Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia worth booking?
Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia is a 2-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 5/5 rating across 21 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (21)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $35 per person
Ghosts! This evening walking tour is filled with tales of the lost souls who haunt Old City. Hear about yellow fever, gun duels, horrible injuries, gross illnesses ... we hope you're okay after this.
What you get
About this experience
Ghosts! This evening walking tour is filled with tales of the lost souls who haunt Old City. Hear about yellow fever, gun duels, horrible injuries, gross illnesses ... we hope you're okay after this.
What's included
Included
- Walking tour with an APT-certified guide
Not included
- Site interiors, weather guarantee, gratuity for the guide
What you'll see and do
Tour meeting place and first stop. Once the tavern that was backdrop to the American Revolution and all the men and women in power, it burned in 1834 and was razed in 1854. Who started the fire, and does the ghost of a burnt bride scream through the shadows here?
Pass by without stopping
Merchants Exchange Building
The Merchants’ Exchange building, c. 1834, was once bordered by infamous Dock Creek, a cesspool of filth and disease. Once the city’s commercial center, greed butted up against the ghosts of the unfortunate just outside the door.
Pass by without stopping
Some say that living here in Philly became the fuse that imploded Alexander Hamilton’s life and destroyed his trajectory to the presidency. Does his ghost wander here, ruminating on his ill-advised affair with Maria Reynolds?
Pass by without stopping
Carpenters' Hall
One of the most iconic original buildings in Philadelphia, c. 1774. Everyone knows about the First Continental Congress held here, but Carpenters’ Hall was also a makeshift hospital during the American Revolution, a notorious meeting place for French spies, the location of an ill-fated bank robbery, and so much more.
Pass by without stopping
Todd House
Dolley Todd’s baby son and first husband died horrible deaths at this site, c. 1775, from yellow fever. Dolley herself moved on to occupy the White House as first lady and wife of fourth American president, James Madison, but do the ghosts of her family linger here in her old house?
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Robert Morris Statue
The founding father everyone has forgotten. Robert Morris was a fiery patriot, statesman, financier and tremendous leader in the American Revolution. Yet today he’s barely known. Morris signed all three founding documents, the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution, but he died broke and sick. Some people say his ghost haunts the area of the Walnut Street Jail across the street, where he was incarcerated nearby for his debts.
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A statue of Benjamin Franklin occupies the center façade of this building – the library of the American Philosophical Society he formed in 1743. Franklin, a key founding father, was also a diplomat, civic leader, accomplished scientist, inventor, and writer. Quite the spectacular life. But he disowned his son, neglected his wife, and refused to forgive those who crossed him. Who are the ghosts that haunt his likeness?
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Independence Hall
You know it as the place we became a nation and where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. But do you know about the bodies that were dumped on the steps during the French and Indian War, or how many people died here at the hands of authorities? America’s birthplace has more than a few ghosts.
Pass by without stopping
Now home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this square was once a burial field for American Revolutionary soldiers, as well as the poor and unclaimed dead. John Adams, walking here in 1777, commented on the 2,000 soldiers buried at this site and wrote to his wife that he had spent an hour in the “congregation of the dead.” No shortage of ghosts here.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Philadelphia
We meet outside City Tavern on 2nd Street. Please be there 15 minutes before your tour start time.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
West Washington Square is close to Independence Hall
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
- Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Step Into Philly Tours
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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend
Incredible experience! Malcolm, our tour guide, has so much knowledge and each story he told took us on an immersive journey. The ghost part of the tour, the scary part of the stories/tour, were balanced with ghosts not being scary, but memories, feelings, etc. that linger years later. Highly recommend, especially recommend Malcolm!
via Viator
Fantastic Tour
This was an absolutely fantastic tour. Malcom kept us captivated with his tales of time gone by. His story telling made you feel like you were walking beside the characters in the stories. It was around two hours long but I could have listened all night to the stories. It was well worth the price of the tickets. You will not be disappointed.
via Viator
Fantastic Tour of Philadelphia
This was the best tour that I’ve ever taken. We learned so much about our nation’s history. It was fascinating. Malcom had us on the edge of our seats while he told us about the stories of days gone by. The price of the tour could have easily been doubled. It was truly that good. The length of the tour was perfect, even though we could have listened to the stories all night. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Informative and interesting
My fiancé, son and I had a private tour with Malcolm, and it was awesome! He was super engaging and we all learned a number of fun and interesting things about Philadelphia, its history, and the founding of the US. This is not your typical ghost tour. It is more of a gruesome history of Philadelphia tour, with varied and detailed stories. Would definitely recommend, especially with Malcolm.
via Tripadvisor
Passionate tour guide and wonderful experience
Tour guide Malcom was amazing- took my teen daughter and her friends on the ghost tour- if was spooky, informative and they had a blast. Not only knowledgeable but he made it fun and you know how hard it is to keep teens engaged. They laughed, they were creeped out and actually learned a lot. Totally worth every penny for something different to in the city!!! Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $35 to $55
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia 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 (5/5 across 21 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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Around 7 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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Included: Walking tour with an APT-certified guide. Not included: Site interiors, weather guarantee, gratuity for the guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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We meet outside City Tavern on 2nd Street. Please be there 15 minutes before your tour start time. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia 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 Ghosts of Old City Philadelphia?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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