The Betsy Ross House is a historic site and museum located at 239 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide provides practical information regarding opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and visitor tips.
If planning to visit several Philadelphia attractions, you can make substantial savings with the Go City Philadelphia Pass.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 to reflect the current seasonal operating schedule and the recent 2025-2026 adjustment to admission fees.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Information |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (March–November) |
| Ticket prices | Adults: $12.00; Children/Seniors/Military: $10.00 |
| Address | 239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Nearest transport | SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station) |
| Visit duration | 30 to 60 minutes |
Betsy Ross House opening hours
The Betsy Ross House opening hours vary depending on the season. From March through November, the site is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. During the winter months (December through February), the house typically operates on a Tuesday through Sunday schedule, closing on Mondays.
Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Betsy Ross House ticket prices
Betsy Ross House ticket prices are structured by age and affiliation. A standard self-guided tour costs $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children, seniors, students, and active military. Audio guide tours are available for an additional fee of $2.00 per person.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance online. The Betsy Ross House is included in the Philadelphia Pass (Go City) and the Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass. These passes also include entry to other nearby attractions such as the Eastern State Penitentiary, the Franklin Institute, and the Battleship New Jersey.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
How to get to the Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is situated in the Old City neighbourhood of Philadelphia. Visitors using public transport should take the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (the “Blue Line”) to the 2nd Street Station, which is a three-minute walk from the entrance. Several SEPTA bus routes, including the 17, 33, and 48, stop within two blocks of the site.
Parking at the Betsy Ross House
There is no dedicated on-site parking at the Betsy Ross House. Limited metered street parking is available on Arch Street and surrounding blocks, though time limits are strictly enforced. Several commercial parking garages are located within a two-block radius, specifically at 2nd and Race Streets and 3rd and Arch Streets.
How long to spend at the Betsy Ross House
A typical visit to the Betsy Ross House lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. This timeframe allows for a self-guided walk-through of the historic rooms and a brief period to interact with the on-site historical interpreter. Visitors who opt for the audio tour should budget the full 60 minutes.
Accessibility at the Betsy Ross House
The accessibility at the Betsy Ross House is limited due to the historic nature of the building. The courtyard, gift shop, and the first floor of the house are wheelchair accessible. However, the upper floors and the basement are only reachable via narrow, steep stairs and are not accessible to those with mobility impairments. A photo album and video presentation are available on the ground floor for those unable to access the upper levels.
What to see at the Betsy Ross House
The experience begins in the courtyard, which contains the grave of Betsy Ross and a fountain. This area often hosts seasonal events or short historical demonstrations.
Inside the house, visitors follow a one-way path through several period-furnished rooms. These include the front upholstery shop, the parlour, and the bedchambers, which are staged to represent the late 18th century.
A key feature of the visit is the upholstery shop, where a historical interpreter portraying Betsy Ross is available to answer questions. They demonstrate 18th-century sewing techniques and discuss the history of the house.
The tour concludes in the basement, which showcases the kitchen and storage areas of the period. This section highlights the domestic labour and daily life of the house’s inhabitants.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Advice |
| Timing | Arrive before 11:00 am to avoid the largest school group crowds. |
| Entry | Enter through the gift shop located to the left of the historic house. |
| Layout | The house uses a one-way flow; you cannot double back once you exit a room. |
| Logistics | Large bags and luggage are not permitted and there are no storage lockers. |
| Photography | Non-flash photography is permitted inside the house for personal use. |
Frequently asked questions about the Betsy Ross House
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is the Betsy Ross House suitable for children? | Yes, the site offers interactive elements and a scavenger hunt for younger visitors. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, but it is recommended for groups or during peak holiday weekends. |
| Is the Betsy Ross House open on Sundays? | Yes, the house is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Betsy Ross House? | Small bags are allowed, but large backpacks and suitcases are prohibited. |
Things to do near the Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is located in a high-density historic district, making it easy to visit other paid attractions on the same day:
- Christ Church and Burial Ground: The final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, located two blocks away.
- National Museum of American Jewish History: Located at 5th and Market Streets.
- Independence Seaport Museum: Situated at Penn’s Landing, a 10-minute walk east.
- Museum of the American Revolution: Located at 3rd and Chestnut Streets.
More Philadelphia travel
Other Philadelphia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Philadelphia.
- Learning how Australia’s highest mountain got its name at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.
- Tips and practical information for visiting the Liberty Bell Center.
- Guides to Philadelphia’s Parkway attractions – the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute and the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- 6 great reasons to visit Philadelphia.
