Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site Tours

Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service
Photo provided by National Parks Service


Delve into the life of one of the USA’s most revered writers while browsing exhibitions of his work displayed in the rooms of his former house.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a one-time home of the acclaimed writer Edgar Allan Poe and a museum dedicated to his career. Poe is famous for being a key member of the romanticism literature movement. At Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site you can learn about Poe’s tumultuous life, which was cursed by bad luck and personal demons. Read excerpts from his works and get a feel for his writing style, described as haunting, horrifying and mysterious.

The exhibits spread throughout the rooms of the last-surviving of the houses that Poe lived in during his 6 year residence in Philadelphia. Watch a short video presentation about his early years, upbringing and life as a poet and writer. Appreciate how his work has influenced many other great authors, including Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King.

Learn why Poe is considered to be a pioneer of short stories, most notably detective stories. Listen to well-known actors, such as Vincent Price, narrate passages from his poems and tales. See a collection of rare letters written by the literary master.

Visit the Reading Room, where you can while away hours browsing editions of Poe’s catalogue. Alternatively, hear a selection of his works narrated to music. Among the collaborating artists are the Alan Parsons Project and Lou Reed.

The museum is located in the Spring Valley district, which sits to the north of Philadelphia’s City Center district. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the Independence National Historical Park. Public buses stop close by. The nearest metro station is Spring Garden Station, situated a 15-minute walk towards the Delaware River. Free parking is available on the surrounding streets.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is open from Friday to Sunday and admission is free. The house closes at midday for 1 hour. Guided tours are offered upon request. Find full details on the attraction’s official website.

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Best Lodging Options Near Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

4 out of 5
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

3 out of 5
1100 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Loews Philadelphia Hotel

4 out of 5
1200 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Loews Philadelphia Hotel
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG

4.5 out of 5
433 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

While visiting the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by attending nearby theaters, enjoying live music, and exploring fascinating museums. Don't miss the chance to discover Baltimore's museums, take a ghost tour, or relax in Rittenhouse Square. These activities offer a well-rounded experience that highlights the rich history and lively atmosphere of the area surrounding Poe's former residence.

Food and drinks

For a delightful experience near the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, visit Grace Winery and William Heritage Winery, both offering charming atmospheres and local wines. Independent Spirits Distillery also provides a unique taste of craft spirits, perfect for food lovers seeking local flavors.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Reading Terminal Market, just 0.8 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of local vendors. Rittenhouse Row, 1 mile away, features a variety of shops with a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Cherry Hill Mall, 7 miles away, for more entertainment options.

Recreation

Lincoln Financial Field, located 4 miles away, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Fairmount Park, 3 miles from the site, is ideal for relaxation amid nature. Enjoy the thrill of ice skating at Blue Cross RiverRink, just 1 mile away, combining sports and entertainment.

Adventure

Embark on an adventure at the Schuylkill River Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 2 miles from the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water sports, head to Boathouse Row, also 2 miles away, or challenge yourself at Go Vertical, a climbing venue just 1 mile away.

Nightlife

In Philadelphia, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating performances, just 2 miles away. Rivers Casino, located 0.9 miles from the site, provides a vibrant city vibe for gaming enthusiasts. For family fun, Lucky Strike Lanes, 1 mile away, combines arcade excitement with adventure.

Find the best attractions near Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

When visiting the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and Poe House, along with other fascinating museums in the city. Whether you're interested in history or outdoor activities, the area offers a rich experience for all travelers looking to delve into the life and works of this iconic author.

  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: Located just 0.7 miles from the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, this bustling venue is perfect for business events and conferences. Its modern architecture and spacious layout make it a key hub for professional gatherings in the heart of Philadelphia.
  • Rittenhouse Square: A charming urban oasis 1 mile away, Rittenhouse Square is a vibrant neighborhood filled with parks, shops, and eateries. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens while soaking in the lively atmosphere of city life.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: About 2 miles from Poe's historic site, this renowned museum boasts an impressive collection of art from around the world. Don't miss the iconic "Rocky Steps" and the stunning views of the city from the museum's facade.

Best time to go to Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

Visitor numbers around Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

To save money during your visit to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Take advantage of free nearby attractions like Rittenhouse Square and the Liberty Bell Center. Use Expedia to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification, and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.