best things to do in philadelphia

Introduction : Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Hey there, fellow explorer! So you’re thinking about visiting the City of Brotherly Love? Well, buckle up because Philly is way more than just cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell (though we’ll definitely talk about both of those too!). As someone who’s wandered these historic streets more times than I can count, I’m excited to share the absolute best experiences this incredible city has to offer. Ready to discover why Philadelphia deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list? Let’s dive in!

Immerse Yourself in American History at Independence National Historical Park

Let’s face it—no Philadelphia visit is complete without paying homage to where America essentially got its start. Independence National Historical Park is basically an open-air museum of America’s birth, spanning several city blocks in Old City.

Independence Hall stands as the crown jewel of the park—this is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. I still get goosebumps every time I step into the Assembly Room and see the original chairs arranged just as they were in 1776. It’s like time travel without the weird sci-fi side effects!

The Liberty Bell Center houses that famous cracked bell, which has become an iconic symbol of American independence. Pro tip: if you want photos without crowds of tourists in the background, arrive right when they open or about an hour before closing.

Don’t rush through this area—take time to visit Congress Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and stroll through the beautiful gardens. History buffs could easily spend a full day here, but even casual visitors should allocate at least 3-4 hours to appreciate the significance of these sites.

Feast Your Way Through Reading Terminal Market

Ever walked into a place and immediately thought, “I want to eat EVERYTHING”? That’s the Reading Terminal Market experience in a nutshell. This historic food hall dates back to 1893 and houses over 80 vendors under one roof.

The smells alone will drive you wild—fresh baked soft pretzels, sizzling cheesesteaks, homemade fudge, and aromatic spices all competing for your attention. I typically start with a coffee from Old City Coffee and a famous Beiler’s donut (the salted caramel one has ruined all other donuts for me forever).

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with DiNic’s roast pork sandwich (crowned “Best Sandwich in America” by the Travel Channel) or a classic cheesesteak from Carmen’s. The Pennsylvania Dutch section offers incredible home-style cooking—their apple dumplings are next-level delicious.

Beyond just eating, you can shop for local products, artisanal crafts, and fresh produce. The market gets super crowded around lunchtime, so consider an early morning or mid-afternoon visit if crowds aren’t your thing.

Run the “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Channel your inner Rocky Balboa with the iconic run up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I’ll admit I’ve done this multiple times, and yes, I’ve absolutely pumped my fists in triumph at the top while humming the theme song. Judge me all you want—it’s practically mandatory! 🙂

Once you’ve conquered the steps, don’t miss the Rocky statue at the bottom right of the stairs for that essential Philly photo op. But here’s where many tourists miss out—the actual museum behind you is world-class and deserves your attention too!

The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses over 240,000 objects, including remarkable collections of Renaissance, American, and Impressionist art. The armor collection is particularly impressive, and the period rooms transport you to different times and places around the world.

With its location right along the Schuylkill River, the views from the museum’s back terrace are among the best in the city, especially around sunset when the water reflects the changing colors of the sky.

Explore the Vibrant Murals of the City

Philadelphia has earned international recognition as the “Mural Capital of the World,” with over 4,000 works of public art decorating the city’s walls. The Mural Arts Philadelphia program transformed urban spaces into an outdoor gallery that tells the story of the city’s communities, history, and culture.

You can explore these masterpieces on your own with a self-guided tour map from the Mural Arts website, or join one of their walking, trolley, or train tours for deeper insight into the stories behind the art.

My personal favorite is “Common Threads” at Broad and Spring Garden Streets, which depicts local students in Renaissance-inspired poses—it perfectly blends classical and contemporary elements in a way that stops me in my tracks every time I pass by.

These murals aren’t just beautiful; they’ve become a vital part of neighborhood revitalization efforts and community pride. Want to see how art can literally transform a city? This is it.

Wander Through Historic Old City and Society Hill

With cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 18th century, Old City and adjacent Society Hill feel like a journey back in time. These charming neighborhoods offer some of Philadelphia’s best architecture, boutique shopping, and dining.

Elfreth’s Alley, claimed to be America‘s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, features 32 houses built between 1728 and 1836. Walking down this narrow cobblestone path feels like you’ve stepped into a time capsule (though remember actual people live here, so be respectful).

During First Friday (the first Friday evening of each month), Old City’s numerous art galleries open their doors for special exhibitions, often with complimentary wine and snacks. Even if you’re not an art aficionado, the energy of these events makes for a fun night out.

For history with a spooky twist, consider a ghost tour through these historic districts. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, these tours share fascinating stories about the area’s past that you might otherwise miss.

Indulge in the Ultimate Cheesesteak Showdown

Let’s settle this once and for all—who makes the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia? Actually, no, I’m not touching that debate with a ten-foot pole! The rivalry between Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks in South Philly is legendary, with both claiming to be the original and best.

Located directly across from each other at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, these 24/7 operations have been slinging thinly sliced beef on rolls topped with cheese (Whiz, American, or provolone) for decades. My advice? Try both and form your own opinion—it’s practically a Philadelphia rite of passage.

But here’s a hot take: some of the best cheesesteaks are found outside this famous intersection. Jim’s on South Street, John’s Roast Pork in South Philly, and Dalessandro’s in Roxborough all have passionate followings for good reason.

Whichever place you choose, make sure you know how to order properly. You specify the type of cheese you want and whether you want onions (“wit” or “witout”) to avoid the notorious Philly attitude. Trust me, nothing says “tourist” like hesitating at the ordering window!

Experience the Magic of Eastern State Penitentiary

It might seem odd to recommend a former prison as a must-visit attraction, but Eastern State Penitentiary is no ordinary correctional facility. Opened in 1829, it was one of the most famous and expensive prisons in the world, designed to inspire penitence (hence the name) through isolation.

Today, the massive structure stands in a state of haunting decay, with crumbling cell blocks and eerie corridors telling the story of its 142-year history. The audio tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, guides you through the facility while sharing fascinating insights about famous inmates (like Al Capone), daily prison life, and the evolution of America’s prison system.

If you visit during fall, their “Terror Behind the Walls” Halloween event transforms the already spooky prison into one of America’s premier haunted attractions. I’m not easily frightened, but those crumbling cellblocks in the dark had me practically jumping into my friend’s arms!

Relax in Fairmount Park

Need a break from urban exploring? Fairmount Park offers over 2,000 acres of green space—one of the largest urban park systems in the country. This massive park provides a peaceful retreat with miles of trails, historic mansions, scenic riverside drives, and recreational facilities.

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a hidden gem within the park, featuring a traditional Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden that transports you straight to Kyoto. The koi pond reflects cherry blossoms in spring, creating one of the most instagram-worthy spots in the city.

For spectacular skyline views, head to Belmont Plateau. This elevated area offers a panoramic vista of downtown Philadelphia that’s especially magical at sunset. It’s a popular spot for picnics, and honestly, grabbing some local snacks and enjoying them here is one of my favorite low-key Philly activities.

Shop and Stroll on Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square represents Philadelphia at its most cosmopolitan. This elegant park, one of the five original squares planned by city founder William Penn, is surrounded by high-end restaurants, luxury apartments, and boutique shopping.

The park itself serves as a green oasis amid the bustle of center city, with tree-lined paths, flowering gardens, and plenty of benches where you can people-watch. On nice days, it seems like half the city congregates here for picnics and sunbathing.

Walnut Street bordering the square offers some of Philly’s best shopping, from national brands to local boutiques. When you need a shopping break, the area boasts some of the city’s finest restaurants—from haute cuisine to casual bistros with outdoor seating.

The weekly farmer’s market (Saturdays year-round) brings local producers to the square, offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. IMO, grabbing some farm-fresh snacks and enjoying them in the park is the perfect way to experience this neighborhood like a local.

Dive into Science at The Franklin Institute

Channel your inner science nerd at The Franklin Institute, one of America’s oldest and most beloved science museums. Named after Benjamin Franklin (because of course it is—this is Philly after all), this interactive museum makes complex scientific principles accessible and fun for visitors of all ages.

The giant walk-through human heart has been the museum’s centerpiece since 1954, teaching generations about cardiovascular health by letting visitors crawl through chambers and arteries. It’s weirdly exhilarating, even for adults!

Their special exhibitions rotate regularly and tend to be spectacular—I’ve seen everything from Terra Cotta Warriors to Star Wars artifacts displayed here. The regular exhibits cover physics, space, electricity, and pretty much every other scientific field you can imagine, all with hands-on components that let you experience the principles firsthand.

Don’t miss the Fels Planetarium for immersive space shows that will make you feel like you’re floating among the stars. Ever wondered what it would be like to travel through a black hole? This is probably as close as you’ll get!

Sample Diverse Cuisines in South Philly

Philadelphia’s food scene extends far beyond cheesesteaks, and South Philly showcases the city’s incredible cultural diversity through its neighborhood eateries. The Italian Market on 9th Street (America’s oldest outdoor market) still features traditional Italian shops but has evolved to include Mexican, Vietnamese, and other international offerings.

East Passyunk Avenue has transformed into one of the city’s hottest restaurant corridors, with acclaimed establishments like Laurel, Fond, and Townsend offering sophisticated dining experiences alongside casual spots like Cantina Los Caballitos (with its killer margaritas) and Pistola’s Del Sur.

For authentic Vietnamese, head to the cluster of restaurants around 11th and Washington. The pho at Pho 75 has cured many a hangover with its rich, aromatic broth and perfectly cooked noodles. Cash only and no frills, but absolutely worth it!

South Philadelphia is also home to some of the city’s best bakeries. Termini Brothers has been crafting Italian cookies and cannoli since 1921, while Isgro Pastries makes ricotta-filled cannoli that will haunt your dreams (in the best possible way).

Take in the Views from One Liberty Observation Deck

Want to see the entire city at once? Head to the One Liberty Observation Deck on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place. This indoor observatory offers 360-degree views of Philadelphia from 883 feet above street level.

Interactive touchscreens help identify landmarks in the cityscape, and the “Philly from the Top” installations throughout the space provide interesting facts about the city’s history, sports teams, and neighborhoods.

I recommend timing your visit around sunset when you can watch the city transition from day to night. The golden hour casts a magical glow over the cityscape, and then you can watch as thousands of lights begin to twinkle across the urban landscape.

Grab a Drink at Historic McGillin’s Olde Ale House

After all that sightseeing, you deserve a drink! Why not have it at Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern? McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been pouring drinks since 1860—they opened their doors the year Lincoln was elected president and haven’t closed them since.

The interior feels exactly how a historic pub should—warm wooden booths, memorabilia covering the walls, and an inviting bar that’s seen generations of Philadelphians raise a glass. They offer a wide selection of local craft beers, including their own McGillin’s Real Ale, 1860 IPA, and McGillin’s Genuine Lager.

The food menu features pub classics with a Philadelphia twist, including their famous Mile High Meatloaf and a surprisingly good cheesesteak (for a place that’s not specifically known for cheesesteaks). The prices are reasonable, especially for a center-city establishment with this much history and character.

During major Philly sports events, the atmosphere becomes electric, with the entire place erupting in cheers (or communal groans) with every play. There’s no better spot to experience the passion of Philadelphia sports fans in their natural habitat!

Philadelphia truly offers something for everyone—from history buffs and art lovers to foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. This city blends historic significance with modern energy in a way few American cities can match. Whether you follow this list exactly or use it as a jumping-off point for your own Philly adventure, I guarantee you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the city that played such a pivotal role in America’s story while continuing to write exciting new chapters of its own.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your comfortable walking shoes and an empty stomach—Philadelphia is calling!