Best Things To Do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Are you looking for what to do in Philadelphia?

PLACES TO SEE

HISTORY

  • Liberty Bell Center: Your historical sojourn of Philly must begin with a visit to the famous Liberty Bell Center that houses the enormous Liberty Bell.  Here, you will be able to learn a little bit about the history of this archetypal object that so many souvenirs from Philly are inspired from.
  •  Independence Hall: The Independence Hall is famous for its immense historical importance in American heritage. This is where the American Constitution was born. Step down the ladders of history as you gawk at George Washington’s chair and the original inkstand that was used to sign the most important book in the USA. Open all year around, timings vary in every season. After a tour of Independence Hall, head over to the National Constitution Center to take a look at the museum dedicated to the US Constitution.
  • Valley Forge Historical National Park: This exemplary park that once witnessed the trials of some 2000 American martyrs is now a beautiful oasis with rolling hills and proud statues. This 3600 acre park takes you back to the historic struggle that George Washington and his men faced in one of the worse winters ever experienced in USA. Worth a look-see!
  • Fort Mifflin: This immortal fort is a proud survivor of the cannons of the British Barracks that unrelentingly bombed the premises in 1777. Be a part of the story of the 350 American soldiers that died on that fateful day. Open March 1 to December 1.Wed-Sun.

MUSEUMS

  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: Head to this ‘Temple of Art’ to witness the majesty of the third best art museum in USA. It has an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance, Impressionist and American ages. Try to catch one of its renowned art shows or exhibitions that have awed many audiences.
  • Philadelphia History Museum: How can you leave the city of history without a visit to the History museum? Recently refurbished, this museum holds 400 objects from the city’s glorious past. With a host of interactive features, there is a lot to experience at this gem of a place.
  • Eastern State Penitentiary: Once a solitary rehabilitation center for criminals, this penitentiary has now become a museum that exhibits the 11 acre prison that was once ahead of its time in terms of technology and amenities. Open all year round except holidays.
  • Franklin Institute Science Museum: The Franklin Science Museum houses a fantastic and exhaustive display for all science buffs. Four floors full of exciting scientific facts and hands-on displays make you feel like a kid in a candy shop. A feast for your intellect, this museum will take up most part of your day but is definitely well worth it!
  • Rodin Museum : If you know what ‘The Gates of Hell’, ‘The Burghers of Calais’ and ‘The Thinker ‘ are, then head straight to overwhelm your senses to the Rodin Museum .It houses the largest collections of the talented sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of France. Look out for interesting displays of his art in the garden too.

LANDMARKS

  • Franklin Square: One of the five original squares envisaged by William Penn, Franklin Square is a family friendly activity zone. It hosts a miniature golf course, a grand carousel and a picnic spot too! For a trip down your childhood, don’t miss this one!
  • Philadelphia Zoo: Whether you are travelling with kids or want to entertain the kid in you or even if you are just an animal lover, Philly Zoo will amaze you, tickle a little adventure inside you and will send you back with fond memories. America’s first zoo and probably the most animal-packed, the Philadelphia zoo is dotted with Victorian themed cages and lovely statues. Your kids can participate in a number of activities like brushing horses, playing with sheep etc.
  • City Center: A dilettantish mix of the old and new, the city center is a must visit on your trip to Philly. The Gothic Tower at the City Hall stands out like an irony amongst the modern buildings. Many other architectural delights await you in this fascinating landmark.

GARDENS

  • Fairmount Park: Fairmount Park is a behemoth with 9200 acres of greenery spread across 63 parks. It is home to the iconic Rodin museum, Philadelphia zoo, Museum of Art etc. The park also gives you an opportunity to get fit and active with its pool, courts and walking paths.
  • Longwood Gardens-The Longwood Gardens is host to some of the most exotic varieties of flowers in the world. Walk through a different experience with each step; the Italian water garden, the Flower walk and the innumerable varieties of plants will leave you mesmerized. Catch the Orchid Extravaganza that happens from Jan to March to witness the stunning flower in all its colors and forms.  Open daily, all year.

SHOPPING

  • Italian Market: Italians are some of the initial inhabitants of Philadelphia and this can be seen from the love of pizza in the city. The Italian Market is one of the biggest open markets in America and boasts of a huge variety of produce, meats and vegetables. Get lost in the delicious smells and try some of the yummy dishes on offer in the eateries that are a part of this market. Food for the stomach and the soul!
  • Reading Terminal market: Head to the Reading Terminal Market to experience how a real big farmer’s market looks. You can buy almost anything in this mish mash of interesting organic products and produce. Try the oh-so-famous Philly cheese-stakes the way the locals like it.

Below we have a list of things to do in Philadelphia and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Philadelphia getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Philadelphia with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia

Here is the list of things to do in Philadelphia and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Philadelphia Museum Of Art And Rocky Statue

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Statue

    Post the 100th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Philadelphia decided to establish a new museum focused on applied art and science. Starting with European and Japanese fine arts, the Museum over the years has gathered a massive collection of 227,000+ objects through purchases, donations and bequeaths. It’s 200 hundred galleries span 2000 years of art. Among it’s notabl...Read more
  2. Independence Hall

    4.7 (4932 Votes)
    Independence Hall

    Unesco Site, Hall

    It wasn’t enough that this place hold’s such a dear place in the country’s heart – but it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Centre too – as it should be, seeing that the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both adopted here. National Park Rangers will lead you through the red brick Georgian Style building starting at the courtroom; the...Read more
  3. Eastern State Penitentiary

    4.7 (3047 Votes)
    Eastern State Penitentiary

    Landmark

    This was probably one of the world’s most influential prisons. When it was built, it was the largest publicly managed building ever. It’s famous for its wagon wheel design – something that prisons in the US and the world over came to adopt. Though it claimed that it was setting the way for better prisoner reform, it’s today widely reviled as a spot where brutal torture w...Read more
  4. The Barnes Foundation

    4.6 (3451 Votes)
    The Barnes Foundation

    Art Museum

    Fine art and horticulture might seem like a strange combination but it’s worked fantastically well for the Barnes Foundation. Barnes was an early twentieth century chemist who made a fortune selling an anti-gonorrhea drug called Argyrol. With that fortune he established this museum. It’s collection of 2500 objects are suppose to value in at about $25 billion at today’s pr...Read more
  5. Liberty Bell

    4.5 (5176 Votes)
    Liberty Bell

    Landmark, Historical Site, Memorial, Monument

    “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This is the inscription on this iconic symbol of Independence, cast 1752. It’s believed to be one of the bells rung during the reading of the Declaration of Independence all those centuries ago. The public’s fascination and love for the bell only increased over time – it was used...Read more
  6. The Franklin Institute

    4.7 (1753 Votes)
    The Franklin Institute

    Science Museum, Observatory, Planetarium , Theatre

    Benjamin Franklin was noted for his immense interest in science. That’s why they fittingly named this place after him. Established in 1824, the institute is famous for “using hands on interactive displays before it was cool.” As a result, the place has been historically used to demonstrate ground breaking new technology or discoveries in Science. It’s Science Museum is i...Read more
  7. Independence National Historic Park

    Park, Landmark, Walking Area, Memorial

    They say that this is where the USA was born. A host of seminal and historical events have gone down in this park, and the country has elevated to a status of a national icon accordingly. The Declaration of Independence was adopted here, as was the United States Constitution. The First Bank of US is here, and the Franklin Court, and the United States Postal Service Museum, and the Liberty ...Read more
  8. Mutter Museum

    4.6 (1692 Votes)
    Mutter Museum

    Science Museum, History Museum, Specialty Museum

    In 2013, this place turned 150 years old, so you know it’s got some staying power. If you have the slightest morbid or macabre fascination with the human body, it’s dieseases, deformities and strangeness – then this place is your haven – a must do on your Philly travel bucket. When Philadelphia physician donated his 1700 item  collection to the College of Physi...Read more
  9. Philadelphia Zoo

    4.6 (1363 Votes)
    Philadelphia Zoo

    Zoo

    This is America’s first zoo and has got more than 1600 exotic animals. There is so much more to see, a lot of art and architecture to see.
  10. National Constitution Center

    Entertainment, Performance

    This is a pretty good idea – taking each point of the four page US Constitution and making a marvellous exhibit to examine each and every point in it. The primary attractions are Freedom Rising – a 360 degree 17 minute live performance, We the People – constituted of hands on displays and multimedia acitivities designed to engage both adults and children – some of which ...Read more
  11. National Museum Of American Jewish History

    History Museum, Photo Gallery, Specialty Museum

    It’s always a fascinating to hear the same story told through different perspectives, to see the same world through different eyes. Here, in the historic centre of Philadelphia, in the middle of all the stories told by the major landmarks of American history, the Jewish experience and evolution is commemorated in a special museum. Through thousands of documents and images and a number of ...Read more
  12. Christ Church

    4.6 (1581 Votes)
    Christ Church

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture

    This beautiful Georgian building plays much of a role in the development of American history as any other building in the city. Built in 1727 as the first Episcopal Church with the intent that it should be the greatest Church in the colonies, the Church has hosted in its congregation 15 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Other members include Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Be...Read more
  13. United States - US Mint

    4.4 (810 Votes)
    United States - US Mint

    Landmark, Architecture , Heritage Building

    When the Philly mint was first established, the idea was for it to stand as a symbol of the gravitas of the USA. Philadelphia was at the time the capital of the nation. The “Ye Olde Mint” however was brought down by fire. The second mint built too was quickly replaced because it’s establishment was built on the salvaged parts from the first mint. The third mint was built in 19...Read more
  14. University Of Pennsylvania

    4.4 (453 Votes)
    University Of Pennsylvania

    Garden, Entertainment, Theatre, Archaeological Site

    Visit this place for the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology alone even if you’re seeing nothing else – the mummies, sphinx and sarcophagi are all good crowd pullers. Established by Benjamin Franklin, the University and its beautiful campus abound with sights and activities Visit the library, the bookstore the theatre, the science centre, the vet school; take in the pretty pathwa...Read more
  15. Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Art Gallery, Educational Site

    A museum and an art school, the Academy houses a magnificent collection of American art. It was established in 1805, and has slowly but steadily become one of the most important art fixtures in the country thanks especially to its regular and terrific exhibitions and acquisitions. The Furness-Hewitt building. It is regularly described as one of the most magnificent examples of Victorian Archite...Read more

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  • Girls get away weekend in Phila month of Feb 2019...2nd, and 3rd weeknds?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Hey, 

      There are many things to do in Philadelphia that you can enjoy with your girl gang. Here are some of the places that you can visit

      • Terrain Garden Cafe
      • Free Library of Philadelphia
      • Rodin Museum
      • Rittenhouse Square

      Report Abuse
    • Hey, 

      There are many things to do in Philadelphia that you can enjoy with your girl gang. Here are some of the places that you can visit

      • Terrain Garden Cafe
      • Free Library of Philadelphia
      • Rodin Museum
      • Rittenhouse Square

      Report Abuse