
Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 129 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour worth booking?
Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Philadelphia, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 129 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (129)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Dare to walk in the shadows of America’s most haunted history… without the sound of sippy cups or snack requests. Founding Phantoms is Philadelphia’s adults-only ghost tour—designed exclusively for brave souls 16 and older. This chilling journey dives into the darker side of the Founding Fathers—uncovering ghostly legends, unsettling truths, and spectral secrets they hoped would stay buried. But that's not all... We'll also descend into the eerie evolution of America’s healthcare system, where "breakthroughs" often came with a body count. Fatal mistakes. Fascinating discoveries. And plenty of things that go bump in the operating room. If you're ready for a spine-tingling night of history, hauntings, and a few uncomfortable truths... we’ll be waiting in the dark.
What you get
About this experience
Dare to walk in the shadows of America’s most haunted history… without the sound of sippy cups or snack requests. Founding Phantoms is Philadelphia’s adults-only ghost tour—designed exclusively for brave souls 16 and older. This chilling journey dives into the darker side of the Founding Fathers—uncovering ghostly legends, unsettling truths, and spectral secrets they hoped would stay buried. But that's not all... We'll also descend into the eerie evolution of America’s healthcare system, where "breakthroughs" often came with a body count. Fatal mistakes. Fascinating discoveries. And plenty of things that go bump in the operating room. If you're ready for a spine-tingling night of history, hauntings, and a few uncomfortable truths... we’ll be waiting in the dark.
What's included
Included
- All Fees and Taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Pennsylvania Hospital - Historic Tours
This hospital, whose purpose was to treat mental illness, was home to many inhumane experiments in an attempt to drive out the evil spirits once believed to be the cause of mental illness. Join us on a journey through the past as we discuss the evils that took place and the vengeful spirits that remain as a result
20 minutes here
Powel House
The Powel House was the home of Philadelphia's Mayor during the Revolution, Samuel Powel. Political dinner parties aren't the only historical events to discuss regarding this old home-turned-museum, as it is claimed to be the most haunted building in the city!
20 minutes here
First Bank of the United States
This building was the idea of the one and only Alexander Hamilton, and while his criminal history is nothing to scoff at, the true draw of this building for many paranormal enthusiasts is the belief that the ghost of Hamilton himself haunts its grounds! Come learn all about Hamilton's debauchery-filled life, maybe even from his spirit directly!
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Philadelphia
You will meet your spooktacular tour guide by the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. Please look for the eternal flame and you are there.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
You will meet your spooktacular tour guide by the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. Please look for the eternal flame and you are there.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ghost City Tours Philadelphia
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 129 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
129 verified traveler reviews for Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Not scary phantoms
More walking than actual information or ghost stories. Booked as adults only but not scary.
via Tripadvisor
Guide did not show up, no resolution from company
Extremely poor experience. We signed up for a tour. About 15 people showed up at the meeting spot on time and no tour guide showed up for over 20 minutes. Multiple people called the booking number and they were unable to provide any explanation or resolution besides a "rain check" -- even though we were tourists and not able to come back another time.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re very sorry your guide did not arrive and that your group was left waiting without a clear resolution. We understand that a rain check is not a practical solution for visitors who may only have one night in Philadelphia, and the communication you received did not adequately address the situation. We’ll be reviewing what happened with our team, as this is not the experience we want our guests to have.
via Tripadvisor
DO NOT PAY FOR THIS, not worth your time or money
This company lacks ethics in every way. The guides are trying to do their best, but the company and its "management" team keep changing things at the very last minute, everything is improvised and unprofessional; affecting both the guides and the guests. This company clearly does not care about the experience, it's all about the money. Guides: Do not think of working here, it's the worst "job" ever. Guests: DO NOT hire this company, there are better ones out there
via Tripadvisor
Not the experience being advertised
I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere for a walking tour in Philadelphia. Based on what I observed, I have serious concerns about how this company operates and how its guides are treated. The treatment of guides came across as exploitative, disrespectful, and at times outright mean. What makes this even more concerning from a customer perspective is the apparent lack of proper training for newer guides. People are paying for what is advertised as a professional guided experience, but some guides appear to be sent out to conduct tours without being adequately prepared or trained to deliver the product customers are purchasing. That isn’t fair to the guides who are put in that position, and it certainly isn’t fair to paying customers. When you’re selling a guided historical tour, customers should reasonably expect a knowledgeable, properly trained guide and an experience that matches what was advertised. There are plenty of walking tours in Philadelphia. I would spend your money with a company that invests in its guides, treats them with respect, and takes the quality of the experience it sells seriously.
via Tripadvisor
Do your research before booking
Unfortunately, my experience with this company was extremely disappointing. The way the guides are treated is exploitative, disrespectful, and, at times, abusive. There seems to be very little consideration for the people who are actually representing the company and interacting with customers. What concerns me even more is the lack of proper training for new guides. People are being put in positions to conduct tours without receiving the appropriate preparation or knowledge to provide the experience customers are paying for. As a result, the quality of the tours suffers significantly. In my opinion, the company is selling a product that does not consistently match what is advertised. Customers deserve transparency, professionalism, and a quality experience—and employees deserve to be treated with respect and properly trained to do their jobs. I would strongly encourage anyone considering booking with this company to do their research and read the reviews carefully before spending their money.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 45
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $35 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Philadelphia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Philadelphia is not rushed.
Is Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 129 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Philadelphia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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Around 45 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Philadelphia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Philadelphia and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Philadelphia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
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Philadelphia's core is walkable: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell need timed entry, the mural arts programme runs the largest public art collection in the country, and the Reading Terminal and Italian Market food walks fill the middle of the day. Outty Ranking favours operators who secure Independence Hall tickets rather than sending you to the visitor centre queue. On Outty we rank every Philadelphia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia, Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
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April to June and September to October, mild weather and open patios. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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Included: All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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You will meet your spooktacular tour guide by the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. Please look for the eternal flame and you are there. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Founding Phantoms Adult's Only Walking Tour?
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Across 129 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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