Philadelphia—where more than three centuries of history come alive—is not one but several cities and you can experience all of them if you know where to look. Tucked amid the glass-and-steel skyscrapers stand the brick-and-mortar buildings of the colonial and Federal periods as well as blocks of homes from the Civil War Era and the Age of Victoria. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Walking Tours of Historic Philadelphia takes history buffs on twelve walking tours through different city neighborhoods, visiting venerable buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, tiny courtyard gardens, magnificent parks, and out-of-the-way places that were part of the city’s storied past. Arranged to help readers follow a logical path from site to site, the book includes maps, information about which sites can be toured, and tips on parking, public transportation, and nearby restaurants.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Walking Tours of Historic Philadelphia is the definitive resource for readers who want to stand in the spot where William Penn first set foot in his new city, follow in the footsteps of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin, and explore grand Victorian-era buildings that remain a vibrant part of life here. Included are tours of the Independence Hall area, Society Hill, Penn’s Landing, Rittenhouse Square, Fairmount Park, Germantown, and much more. This is an indispensable guide for visitors to Philadelphia, for residents who want to know more about their city’s past, and for anyone who is interested in the history of one of our country’s oldest and greatest cities.