Is the Philadelphia haunted history walk suitable for children?

Yes, it is generally family-friendly. While the stories involve ghosts and some dark history like the Yellow Fever epidemic, they are presented as historical narratives rather than jump-scares.

What is the best time of day for a self-guided ghost walk in Old City?

The best time is evening or just after sunset. The historic gas lamps and shadows of the brick buildings in Society Hill and Old City create a much more atmospheric experience for haunted tales.

Are the stops on this route accessible for wheelchairs?

The route uses public sidewalks which have curb cuts, but be aware that Philadelphia's Old City has many historic brick paths that can be bumpy and uneven for those with mobility aids.

Do I need tickets for the Christ Church Burial Ground?

You can see Benjamin Franklin's grave through the fence for free at the corner of 5th and Arch. However, if you wish to enter the grounds to see the other 4,000 graves, a small admission fee is usually required during their operating hours.

Can I do this walk during the day?

Absolutely. Doing the walk during the day allows you to better see the architectural details of the Powel House and the medical history markers at Pennsylvania Hospital, though it may feel less 'spooky'.

Where is the best place to start the walk?

The route begins at Pennsylvania Hospital at 8th and Spruce Streets. This location is easily accessible by bus and is within walking distance of the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line.

Is Philadelphia's Old City safe to walk at night?

Old City is a popular and well-traveled neighborhood. While you should always remain aware of your surroundings as in any city, the streets along this route are generally well-lit and frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

As the sun sets over the brick-lined streets of Old City, Philadelphia transforms. The birthplace of American democracy holds more than just the echoes of liberty; it harbors centuries of restless spirits and chilling tales that linger in the shadows of its most famous landmarks. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the darker side of the city's history, from the pioneering but often gruesome early medical practices at the nation’s first hospital to the quiet, haunted corners of colonial-era burial grounds. Philadelphia's past is layered with stories of revolution, yellow fever epidemics, and personal tragedies that have left an indelible mark on its streets. On this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter the architectural beauty of the Powel House, once a center of colonial high society and now allegedly home to several spectral residents. You will also stand at the site of the President’s House, where the heavy legacy of slavery contrasts with the ideals of the burgeoning nation. This route is designed for those who appreciate history with a touch of the macabre, offering a unique perspective on the 'City of Brotherly Love.' Whether you are a fan of ghost stories or a history buff interested in the grit behind the glory, this walking tour Philadelphia provides a deep dive into the local lore. Unlike a traditional guided tour Philadelphia, this audio-led journey allows you to linger at the gravesites of founding fathers or pause beneath the flickering gas lamps of Society Hill at your own pace. You'll hear about the mysterious occurrences at Library Hall and the tragic history of the Pennsylvania Hospital’s 'lunatic' department. This walking tour Philadelphia is best experienced in the late afternoon or evening, when the atmosphere of the Old City truly comes alive. Prepare to see the historic district not just as a museum of the past, but as a living landscape where the dead might still have something to say.

Highlights

The pioneering and macabre medical history of Pennsylvania Hospital

The haunted ballroom and colonial secrets of the Powel House

Restless spirits at Old Saint Mary's Parish

The legend of Benjamin Franklin’s ghost at Library Hall

The somber history of the President’s House Site

The storied graves of Christ Church Burial Ground

Tour Stops (6)

Pennsylvania Hospital

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. As the first hospital in the United States, it was a beacon of progress, but its early history has a darker side. The Pine Building, which stands before you, once housed the 'department for the insane' in its basement. In the 18th century, curious locals would pay a small fee to peer through the windows at the patients, treating the facility like a colonial-era sideshow. The hospital is also home to the oldest surgical amphitheater in the country, where students watched surgeries performed without modern anesthesia. It is said that the spirits of former patients still wander the gardens and the historic corridors, a reminder of the hospital's long and sometimes painful legacy.

Old Saint Mary's Parish

Established in 1763, Old Saint Mary’s was the second Catholic church in Philadelphia and served as the city’s cathedral for years. During the Revolutionary War, it was a place of worship for many influential figures, but its graveyard is where the real stories reside. Among the prominent figures buried here is Commodore John Barry, the 'Father of the American Navy.' Local legend tells of 'The Bishop’s Ghost'—Bishop Michael Egan, who died in 1814 and was reportedly so distressed by the infighting within the church during his life that his spirit remains restless. The quiet, walled cemetery is a pocket of silence in the city, where many visitors report a sudden chill even on warm summer evenings.

Powel House

The Powel House is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America, but it’s more famous for its former guests than its bricks. Samuel Powel, the last mayor of Philadelphia under British rule, hosted icons like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin here. However, the house's most frequent 'visitor' is said to be the ghost of Benedict Arnold’s wife, Peggy Shippen. She was a frequent guest at the Powel’s lavish parties, and many believe her spirit still lingers in the second-floor ballroom. Staff and visitors have reported the scent of lavender perfume and the sound of silk dresses rustling across the floorboards. The house stands as a beautiful yet eerie monument to the high-society drama of the Revolutionary era.

Library Hall

Library Hall is a reconstruction of the original 1790 building that housed the Library Company of Philadelphia. Above the entrance, you’ll see a statue of Benjamin Franklin dressed in a Roman toga. Local lore suggests that Franklin, ever the polymath, isn't quite finished with his work. Passersby have claimed to see the statue move or even leave its pedestal at night to wander the streets he loved so much. Inside the vaults, the library holds incredible treasures, including a lock of Franklin’s hair. Some say the presence of the founding fathers is so strong here that the rustle of turning pages can be heard in the middle of the night, even when the building is empty.

President's House Site

This open-air memorial marks the site where George Washington and John Adams lived during their presidencies. It is a place of profound historical tension. While the leaders of a new nation debated freedom just steps away at Independence Hall, Washington held nine enslaved people within this house. The site highlights the story of Oney Judge, an enslaved woman who escaped from this very location to find her freedom in New Hampshire. Visitors often describe a heavy, somber atmosphere here. The haunting presence of the past is felt not through ghosts in the traditional sense, but through the powerful, lingering memory of those who lived in bondage at the very heart of the 'cradle of liberty.'

Christ Church Burial Ground

Our final stop is the Christ Church Burial Ground, the resting place of Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Established in 1719, this cemetery contains over 4,000 graves. You’ll notice a large number of pennies on Benjamin Franklin’s grave; it’s a local tradition to toss a coin for good luck, honoring his famous proverb, 'a penny saved is a penny earned.' But the burial ground has its darker tales, including those of the thousands who died during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793. Many were buried in haste, and some say the spirits of those lost to the 'American Plague' still haunt the perimeter of these brick walls, seeking the recognition they were denied in their final moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The total distance is approximately 1.2 miles, allowing plenty of time to stop and listen to the audio stories at each location.