Home » The Phantom Penance of Philadelphia Ghost Tour
The Phantom Penance of Philadelphia Ghost Tour
Meeting point
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Washington Square Park, 217-231 W Washington Square
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly 7pm & 8pm
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of America's Birthplace
Step into the shadows of Philadelphia's Old City on The Phantom Penance Ghost Tour, where the founding fathers' spirits still wander the cobblestone streets they once walked in life. This spine-tingling Philadelphia ghost tour reveals the dark side of America's most historic square mile, exploring haunted landmarks where Revolutionary War soldiers, yellow fever victims, and founding fathers met tragic ends.
Join Philly Ghosts for an unforgettable haunted history tour through the birthplace of American freedom, where mass graves lie beneath peaceful parks and spectral figures linger in the very halls where liberty was born.
Perfect for history enthusiasts and paranormal seekers alike, this chilling ghost walk near Independence Hall uncovers the sinister secrets behind Philadelphia's most iconic locations. Discover why the City of Brotherly Love is also one of America's most haunted cities on this immersive paranormal tour through historic Philadelphia's eerie past.
What to Expect
Embark on a bone-chilling 1-hour, 1-mile walking ghost tour through Philadelphia's haunted Old City, beginning at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington Square Park. Your expert local guide—a passionate storyteller well-versed in Philadelphia's paranormal activity and Revolutionary War history—will lead you through the atmospheric streets after dark, sharing authenticated ghost stories and tragic tales at each haunted stop.
Historic Haunted Locations: Your Philadelphia ghost tour visits the city's most paranormally active sites:
- Washington Square Park – Built atop a mass grave holding thousands of yellow fever victims and Revolutionary War soldiers
- The Liberty Bell – Rumored haunted by freedom fighters' spirits
- Independence Hall – Where founding fathers' apparitions reportedly still debate
- First Bank of the United States – Where Alexander Hamilton's restless ghost lingers
- Bishop White House – Inhabited by spectral residents
- Old St. Joseph's Church – Philadelphia's oldest Catholic church with mysterious phenomena
- St. Mary's Church & Cemetery – A hotspot for ghostly encounters
Family-Friendly Ghost Stories: This haunted Philadelphia tour is suitable for all ages, blending spine-tingling paranormal tales with fascinating Revolutionary War history. Unlike jump-scare attractions, this tour focuses on genuine historical hauntings and authenticated supernatural accounts, making it perfect for families seeking both entertainment and education about Philadelphia's dark past.
Extended Tour Option: Enhance your ghost hunting experience by adding the Extended Tour for an additional 30 minutes and four more haunted locations where Philadelphia's troubled spirits refuse to rest.
Multiple parking garages within 0.1-0.4 miles; closest options at 9th & Pine and 10th & South. Street parking available—arrive 20-30 min early.. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No tour restrooms—use facilities at Independence Visitor Center or Old City venues before starting. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Limited accessibility due to historic cobblestone streets and uneven 18th-century sidewalks; confirm with operator for mobility needs.
Leashed, well-behaved pets welcome; service animals always permitted. Must not disrupt tour experience.
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly ghost stories blending history; all ages welcome. Educational haunted tour, not scary jump-scares—perfect for families. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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Things to take on a ghost walk
Essential Items
Comfortable walking shoes
Great for long walks and uneven ground.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bring a jacket, hoodie, or raincoat.
Fully charged phone
For photos, notes, light, or emergencies.
Small torch/flashlight
Helps with dark paths and visibility.
Helpful Extras
Portable power bank
Keeps your phone alive for photos or apps.
Bottle of water
Stay hydrated on longer tours.
Bug spray
Useful in older outdoor areas.
Small backpack/crossbody bag
Carry essentials hands-free.
Safety & Comfort Snacks
Small snacks
Good for long or late-night tours.
Personal medication
Bring anything you may need.
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Useful in older buildings or high-touch areas.
Paranormal-Focused Items
EMF detector
For interactive ghost hunting.
Thermometer
Check for cold spots.
Notebook & pen
Note sightings or strange sounds.
Red-filtered flashlight
Helps maintain night vision.
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
More Ghost Tours in Pennsylvania
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Cemetery, 1188 East Benjamin Franklin Hwy, Douglassville, PA 19518
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Washington Square Park, 217-231 W Washington Square
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to wear on a ghost tour?
When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.
Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.
For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas
