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Independence Visitor Center Review

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Independence Visitor Center

Address: 6th and Market Sts., Historic Area, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/965-7676; 800/537-7676
www.independencevisitorcenter.com

Category: Information Centers
Location: Historic District

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 1.4/5

Fodor's Review:

This is the city's official visitor center as well as the gateway to Independence National Historical Park. Here, you'll find a fully staffed concierge and trip-planning desk, which provides information on the Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo, and other attractions, as well as a reservation and ticketing service. Before you set off on a walking tour, acquaint yourself with Colonial American history by watching the founding fathers come to life in the 30-minute movie Independence, one of the films being shown in the center's three theaters. There's also a coffee bar and an excellent bookstore, where you can stock up on books, videos, brochures, prints, wall hangings, and souvenirs about historic figures and events. An atrium connects the visitor center to a renovated underground parking area.

To see two of the city's famous historic homes—the Bishop White and Todd houses—you'll need to stop at the information desk to get a free, timed ticket, and reserve a spot on one of the tours, which each take about 30 minutes.

Open: Sept.-June, daily 8:30-6; July and Aug., daily 8:30-7

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 10/19/08
This is the visitors center for the Independence National Historical Park. There's nothing of interest here, but you have to come here to book tours of some historic houses and also get tickets for Independence Hall. They've been known to open a little later than the scheduled time and don't always open all the entry doors.