First Bank of the United States

Journey through the haunted streets of Philadelphia's Old City on this tour led by professional and courteous US Ghost Adventures guides. Benefit from intensely researched stories and documented accounts of historic hauntings. “Old City” refers to the area of Philadelphia that was first established as a colony, an area that saw much strife, war, and hardship as the newly formed America fought for its independence. Hear the story of Benjamin Franklin's ghost that haunts Independence Hall, a place where one of the Founding Fathers undoubtedly spent many days. Learn of the story of the wife who became jealous from beyond the grave. This tour also takes you by some of the city's most haunted cemeteries, home to victims of yellow fever, naval captains, First Wives, and more.

Your tour will begin with your local guide picking you up directly from your hotel in downtown Philadelphia. You pass by key historical points of interest such as the Betsy Ross House, the Ben Franklin Burial, the First Bank, and the Ben Franklin House on your way to Independence Hall. Step back in time while at Independence Hall, which is known as the birthplace of America, and is most famous for its role in American independence. While there, you will be able to view the historic Liberty Bell. Easily recognizable because of its crack, the Liberty Bell remains significant today for its message of liberty. Abolitionists, women's suffrage activists, civil rights leaders and others have all used this bell as their symbol in the fight for equality. At Independence Hall you will also have the opportunity to visit the Second Bank, which houses a collection of over 100 portraits, many of them by 18th Century artist Charles Willson Peale. Marvel at the Greek Revival architecture and the faces of the leaders of the Revolutionary Era. You can’t go to Philadelphia without making a stop at the Rocky Steps. A near-constant flow of people arrive daily at the bottom of the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture with the Rocky statue, originally created for a scene in Rocky III and now a real-life monument for the beloved fictional hero. Running up the grand stairway, mimicking the famous two-arms-raised salute, and soaking up the view of the city is a must while in Philadelphia. You’ll also get a chance to see the Washington Monument Fountain and The Oval while you’re there. Don’t forget to take photos! You will be in awe of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site - the first true “penitentiary.” What was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world stands today in ruin as a haunting world of crumbling cell blocks and empty guard towers. At one point, the cells held many of America’s most notorious lawbreakers, including bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton and Al Capone. This stop is sure to peak your interest. Your guide will take you on a scenic city drive, passing by such points of interest as the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, Love Park, and City Hall. What’s a trip to Philadelphia without trying a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich? You will stop by the Reading Terminal Market to grab this tasty snack. This location is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building. Along with Philly Cheese Steak, the market offers an incredible selection of locally grown and exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections, and the widest variety of restaurants under one roof. After a full day of adventure, your guide will return you to your downtown Philadelphia hotel where you can unwind and reflect on your memories from the day.

Discover Philadelphia at night on this scenic guided driving tour! Your tour will begin with your friendly local guide picking you up directly from your hotel. You will enjoy passing by key historical points of interest such as the Betsy Ross House, the Ben Franklin Burial, the First Bank, and the Ben Franklin House on your way to Independence Hall. Step back in time while at Independence Hall, which is known as the birthplace of America, and is most famous for its role in American independence. While there, you will be able to view the historic Liberty Bell. Easily recognizable because of its crack, the Liberty Bell remains significant today for its message of liberty. Abolitionists, women's suffrage activists, civil rights leaders and others have all used this bell as their symbol in the fight for equality. At Independence Hall you will also see the Second Bank, which houses a collection of over 100 portraits, many of them by 18th Century artist Charles Willson Peale. Marvel at the Greek Revival architecture and the faces of the leaders of the Revolutionary Era. You can’t go to Philadelphia without making a stop at the Rocky Steps. A near-constant flow of people arrive daily at the bottom of the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to snap a picture with the Rocky statue, originally created for a scene in Rocky III and now a real-life monument for the beloved fictional hero. Running up the grand stairway, mimicking the famous two-arms-raised salute, and soaking up the view of the city is a must while in Philadelphia. You’ll also get a chance to see the Washington Monument Fountain and The Oval while you’re there. Don’t forget to take photos! Your guide will take you on a scenic city drive, passing by such points of interest as Love Park, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, City Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and Eastern State Penitentiary. What’s a trip to Philadelphia without trying a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich? You will head to South Philly to Check out Philly’s Sports hub before stopping to grab this tasty snack (Optional). After a full day of adventure, your guide will return you to your downtown Philadelphia hotel where you can unwind and reflect on your memories from the day.

Immerse yourself in the world of Alexander Hamilton on this tour designed especially for Hamilton lovers. Discover the places where he had a direct impact on the shape and functions of the newly-formed United States of America and visit the real-life locations featured in the hit Broadway Musical. Enjoy short excerpts of music throughout the tour. Start your walking tour at the President's House where George Washington and John Adams spent most of their presidencies. From here, head to Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution was written. Next, head to the 2nd Bank of the United States, created by President James Madison, followed by a visit to Carpenter's Hall, home of the 1st Continental Congress. Visit the home of Alexander Hamilton's mistress Maria Reynolds and the 1st Bank of the U.S. building. Finally, arrive at Robert Morris' grave, your last stop. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of the nearest subway station or bus stop. Or feel free to ask them for local recommendations on great places to eat or drink nearby. 

Every building in Philadelphia has a story to tell. The materials, technology, and styles in vogue when these buildings were constructed might reveal one story, while the people who designed, built, lived, and worked in them often add a narrative of their own. Come with me on this walking tour to hear about the events that took place in and around Philadelphia’s Old City buildings. Along the way, I’ll tell you about the individuals who shaped the city from its beginnings to American Independence. Starting in Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited street in America, you’ll walk the same streets as Philadelphia’s founding fathers and mothers to Independence Hall. The American Revolution will loom large, as will the founding of our government, in which Benjamin Franklin had a large role to play. He’s the only person to have signed the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance, and the Treaty of Paris. You’ll also hear about Alexander Hamilton’s time in Philadelphia and the scandal he was involved in. And you’ll learn about the city’s first fire marks, and a bit about the architectural styles of this time period, including Georgian, Federal and Greek Revival. Along the way, you’ll see: • Christ Church, where George Washington, Betsy Ross, and Deborah Franklin all worshiped at some point • Fragments of Franklin Court, and the sections where Ben Franklin spent the last years of his life • Carpenters’ Hall, the first craft guild in America and home of the First Continental Congress • First Bank of the United States, created by Alexander Hamilton, which sparked the beginning of the two party system • Second Bank of the United States, which looks Grecian in style • The Liberty Bell, where you’ll hear its story and discover what it commemorates • Independence Hall, home of the Declaration of the United States and the Constitution So come with me on this fun and fact-filled journey through Colonial Philadelphia. I promise you an interesting adventure!

Welcome to Philadelphia. This audio tour beckons you to leisurely wander through its Old City, immersing yourself in the cherished historical, cultural, and culinary gems of Pennsylvania's capital. Begin your journey by exploring the hauntingly castle-like Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison infamous for the complete isolation and harsh punishments meted out to its inmates. Continue on to the elegant Rodin Museum, where you have the option to marvel at the largest collection of Auguste Rodin's statuary outside of France, including the iconic sculpture, The Thinker. As you traverse JFK Plaza or LOVE Park nearby, don't miss the iconic pop art LOVE sculpture situated in the center. A short stroll away, be awe-inspired by the grandeur of Philadelphia City Hall, the largest municipal building in the country. The tour then invites you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Reading Terminal Market, a beloved local spot for grocery shopping and snacking since 1893. Delve deeper into America's historical narrative by visiting the Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. Witness the iconic Liberty Bell, a symbol of freedom in America, just around the corner. Later on, pass by the Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag. Conclude your tour at the Christ Church Burial Ground, the resting place of many historical leaders, and pay a visit to the distinguished grave of Benjamin Franklin. Join this tour to witness the founding of the nation in Philadelphia's past and experience how today's Philadelphians embrace its ambitious present. HOW IS THE TOUR GOING — Stay flexible: [join the tour whenever you want and] explore the sights as long as you like. — Enjoy the tour even offline: all audio tours are tested for high quality and easy navigation.

Discover buildings from the era of the founding fathers that still survive to this day. With your expert tour guide, see historic buildings that go back almost to the founding of the city in 1682. Admire a variety of architectural styles such as Georgian, Federal, and, Revival whilst learning about American history along the way. Beginning on Elfreth's Alley, learn about the origins of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. Then continue to Christ Church and its churchyard where Andrew Hamilton, Pierce Butler, and Robert Morris are buried. Next, you will see Ben Franklin's house and hear about his fascinating life story. From there, Carpenter's Hall is close by where the 1st Continental Congress met. See the First Bank of the United States, founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1791. This building is the first U.S. government building with a Greco-Roman facade. Pass by where Hamilton and his mistress lived, as well as the Dolly Todd House, before arriving at the Second Bank of the United States, the first all-marble facade in America. Finally discover Independence Hall, home of the 2nd Continental Congress. This important landmark is where both the Declaration of the United States and the Constitution were created and signed 11 years apart.

Step back in time as your guide tells you carefully crafted stories about Philadelphia's dark past. Learn about the founding fathers and delve into the less pleasant aspects of the city's medical history. Meet your guide at Washington Square Park Fountain in the heart of the city. Follow your guide to locations where eerie events once took place. Enjoy hearing lesser-known stories that are for an adult audience . Hear about scandalous affairs perpetrated by Philadelphia’s founding fathers. Listen as your guide reveals fascinating discoveries and fatal errors in the development of America’s healthcare system.