Delving into Philadelphia’s past, the True Crime and History Tour offers an immersive experience that captivates visitors. Blending gripping true-crime narratives with historical sightseeing, the 2.5-hour tour explores the city’s darker side. Guests visit iconic landmarks like Benjamin Franklin’s grave, guided by knowledgeable historians who bring the stories to life. With a high rating and raving reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Philadelphia’s complex history. What secrets and scandals await those willing to uncover them?
This experience made our article of The 16 Best Historical Tours In Philadelphia.
Key Points
- Unique tour blending true-crime narratives and historical sightseeing in Philadelphia, covering locations like Christ Church, Betsy Ross’s house, and Elfreth’s Alley.
- Tour priced at $44.00 per person for a 2.5-hour experience, with flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Guided by knowledgeable historians with Master’s degrees, who share chilling tales of infamous Philadelphia serial killers.
- Tour accessible to wheelchair users and available in English, complementing the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour for a comprehensive experience.
- Overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 23 reviews, with praise for the engaging storytelling and expertise of guides like Ted and Joseph.
Tour Overview
The True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour offers a unique blend of true-crime narratives and historical sightseeing. Priced from $44.00 per person, the 2.5-hour tour meets at the Independence Visitor Center.
Accessible to wheelchair users, the English-language tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests explore sites like Betsy Ross’s house and Elfreth’s Alley, guided by Masters-degreed historians who share tales of Philadelphia’s infamous serial killers.
The tour complements the Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, providing a daytime counterpart to the city’s darker history.
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Highlights of the Tour
Unique true-crime stories and historic sightseeing come together on this engaging tour.
Guests will visit the graveyard at Christ Church and see the grave of Benjamin Franklin. They’ll also explore iconic sites like Betsy Ross’s house and the charming Elfreth’s Alley.
The knowledgeable guides, who hold Master’s degrees in American history, share chilling tales of infamous Philadelphia serial killers.
Knowledgeable guides with master’s degrees share chilling tales of infamous Philadelphia serial killers.
This tour complements the popular Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, providing a unique blend of morbid curiosity and historic discovery.
With flexible booking and high customer ratings, this tour is a must for true crime and history enthusiasts.
Booking Information
With flexible booking options, visitors can reserve their spot on the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour without upfront payment.
To book the tour, interested participants can check for available starting times and select the desired number of guests and date.
The booking process is straightforward:
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Review the tour details and availability.
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Select the number of participants and preferred date.
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Complete the booking without the need for immediate payment.
This arrangement allows for convenient planning and the ability to secure a spot on the highly-rated True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour.
Customer Reviews
Based on the 23 reviews, the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and personable guides, like Ted and Joseph, who bring the city’s dark history to life with their Masters-level expertise.
One guest, Erin, remarked that "Ted was awesome! Super knowledgeable and personable!"
While another, Anna, noted the tour was "Excellent" and that "Our guide, Joseph, was amazing. Very knowledgeable and entertaining."
With its unique blend of true crime stories and historic sightseeing, the tour appears to delight and captivate visitors.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Considerations
Although the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour operates rain or shine, visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
The tour includes some adult content, so children must be accompanied by an adult. Plus, the Saturday cemetery option is adults-only.
Key considerations for the tour include:
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Appropriate attire and footwear for the weather.
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Accompanying children for adult-oriented content.
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Selecting the adult-only cemetery option on Saturdays.
These important details will help ensure an enjoyable and informative experience on the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour.
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Philadelphia’s Dark History
Philadelphia’s storied past is marked by a dark underbelly, with tales of infamous serial killers and grisly crimes that have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. From the notorious "Corpse Collector" Albert Fish to the chilling exploits of the "Boy Scout Killer" Gary Heidnik, the city’s macabre legacy has captivated true crime enthusiasts worldwide. These unsavory characters and their heinous acts are brought to life on the True Crime Philadelphia Tour, where visitors can explore the very sites that bore witness to these horrific events.
| Infamous Killers | Brief Descriptions |
|—————–|——————-|
| Albert Fish | The "Cannibal" who terrorized New York and Philadelphia in the 1920s. |
| Gary Heidnik | The "Boy Scout Killer" who kidnapped and tortured women in the 1980s. |
| The Frankford Slasher | A serial killer who preyed on sex workers in the 1980s. |
| Johann Hoch | The "Bluebeard of Germantown" who married and murdered multiple women. |
Exploring Haunted Locations
As visitors embark on the True Crime Philadelphia Tour, they uncover the city’s haunted past, exploring eerie locations steeped in dark history.
The tour takes them to:
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The Christ Church Burial Ground, where they stand before the grave of Benjamin Franklin and feel the weight of history.
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Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously occupied residential street, whispers tales of its colonial inhabitants.
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Betsy Ross’s House, a site of Revolutionary significance, now haunted by the ghost of the famed flag maker herself.
These chilling yet captivating stops provide a glimpse into Philadelphia’s sinister underbelly, leaving participants spellbound by the city’s haunted legacy.
The Experience of the Tour
Stepping onto the True Crime Philadelphia Tour, visitors embark on a captivating journey that weaves together the city’s haunting past and its storied history.
Led by knowledgeable guides with Masters degrees in American history, the 2.5-hour experience unveils the darker side of Philadelphia’s heritage.
From visiting the grave of Benjamin Franklin to exploring the sites of infamous serial killers, the tour offers a unique blend of true crime and historical sightseeing.
With a wheelchair-accessible route and the option for an adults-only cemetery visit, the tour caters to diverse interests and comfort levels, delivering an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Group Photos Provided During the Tour?
No, group photos are not mentioned as part of the tour. The tour overview and information provided do not indicate that group photos are offered or included during the True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour.
Can We Bring Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to bring snacks and drinks on the tour, but it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. Some tours may have policies against consuming food or beverages during the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There is no information provided about the option to extend the tour duration. The tour is described as a 2.5-hour experience, and the details do not mention the availability of any extension options.
Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Other Activities?
The guides may provide recommendations for other activities or attractions in the area that complement the tour’s focus on true crime and history. However, the tour itself does not include any extensions or additional activities beyond the standard 2.5-hour duration.
Is There a Student or Military Discount Available?
The tour operator does not currently offer any student or military discounts. Pricing is set at $44 per person for the 2.5-hour tour. Advance bookings can be made without upfront payment through the flexible booking policy.
The Sum Up
The True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s dark past. Guided by knowledgeable historians, the 2.5-hour experience delves into gripping true-crime narratives while visiting significant historical sites. With a high rating and positive customer reviews, the tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to uncover the haunting stories and haunted locations that have shaped Philadelphia’s history.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best Historical Tours in Philadelphia
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