Join, or Die! Tours
walk the path to Independence
Philadelphia Tours
Celebrate America’s 250th with a walking tour of Colonial Philadelphia
Follow in the footsteps of the roles that shaped a revolution, the printers, artisans, clergy, merchants, lawyers, and others who debated early Colonial America.
Decide for yourself: Patriot or Loyalist?
AS SEEN ON
The Join, or Die! Tour Experience
Explore Society Hill + Old City
Start at Philadelphia’s oldest tavern, traverse Society Hill’s cobblestone streets and colonial homes, and end in Old City’s Independence National Park.
A Philly Special Revolution
Follow a guided narrative arc from 1754 to 1776, experiencing key milestones and people that shaped Philadelphia’s path to independence at the places they happened.
Guided by a Local
Each walking tour is led by a local who lives in the neighborhood, sharing hidden gems and recommendations for exploring afterward.
“The Confidence of the French in this Undertaking seems well-grounded on the present disunited State of the British Colonies, and the extreme Difficulty of bringing so many different Governments and Assemblies to agree in any speedy and effectual Measures for our common Defence and Security,”
-Benjamin Franklin, 1754 after hearing of George Washington’s defeat in the Ohio Valley
Who will you be?
Attorney
❧
Merchant
❦
Artisan
✤
Clergy
✶
Writer
❖
Printer
✵
Physician
☙
Socialite
✻
Diplomat
✺
Financier
✣
Judge
❦
Attorney ❧ Merchant ❦ Artisan ✤ Clergy ✶ Writer ❖ Printer ✵ Physician ☙ Socialite ✻ Diplomat ✺ Financier ✣ Judge ❦
Patriots
Colonists who opposed British rule believing independence would secure freedom, expand opportunity, and create a fairer society built on self-governance and shared rights.
Independents
Colonists who avoided choosing sides valued neutrality, prioritizing personal livelihoods and community ties over entanglement in the growing conflict between Britain and America.
Loyalists
Colonists who stayed loyal to Britain believing allegiance to the Crown provided stability, prosperity, and protection, even as revolutionary tensions slowly grew.
Explore our current tours
Public Tour
Guided, public tour through Society Hill and Independence National Park
Private Tour
Guided, private tour through Society Hill and Independence National Park
Discover Society Hill, Philadelphia’s most charming neighborhood, where colonial homes and cobblestone streets share the city’s timeless story.
About us
Join or Die! is led by a neighborhood guide who lives in Philadelphia, blending local insight with colonial stories. Our interactive, kid-friendly walk invites you to step into the shoes of printers, artisans, merchants, doctors, attorneys, socialites, and officials. Compare how their choices shaped the city with what you see today, discovering what changed and what endured 250 years in the making.
CLICK HERE for a full FAQ
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Your ticket comes with a 90-minute immersive adventure through Society Hill, Old City, and Independence National Park. This is the only walking tour with access to Society Hill, Philadelphia.
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The tour duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a 15 minute break for photos at Benjamin Rush Garden. There are 12 stops that cover ~1.25 miles.
Consider arriving early to enjoy Man Full of Trouble - Philadelphia’s oldest tavern.
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a water bottle - Philadelphia summers get hot.
comfortable shoes - the tour is ~1.25 miles in total
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This is not a loop tour trail.
The tour begins at Philadelphia’s oldest tavern, Man Full of Trouble (yes, you can grab an ale), in Society Hill and ends in Independence Square in Old City.
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Yes, children are welcome and usually have a blast. Keep in mind the walk includes cobblestone paths and street crossings, so everyone should be able to walk comfortably on their own.
Please bring a water bottle during the summer months.
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Advance booking is strongly recommended, as space is limited.
Cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour will receive a full refund. In the event of inclement weather causing cancelation, a full refund will be delivered.
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Only twice! From 1764 to 1776 Benjamin Franklin spent most of his time lobbying and politicking in London, so you might meet some new influential colonists for the American revolution movement.
This tour exclusively focuses on Philadelphia events leading up to the Revolution.
Let's Keep in Touch
Interested in press, partnerships, or business inquiries? Reach out here to connect directly with our team. We’d be glad to share more about Join, or Die! and explore opportunities to work together.
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