Ghost Tour of Philadelphia by Candlelight

If you’re looking to experience Philadelphia in a unique way, a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia by Candlelight offers a spirited evening that combines history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. This tour promises an hour and fifteen minutes of storytelling that unveils the city’s darker legends after sunset. We don’t claim to have taken this tour ourselves, but we’ve sifted through reviews and details to give you a comprehensive look at what it offers—and whether it’s worth your time.

What we really appreciate about this experience are the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life, and the chance to see parts of the city many visitors miss during daylight hours. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and lasts just over an hour—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with some light legwork and keen on eerie tales. If you’re fascinated by haunted history or simply want a different perspective on Philadelphia’s storied past, this tour has plenty to offer.

Key Points:

• Duration: About 1 hour 15 minutes, ideal for an evening outing
• Price: $24 per person, offering good value for spirited storytelling
• Highlights: Old City, Independence Hall, Society Hill, and haunted sites
• Expert Guides: Known for enthusiastic storytelling and local insights
• Weather: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately
• Group Size: Max 35 travelers, ensuring a personable experience

Introduction to the Ghost Tour Experience

Philadelphia’s centuries of history come alive—well, perhaps a little more alive after dark—on this candlelight ghost tour. As a city that’s seen everything from revolutionary upheaval to colonial grandeur, Philadelphia also harbors tales of spirits, hidden graves, and mysterious happenings that many travelers overlook. This tour aims to shed light on those stories, blending history with the thrill of possibly encountering the supernatural.

Two aspects stand out immediately. First, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. Multiple reviews mention guides who are engaging storytellers, capable of weaving historical facts with captivating ghost stories. Second, the tour covers iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and Washington Square, but with a spooky twist. It’s a perfect mix of seeing the city’s sights and hearing its dark secrets.

A possible consideration is the walking itself—some reviews mention uneven surfaces and a relatively short timeframe that may leave those craving more history wanting more. But for most, the appeal is in the atmosphere and storytelling. This tour is best suited for those interested in ghost legends, history buffs open to a spooky side, or travelers seeking a memorable, fun evening.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour features a local guide who leads the group, sharing stories and insights. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 35 travelers, which helps keep the storytelling intimate and engaging. The meeting point is conveniently located in the city center at Signer’s Garden, and the tour concludes at South 2nd Street, placing you close to other attractions or transportation options.

It’s worth noting that admission tickets for sites like Independence Hall or Powel House are not included, so if you want to explore these places in depth, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. Also, gratuities are not included, so if you enjoy the guide’s performance, tipping is appreciated.

The tour is a mobile ticket experience, which means you can book online and show your ticket, making it flexible for last-minute plans or spontaneous ghostly adventures.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

Stop 1: Independence Hall
Here, you’ll hear about a supernatural experience involving security guards and an unexplainable presence. While you won’t go inside (admission not included), the story sets an atmospheric tone for the evening. The tale of a haunting security guards reportedly experiencing an unknown entity offers a tantalizing glimpse into Philadelphia’s paranormal folklore.

Stop 2: Library Hall
This spot is linked to Ben Franklin’s spirit, with stories suggesting his presence is still felt throughout Philly. The guide will share historical anecdotes blended with ghostly lore. It’s a quick stop—about five minutes—but packed with intrigue.

Stop 3: Washington Square
Once a burial ground, this park is said to be haunted by a wandering ghost. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot during the day but takes on a different mood after dark, especially with stories of restless spirits and dark secrets buried beneath its grounds.

Stop 4: Powel House
Known as one of the most haunted sites in Society Hill, this colonial mansion is said to harbor more than one lost soul. Though you won’t go inside, the stories of ghostly encounters add a layer of mystery to this historic house.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Multiple reviews highlight the enthusiastic storytelling of guides like Sarah and Wylie, praised for their engaging manner and ability to balance history with spooky tales. One review states, “Sarah our guide ROCKED. She has a wonderful way of presenting sites with history and experiences!” Another mentions, “While only a mile walk, there was a ton of history to hear and learn,” emphasizing the rich storytelling packed into a short walk.

Travelers also appreciate the atmospheric setting. One said, “This was a lovely way to kick off October,” appreciating the spooky perspective it adds to their visit. Others note the compact yet informative nature of the tour—perfect for those who want a quick, entertaining experience without committing an entire day.

The reviews also reveal some practical feedback: the uneven surfaces can be a minor hurdle, and some wish the tour was longer or included the chance to go inside haunted sites. But overall, most find the experience fun, educational, and well worth the price.

Deep Dive into Each Stop

Independence Hall is central to American history, but on this tour, it’s also a place of ghostly legend. The story of supernatural activity involving security guards adds an extra layer of fascination. Since no tickets are included, you might find it worthwhile to visit inside during daytime hours if you’re intrigued.

Library Hall connects to Ben Franklin’s enduring spirit—the stories suggest his presence is felt across the city. While you won’t see anything supernatural yourself, the guide’s mention of Franklin’s spirit makes for fascinating storytelling, rooted in local lore.

Washington Square is a peaceful spot by day, but after dark, it’s associated with ghostly wandering spirits. It’s a poignant reminder that history and ghost stories often collide in places of remembrance.

Powel House anchors the tour in colonial Philadelphia, with stories of lost souls haunting the mansion. While the interior isn’t part of this experience, the tales add a compelling layer to the historic architecture.

The Value for Travelers

At $24, this tour offers great value for a spirited evening filled with stories, history, and city views. The small group size ensures you get personalized attention and engaging narration. The length is just right for a relaxing yet memorable experience, especially if you’re in Philadelphia for a short stay.

The fact that it operates in all weather conditions means you’re not limited by the forecast—dressing accordingly for evening chills is advisable. Plus, meeting in the city center makes it easy to combine with other evening activities or dinner plans.

While the tour doesn’t include entry to haunted sites, it compensates with storytelling that makes the history come alive and feel a little more mysterious.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy ghost stories, history, or a lively guide who can entertain and educate. It appeals to curious travelers who want to see a different side of Philadelphia and appreciate storytelling’s atmospheric power. If you’re traveling with children, note that some of the stories might be a bit spooky, and uneven walking surfaces could be a consideration.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who want a social, small-group experience and value the chance to hear local legends directly from guides passionate about their city’s haunted tales.

Final Thoughts

The Ghost Tour of Philadelphia by Candlelight is a charming way to explore the city’s darker side in a relatively short time. With enthusiastic guides, atmospheric landmarks, and compelling legends, it offers a good mix of history and mystery at an affordable price. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for a fun, slightly spooky evening and those keen to learn about Philadelphia’s haunted heritage.

While it isn’t a comprehensive deep dive into every haunted site, it provides enough intrigue to leave a lasting impression—especially if you enjoy a good ghost story told with local flair. Plus, the tour’s outdoor nature and flexible scheduling mean you can enjoy it regardless of weather, making it a reliable choice for an evening activity.

In sum, if you’re after an engaging and fun way to see a different side of Philadelphia—preferably after dark—this ghost tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the stories may be spooky for some, so use your discretion depending on your kids’ comfort with ghost tales.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a perfect short evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Signer’s Garden at 434-498 Chestnut Street and ends at 138 S 2nd Street, both centrally located.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it does—rain or shine. Just dress appropriately for the conditions.

Are tickets included in the price?
No, admission to sites like Independence Hall or Powel House is not included, but the tour itself is a guided walk of external sites.

Is this a walking tour?
Yes, you’ll walk through key historic and haunted sites, with some uneven surfaces, so good footwear is recommended.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities are not included, but tipping your guide if you enjoyed the tour is customary.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it good for solo travelers or groups?
It works well for both, with a maximum of 35 travelers ensuring a friendly group atmosphere.

What makes this tour special?
It combines Philadelphia’s historic landmarks with spooky legends, told by guides who know how to keep you entertained and intrigued.

To sum it up, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia by Candlelight offers an engaging, entertaining look at the city’s haunted tales—perfect for curious travelers wanting a memorable, slightly spooky night out. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or simply looking for something different, this tour delivers a fun and authentic experience without breaking the bank.