Philadelphia boasts history, art, culture, and great food, yet carries a bad reputation.
West Philadelphia will never live down its appearance in The Fresh Prince’s rap, and the city of brotherly love isn’t so brotherly when it comes to hitchhiking robots (or Santa).
Despite its flaws, every traveler should add the Pennsylvanian city to their bucket list.
Discover why with the best things to do in Philadelphia.
What is Philadelphia Famous For?
Philadelphia is most famous for its cheesesteaks (I mean, come on, the food is named after the city!), Rocky, and, of course, the American Revolution.
The city hosted the first Constitutional Convention, where revolutionaries gathered to write and sign the United States Constitution.
If that’s not enough to book a trip to Philadelphia, well, I’ve got more!
The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
Our list of the best things to do in Philadelphia highlights its impressive history, the city’s best museums, and of course, the best things to eat in Philadelphia.
Here’s what you must see while visiting the City of Brotherly Love.
Independence Park
Independence National Historic Park must be on your Philadelphia bucket list – no, scratch that – it must be on your Pennsylvania bucket list!
Independence Park stands proud as the birthplace of American democracy. The 55-acre complex bursts with history, showcasing America’s battle for independence against the British.
You’ll find some of history’s most significant places, like Franklin Court and the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the United States Postal Service Museum, and Independence Mall, all nestled in the tiny area between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
The sight is a must-see for all Americans interested in freedom and democracy (which should be all of us!).
The Liberty Bell
Though the Liberty Bell rests in Independence Park, it’s such an icon that it deserves its own spot on the list.
The bell served as an alarm clock in our country’s earliest days, letting members of Congress know it was time to meet. It also provided notifications for townspeople, letting them know it was time to gather and hear the news.
The Liberty Bell’s massive crack adds character. It’s been cracked most of its life, but that didn’t stop it from ringing or from becoming an iconic symbol of freedom.
Independence Hall
Walk the halls where our nation’s legendary documents were created with a stroll through Independence Hall, the signing place for the American Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
No other building in the country boasts more US history.
Today, Independence Hall serves as a museum of the American Revolution. It’s filled with artifacts and relics from the Republic’s earliest days, including the inkstand that held the pen used for signing the Constitution and George Washington’s Rising Sun Chair.
Visitors can access the hall via guided tours, available daily from 9-5.
Since the National Park Service maintains Independence Hall, tickets remain affordable, but you should book your time slot in advance.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art lovers must visit the Philadelphia Art Museum.
While small, the museum is home to a wonderful collection of impressionist art, and you can find works by some of the most famous painters throughout history on its walls.
Although I love the 19th-century art decorating the walls of the second floor, the third floor was my favorite. It features real medieval doorways, imported and installed by the museum for preservation.
As you walk through the hallways, marvel at the spectacular design work of masons from the Middle Ages. It’s a unique and magical experience.
The Rocky Statue and Rocky Stairs
There’s another reason to visit the Philadelphia Art Museum, even if art isn’t your thing. The museum stairs are iconic in and of themselves!
If you’re a movie fan, you know that Rocky Balboa trained hard in the mean city streets. As “Eye of the Tiger” reaches its epic chorus, Rocky ascends the art museum’s stairs, raising his arms in triumph at the end of the iconic training montage.
When I was there, at least five people were playing “Eye of the Tiger” while running up the stairs, recreating the legendary movie scene.
The garden next to the stairs features a bronze statue of The Italian Stallion. Visit the museum to run up the stairs and grab a photo with the legend himself!
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is an old prison-turned visitor center.
Built in the 1800s and operational through the middle of the 1900s, this prison has seen a lot. It was even home to some infamous players of the early 20th century – Al Capone served a short sentence there.
The prison shut down in the 1970s and remained deserted for nearly 20 years. It was reopened to the public in 1994, but the infrastructure was not repaired.
Some parts of the prison are falling apart, which adds a macabre feeling to an already morbid destination.
Eastern State doesn’t shy away from its unfortunate history. It uses the horrible way prisoners were (and still are) treated as a teaching tool to showcase the humanity criminals still have and to make a statement about the way we treat people.
Check out My YouTube Short on Eastern State Penitentiary:
The Magic Gardens
Philadelphia features an entire home filled with mosaic art, dubbed the Magic Gardens.
Artist Isaiah Zager created majestic mosaic masterpieces with common items including tiles, bottles, mirrors, bicycle parts, and other scattered junk.
When Zager moved to Philadelphia, he started beautifying the empty lots around his studio with his creations. When the owner scoffed and tried to sell, the community fought back, transforming the area into a non-profit museum.
Zager’s work is now protected at the Magic Gardens.
Although you can preview Zager’s work by strolling through the South Street neighborhood, the Magic Garden is the best place to see his impressive sculptures.
The Rodin Garden
A wondrous garden decorated with bronze cast sculptures rests just a few blocks from the Philadelphia Art Museum. The garden showcases the talents of one of the world’s most famous sculptors: Auguste Rodin.
The Rodin Museum in Philadelphia features one of the largest collections of Rodin casts in the country, all in a glorious outdoor garden.
The star of the show is one of the most iconic sculptures in the world, “The Thinker.”
You know him even if you don’t recall the name. The work features a man with his head resting on his fist, seemingly lost in deep thought. He’s located right at the gate, so you can see him without purchasing a ticket.
However, the museum has numerous other statues inside and is well worth the visit. Tickets to the garden are included with a ticket to the art museum.
It’s important to note that Rodin was famous for his casts, not necessarily his sculptures, which means he could recreate many of his most important works because the casts were the same.
The original Thinker is in the Rodin Museum in Paris, while reproductions of him (along with Rodin’s famous works) appear in museums around the world.
The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is an art museum and educational center in Downtown Philadelphia. Located next door to the Rodin Garden, the Barnes Foundation helps secure Philadelphia’s art city designation.
The Barnes Foundation has one of the best collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art in the country. The foundation features numerous works by famed painters such as Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir in addition to vast collections of Native American art.
It’s a must-stop gallery for art lovers.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a science museum, aptly named after one of America’s most famed scientists, inventors, and statesmen who called Philadelphia home. The interactive museum bursts with fascinating exhibits on the human body, machines, and electricity.
The Franklin Institute also features a planetarium and a vast exhibit on space exploration.
It’s the best place to go in Philadelphia to learn about science, technology, and the intersectionality of globalism.
Eat an Authentic Cheesesteak
While visiting Philadelphia, you must indulge in an authentic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. This culinary masterpiece features shaved ribeye sautéed with onions and bell peppers, served on a soft hoagie roll.
The title of the “Best Cheesesteak” is hotly contested. You’ll find options all over the city, and each one boasts that it’s the best.
Ultimately, each person must judge for themselves which they prefer.
Visit Chinatown
Although Philadelphia isn’t renowned for its Chinatown like New York and San Francisco, I think it’s worth checking out. The area covers four square blocks dedicated to Chinese restaurants and marketplaces.
Dim Sum Garden, located on Race Street, is one of the best Dim Sum restaurants I’ve ever experienced. With a huge variety of dumplings and dumpling soups, the restaurant offers something for every palate.
Chinatown is also a great place to find reasonably priced parking, so if you wish to explore Philadelphia on foot (or via public transportation), it’s a great starting point.
Rittenhouse Square
Travelers interested in the luxurious aspects of Philadelphia need to visit Rittenhouse Square.
Located in the city center, near the most expensive neighborhood, the square boasts a gorgeous enclave of sculptures and manicured lawns. It’s a great place for a quick respite from walking around the city.
The prominent location in the city’s ritziest areas adds to its magic and appeal. Tourists can explore the high-end shops and fine dining after their pleasant stroll through the square.
Luxury vacationers may want to book their stay at the Rittenhouse Hotel, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Visit the Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public marketplaces in the United States. Operating since 1893, this market is the go-to place for fresh produce, locally sourced meats and cheeses, and exotic spices.
In addition to offering take-home goods, the market houses multiple food vendors and restaurants.
Is the best Philly Cheesesteak at By George in the Reading Terminal Market? Check it out for yourself!
The Edgar Allan Poe House
America’s most famous poet, Edgar Allan Poe, spent many of his best years in Philadelphia.
Although a Baltimore native with additional landmarks in New York City, the Philadelphia Poe House is where he lived when he published his best and most influential works.
It’s now a small museum. The sparsely decorated house doesn’t feature much furniture, but visitors can admire the parlor and pace the same hardwood floors that were present during Poe’s time.
The Betsy Ross House
Betsy Ross is perhaps one of the most famous women of the revolutionary era, renowned for sewing the very first American flag.
The Betsy Ross House rests in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood right next to Independence National Historic Park.
The house became a museum in the late 1800s and is now dedicated not only to Betsy and the flag but also to the merchants and artisans of that era.
Mutter Museum
The Mutter Museum, located on 22nd Street near Center City West, is one of Philadelphia’s unique museum attractions. As part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum focuses on the human body.
The Mutter Museum houses a vast collection of unusual, interesting, and sometimes morbid specimens related to human anatomy. You can view slides of Albert Einstein’s brain, a vast assortment of human skulls, and a woman whose body encased itself in a soapy substance after death.
The unique compilation is dedicated to understanding diseases and showcasing the history of medical intervention and diagnosis. It’s a fascinating stop for anyone interested in science as it relates to medical practice.
Love Park
Love Park is one of the most Instagram-able locations in Philadelphia. Officially called John F. Kennedy Plaza, the park is mostly renowned for its sculpture of the word “LOVE” by Robert Indiana.
The statue is not the only reason to visit the plaza, which features gorgeous fountains, walking trails, and lush green areas, making it a wonderful summer oasis.
King of Prussia Mall
Shopping enthusiasts must take a slight detour to Philadelphia’s suburbs and check out the mall at King of Prussia, one of the largest shopping centers on the East Coast. It features 450 stores and 2.9 million square feet of retail space.
The mall has most of the department stores you would expect, like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s, but also holds over 30 restaurants and eateries. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you might need.
Philadelphia Academy of Fine Art
The Philadelphia Academy of Fine Art is both an art school and a gallery. The iconic institution was the first art academy established in the United States and boasts famous alumni such as Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt.
A plethora of works by early American artists are on display in PAFA’s galleries, but the academy also showcases student work and features traveling exhibits throughout the year.
Seeing the fascinating student art on display inspires you to draw, paint, and create your own amazing works of art.
How Do I Spend a Day in Philadelphia?
There’s so much to do in Philadelphia – what should you prioritize if you only have a single day to spend in the city?
The answer depends on what you are into.
If you’re a history buff, use the day to visit Independence Park. Visit the place where the Constitution was signed, and see the iconic Liberty Bell.
Art lovers should explore the Mosaic House and the Rodin Field, where you can wander through the sculpture garden. If you have more time, visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Foodies might want to explore Reading Terminal Market and hunt down the best cheesesteak in the city.
The options for spending a day in Philadelphia are endless!
Pick the things to do in Philadelphia that speak to you, and enjoy!
Traveling to Philadelphia
The easiest way to get to Philadelphia is by air via Philadelphia International Airport, which offers direct flights from many US and international cities. The airport includes a train station allowing easy transfer to the city center.
Driving to the city is also easy, as it’s right off the 95 freeway connecting the Northeast to the South.
The city features an abundance of bridges, as it’s nestled between two rivers (the Schuylkill River on the West, and the Delaware River on the East, which separates Philadelphia from its neighbor, Camden, New Jersey).
Since I lived two hours away, I usually drove and didn’t have any issues navigating the city by car.
Plan Your Visit to Philadelphia Today!
Are you ready to explore the nation’s founding, iconic landmarks, legendary artworks, and delicious food?
Plan your trip today!
Have you visited before? What’s your favorite thing to do in Philadelphia? Share in the comments!