The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The tour will commence at the Independence Visitor's Center with an introduction to the topic of Black History during the colonial period. You will hear about the role that Black Americans played in the founding of the nation. The group will continue to the President’s House and hear about the 9 enslaved people who were held there. The group will hear about Martha Washington's handmaid who ran away to escape slavery.
The next stop is Congo Square where people of African descent held celebrations. It is also a potter's field where free and enslaved Africans are still buried to this day. The next stop is Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You will hear about the liberation of a woman whose slave owner attempted to abduct her back into slavery and the trial of her rescuers.
You will also see the traditional sites of Independence Hall, liberty bell, Congress Hall, and much more
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Independence Hall
Congress Hall Old City Hall First U.S. Supreme Court Building American Philosophical Society Museum Library Hall Thomas Jefferson Garden First Bank of U.S. Second Bank of U.S. Carpenter's Hall Independence Square Washington Square Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier Bicentennial Moon Tree John Todd House Bishop White House Dock Creek Merchant's Exchange City Tavern Guided tour will also identify the former locations for a number of historical locations of importance including: Philadelphia Prison Site Benjamin Rush House Site Quaker Meeting House Site Quaker School Site
The President's House
This is the house where the first two president's lived as well as 9 enslaved individuals.
Options
The Black Journey: An African-American History Walking Tour of Philadelphia
What‘s Included
In-Person Guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
98 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Culture56677,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour, informative
Another perspective!!
Geraldine R,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was entertaining, enlightening along with time to explore The history was just enough, the experience was great and I would recommend you to challenge your mind and perspective. It will require moderate walking , si put your comfys on
Highly recommended Black History tour of Philadelphia
D86D,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative and well-presented at an easy pace. Leaves from near the Liberty 🔔 Bell.
The tour was very...
Enchelle M,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very informative about both the city of Philadelphia but also the history of African American in the city of Philadelphia
This man is amazing,...
Belinda M,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This man is amazing, truly a professional. His presentation is truly immersive, i felt as if i was time traveling.
Fun. Engaging and well researched!
Belinda M,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My partner and I enjoyed this tour. The tour guide was professional, passionate, and well spoken. The tour was engaging from beginning to the end. We both learned a lot of useful nuggets about African Americans and POC in general that are is wildly known.
Summer, Summer, Summer Time in Philly
ginalV7570RL,Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was so much fun! Mijuel was a wonderful guide, a politically astute, historian with deep roots in Philadelphia. Our guide was quirky, fun, and informative while keeping us engaged and on our toes. Walking the tour, seeing Philly in her beautiful end-of-summer glory with her residents driving by pumping their tunes made me feel like I was in the Will Smith song, Summertime! Take the tour, set aside 2.5 hours, have fun, and learn something.
Great!
Shaquanda B,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was great! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable. I appreciate his wit with a very sensitive topic it was perfectly timed. I honestly wish the tour could have been longer, the two hours seemed to have flown by! Recommend for anyone who wants to learn the deeper Black history in Philly.
A Worthwhile Walk
Regina S,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wish I jotted down our tour guides name. Soooo informative and knowledgeable! Thorough also! This was a great 90 minute walking tour that took us through a journey of the history of slavery in Philadelphia; such as where they were housed within the White House, the names of George Washington’s slaves, etc. We saw Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Washington Square, Bethel AME Church which was the oldest African American church….and so much more! I truly recommend this tour because you walk away knowing both sides of Philadelphia’s rich history.
Fascinating walking tour
margaretpC2088UA,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing. It was so informative. Our tour guide was so knowledgable. The group was large, but the guide kept us all engaged. We had locals and people from great distances, students and seniors and we all learned so much. We highly recommend this tour on your visit to Philadelphia.
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Operated by The Black Journey Philadelphia Walking Tour