Teeming with rich history, hearty food, and sophisticated urban charm, Philadelphia is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the US.
The City of Brotherly Love is not only the birthplace of the United States but a melting pot of art, culture, and modern attractions.
From historic landmarks to trendy cafés and lush public parks, you’ll find loads of fantastic things to do in Philadelphia.
So, where do you start? I’ve put together this go-to guide to seeing the best Philadelphia attractions, suitable for everyone, from first-timers to returning visitors.
Let’s dive in!
Next Read: Keen for more US history? Check out these best things to do in Boston.
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Philadelphia Essentials
Top Experiences & Tours In Philadelphia
Philly is a treasure trove of heritage sites, interesting museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.
So, if you’re short on time, I suggest taking the hop-on hop-off city tour for Philadelphia sightseeing or the historic walking tour that follows the footsteps of America’s founding fathers. I also highly recommend indulging in the cuisine through a flavors of Philly food tour.
Where To Stay In Philadelphia
You’ll need a place to stay while exploring Philly, so here are my top recommendations:
($) Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue — Ideal for the budget-conscious traveler, this hotel boasts modern comforts like a cooked-to-order breakfast and an indoor swimming pool while providing a central location to access the best things to do in Philly. Click here to check availability!
($$) Penn’s View Hotel — Draped in historic charm, Penn’s View offers a snug stay in its modest rooms. You’ll enjoy tasty meals in their à la carte restaurant, a tasting at the on-site wine cellar, and a mere one-mile walk from Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. Click here to check availability!
($$$) The Study at University City — From premium bedding to an airy breakfast area and expansive glass windows showcasing the Philadelphia skyline. The Study features sophisticated furnishings, a fitness center, an on-site bar, and even a library for avid readers. Click here to check availability!
How To Get Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in the country.
So you can easily explore its best tourist attractions via a leisurely stroll.
But if you’re exploring in and outside the city center, there’s SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority).
Providing metro (i.e., subway, elevated, and trolley), bus, and regional rail transportation, SEPTA is the go-to way to get around Philadelphia.
The organization also offers transit for people with disabilities. If you’d like more flexibility, I suggest hiring a car on Rentalcars.com.
1. Grab Breakfast at a Chic Café
Before exploring the best things to see in Philadelphia, start your day at one of the city’s best cafés.
One Shot Coffee provides a hip, rustic atmosphere and an upstairs library for readers.
You can grab a drip coffee and a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant for a classic breakfast.
Alternatively, head to J’aime French Bakery and have your pick from an array of delightful crêpes, viennoiseries, and even sandwiches.
This charming counter-serve bakery is quite Instagrammable, providing outdoor seating that creates a little slice of Paris in Philadelphia.
2. Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens at Fairmount Park
Philly boasts many green spaces, but none are as wonderful as Fairmount Park.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia, and it’s easy to see why.
The park features indoor and outdoor exhibitions, a greenhouse, and lush grounds with stunning backdrops of the city.
On the west side, you’ll find the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center.
Suitable for nature lovers and photographers, this center boasts a picturesque botanical garden and a traditional Japanese House and Garden (Shofuso) to snap great photos for your Insta feed.
3. Conquer the Rocky Steps
Leading up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rocky Steps are a series of 72 stone steps made famous by the movie “Rocky”.
These steps are iconic thanks to a triumphant run by Sylvester Stallone in the film, and they have become a must-do activity for Philly visitors.
From the base, walking (or running) up the stairs may be daunting, but I promise you, it’s worth it because panoramic city views await at the top.
After snapping a few photos, you can head down to the Rocky Statue to take more pictures with the iconic fictional boxer.
4. Wander Through the Vivid Magic Gardens
Defined by intricate mosaics made from tiles, bottles, and other materials, the Magic Gardens offer a playful and colorful environment ideal for art enthusiasts.
Strolling through the fascinating mosaics and displays is one of the most unique things to do in Philadelphia.
Experience this captivating outdoor art installation by wandering through the maze-like pathways, admiring the detailed mosaics, or learning about the artist’s inspiration.
The gardens also offer special exhibitions and events, like workshops and tapestry paintings.
There are guided tours available, but I suggest taking this Philadelphia Public Art tour, which combines a walking tour of the city’s best artworks.
It takes you along the lively South Street and ends with a visit to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Be sure to have your camera ready!
5. Visit Independence Hall + Liberty Bell
I mentioned that Philly is the birthplace of America, so you cannot visit the city without seeing where it all began.
Put on your history buff hat and head to Independence Hall, a historic building where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed.
The Georgian red-brick building is charming and makes for an excellent photo, especially if you can get the Washington Statue in the frame.
For more pictures, head across the street to marvel at the Liberty Bell, a monumental symbol of American Liberty.
If you’re up for a deeply engaging outing, consider joining this history tour of Philadelphia.
It explores 1776 and the events surrounding the Revolution and the Founding Fathers.
The tour takes you to several historic sites, like Franklin Court and the First Bank of the United States.
6. Grab a Bite at Reading Terminal Market
Feeling hungry? Look no further than Reading Terminal Market.
Since 1893, this bustling indoor market has been the locals’ go-to for produce, meats, seafood, pastries, and crafts.
The market’s vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of food make it a culinary hotspot.
So, make it a point to indulge in Philly’s most iconic dishes, from soft pretzels to hoagies, pork rolls, or the famous cheesesteaks.
For dessert, you can get a soft serve at Bassetts Ice Cream.
Reading Terminal Market is a spectacular place to sample Philly’s best meals, but if you’re an eager foodie, consider going on this center city Philadelphia food tour.
This walking tour takes you to the city’s best food spots, from Reading Terminal Market to Sansom Street.
7. Explore the Quaint Elfreth’s Alley
Dating back to 1703, Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States.
Strolling through this passageway is by far one of the cool things to do in Philadelphia. It features impressive early American architecture built between 1720 and 1836.
Walking through Elfreth’s Alley easily transports you to somewhere in the United Kingdom thanks to the Georgian structures, red doors and window shutters, and hanging UK flags.
Get your admission ticket at the Elfreth’s Alley Museum or on the Independence Visitor Center website.
Then, walk the cobblestone street and admire the well-preserved homes.
Elfreth’s Alley is extremely photogenic and one of the most Instagrammable places in Philly.
8. Relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Located in Penn’s Landing, this seasonal urban park is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day exploring the top things to do in Philadelphia.
Set along the Delaware River, Spruce Street Harbor Park features hammocks, floating gardens, and colorful lights.
You can also enjoy a range of Philly’s favorite foods from some of the best local restaurants, indulge in craft beers, and have stunning views of the harbor.
Spruce Street Harbor Park is always bustling with activity, from craft markets to concerts, so there won’t be a shortage of things to do.
Admission to the park is free and open to the public.
It opens from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm every day of the week except for Friday and Saturday when it opens from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
On Sundays, the park opens from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
9. Explore Philadelphia City Hall
Don’t miss Philadelphia’s City Hall on your Philly tour.
This architectural marvel has the title of largest municipal building in the US. In fact, it has a staggering 14.5 acres of floor space!
Once the city’s high-rise king until 1987, it remains the world’s tallest masonry structure built without a steel frame.
Immerse yourself in the grandeur by joining one of their guided tours, available for both the exterior and interior.
10. Wander Through Rodin Museum
Step into Philadelphia’s Rodin Museum, which houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Auguste Rodin’s work outside of France.
Even if you’ve marveled at the originals in Paris, the Philly collection offers a stunning chance to revisit iconic pieces or discover new favorites.
Don’t miss the charming museum garden, a perfect spot to relax with a picnic lunch on a sunny day.
It’s also just a stone’s throw from the famous Rocky Steps, making it easy to visit while you’re out and about!
11. Wine-and-Dine at an Up-Scale Restaurant
By now, you know that Philadelphia is a hub for all things good food-related.
End your trip on a high note with a lovely dinner at one of Philly’s high-end eateries.
Parc is a French bistro located on the lively Rittenhouse Square, offering classic Parisian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Their menu is extensive, featuring entrées, salads, hors d’oeuvres, fruits de mer (seafood), and daily specials like Lobster Risotto, Pork Milanese, and Bouillabaisse.
Parc also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options if you have a specific diet.
Philly’s dining scene is abundant, with restaurants that can savor every palette.
If French cuisine isn’t for you, consider making a reservation at Zahav.
It’s an award-winning Israeli restaurant known for its modern Middle Eastern cuisine and provides a vibrant atmosphere.
Next Read: From America’s birthplace to its capital city, explore these best things to do in Washington, D.C.
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