The Phantom Penance of Philadelphia Ghost Tour. PA

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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FaQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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