PHILADELPHIA, PA - Historic sites abound throughout Greater Philadelphia. Still, the most iconic ones are the jewels of Independence National Historical Park: Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Liberty Bell. These two Philadelphia stalwarts are must-dos for visitors — whether it’s their first time or 50th time to the city — but getting inside to see them up close requires some planning as safety precautions remain in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Here are some tips for visiting two of Philly’s most famous sites; for more information, go to visitphilly.com:
Liberty Bell:
- No tickets are required to access the Liberty Bell Center. However, a 20-person capacity limit (about 130-150 people per hour) — implemented to keep visitors and staff safe — has reduced access to this popular site. Pro tip: Visitors increase their odds of avoiding a long line by visiting early in the day.
Independence Hall:
- Visitors can get walk-up tickets for morning tours of Independence Hall. Tours are about 15-20 minutes long and cover the first floor only. To secure admittance, it’s best to arrive early.
- Reservations for timed tickets are required for afternoon visits (1-4:45 p.m.). Tickets are available by calling (877) 444-6777 from 10 a.m. to midnight or logging onto recreation.gov. While tickets to Independence Hall are free, the reservation fee is $1 per ticket. Tickets must be presented in printed form or on a mobile device. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before their tour to undergo security screening.
- Tickets for each month are available on the 15th day of the previous month (e.g., July tickets are available on June 15). Weekend tickets sell out quickly, so visitors should reserve their preferred day and time as soon as possible.
Bell & Hall:
- Masks are required for visitors who are not fully vaccinated indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
- Signs in the queue indicate wait times at the one-hour, two-hour, and three-hour points for Independence Hall and the 90-minute point for the Liberty Bell Center.
- Visitors wait outside the Bell and Hall in an uncovered area, so it’s best to check the weather in advance to determine rain-gear needs.
- There are few places to sit while waiting in line, so visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes or bring a light chair if unable to stand for long periods.
- Large groups are split up when visiting the Bell and Hall.
Source: VISIT PHILADELPHIA is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
