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Elfreth's Alley, Philadelphia, PA

Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffFree

Elfreth's Alley

124-126 Elfreth's Alley · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

Elfreth's Alley dates to 1703 in what is now Old City, and it is still a lived-in public street you can stroll at any time of day. Its 32 houses, built between 1720 and 1836, were home to tradespeople such as shipwrights, pewter smiths and glassblowers. The museum in houses 124 and 126 preserves the 18th-century home of a pair of dressmakers and charges a small admission. The alley takes its name from blacksmith Jeremiah Elfreth.

  • #historic street
  • #colonial architecture
  • #old city
  • #house museum

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Elfreth's Alley, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Betsy Ross House

    Under $25

    Tour the tiny circa-1740 Old City home where flagmaker Betsy Ross lived, costumed Betsy herself often greets visitors.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

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    Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours

    $50+

    Hop-on hop-off double-decker bus tours looping past 26 stops across historic Philadelphia.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
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    National Constitution Center

    Under $25

    America's town hall on Independence Mall, live theater, interactive galleries, and 42 bronze Founders you can stand among in Signers' Hall.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
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    Liberty Bell Center

    Free

    See the world's most famous cracked bell up close, free, iconic, and just steps from Independence Hall.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
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    Independence Hall

    Free

    Stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, American history's ground zero.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

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    Philadelphia

    Free

    The birthplace of American independence, packed with Revolutionary War history, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

    1.1 mi awayMore like this