9 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
What is Philadelphia Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Philadelphia highlight a city that’s steeped in history. It’s where America’s founding fathers gathered, and where the American ideals of freedom were brought to life. It’s a place with dozens of historic sites, centuries-old neighborhoods and some 90 museums to explore.
Within a day you could gorge on cheesesteaks then twirl into the elegant Academy of Music for an opera performance. Wander along 18th-century roads and search for some of the thousands of vibrant street murals. An intriguing mix of grit and glamor awaits you in the City of Brotherly Love. Here are just a few ideas on what to see and do in Philadelphia.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
1. Liberty Bell
The inspirational icon of freedom
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
As one of the most enduring symbols of American independence, the Liberty Bell is truly a must-see in Philadelphia. You’ll find it in Independence National Historical Park, along with exhibits and a video presentation describing the bell’s history including how it got its famous crack.
Admission to Liberty Bell Center is free but a security check is required and it can get crowded, so be ready to wait in line for this popular attraction. Enjoy a fascinating stroll through history with many other historic sites nearby in the park, including Independence Hall, Free Quaker Meeting House, and Franklin Court.
Location: Liberty Bell Center, 101 S Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 215 965 2305
Liberty Bell
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
Treasures from around the world in 200 galleries
Good for: Couples, Families, History
The thing you’ve got to do when arriving at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is race up the 72 steps, turn around to gaze across the Philly cityscape, and raise your fists triumphantly in the air. Rocky Balboa famously did this in the movie, and you can too. Then, once you catch your breath, step inside to discover an impressive collection of 240,000 works of art.
See works by local artists including Thomas Eakins and Alexander Calder, masterpieces by great European artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, “ready-mades” by Marcel Duchamp, and much more. Tickets include entry for 2 consecutive days to the Museum’s main building, the Perelman Building, and Rodin Museum, so there’s no need to rush.
Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
Open: Thursday and Saturday to Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 8:45 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Phone: +1 215 763 8100
Philadelphia Museum of Art
3. Love Park
Where anyone can find LOVE in the heart of the city
Good for: Couples, History, Photo, Budget
Set between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall, this small park is a welcoming place to stop for a rest when exploring the city sights. Originally named John F. Kennedy Plaza, it’s now known as Love Park for its famous LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana. The red sculpture’s bold simplicity looks ready-made for Instagram, though it was installed in the park in 1976 to celebrate America’s bicentennial, long before the invention of smartphones.
If you’re visiting in late November or December, you’ll see Love Park transformed into a Christmas Village with lights and a lively market.
Location: 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
Open: Daily 7 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 215 686 1776
Love Park
4. Elfreth’s Alley
First built as a cart path for tradesmen in 1706
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Take a trip back to colonial times along this cobblestone alley, which is the oldest continuously inhabited street in America. Built for the city’s working-class residents, the 32 homes that remain here are well preserved examples of early American structures from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Most of the houses still serve as private homes, with the exception of Museum House at 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley where you’ll find more information about this historic neighborhood. A great time to visit is on the first weekend of June, when all the houses are opened up to let curious visitors step inside.
Location: Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Elfreth's Alley
5. Franklin Institute
An immersion into all things science and tech
Good for: Families, History, Photo
This long-running museum dedicated to science and innovation is as much fun as it is informative. Families and anyone with a curious mind will love all the wondrous things to see in the planetarium, the aviation hall, the simulated train factory, and many more exhibits.
The virtual reality experience and escape rooms transport you to another world, while the brain exhibit lets you explore a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with light and sound effects activated by your footsteps. Entry tickets are best bought online in advance to skip the lines.
Location: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
Open: Daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 215 448 1200
Franklin Institute
6. African American Museum
Home of the ‘Audacious Freedom’ exhibit
Good for: Budget, Families, History
Get an inside look at the African American experience in Philadelphia and beyond from the days of slavery centuries ago through decades of civil rights movements to modern-day art and culture. The museum has a fascinating permanent collection of art and interactive displays, plus special exhibitions that change seasonally, so check ahead to see what’s on when you’re in town.
You’ll find photographs documenting important moments in American history, including the 1963 March on Washington and rallies led by Martin Luther King Jr. Expect to spend a couple of hours here.
Location: 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
Open: Thursday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 215 574 0380
African American Museum
7. Reading Terminal Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in America
Good for: Families, Shoppers, History, Food, Budget
This thriving farmer’s market next to the Pennsylvania Convention Center has been running since 1893. Whet your appetite browsing the stands for seafood, cheddar cheeses, deli meats, and bakery items.
There’s a big selection of local foods to try like Pennsylvania Dutch hard pretzels with mustard, chicken pot pie, and scrapple. Grab a takeout snack or linger on for a sit-down meal at one of the restaurants with Thai, Chinese, and Italian among the cuisines on offer. If you’ve still got room after eating all those cheesesteaks, pancakes, and cheesecakes then stop by Bassetts, which has been scooping up ice-cream at the market since it opened.
Location: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 215 922 2317
Reading Terminal Market
8. Philly Cheesesteak
Messy but oh-so good
Good for: Budget, Families, Food
There are a lot of great food choices in Philadelphia, but you shouldn’t leave the city before getting a taste of its famous Philly cheesesteak. Local residents will offer strong opinions on where to find the best version of this hearty sandwich loaded with sliced beef and melted cheese, so be sure to ask around.
You’re unlikely to go wrong, however, if you try either Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks, rival restaurants in South Philly. Other spots known as cheesesteak champions include Shanks Original, which has been serving sandwiches for 50-plus years at S. Columbus Boulevard, and Tony and Nick’s Steaks, on Oregon Avenue in South Philly.
9. Delaware River sunset cruises
A romantic evening on the river
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
See Philadelphia’s glittering skyline while gliding down the Delaware River on a sunset cruise. Cruises vary depending on the operator but it’s typically a 1-hour trip that takes you past the Ben Franklin Bridge, Camden Waterfront, the Port of Philadelphia and other local landmarks.
Alternatively, you could join a dinner cruise for a longer trip to enjoy a night of dining, live music, and dancing under the stars. If visiting in early July, you’ll get to see the bridges and skyline dramatically lit up in red, white, and blue for Independence Day celebrations.
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
