- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia's grid, a first for North America, was laid out by William Penn. Explore Federal and Georgian architecture along Elfreth's Alley, the nation's oldest inhabited street. The city's design reflects its role as America's first capital.
Beyond the city, Fairmount Park offers over 2,000 acres of green space. Hike or bike the Schuylkill River Trail or explore Wissahickon Valley Park's 50 miles of trails. This is a core part of what is Philadelphia famous for among outdoor enthusiasts.
Experience the food culture at Reading Terminal Market, home to Pennsylvania Dutch specialties like shoofly pie. Beyond the famous cheesesteak, try a classic soft pretzel or water ice. The city's unique BYOB restaurant scene offers an affordable dining option.
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- PhiladelphiaUnited States
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- PhiladelphiaUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightLayers
- #WaterBottle
- #Umbrella
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days with side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #IndependenceHall
- #LibertyBell
- #PhiladelphiaMuseumOfArt
- #ReadingTerminalMarket
- #Elfreth'sAlley
- #EasternStatePenitentiary
- #SpruceStreetHarborPark
- Walk the Liberty Bell Center
- Run up the Rocky Steps
- Taste a Philly Cheesesteak
- Explore the murals in the Mural Arts Program
- Visit the Franklin Institute
- Relax in Fairmount Park
Recommended Hotels in Philadelphia by Experience
Things to do in Philadelphia
Discover
Exploring Philadelphia reveals a city rich in history and art. Discover Independence Hall, climb the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and wander through the vast green spaces of Fairmount Park for city views and natural scenery.
Experience
Catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park or join First Friday art walks in Old City. Savor local treats at Reading Terminal Market, enjoy the Mummers Parade on New Year's Day, and attend seasonal festivals along the Delaware River.
Independence Hall
Historic building where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Major art museum famous for its collection and "Rocky Steps."
Reading Terminal Market
Historic public market with diverse food vendors and merchants.
Fairmount Park
Large urban park with trails, gardens, and historic houses.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Historic former prison, now a museum with haunting cellblocks.
Walk the Schuylkill River Trail
Urban trail for walking, running, and cycling along the river.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The best route from the Philadelphia airport to city center is the SEPTA Airport Line train (25 min). A train to Philadelphia via Amtrak arrives at the central 30th Street Station, a major regional hub.
Getting Around
Explore using public transport in Philadelphia with a reloadable SEPTA Key card on subways, buses, and trolleys. The downtown area is highly walkable, and Indego bike share offers a convenient way to get around for shorter distances between sites.
Local Essentials
Driving in Philadelphia has narrow streets and tough parking; a car rental is better for day trips. Most places accept cards, but keep cash for smaller markets. As you plan a trip to Philadelphia, book Independence Hall tour tickets well in advance.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Philadelphia's culinary scene beyond the iconic cheesesteak. Taste a classic roast pork sandwich or a sweet water ice. Many of the best restaurants in Philadelphia embrace a casual BYOB culture, so grab a bottle and enjoy.
Enjoy
Eat at Zahav for modern Israeli food in a moody setting, book months ahead. Sip creative margaritas at El Vez's vibrant bar, try guacamole. Grab fresh donuts at Beiler's Bakery inside the hectic Reading Terminal Market, expect lines.
Zahav
World-renowned modern Israeli cuisine. Reservations needed.
Pat's King of Steaks
The original home of the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Tommy DiNic's
Famous for its juicy roast pork sandwiches. Inside RTM.
Morimoto
Acclaimed Japanese restaurant by Iron Chef Morimoto.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Philadelphia's heritage through must-see events. Experience the Mummers Parade, the nation's oldest folk parade, on New Year's Day. In June, the Odunde Festival, one of the largest African American street festivals, celebrates African culture.
Enjoy
Discover modern Philadelphia attractions. The city hosts diverse music festivals from folk to hip-hop. The Philadelphia Fringe Festival in September showcases experimental theater and contemporary dance performances across the city.
Mummers Parade
Elaborate costumed folk parade held on New Year's Day.
Odunde Festival
June street festival celebrating African culture and heritage.
Wawa Welcome America
Multi-day July 4th festival with concerts and fireworks.
Philadelphia Flower Show
The nation's largest indoor flower show, held in March.
Philadelphia Fringe Festival
September festival for contemporary performance and visual arts.
Chinese Lantern Festival
Summer festival with large-scale illuminated lantern displays.
Philadelphia Folk Festival
August weekend of folk music, crafts, and camping.
A Great City to Explore on Foot
Philadelphia is a great city to just walk around and explore. It's packed with history but feels very modern too. The Old City area is lovely, with so many cool independent shops and cafes. We found some amazing food spots without even trying.
Amazing Art and Museums
The collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is world-class. You could spend a full day there easily. Of course, running up the 'Rocky Steps' is a must-do! The whole area along Benjamin Franklin Parkway is full of incredible museums.
So Much History to See
Philadelphia delivered on all the history I was hoping to see. Standing in front of Independence Hall is quite a feeling. The city does a great job of preserving these key sites while still being a lively place. It is so central to American history.
Fantastic Food City
What a fantastic food city. Reading Terminal Market is an experience in itself, with so many different vendors and things to try. Had to get a classic cheesesteak, of course. Lots of great little breweries and pubs to discover all over the place.
Cool Neighborhoods
Loved exploring the different neighborhoods. Each one has its own distinct personality. South Street was particularly interesting with its quirky shops and restaurants. It felt like we got to see a more local side of the city away from the main tourist spots.
Easy to Get Around
A wonderfully walkable city. We really enjoyed the green spaces like Rittenhouse Square, which was a nice place to relax between sightseeing. The grid layout makes it simple to navigate. Everything feels accessible, from the historic sites to the shops.