Independence Hall

Overview

About

Independence Hall is in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were drafted and signed here.

In 2007 the US Postal Service issued its first Forever stamp, which stays valid whatever the postage rate. Its subject was the Liberty Bell.

Travel tips

Location: Independence Hall stands in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia's old city. The Liberty Bell Center, Congress Hall and Carpenters' Hall are in the same area.

Getting there: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is linked to the city by SEPTA's Airport Line. Amtrak trains serve 30th Street Station, with direct services from New York and Washington. From the station, the subway or buses, or a walk, reach the old city.

Visiting: Independence Hall stands on Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, with the security entrance on the 5th Street side. There is an early open-house period without tickets each day; after that, tours leave every 20 minutes and require tickets, booked through recreation.gov. Book early in peak season.

Liberty Bell: The Liberty Bell Center is across from the hall and usually has no timed entry.

Nearby: Congress Hall, Old City Hall, the Second Bank, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Betsy Ross House, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art with its 'Rocky steps' are within walking or short driving distance.

Time: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell take half a day. With the other buildings and the old city, allow a full day.

Season: Spring and autumn are comfortable, summers are humid and crowded, and winters are cold.

Day trip: Amtrak runs direct trains from both New York and Washington, so a day trip is possible.

Photo credits: The Liberty Bell: Mys 721tx (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)