Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States as well as one of the most charming historic spots in Philadelphia.

Originally built in 1703, Elfreth's Alley is a quaint street located in Philadelphia's Old City. It is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited street in all of the US and offers a unique window into 18th-century urban life in Philadelphia. The street is named after Jeremiah Elfreth, a blacksmith and property owner in the area, and was home to craftspeople, artisans, and tradespeople during the colonial era. Consisting of 32 brick row houses, many in Georgian or Federal style, its cobblestones and gas lamps preserve the colonial atmosphere. Most buildings date from the mid-18th century (1730-1790), and many of the homes showcase distinctive features like decorative iron wall hooks, varied brick colours, ornate doorways and small windows typical of the colonial era

Elfreth's Alley was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and is maintained by the Elfreth's Alley Association. There is an Elfreth's Alley Museum, located at numbers 124 and 126, offering a glimpse as to what life was like for Philadelphians in the 18th and 19th Centuries, and even a 'Fête Day', an annual neighbourhood celebration honouring the alley’s diverse cultural heritage with reenactors, music, and tours.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Philadelphia
Christ Church Burial Ground
Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia is an important early-American cemetery.
Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross house is located in Philadelphia's Old City and is believed to be the site where Betsy Ross lived when she sewed the first American flag in 1776.
Race Street Pier
Situated along the Ben Franklin Bridge, the Race Street Pier was a huge urban redevelopment program undertaken by the city and is now enjoyed by both locals and travelers.
Arch Street Meeting House
The oldest (and still operational) Friends Meeting House for Quakers stands here on Arch Street, dating back to 1804.
Franklin Court Printing Office
This museum showcases and demonstrates how paper documents were printed and mass produced in the 18th century.
United States Mint
Home to one of four US mint production locations, the Philadelphia Mint gives free tours where you can learn about the production of money and the considerations around it.

Related Tours

The Heart of Philadelphia: Private 2-hour Electric Cart Tour

Philadelphia is a fascinating city that played a pivotal role in shaping the USA as we know it. Serving as the first ever US capital, its historic buildings tell a wealth of stories about the early years of the Land of Liberty, and it has since become a diverse and modern city that continues to evolve and make a significant impact on American life. For travellers eager to make the most of their time in Philly, our 2-hour private driving tour in a comfortable electric cart offers an immersive and engaging journey through the most iconic sights in the company of a passionate local guide who can tailor the route to your interests.

On this 2-hour electric cart tour, you will:

  • Get a riveting introduction to Philadelphia as you explore the city in a comfortable electric vehicle;
  • Enjoy convenient pick up and drop off from your hotel in central Philly;
  • Embark on a fun and flexible route around the most iconic landmarks;
  • Travel back in time as you make your way through Old City while your guide regales you with stories of the American Revolution;
  • Pass by Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and see the legendary Liberty Bell;
  • Drive along Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the US;
  • Follow in the footsteps of American patriots at the Betsy Ross house and Benjamin Franklin’s grave;
  • Cruise through the bustling neighbourhoods of Centre City and Chinatown;
  • Pass by the Old City Hall and the famous Reading Terminal Market;
  • Stop at the prestigious Philadelphia Museum of Art and have your very own movie moment at the “Rocky Steps”
  • Keep an eye out for emblematic public art installations like the LOVE sculpture, the Friendship Arch and the mosaics of the Magic Gardens;
  • Find out how Philadelphia's historical commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and community makes the city what it is today.

Discover the heart of Philadelphia on a private two-hour driving tour that brings the city’s most iconic landmarks to life from the comfort of an electric cart. With convenient hotel pick-up in central Philly, this personalised experience offers the perfect crash course for first-time visitors who want to see the sights, hear the stories, and soak in the unique atmosphere, and is also a great option for returning travellers who wish to experience the best the city has to offer.

Your local guide will craft a route tailored to your interests as you explore everything from the colonial charm of Old City to the dynamic pulse of Centre City. Along the way, you’ll pass by the birthplace of American democracy at Independence Hall and catch a glimpse of the famed Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of freedom and one of America’s most treasured artefacts. You can make your way past the well-preserved historic homes on Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in the country, and hear tales of revolution and resilience near the Betsy Ross House and Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place.

The tour continues through Philadelphia’s diverse neighbourhoods, including a lively ride through Chinatown and a look at Reading Terminal Market, a foodie favourite with a profound impact on Philadelphia’s celebrated culinary heritage. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you will hop out for a quick photo op at the top of the “Rocky Steps,” with the spectacular city skyline behind you. Throughout the ride, you’ll spot some of Philadelphia’s renowned public art, from the colourful mosaics of the Magic Gardens to the iconic LOVE sculpture and the distinctive Friendship Arch.

Whether you're here for history, culture, or just a fun and easy introduction to the City of Brotherly Love, this engaging electric cart tour is your perfect jumping off point. Your guide will be more than happy to recommend plenty of great spots to eat, drink and explore before dropping you off at your hotel or another location of your choosing within the city centre.
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