Independence Visitor Center - Your Starting Line

A stop on Philadelphia Independence Walk, a free self-guided tour.

Welcome to the front door of Independence National Historical Park. You're standing on Independence Mall, three long blocks of lawn that stretch north from Independence Hall. Much of this space was once crowded with houses, shops and warehouses. In the mid 1900s they were cleared away to give the historic buildings room to breathe.

Inside the Visitor Center you'll find maps, restrooms, park rangers and, on most days, the timed tickets needed for tours of Independence Hall. Ticket rules and hours change, so ask at the desk or check the park website.

Look south down the Mall. In one direction is the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated. Just across the street is the corner where the first presidents lived. Within about a mile of this spot, a group of colonies turned itself into a country. Grab a map, use the restroom, and let's head out.

Getting here: The Visitor Center is on the northeast corner of 6th and Market Streets, a short walk from the 5th Street/Independence Hall subway station.

Did you know?: Independence National Historical Park was created by Congress in 1948 and covers about 55 acres in the heart of Old City.

Photo op: Step out onto the Mall and look south to frame the Independence Hall tower at the end of the long lawn.

More on Wikipedia: Independence National Historical Park

Independence Visitor Center - Your Starting Line

Stops on this tour