Philly Freedom Tour - guided 11 to 15 mile history
Enjoy a slow-paced history-rich guided exploration of America's most walkable downtown.
Date and time
Location
The Porch at 30th St Station
2949 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19104Refund Policy
About this event
- 8 hours
Enjoy a slow-paced history-rich guided exploration of America's most walkable downtown.
Start: Porch at 30th St Station
Finish: Center City or 30th St
Distance: 11-15mi
Where to find us: Outside the south side of the station
Optional endpoints: Many
Terrain: paved
Transit: Septa, Amtrak or Megabus
Return: on foot or via Septa
Parking: Many lots and garages. Try 3101 Market St or Cira South Garage.
Difficulty: Beginner
Category: history, urban
Coordinator: Charles Updike
Walk with us through the city of Brotherly Love and explore the scenery and oft-forgotten historic facets of a city that has shaped our modern world as much as any other. Where in history might one have seen the world's first steamboat, first computer, longest bridge, first television broadcast, first penitentiary, the tallest building, first department store, and much more? Join us and find out.
Arrive before 10am at the Porch at 30th Street Station to walk the Freedom Walk. This scenic 15-mile walk through Philadelphia explores several neighborhoods and parks and visits a multitude of historic and cultural landmarks including: Fairmount Park, Philadelphia Art Museum, Boathouse Row, City Hall, South Street, Penn's Landing, Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, Independence Mall, Elfreth's Alley, Eastern State Penitentiary, Society Hill and more.
We will make a lunch stop at Reading Terminal and finish in the evening with cheesesteaks.
Free and open to public. Bring friends and family.
Highlights:- Fairmount Waterworks- Art Museum - Eastern State Penitentiary- Ben Franklin Parkway- City Hall- Chinatown- Independence Hall- Liberty Bell- Christ Church - Elfreth's Alley- Race Street Pier- Penn's Landing- Spruce Street Harbor Park- South Street- Society Hill- Washington Square
and a lot more!
Our walk will conclude in Center City with multiple easy transit options available.
Partners: The East Coast Greenway Alliance is a non-profit organization developing a public multi-use 3,000 mile trail from Canada to Key West through New Jersey and New York. Donations and memberships help make this dream trail a reality.
Circuit Trails is 800 miles of interconnected trails in Greater Philadelphia in the making, already one of America's largest trail networks. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation's premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
Fluids(32 to 64 ounces), snacks or a small meal are recommended for most events. Some walks have planned stops for provisions. Depending on weather and route, you may consider a hat, sunscreen, extra socks, rain poncho, umbrella, insect repellent, first aid or foot care.
FreeWalkers mostly work with the weather the day provides, but occasionally an event will be rescheduled or cancelled if there is the expectation of substantial rainfall or dangerous conditions. Registrants will always be emailed of such changes. If no notice is provided, the walk is a go!
FreeWalkers are free to walk as much of the route as they choose. There are often optional endpoints where transit is available. Uber and other options can be considered. If you do leave the walk, it is best to let the walk coordinator know, so the group does not wait or look for you.
Most FreeWalks start and/or end at mass transit points for ease of access and return. If driving to the event, you often may park at the start and return by transit, or park at the end and ride to the start, allowing a quick getaway. Check the event description for details.
Generally, yes, but pets and children may be less able to tolerate a longer distance. Walks that include indoor segments will require walkers with pets to wait outside, of course.
No need. You will be checked in at the event by providing your name.