Liberty Bell Center Tours and Activities

Liberty Bell Center showing a city, a monument and heritage architecture
Liberty Bell Center
Liberty Bell Center
Liberty Bell Center
Liberty Bell Center


Set in the historical heart of the city, this glass pavilion that houses America’s symbol of independence is one of the most visited sights in Philadelphia.

The Liberty Bell Centre has just one purpose: showcasing the bell that became the symbol of America’s independence. The bell has a resounding history in Philadelphia and the nation it was rang through the town to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, on July 8, 1776.

Before 1776 the bell had been tolled to mark special occasions in what later became the Independence Hall. Anti-slavery activists first named it the Liberty Bell in the 1830s. In the late 1800s, the now cracked bell toured the nation as the physical representation of freedom. The bell’s biblical inscription, “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof,” proudly proclaims this icon of freedom’s purpose.

Admire the retired bell in a large glass gazebo in the Liberty Bell Centre. It isn’t big, but because it’s cast from mainly copper and tin it is very heavy. Behind the bell is a picture of Independence Hall, its original home. There’s an interesting display of historic documents, photos and videos that explains the facts and myths surrounding the Liberty Bell. Learn where and why it was made, when it was cracked and why Pennsylvania is misspelled in its inscription.

The Liberty Bell Centre is located in central Philadelphia, and parking is available. The centre is part of the National Historical Park, open daily year-round. Entry to the park and the centre is free. There is often a line because of the security scan at the entrance, and the bell itself is roped off. You can also view the bell from Market Street in Old City, so even if you find the Liberty Bell Centre closed or too crowded, you don’t have to miss out.

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Best Lodging Options Near Liberty Bell Center

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

4 out of 5
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

3 out of 5
1100 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

4 out of 5
1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG

4.5 out of 5
433 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Liberty Bell Center

Visitors to the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia can enjoy a variety of activities including exploring nearby theatres, sports events, and entertainment options. Key highlights include engaging exhibits that provide insights into American history, illuminating bath lights that enhance the ambiance, and opportunities to discover fascinating museums in the area. This vibrant locale promises a rich experience for tourists looking to immerse themselves in culture and history.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene near the Liberty Bell Center. Visit Reading Terminal Market, just 805m away, for a local public market feel. Rittenhouse Row, 1.6km away, offers a mix of family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, Cherry Hill Mall is 11.3km away, featuring diverse entertainment options.

Recreation

Lincoln Financial Field, a vibrant sports venue 6.4km away, offers an exhilarating atmosphere. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, located 1.4km away, immerses you in delightful entertainment. For fun and adventure, the Blue Cross RiverRink, just 966m away, provides a thrilling ice skating experience.

Adventure

Explore the Schuylkill River Trail for a scenic hike with beautiful outdoor vibes. Try water sports at Boathouse Row, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. For a thrilling experience, head to Go Vertical and enjoy climbing in an exciting outdoor setting.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Liberty Bell Center! Enjoy a show at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, try your luck at Rivers Casino, or embrace family fun at Lucky Strike Lanes, all within 1.6km's reach. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions near Liberty Bell Center

While visiting the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture by exploring nearby attractions such as Independence Mall and various museums. Don't miss the iconic Liberty Bell itself, a symbol of freedom. The area offers a family-friendly experience with its historic buildings, churches, and civic sites, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both education and enjoyment.

  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: Located 966m from the Liberty Bell Center, this vibrant venue hosts a variety of events and conventions. With its modern infrastructure and business-oriented atmosphere, it’s perfect for networking and exploring industry innovations.
  • Rittenhouse Square: Situated 1.6km away, this charming neighbourhood offers a blend of urban energy and serene green spaces. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with shops, cafés, and art, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and people-watching.
  • Independence Hall: Just 0.1.6km from the Liberty Bell Center, this historic site is where the Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted. Its rich cultural significance and stunning architecture provide a deep connection to American history.

Best time to go to Liberty Bell Center

Visitor numbers around Liberty Bell Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Liberty Bell Center is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Liberty Bell Center

Visiting the Liberty Bell Center can be budget-friendly, as entry is free. Nearby attractions like Rittenhouse Square, Reading Terminal Market, and Independence Hall also have no admission fees. To save on accommodation, consider visiting from January to March, when prices are lower, and aim to book your stay on a Monday rather than a Saturday. Use Expedia to compare room rates and apply filters for budget and eco-friendly options. Bundling your hotel with flights and activities can yield additional savings, making your trip even more affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Liberty Bell Center are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Liberty Bell Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Liberty Bell Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Liberty Bell Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.