Old City Hall

Use the north door on Chestnut Street by turning the knob and pushing. The building is beside security, but NPS recommends visiting it before entering the Independence Square screening line.

There is no building lot. Use SEPTA, PATCO or a paid Old City garage and walk; do not confuse this historic Old City Hall with Philadelphia's current City Hall at Broad and Market.

The Supreme Court chamber is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The National Parks store keeps a separate schedule and may depend on staffing, so do not use store hours as the chamber schedule.

There is no documented public restroom in Old City Hall. Use the nearby public facility at the northwest corner of 5th and Chestnut or the Visitor Center before entry.

Admission to the chamber and lobby exhibit is free, with no ticket required. Entry is first-come, first-served.

Use the west-door ramp for wheelchair access. One step remains at the courtroom; ask the ranger for the portable ramp. Audio description and assistive listening are available on request.

Pets are not allowed inside. NPS-recognized service animals are permitted in public areas.

This is a compact indoor stop with an 18th-century courtroom and Supreme Court exhibit. It works well before Independence Square security, but offers fewer hands-on elements than the Visitor Center.

Visit before joining the secured-square line so you do not screen twice or lose your place. Confirm ranger staffing near closing and ask for the portable courtroom ramp when needed.

SEPTA's 5th Street/Independence Hall station is beside the Visitor Center and Liberty Bell area, and PATCO's 8th & Market station is a short walk west. The historic district is compact, so choose one arrival point and walk between most major sites rather than moving a car.