Independence Visitor Center
The Basics
Conveniently situated just steps from many of Philadelphia’s top attractions, the Independence Visitor Center can guide you in your visit to the City of Brotherly Love. View interactive exhibitions, shop discounted tickets, and get local tips for navigating the city and its attractions. Don't miss the center’s views of nearby Independence Hall. Shop the on-site gift store, which includes a range of Philly-themed merchandise, from Rocky goods to LOVE statue gifts.
As part of Independence National Historical Park, the Independence Visitor Center is a stop on numerous sightseeing itineraries, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, history-themed walking tours, and more. It’s also accessible to independent visitors.
Things to Know Before You Go
Don’t forget to bring your camera: The center’s open-air terraces, which face Independence Hall, offer photogenic views.
The Independence Visitor Center hosts screenings of free films that introduce Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park.
The center is fully accessible to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, and it has an accessible bathroom.
Stop for a bite at the Hershey's Kitchens Cafe, which sells treats featuring the Pennsylvania-founded chocolate company’s products.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
How to Get There
The Independence Visitor Center is located at Sixth and Market streets in Center City. To visit, take the Market-Frankford El to Fifth Street station; take PATCO from New Jersey to Eighth Street; or take regional rail trains to Jefferson Station. If traveling by car, use the 24-hour underground parking garage located directly below the center.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Independence Visitor Center is open daily from morning until evening. It is closed each year on Christmas Day and is open with limited hours on Thanksgiving.
How to Book Tickets to Independence Hall
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. To visit this icon of American history, start at the Independence Visitor Center where you can request free timed tickets to the landmark— arrive early for your best chance at securing tickets. Note that tickets are not required in January and February or on select holidays.
- Things to do in Pennsylvania
- Things to do in New York City
- Things to do in Brooklyn
- Things to do in Long Island
- Things to do in Washington DC
- Things to do in Williamsburg
- Things to do in Pittsburgh
- Things to do in Boston
- Things to do in Buffalo
- Things to do in Salem
- Things to do in Niagara Falls & Around
- Things to do in Toronto
- Things to do in Montreal
- Things to do in New York
- Things to do in Virginia
- President's House
- National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH)
- Liberty Bell Center
- Independence Mall
- Congress Hall in Philadelphia
- National Liberty Museum
- Benjamin Franklin’s Grave
- Christ Church
- Philadelphia Old City Hall
- Library Hall (American Philosophical Society Museum)
- National Constitution Center
- Second Bank of the United States
- Arch Street Meeting House
- United States Mint
- Franklin Court