How long does it take to walk through Society Hill?

The typical neighborhood stroll takes about 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles, but you may want extra time to admire the historic brickwork and read the plaques at St. Peter's Church.

Is Society Hill Philadelphia worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly recommended for those who want to see the residential side of colonial history. It contains the highest concentration of 18th-century buildings in the US, offering a more peaceful experience than the nearby Liberty Bell area.

Are there cobblestone streets in Philadelphia?

Yes, Society Hill is famous for its original cobblestone and Belgian block streets. You will find them particularly around Head House Square and the smaller residential 'mews' or alleys throughout the district.

Can I see the birthplace of the Marine Corps on this walk?

Yes, the route concludes near Tun Alley and Front Street, which is the historical site of Tun Tavern, where the U.S. Marine Corps was founded in 1775.

Is this Philadelphia walking route wheelchair accessible?

While the terrain is flat, many sidewalks are made of historic brick and several streets are cobblestone. This can make the route bumpy for wheelchairs and strollers, though most main thoroughfares have accessible curb cuts.

What is the best time of day to explore Society Hill?

Late afternoon is ideal, as the setting sun hits the red brick buildings beautifully and the historic gas lamps begin to flicker on, creating a very atmospheric experience.

Are the historic houses in Society Hill open to the public?

Most are private residences, but the Hill-Physick House and the Powel House (nearby) operate as museums with specific tour hours. Most church graveyards are open to the public during daylight hours.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the 18th century with this self-guided walking route through Society Hill, Philadelphia’s most elegant and historically preserved neighborhood. While many visitors flock to Independence Hall, those who explore these cobblestone streets discover the true soul of colonial and Federal-era America. This walking route highlights the architectural evolution of a city that transitioned from a British colonial outpost to the bustling capital of a new nation. As you wander past Flemish bond brickwork and under the glow of traditional gas lamps, you will encounter the largest concentration of 18th-century residential architecture in the United States. Your journey begins in the somber yet beautiful Washington Square, once a potter’s field and now a lush urban park dedicated to the memory of the American Revolution. From there, the route takes you deep into the residential heart of the city. You will see the Hill-Physick House, a masterpiece of Federal-style design, and visit the 'Church of the Patriots,' where the revolutionary spirit was preached from the pulpit. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a history lesson; it is a masterclass in urban preservation. In the mid-20th century, Society Hill was nearly lost to urban decay, but a massive restoration project saved these treasures, blending modern convenience with colonial grace. Key landmarks on this exploration include the historic St. Peter’s Church, where the high-back pews remain exactly as they were in the 1760s, and the vibrant Head House Square, home to one of the oldest continuously operating market sheds in the country. This walking tour Philadelphia experience offers a quiet, contemplative alternative to the crowded tourist hubs, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details of fanlight windows, boot scrapes, and fire insurance marks that define the local aesthetic. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a history buff, this neighborhood stroll provides an intimate look at the people and places that built Philadelphia.

Highlights

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution in Washington Square

The Federal-style grandeur of the Hill-Physick House

The historic graveyard and 'Church of the Patriots' at Old Pine Street

St. Peter's Church, featuring original 1761 high-back box pews

The iconic 18th-century market stalls of Head House Square

The colonial charm of the cobblestone Tun Alley area

Tour Stops (6)

Washington Square

Begin your self-guided adventure in Washington Square, one of the five original squares laid out by William Penn in 1682. While it is a peaceful park today, its history is deeply layered. During the Revolutionary War, this ground served as a potter's field and a mass grave for soldiers and victims of the yellow fever epidemic. Today, it stands as a memorial. Look for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, where an eternal flame burns in honor of those who fought for independence. The square is also home to a 'Moon Tree,' grown from a seed that traveled to the moon on Apollo 14, bridging Philadelphia's colonial past with the space age.

Hill-Physick House

As you walk toward 4th Street, you will find the Hill-Physick House, built in 1786. This is the only free-standing socialite mansion remaining in Society Hill. It was the home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, known as the 'Father of American Surgery.' Dr. Physick treated famous patients like Andrew Jackson and Dolley Madison. The house is a stunning example of Federal-style architecture, characterized by its symmetry and delicate decorative elements. Notice the large garden, which is a rare luxury in this densely packed historic district. The interior, which can be visited during specific hours, contains many original Physick family belongings and medical instruments that reflect the early days of American medicine.

Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church

Continue your walking route to Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, often called the 'Church of the Patriots.' Founded in 1768, it was the only Presbyterian church in Philadelphia to survive the British occupation during the Revolution—though the British did use it as a stable and hospital. Its graveyard is a 'who's who' of the Revolutionary era, containing the remains of nearly 300 Hessian and American soldiers. The building itself was later remodeled in the Greek Revival style, featuring massive Corinthian columns. It remains an active congregation today, standing as a testament to the religious freedom that was a cornerstone of Penn’s 'Holy Experiment.'

St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia

Just a short stroll away is St. Peter's Church, an Episcopal parish that has been in continuous use since its first service in 1761. The architecture here is unique; unlike most churches where the pulpit and altar are at the same end, here they are at opposite ends, meaning the congregation had to turn their seats to hear the sermon. Look for the high-back box pews, which were designed to keep heat in during the cold Philadelphia winters. The churchyard is the final resting place of notable figures like Commodore Stephen Decatur and painter Charles Willson Peale. The quiet, walled garden offers one of the most serene atmosphere's in the entire city.

Head House Square

Head House Square is home to the Head House, a Georgian-style structure built in 1745. This is one of the oldest continuously operating marketplaces in the United States. The long, open-air brick sheds behind the 'Head House' (which served as a fire station and community center) once sheltered vendors selling everything from meat to produce. Today, the square remains a hub of community life, hosting a popular farmers' market on weekends. The surrounding cobblestone streets and surrounding townhomes represent the peak of 18th-century urban living. It is the perfect spot to stop and imagine the bustling commerce of a colonial port city.

Tun Alley

Concluding your neighborhood stroll, make your way toward the waterfront area near the historic Tun Alley. While the original buildings have changed over centuries, this area is legendary as the site of the Tun Tavern, established in 1693. In 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the raising of two battalions of Marines, and the recruitment took place right here, making this the official birthplace of the United States Marine Corps. Though the original tavern is gone, the spirit of the waterfront remains. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore the Delaware River waterfront or walk back toward the historic district's center, having seen the residential heart of old Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to see Society Hill, as it allows you to explore the quiet residential alleys at your own pace. This route covers major landmarks like Washington Square and Head House Square while highlighting the neighborhood's unique Federal-style architecture.