travelfan1

I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to simply walk down the street anytime or if you have to be part of a tour. Under visiting information it lists hours of 10-5 - is this just for tours or do they block the street off outside those times? I can't imagine blocking off the street, but I also can't imagine the folks living there wanting passersby at all hours.

Thank you.

Amy

You can indeed visit Elfreth's Alley at any time during daylight hours; the hours are for the museum houses and/or guided tour. It's a lovely little spot, and Christ Church, directly across the street, is worth a visit, too.

It is an alley (as in tiny), not a street, so there is a chain that goes across the entrance at some point, but I'm not sure how late. For those who live there, tourists are a part of the habitat. The Alley holds a Fete in June and has several other events during which some of the private homes are open for visits. They're quite tiny, of course, being mostly the "trinity" style of three rooms on top of each other: working class houses when they were built, not so much now.

go_laura

What Amy said, just in case you don't know her and want the reassurance of more than one Philly expert saying the same thing Enjoy! Lots of other good places to visit nearby, too, let us know if you want/need any more info.

MLTimes

Just to clarify Amy's comments: you can walk down the Alley at any time, not just during daylight hours. Most of the homes are not trinities. Christ Church is not directly across the street; it is at 2nd and Market. The Alley is between Arch and Race.

And not that you asked, but in that area, the Clay Studio and Wood Turning Center are worth a look. Race Street Cafe is a local favorite for a bite and a beer. Wedge and Fig has a lovely courtyard for sandwiches and salads.

I don't know if I am an expert about the city, but I am happy to talk about my own neighborhood.

Amy

Thanks for clarifying, MLTimes. I didn't want to presume about the night time hours, as I wasn't sure if/when the barrier was in use. Of course, daytime does tend to give you a nice view! (And my apologies that I wasn't clear about Christ Church; it's not, of course, just on the other side of the Alley, but is across 2nd Street and down a ways from it. My thoughts were toward staying on 2nd street and forgot the other bit.)