History Trippin' 

From there, get in line to see the Liberty Bell.   Then, depending on the time on your ticket, tour Independence Hall.  Independence Hall is the birthplace of America.  It was built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House. Within this hallowed hall, the Second Continental Congress met in May 1775, and later adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.  Independence Hall is also where the Constitutional Convention met to draft, debate and then sign The United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.  The tour, led by rangers, is short but very informative.

Next stop...Franklin Court, to see the "Ghost House" where Ben Franklin's house once stood and the underground Franklin Court Museum.  Benjamin Franklin, one of America's Founding Fathers, was a very accomplished author, diplomat, inventor, philanthropist, political pundit, printer, statesman and scientist during his 84-year life.  After visiting Philadelphia you'll have a new respect for him. 

Nearby visit B Free Franklin Post Office.  It is the only Colonial-themed post office operated by the United States Postal Service. It is a living portrayal of Colonial lifestyle, and it is the only active post office in the United States that does not fly the American flag (because there was not yet one in 1775 when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General). The postmark "B Free Franklin" is still used to cancel stamps, so be sure to send a postcard to someone special.  The story of how this post office got its name is an interesting one.  While Ben Franklin was Postmaster General, appointed by England, he did not have to pay to send mail.  All he had to do was write "Free" on the envelope.  Initially he wrote Free B Franklin on his mail, but later, when the revolution seemed a certainty, he began to sign B Free Franklin.  That's where the Post Office got its name.

On to Betsy Ross's House for a quick self-guided tour.  There are activities during the day, so check to see if there's something you'd like to catch before you visit.  Be sure to read the placards throughout the house.  They give a good picture of her life.  As you head down Arch Street see Christ Church Burial Ground where Franklin and several other signers of the Constitution are buried.  Continue on to the US Mint (warning-no cameras allowed inside and no storage lockers on site) and take the free tour, then continue down the street and see the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. 

There is much more to see in Philadelphia depending on how much time you have, but these are the sites that you shouldn't miss.  Don't try to do all of this in one day!  You'll be exhausted.  This city is so delightful you'll want to take your time.