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    Recommended Reviews - Congress Hall

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    David T.

    Same thing as my other review for independence hall. This is a national treasure and park ranger willow did a good job of making it interesting ! I'd recommend for the history.

    Nico Samneil S.

    Good place to chill and soak in the previous history of the place. See images and videos for further reference. Free entrance

    Congress Hall
    Jacques I.

    Pretty amazing to walk into Congress Hall and see where Congress was held wayyyyy back in 1790. Located right next to Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Congress Hall is not to be missed. And if you're wanting to check out Independence Hall, then my hunch is that you're the kind of person who will enjoy visiting Congress Hall too. Like many of the buildings in this area in Philly, this is operated by the National Park Service, so it's free to the public. I visited Congress Hall while waiting for my time slot to get into Independence Hall, and this was a great experience. I love U.S. history, so this was a must-see. Congress Hall is a small building, with the ground floor being the House chambers. Compared to what is today's House floor, this was interesting to see, given how much smaller it is. There were tables and chairs lined up, for where the congressmen sat. What's especially cool is that this building is where George Washington and John Adams took their oath of office. I highly recommend for anyone in the Philadelphia area who loves history to visit Congress Hall. It was cool to see this historic building and reflect on our country's past. Park rangers were also happy to tell you more about the hall. When I visited, only the House chambers were open, so the Senate (upper level) was closed off. But definitely do not miss stopping by here if you're planning to visit Independence Hall, nerd.

    Martin G.

    Really cool tour of Congress Hall. They break down how the seating went and how there was the lower level of congress (hence, the bottom floor) and the upper floor of congress (those that sat on the top floor). All this time, I kept hearing the upper and lower congress and had no idea where that came from. (Insert NBC's "The More You Know"). Really cool.. There is something really neat about being able to sit where our founding fathers sat and just taking in that you're exactly where history happened.

    House meeting space downstairs
    Greg J.

    This is where congress met after the revolution. The building was built for them. To see it you have to go through the security screening for independence hall. You enter only in a tour. Don't need tickets. You just lineup and a ranger takes a group in every 20 minutes. You set in a Representative's chair and the ranger explains about the building. They also pass around a chart so you can see who sat in the place you are in. Then you go upstairs (there are only stairs) and see the senate chamber. Worth doing, it's just a few feet from independence hall.

    The Critical J.

    PROS: The tour staff was very nice and insightful on the site. The rooms upstairs and downstairs are recreated to look like what it was in the past. It's a much larger building on the inside than outside and its free CONS: almost nothing is original of the building and 90% of the furniture inside are not original either. 30% of the building itself is not original because they extended it 10+ yards at some point in the 19th century. OVERALL: Definitely a place to check out for free and the tour guides are knowledgeable about the place. Also, if you cannot make it up the stairs to view the second floor they have a tablet downstairs that gives you a virtual tour of upstairs

    Hunter S.

    I'll start this off identically to my review of Independence Hall review: I guess this was neat to see. It was about a 15 minute tour, first come, first served, of where the US Congress first met. The ranger talk is what's to be expected--whitewashed and patriotic. Just don't expect anything different. You essentially go in and sit down, listen to the spiel, then take photos and leave. Due to COVID, the senate floor isn't open to the public right now. Almost none of the building contents are original. Desks, chairs, etc. all reproductions, though painstakingly reproduced. The only original content was the speaker's chair and the podium where power was transferred from Washington to Adams. As I said in the Independence Hall review, I would recommend taking the very first tour of the day (9 AM, 8:30 arrival) for that building, then when you finish, head straight over to Constitution Hall. When I went in, there was no line. By the time I came out, a long line had formed. Seems most people time their visits for 9:15-9:30. It's an easy, quick, free thing to do if you time it right, and you can say you saw it.

    Jeremy J.

    While we were in Philadelphia we got the tour and walk around Congress Hall and some other sites. We really enjoyed ourselves it's cool to see all the traditional homes and things that's happened the declaration of independence and just a rich history of America so this was an E town to visit for sure and I will absolutely go back to Philadelphia because I had a great time

    11.19.18 The Bill of Rights was debated here
    May A.

    Great historic site to visit! After the tour at the Independence Hall we headed to the Congress Hall for another tour. Tours are given every 30 minutes by on site park rangers. This one didn't require tickets and we walked in and found seating. The park ranger spoke for almost 30 minutes and towards the end did a Q&A with the visitors. Did you know that this was once the home of the United States Congress? The newly formed United States Congress occupied Congress Hall when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States from 1790-1800. The first floor was occupied by the House of Representatives. This place is a great place to visit. So much history in a building and was very interesting and worthwhile to see. The ranger went on to include the present politics in his narrative. Visiting here and Independence Hall has inspired me to revisit my American history... it's amazing how much of it I've forgotten but I think some of our current elected officials in Congress look as old as this building... well preserved? The Congress Hall building is to the right of the main entrance. Tickets are free but you need to get them at the Visitors Center to enter the Independence hall grounds. After a security check screening you can visit all the buildings. We were fortunate that our visit wasn't during the government shutdown which happened a little after a month later. While you're here also visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall as they are close by. Review #1258

    Abigail M.

    To stand where so many of our forefathers sat and fought over what would become our country's laws, was so awesome. Congress Hall served as the seat of the United States Congress from December 6, 1790 to May 14, 1800. It was also where the inauguration of George Washington's second term and John Adams' first term took place. So much history took place here. I

    Gavin M.

    This was an awesome tour! You sit at the legislature's desks on the floor of the House.

    Senate Room
    Joan L.

    Congress Hall is not not as famous or visited as much as a Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell, but it does not make it any less historic, important, or interesting. Located right next to Independence Hall, Congress Hall is where the first first House off Representatives and Senate of the United States met and debated from 1790 to 1800. Unlike Independence Hall, no tickets are necessary. Unlike the Liberty Bell, the line to get in is rather short. To get in, you must be part of a tour which is provided by the Rangers of the National Park Service on a first come first served basis. I believe taking this tour will be well worth your time. The Ranger starts the tour on the lower floor where the House of Representatives met. Here you are actually allowed to sit down! Although the area appears as it did in 1790 it has actually been completely restored. The Ranger will tell stories of how our founding fathers struggled to interpret the U.S. Constitution. He will also talk about the significant events that occurred in that room including the inauguration of two presidents (Washington and Adams). The second floor however, where the Senate met, is viewed from behind a rope, since most of the furnishings are still original! This room is much more ornate and adorned with heavy red drapes. The floor also has original portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, given by France to the U.S. after the American Revolution. Congress Hall is open from 9-5 daily and should be a stop when visiting Independence National Historical Park.

    Hanane D.

    A big thank you to the great park rangers who gave the tour of Congress hall. They were both well-informed and well-versed in American history. I didn't catch their names, wish I did. It was so wonderful to have toured the very building our first United States congress presided. In the second session, I believe, after they relocated from Federal hall in NYC. So much fascinating American history took place here. I recommend visiting here!

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    Review Highlights - Congress Hall

    Tickets are free but you need to get them at the Visitors Center to enter the Independence hall grounds.

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    Liberty Bell Center

    Liberty Bell Center

    4.2(750 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    The Liberty Bell is widely regarded as an essential landmark for visitors to Philadelphia, given…read moreits historical importance and symbolic significance in early America. The area surrounding the bell is well organized and easy to navigate, situated within Independence National Historical Park. Admission is free, and while lines may form depending on the time of day, they typically move quickly. Security procedures are straightforward, and the overall experience is efficient without feeling rushed. Viewing the Liberty Bell up close is the primary attraction. Although the bell is smaller than some visitors might expect, seeing such an iconic piece of American history in person is impactful. The famous crack naturally draws attention, but the adjacent exhibits effectively explain the bell's history, its evolving symbolism, and how it became associated with freedom and independence over time. One notable aspect of the visit is its brevity. Visitors can comfortably see everything within 20 to 30 minutes. Overall, the Liberty Bell is a worthwhile stop for both those deeply interested in American history and those simply exploring Philadelphia for the day. It remains a simple yet iconic landmark worth seeing at least once.

    This place is very cool! I've been wanting to visit since I saw National Treasure back in the day…read more I was worried though when I arrived and saw a long line outside the venue. However, I saw how quickly it was moving and took a chance. Fairly soon I was in through the doors and finding myself in a small museum that provided details and background about the Liberty Bell. My only complaint was the very start of this area was super congested and would do well to guide people through this area in a way where it's less crowded and people can actually get close to the infographics. Otherwise, the Liberty Bell, small as it is, was well appointed in a mostly glass room, roped off but easy to take pictures of and with, somehow. Definitely enjoyed visiting this piece of history! Oh, and it's FREE!

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    Liberty Bell Center
    Liberty Bell Center
    Liberty Bell Center - Inside

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    Inside

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    4.3(97 reviews)
    0.9 miSpring Garden

    Small, easy, short touristy trip. Another great free thing to do in the city when you have friends…read moreor family from out of town. I live in Nolibs, so this is an easy walk from my house. Parking is plentiful nearby, too!

    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, PA…read more Boomsauce Score: BS +++ (Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!) Even mid-renovation, this place hits different. Stepping into Poe's former home is like walking through the pages of Gothic literature. The art installations and that surreal raven sculpture outside? Straight out of a dream--or a fevered poem. It's eerie, poetic, and deeply moving. Though the house is currently closed for a utilities improvement project, you can still feel the weight of history pressing through the walls. Poe lived here during one of his most prolific periods, penning classics like The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart. The cellar even resembles the one described in The Black Cat, adding a deliciously creepy layer to the visit. If you're in Philly, this is a must-visit. It's not just a museum--it's a tribute to the tortured brilliance of one of America's greatest literary minds. And when renovations wrap, it'll be even more hauntingly beautiful. --- Boomsauce Scale | Rating | Meaning |---------|----------------------------------| | B | basura (trash) | | BS | basic (come on! Try harder) | | BS + | better (Yo! That's better) | | BS ++ | best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) | | BS +++ | Amazing location! now that's boomsauce! |

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    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House

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    The President's House - Entrance

    The President's House

    4.3(11 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I had an amazing experience at The President's House in Philly. From the moment I arrived,…read moreeverything about the visit felt meaningful, informative, and well done. The site is beautifully presented and offers a powerful look into an important part of American history. The exhibits are engaging and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to learn while still feeling emotionally connected to the stories being told. I really appreciated how the history was presented in a way that was both educational and impactful. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, yet very engaging--you can take your time, read, and truly absorb the significance of the space. It's a must-see if you're visiting Philadelphia or even if you're a local looking to experience the city's history in a deeper way. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience, and I'm really glad I took the time to visit. Highly recommend adding The President's House to your Philly itinerary.

    Visiting the President's House site in Philadelphia was unexpectedly powerful. It's just steps from…read morethe Liberty Bell, but the energy there is quieter--more reflective. At first glance, it's a series of open-air stone walls and glass panels, but as I read the stories etched into the displays, it hit me how layered the history really is. This was once home to George Washington and John Adams--but also to nine enslaved people who lived and worked there. The exhibit doesn't shy away from that fact. It honors their names, their stories, and brings humanity to a place often remembered only for power and politics. I stood for a while at the video screens, listening to voices speak the names of those enslaved here. It made the past feel personal and real in a way textbooks never could. A thoughtful, moving site that sticks with you long after you leave.

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    The President's House
    The President's House - Foundation

    Foundation

    The President's House - Foundation

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    Foundation

    Bartram's Garden - Bartram's Garden

    Bartram's Garden

    4.5(64 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Came here for a 52 Firsts event during Spring Fest and it ended up being such a fun day. There was…read morea lot going on without feeling overwhelming. Live energy, little activity tables, and a small plant sale that was honestly very tempting. One of the coolest things I learned is that they have what's believed to be the oldest ginkgo tree in both North and South America. That alone made the visit feel a little special. I spent some time walking the trails and made my way around the water too. It's really pretty back there. Lots of flowers in bloom, open space, and quieter areas if you want a break from the crowd. I definitely liked the more shaded, tree-heavy sections the most. Some of the booths were set up fully in the sun and it got a bit intense after a while, so having those cooler, shaded areas made a big difference. Staff were very helpful and the trails are clearly marked, which made it easy to just wander without worrying about getting lost. Only downside is the location can be a little tricky to get to, especially if you're not driving. But once you're there, it's absolutely worth it. Overall just a really enjoyable, laid-back outdoor spot with a lot to explore. I'd come back, especially for another event.

    Had a few hours before my flight and was looking for something to do. I came across this garden…read moreand it was beautiful. Well maintained and relaxing. Plenty of trails and benches. The flowers were gorgeous. You get a nice view of the city from the boat dock and parking area. I spent a few hours here. Great if you're solo or with people.

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    Bartram's Garden - Bartram's Garden

    Bartram's Garden

    Bartram's Garden
    Bartram's Garden - Bartram's Garden -- 2025

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    Bartram's Garden -- 2025

    Congress Hall - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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