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While affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia brings together some dynamic tapestry of history, art, and innovation into a presentation that reverberates far beyond the city’s borders. Among things to do in Philadelphia are cobblestone streets that lead to museums full of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, historic landmarks, and innovative culinary scenes. Discover the gems of Philadelphia, the city of democracy itself, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, from colourful neighbourhoods and mosaic art to colossal urban parks.
10 Best Things To Do In Philadelphia
Here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love which is a vibrant destination.
1. Independence Hall
Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons
One of the greatest American historical icons is Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Originally built as the Pennsylvania State House between 1732 and 1753, it provided the venue for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. This red-brick Georgian-style building, commissioned by Edmund Woolley and Andrew Hamilton, is most famous as the place where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776 and where the United States Constitution was signed in 1787. It’s been termed the “birthplace of America”. The Assembly Room is one of the sights you can see when you visit.
Location: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Guided historical tours
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Liberty Bell Center
Photo: Phil Roeder / Wikimedia Commons
Liberty Bell Center is a stop that no history buff or tourist should miss. Being right next to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell gradually became a symbol of freedom and strength. Cast in 1752 for the Pennsylvania State House, and in the 19th century, people knew it for its association with the antislavery movement, making it the “Liberty Bell.”. This bell read, “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof”, and it captured the spirit of all different movements.
Location: 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Iconic photo opportunity, historical exhibits
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Photo: DerekPhilipAu / Wikimedia Commons
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most important art institutions in the United States, yet a cultural landmark famous for its imposing “Rocky Steps.” With more than 240,000 works in all genres and periods, this museum boasts everything from European Renaissance masterpieces to modern American art pieces by artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Duchamp, plus extremely fine furniture, textiles, and armour pieces. The museum is also noted for its 72 steps to the entrance, immortalised in the movie Rocky.
Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Art exhibits, running up the “Rocky Steps”
Timings: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
4. Reading Terminal Market
Photo: Fletcher6 / Wikimedia Commons
Reading Terminal Market Philadelphia opened its doors to visitors in 1893. Located within a turn-of-the-century restored building, it offers an energetic indoor market setting. Over 80 merchants sell a wide selection of cuisines, including authentic Pennsylvania Dutch specialities and international flavours. Freshly baked Amish treats, gourmet ice cream, and other traditional Jewish delis are some of the mouthwatering delicacies available. Some shops have been tenants since the market’s inception with fresh produce, seafood, and unique artisanal goods.
Location: 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Sampling local foods, shopping for unique items
Timings: Daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
5. Eastern State Penitentiary
Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D / Wikimedia Commons
This place was one of the new dawns of criminal reform; now, it is one of Philadelphia’s most mysterious landmarks. Built in 1829, this prison was famous for its use of radical solitary confinement, believed to bring criminals penitence. The prison has accommodated many infamous ones, including gangster Al Capone, whose cell had been sprawlingly decorated during his sojourn in 1929. Visitors can see this preserved area, which is filled with period furniture and an antique radio. Arts such as “Prisons Today” look at the modern penal system and mass incarceration with sharp insights.
Location: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Guided or self-guided tours, spooky evening tours
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
6. The Franklin Institute
Photo: Fredlyfish4 / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting the Franklin Institute is one of the engaging things to do in Philadelphia for people of all ages since its iconic namesake, Benjamin Franklin, combines history, science, and hands-on learning. Among its cooler feature inclusions is the heart-pounding Giant Heart exhibit, into a 200-ton heart and experience how our circulatory system works. The Space Command is popular with children due to the SportZone exercising one’s body mechanics and having fun at it.
Location: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Hands-on science exhibits, IMAX theater
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
7. Magic Gardens
Photo: Beyond My Ken / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most beautiful things to see in Philadelphia is South Street’s Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens by artist Isaiah Zagar. This outdoor, half-block-in-size space has the look and feel of an immersive art gallery, where colourful mosaics, mirrors, and sculptures create a stunning environment. Step inside to take a whimsical journey through Zagar’s work on the tremendous impact that artistic expression has in public spaces. This great mosaic garden challenges its visitors to wander through serpentine paths, secret alcoves, and multi-scale images devised to please both the connoisseur of art and the casual explorer.
Location: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Mosaic art, interactive exhibits
Timings: 11 AM – 6 PM
8. Rittenhouse Square
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
The real jewel of Philadelphia is Rittenhouse Square, considered one of the most endearing public spaces harmoniously weaving nature and urbanism together. Situated in the heart of the city, it boasts beautiful apartment buildings flanked by boutiques, hand in hand with great restaurants, thus creating an oasis within this hectic downtown. It is a perfect place for enjoying a quiet moment on a park bench, soaking up the art and sculptures scattered throughout, or just strolling through its shaded paths.
Location: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Relaxation, dining, shopping nearby
Timings: 24*7
9. Elfreth’s Alley
Photo: Kjetil Ree. / Wikimedia Commons
From diverse things to do in Philadelphia, step into the past and see how life had been in colonial times. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America, dating back to 1703. A turn-of-the-century alley, once developed to provide an alternate route for the workers of Philadelphia to access the river, became quickly settled by artisans and working-class residents who played a significant role in shaping the early economy of Philadelphia. The houses, constructed here between the 1720s and the 1830s, represent an earlier city architectural style.
Location: 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Walking tours, historic home visits
Timings: Varies
10. Schuylkill River Trail
Photo: Ii2nmd / Wikimedia Commons
The Schuylkill River Trail is one of the best places for adventurous spirits to visit around Philadelphia. The attraction of joggers and bikers to this trail has proved to be very high due to the fact that it is always well-maintained for running and biking. Another is the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk, an extension of the trail along 2,000 feet where you can enjoy a unique experience along the river accompanied by the stunning panorama of the Philadelphia skyline.
Location: Begins at Center City, Philadelphia, PA
Top Experiences: Biking, jogging, picnics
Timings: 24*7
Philadelphia is one city where the old and the new coexist in every other form and lead to an incredibly enriching experience. History is preserved here, but more so as a form of celebration, and modern attractions are testimonials to the bright evolution of the city. From things to do in Philadelphia, experience walking through history and culture among modernity. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Cover Photo: ActionVance / Unsplash
