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Philadelphia, United States

Destination Guide

Philadelphia

United States

Best things to do in Philadelphia

41 curated attractions in Philadelphia, United States. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - November

Average temp

14°C/57°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Generally safe

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is shaped by its rich Revolutionary War history, which is visible in its historic district where Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell reside. This is where the Declaration of Independence was signed, leaving an enduring legacy that draws history buffs and curious visitors alike. The city is filled with neighborhoods, art galleries like The Barnes Foundation, and cultural institutions such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous not just for its collections but for the steps that became iconic thanks to Rocky. Yet beyond history, it has a gritty charm and a reputation for strong culinary opinions, especially when it comes to cheesesteaks. People come for the history and the food, and the belief that a good meal can be just as important as a good story.

Who it's for

Those who appreciate a mix of history, art, and good food will find Philadelphia enjoyable. If you prefer polished tourist areas without the grit or are seeking a straightforward beach vacation, you might want to reconsider your plans. The city can be overwhelming if you're only after the postcard-perfect views.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city center is walkable in about twenty minutes from end to end, perfect for exploring its historic sites
  • Public transport is reliable with buses and subways connecting attractions efficiently
  • Philadelphia International Airport is about twenty minutes from downtown by taxi or train
  • The Schuylkill River Trail offers a scenic bike route for those who prefer two wheels
National Constitution Center

National Constitution Center

History museums
Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth's Alley

Streets & neighbourhoods
Penn's Landing

Penn's Landing

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Battleship New Jersey

Battleship New Jersey

Battlefields & military sites
Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Art museums & galleries
Congress Hall

Congress Hall

Historical Attractions
Boathouse Row

Boathouse Row

Historic houses & mansions
Liberty Bell Center

Liberty Bell Center

History museums
Penn Museum

Penn Museum

History museums
Rocky Steps

Rocky Steps

Sports and Recreation Venues
Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

Specialty & quirky museums
Schuylkill River Trail

Schuylkill River Trail

Hiking trails
Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market

Food markets & food halls
Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park

City parks
The Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation

Art museums & galleries
Cira Green

Cira Green

Urban Attractions
Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Historic houses & mansions
Citizens Bank Park

Citizens Bank Park

Stadiums & sports venues
Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square

Squares & plazas
Mutter Museum

Mutter Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Rodin Museum

Rodin Museum

Art museums & galleries
The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell

Monuments & memorials
Franklin Institute

Franklin Institute

Science & natural history museums
Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field

Stadiums & sports venues
One Liberty Observation Deck

One Liberty Observation Deck

Observation decks & city views
Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Ben Franklin Bridge

Ben Franklin Bridge

Urban Attractions
Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park

City parks
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Specialty & quirky museums
Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Franklin Square

Franklin Square

City parks
Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Di Bruno Bros

Di Bruno Bros

Food
Wells Fargo Center

Wells Fargo Center

Stadiums & sports venues
Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

Historic houses & mansions
Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

Zoos
Love Park

Love Park

City parks
Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's

Shopping and Markets
South Street

South Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Shopping
Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange

Shopping and Markets

Where to eat in Philadelphia

The places worth planning a meal around.

Pat's King of Steaks

Pat's King of Steaks

American · $10–$20

★ 4.1 · 15,520 reviews

Angelo's Pizzeria

Angelo's Pizzeria

American

★ 4.6 · 4,892 reviews

Franklin Fountain

Franklin Fountain

★ 4.5 · 4,190 reviews

Miller's

Miller's

American

★ 4.1 · 4,027 reviews

Sampan

Sampan

Pan-Asian

★ 4.4 · 2,402 reviews

Elixr

Elixr

Coffee

★ 4.6 · 1,792 reviews

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