathers on this walking tour of Philadelphia's Old City. Visit important landmarks such as Christ Church, the Ben Franklin Post Office, Carpenters' Hall, and Independence Hall as your guide narrates local history.
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From
$28.50
From
$28.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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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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Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour
Benefit from a walking tour led by a private guide for an in-depth look at Philadelphia’s colonial heritage and architecture. View a number of architectural styles and buildings that date to the city’s founding, and hear about America’s history and Founding Fathers as well. Stroll through Elfreth's Alley and the Old City, and stop to view landmarks such as Christ Church and the Ghost House at Franklin Court.
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From
$250.00
per group
From
$250.00
per group
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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Alexander Hamilton Private Group History Tour in Philadelphia
2
Starting at Independence Hall, we will discuss the life and times of Alexander Hamilton. We will visit the President's House, the portrait gallery in the Second Bank of the United States, Franklin Court, where Hamilton and Maria Reynolds lived, the First Bank of the United States, Dolly Madison's house, and Christ Church.
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From
$250.00
per group
From
$250.00
per group
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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Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Public Walking Tour
We will visit a number of notable properties during the Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Public Walking Tour. We will see buildings that go back almost to the founding of the city in 1682, in styles such as Georgian, Federal, and many Revival styles and will learn about important events in American history along the way.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
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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Alexander Hamilton Public Group History Tour in Philadelphia
Starting at the President's House, we will discuss the life and times of Alexander Hamilton. We will visit Independence Hall, the Second Bank of the United States, Franklin Court, Carpenter's Hall, Dolly Madison's house, where Hamilton and Maria Reynolds lived, the First Bank of the United States, and Christ Church.
…More
From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

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

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

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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Things to do near Philadelphia
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