It might not be dazzling at every turn, but a trip to Independence Hall in Philadelphia does provide an interesting look at United States history. Both the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were drafted within these walls of bricks, making Independence Hall a significantly important sitе that receives plenty of visitor traffic every year.
In spite of the chaotic security procedures and extremely annoying tourists blocking its halls, I do suggest a trip to Independence Hall for all first-time visitors to Philadelphia.
It is advisable to pre-plan, especially if you visit in high tourist season like we did. Tickets for the Hall is usually free and can be picked up at the Independence National Park Visitor’s Center opening at 8:30, with the first tour beginning at 9:00.
Parking is a big hassle and quite expensive. An official parking lot beneath the American Constitution Center was full when we arrived. We arrived at Independence Hall earlier than our scheduled tour time. Our group entered the first building and went (at a snail’s pace) through security screening. Despite the elaborate security precautions, I observed that this courtyard area was only secured by a very low barrier around its perimeter and only one park ranger. If someone really wanted to bypass security they could slip in easily.
After about 45 minutes of unpleasantness, our tour actually started. We were guided through Independence Hall, pausing at three places: the Assembly Hall where the legislators worked, Supreme Court chambers and a long narrow banquet hall upstairs.
All the rooms, mainly Assembly Hall, felt loaded with history. The brightly colored rooms hold a lot of architectural interest and just gazing around them kept my concentration for quite some time.
On the negative aspect, our tour guide, all but held our hands. There is no wandering even a bit freely around Independence Hall, and the tour group was quite large for my preference. As we moved to each room of the hall, our fellow group members would push ahead and basically run since there wasn’t enough room for everyone to have a front row seat at the Rail looking into the room.
Independence Hall is Philadelphia’s must-visit spot. Еven after the problem of getting tickets, irritating tourist mobs, and awkward security procedures, I still left with a deep logic of history.
by 
