Philadelphia Visitor Center
Philadelphia Visitor Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Philadelphia Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Greater Philadelphia, and the primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park. Our multilingual staff are fluent in twelve languages to help all visitors. Tickets for 100+ local tours, attractions, and museums are available for purchase inside the Independence Visitor Center. Free services and amenities offered inside the Visitor Center include: The Official Welcome Film of Philadelphia, The Independence National Historic Park film, maps of Philadelphia, Philadelphia visitor guides, Pennsylvania visitor guides, brochures for attractions throughout the Philadelphia, FREE WIFI access, and public restrooms.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center East
How to get there
- 5th St • 2 min walk
- 8th St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,981 within 5 kms
Attractions
690 within 10 kms
See what travelers are saying
- OBXLOKALManteo, North Carolina242 contributionsVery Helpful!Nice place, staff helpful, big gift shop. Maps, brochures any information you may need...a couple of penny machines if you're into squashed pennies. There was a guy in there playing a hammer dulcimer that was good and nice to chat with.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 4, 2024
- tinylassSheffield, United Kingdom6,167 contributionsUseful stopping pointWe popped in here to use the free toilets, visit the gift shop, read some info on the city and generally warm up as it was freezing outside! It was a warm and clean building with some good info on Independence Hall. Worth popping in.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 24, 2024
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts745 contributionsGood spot to pick up free maps & other information about nearby museumsThe Philadelphia Visitor Center is a good spot to pick up free detailed large-format maps & other information about all the nearby museums on Independence Mall. There's also a ticket booth to purchase tickets to those museums requiring early registration (such as Independence Hall). This Center also has restrooms; nice since most of the nearby museums don't.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 24, 2024
- Paula B56 contributionsSouvenir galoreThere were clean public restrooms. Great gift shop that even has a rocky mannequin in it. They had rocky souvenirs as well. A small little restaurant stands in the back of the center as well. There is a help desk as wellVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 22, 2024
- Jaskel08California355 contributionsThis place is a godsend!!!!!!Air conditioning! Cold water! Clean bathrooms! We were in Philadelphia during a summer heat spell and this place was a godsend for the three things mentioned above. Aside from that, there was a large gift shop, attendants to ask questions, exhibits about the city of Philadelphia, and much more. Also, it’s located in the old historic district across the street from the Liberty Bell which makes for a really convenient locationVisited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2024
- TYsadventuresBrooklyn, New York920 contributionsVery well done!One of, if not the best visitors center I have visited in the country. Very interesting and educational exhibits, mini theater and attraction information. I was impressed they were promoting the activities that cost but had equally as many free options including all the obvious Independance, Liberty and Justice spots. Physically it is huge, fully accessible restrooms, rest stop, refreshment location. The information desk was amazing with great varied local and regional activities and venue options. Large print and standard pamphlets. Tour Bus and Philly Phlash ticketing and base. Centrally located between Liberty Hall, The Fed and The US Mint.Visited August 2024Traveled soloWritten August 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,476 reviews
Excellent
1,405
Very good
815
Average
214
Poor
33
Terrible
9
Roberto Ruiz
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico108 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Very complete tourist center where you can guide and learn about the different tours offered by the city, as well as organize to maximize the experience in the city. There is a gift shop with good prices, bathrooms, a small movie theater that projects info about the city and tourist places. Very complete tourist center where you can guide and learn about the different tours offered by the city, as well as organize to maximize the experience in the city. There is a gift shop with good prices, bathrooms, a small movie theater that projects information about the city and tourist places. There are also some info kiosks and a small coffee shop of Hershey
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pearl E
Philadelphia, PA104 contributions
Dec 2019
The Independence Visitor Center has lots of information on all sites and how to get there. Their timed films will give lots of information. Stores where you can purchase just about any souvenir you need. You can get tickets here for nearby activities such as Independence Hall Tour and the red double-decker buses. Across the street is the Liberty Bell which is a must-see. Great place to start!
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy Y
Sunderland, UK23 contributions
Jul 2022
We'd read a few recommendations to start here prior to visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as there are a few video's and stories to read about the history of the buildings which are very interesting. There are a couple of information desks too where the staff are more than willing to give you additional information, provide maps etc. to help you on your way too.
The building is also a delightful way to escape the heat when you just need a break as its light, airy and air conditioned! The place is obviously new, its very clean and tidy, toilets are clean too.
There is a little cafe which we grabbed a drink from (a little on the expensive side) and a gift shop, which surprisingly was reasonably priced when I compared things like book prices to Amazon, though some of the more touristy gifts can be found in other souvenir shops around the city.
The building is also a delightful way to escape the heat when you just need a break as its light, airy and air conditioned! The place is obviously new, its very clean and tidy, toilets are clean too.
There is a little cafe which we grabbed a drink from (a little on the expensive side) and a gift shop, which surprisingly was reasonably priced when I compared things like book prices to Amazon, though some of the more touristy gifts can be found in other souvenir shops around the city.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BHUANG69
New Providence, NJ1,129 contributions
Jul 2021
It's a nice place with souvenir shops. There are two people dressed like Benjamin Franklin -- one is playing an instrument that sounds like a harp and the other working on some decoration. They were friendly enough but it is not clear why they were there. They talk to people but they only perform when they feel like to. It's kind of strange. There is a mini movie theater showcasing Philly attractions. Total play time is 10 minutes or so. Recommend to watch the movie as it will give you ideas regarding where to go.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1GiantsMSo
Sedona, AZ1,177 contributions
Nov 2019
Congrats to the person with the vision of this center. There is a little of everything for people to enjoy with statues, gift shops, snack areas, seating and theatre exhibits. Very clean and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah K
3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
I was having trouble with Sightseeing passes purchased online through Groupon. While it was in no way their fault, Independence Visitor Center (particularly Alfred and Theresa) bent over backwards to help me make it right so we could enjoy our time in Philadelphia. They went above and beyond. While it was getting sorted out, we were able to enjoy the informational exhibits and period performers in the building.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PAboyinFL
Ocala, FL1,713 contributions
Sep 2020
Due to Covid, only the Philadelphia Visitor's area of the building is open. There is a short video and a gift shop available, otherwise, nothing to see here.
Probably pretty nice when fully operating.
Probably pretty nice when fully operating.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joefocht53
Tamarac, FL1,245 contributions
Jul 2021
This was one of the places that I stop at. Great place to see independence hall and learn from actors that played people from that time what life was really like and very interesting. Great place to take the family.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA745 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
The Philadelphia Visitor Center is a good spot to pick up free detailed large-format maps & other information about all the nearby museums on Independence Mall. There's also a ticket booth to purchase tickets to those museums requiring early registration (such as Independence Hall). This Center also has restrooms; nice since most of the nearby museums don't.
Written April 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin291
Milford, PA45 contributions
Aug 2022
The visitor center was very helpful. They have a small section for guests to check out and learn some highlights of the area. There is a desk to get tickets to events happening around. There is a desk for NPS that you can get your passport stamp and get tickets to see the liberty bell. There is also a small section for Carpenter Hall because is it under reconstruction. There is a small cafe for food and drinks (Kinda pricey but everything in Philly is kinda pricey.) Finally there is a gift shop that is definately worth checking out.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do they have passport stamp locations around the park?
Written January 31, 2022
There are many passport stamp locations for the Independence NHP. Specifically, the city's independence NHP visitor center, the ben franklin museum bookstore, and the old city hall gift shop. other locations are currently closed due to covid. For full information on passport stamps and locations, go to parkstamps org website, which is a club for stamp collectors. They have a complete and constantly updating database of all available NPS passport cancellation stamps and locations.
Written February 2, 2022
Hi, you cannot do it on the streets around, or there are very few. There's a parking garage, more than 10 levels just a block away. Book it through Spot Hero app for best rates. We got around 15$ for whole day, 9 am - 9 pm.
Written May 3, 2018
We are happy to try to help! What convention are you interested in attending?
Written July 25, 2016
We would like to purchase the advance tickets @ $1.50 each, but do not see on the website where/how to do so. Help!
Written August 31, 2015
Good morning! I believe you are referring to snagging the timed tickets for Independence Hall. You can call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov to purchase tickets. Please note, that only 40% of tickets are able to reserved while 60% is given out in person on a first come, first serve basis.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Albert L
Community and Content Manager
Independence Visitor Center
6th & Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Written August 31, 2015
Kerrie
Columbus, Ohio
Is there an area of downtown with lockers to store luggage while I'm exploring?
Written June 4, 2015
Good afternoon Kerrie, our apologies for our late response. I thought this was already answered by a member of our staff. We here at the Independence Visitor Center do not have storage areas in our building. And what many have said in their response is correct. For Amtrak holders at 30th street station, they have baggage check. That is the only place in the city that offers such a luxury.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any more questions.
Thanks so much.
Al
Albert Lee
Community and Content Manager
Independence Visitor Center
6th & Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-6101 ext. 6114
Written June 15, 2015
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