Best 20 things to do in Philadelphia, United States

Welcome to the city of Philadelphia, the birthplace of democracy and cheesesteaks! This fantastic city has so much to offer that even Benjamin Franklin would have a hard time deciding what to do first. From running up the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky Balboa (minus the sweaty gym shorts) to taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Fairmount Park, known as the "lungs of the city," you'll never run out of fun things to do. And don't forget to greet the Liberty Bell, which brings out everyone's inner Nicolas Cage. So grab a cheesesteak, put on your colonial hat, and start exploring the city of brotherly love like a true Philadelphian!

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1. Liberty Bell Center

4.6 (116)

101 S Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to the Liberty Bell Center in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia! Here lies the bell that craves attention like your neighbor's adorable pet Golden Retriever. Step inside, and you'll find yourself in a place where history echoes so loudly that it makes your high school history class seem like a whisper. Get ready to have your suburban socks knocked off by the awe-inspiring sight of the Liberty Bell. This iconic, undeniably dinged piece of metal is not just any ordinary bell—it's a celebrity of the historical kind. So grab your souvenir selfie stick and pucker up, because this bad boy has kissed more tourists' lips than Miss America herself. But wait, there's more! Apart from the bell's rockstar presence, the Liberty Bell Center also houses exhibits that'll make you feel like you've traveled back in time. Brace yourself as you embark on a journey through all things liberty, independence, and maybe even a few air-conditioned moments of freedom from the hot Philly sun.

www.nps.gov

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2. Rodin Museum

4.6 (1462)

2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Nestled in the picturesque Benjamin Franklin Parkway lies the Rodin Museum, a decadent haven for those seeking a dose of highfalutin culture. Prepare to be mystified by the immense collection of sculptures, where it seems Rodin himself decided to drop his masterpieces straight from the heavens. With an ambiance that exudes sophistication mixed with a hint of cheekiness, this museum is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and those in dire need of a pretentious Instagram update. Upon entering the stately building, you might feel as if you've stumbled into the lair of a peculiar sculptor who had a thing for oversized bronze figures. The grandeur of Rodin's renowned artwork will have you questioning whether you've accidentally wandered into the set of a Greek mythology-themed soap opera. Hailing from the land of berets and baguettes, the Rodin Museum will slyly convince you that the key to eternal elegance lies in mastering the art of maintaining a magnificent mustache.

www.rodinmuseum.org

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3. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

4.6 (4286)

1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Welcome to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a whimsical wonderland that will make you question if you've stumbled into a kaleidoscope on steroids. From the creative mind of mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, this fantastical attraction beckons visitors with its shimmering tiles, broken mirrors, and a generous sprinkle of artistic chaos. Explore every nook and cranny as you navigate the labyrinth of colorful glass shards – just remember to keep an eye out for any wayward trolls or stray garden gnomes along the way!

www.phillymagicgardens.org

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4. Betsy Ross House

4.5 (3109)

239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House proudly stands, perpetually waving its historical flag and beckoning tourists like the sirens of yore. Step inside the unassuming abode and be transported back to the days when sewing circles were all the rage and George Washington himself would pop in for a cup of tea (well, in spirit at least). Explore the cozy quarters where Betsy, the OG queen of arts and crafts, plied her needle and thread, whipping up the first iteration of the Stars and Stripes.

historicphiladelphia.org

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5. Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Welcome to Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's green oasis that can cater to your nature-loving heart or your need for a quick escape from reality. Spanning over 2,000 acres, this park is so vast that getting lost is not only a possibility, but it’s practically a rite of passage. With picturesque walking trails, a charming Japanese tea house that is most definitely not a mirage, and a seemingly endless supply of squirrels ready to engage in a staring contest, Fairmount Park is the perfect place to rediscover your inner peace and ponder life's greatest mysteries.

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6. The Barnes Foundation

4.7 (3323)

2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Welcome to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, where art enthusiasts gather like bees to honey, except instead of honey, it's masterpieces packed wall-to-wall. Marvel at Dr. Albert Barnes' mind-boggling collection of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks, painstakingly arranged with the precision of a Type-A person organizing their sock drawer. Go ahead, challenge yourself to find a blank space on the walls - it's like winning a scavenger hunt, but with priceless paintings.

www.barnesfoundation.org

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7. Please Touch Museum

4.6 (5528)

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA

Welcome to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, where your inner child can break free and run wild! This museum is a giant playground disguised as a cultural haven for kids and adults alike. Prepare to step into a world where touching is not only allowed but strongly encouraged, making it the perfect destination to relieve your childhood trauma of being scolded for touching things you weren't supposed to. At this interactive wonderland, prepare to have your senses shaken, stirred, and tickled till you laugh like a hyena on helium. With endless rooms filled to the brim with exciting exhibits, your imagination will explode like a volcano on a sugar rush. From pretending to drive a real bus to unleashing your inner Picasso in the art studio, this museum has enough activities to make you forget about your adult responsibilities and indulge in pure, unadulterated fun. No need to worry about the cleanliness police here, as the staff realizes that without touching, half the fun would be flushed down the toilet. Just remember, once you enter the Please Touch Museum, any thoughts of personal space or keeping your hands to yourself go out the window faster than your New Year's resolutions. So buckle up, leave your inhibitions at the door, and get ready for a day of play that will leave you feeling like a kid again – even if it's just for a little while.

www.pleasetouchmuseum.org

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8. National Constitution Center

4.6 (2470)

525 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the wiggliest mecca for all the democracy nerds out there! Experience the thrill of walking through a magical time tunnel that transports you back to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, where you can witness the Founding Fathers bickering like a bunch of divas over commas and semicolons. And hold onto your powdered wigs, because the interactive exhibits will have you feeling like you're attending a Constitutional Block Party, complete with George Washington doing the electric slide. Don't forget to check out the gift shop, where you can grab a pocket-sized Constitution to carry around and show off your legal finesse at family gatherings.

constitutioncenter.org

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9. One Liberty Observation Deck

4.6 (1896)

1650 Market St #5700, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Welcome to the One Liberty Observation Deck, the place where you can "liberally" soak in the stunning sights of Philadelphia! Ascend to the 57th floor and prepare to have your socks knocked out (don't worry, there are no strict dress codes). Be prepared to be momentarily blinded by the vibrant skyline and mesmerized by the panoramic vistas as you bite your lip to avoid shouting, "I'm the king of the world!" - we've seen it all before.

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10. Philadelphia Magic Gardens

4.6 (4286)

1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA

Welcome to Philadelphia Magical Gardens—an urban wonderland where art, history, and whimsy collide like a chubby pigeon with a pretzel. This unique mosaic labyrinth is the love child of a mad genius named Isaiah Zagar, who clearly had an obsession with broken tiles and shattered dreams. As you navigate through the maze of colorful shards, prepare to be dazzled, confused, and possibly confronted by an existential crisis—because who knew a pile of discarded ceramic pieces could speak to your soul?

www.phillymagicgardens.org

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11. Philadelphia History Museum

4.4 (74)

15 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to the Philadelphia History Museum, where history comes alive and gets a slightly sarcastic makeover. This museum is like uncovering a ridiculously entertaining time capsule of Philadelphia's past. From the onesie-wearing William Penn to Rocky Balboa, you'll find exhibits that make you laugh, ponder, and dance awkwardly all at once. So, grab a cheesesteak, put on your Philly accent, and prepare for an epic journey through the quirkiest moments in the City of Brotherly Love's history.

www.philadelphiahistory.org

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12. Independence Hall

Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to Independence Hall, the birthplace of American freedom and the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, making it the ultimate hotspot for patriotic selfies! Step inside this architectural marvel, whose 18th-century charm will transport you back in time, or at least to a time before avocado toast was a thing. Don't forget to take a moment to imagine the founding fathers drafting the Constitution, while trying not to spill ink on their stylish powdered wigs - it was a total par-tay!

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13. Eastern State Penitentiary

4.7 (1761)

2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Welcome to Eastern State Penitentiary, where history and incarceration merge in a delightfully eerie manner. This former prison, resembling a looming fortress, invites you to explore its hallowed halls and imagine the ghostly whispers of its former residents — hopefully only in your imagination! With a hauntingly captivating ambience and its deteriorating gothic architecture, Eastern State Penitentiary provides a remarkably unconventional tourist destination that will leave a lasting impression on even the most skeptical of visitors.

www.easternstate.org

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14. The Franklin Institute

4.6 (12398)

222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Prepare to have your mind blown at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, a place where science meets a whole lot of awesome! Get ready to do the "wow" dance as you step foot in this nerdy paradise, packed with mind-boggling exhibits and interactive experiences. From getting zapped by static electricity to walking through the giant heart (yeah, you heard it right!), this place will keep you engaged, entertained, and mildly concerned about the power of science.

www.fi.edu

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15. Reading Terminal Market

4.7 (39545)

1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the Reading Terminal Market proudly boasts its status as a food lover's mecca. Picture a delightful chaos of aromatic scents, hordes of wide-eyed tourists, and locals armed with grocery lists longer than Santa's naughty list. This vibrant labyrinthine wonderland promises an overwhelming feast for the senses, leaving you with a belly as happy as a toddler at an all-you-can-eat ice cream party.

readingterminalmarket.org

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16. Philadelphia Museum of American Revolution

4.7 (3152)

101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

Welcome to the Philadelphia Museum of American Revolution, where history comes to life faster than you can say "liberty." Step into the past and prepare for a captivating journey through America's fight for freedom, complete with authentic artifacts that have more stories to tell than your chatty Aunt Mildred. From dusty battle flags to tricorn hats that make modern fashion look positively pedestrian, this museum will give you a crash course in all things revolutionary.

www.amrevmuseum.org

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17. Philadelphia's Mural Mile

4.6 (100)

1727-29 Mt Vernon St, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Welcome to the whimsical wonderland known as Philadelphia's Mural Mile! Brace yourself for an extraordinary stroll through the city's vibrant streets, where larger-than-life stories unfold before your very eyes. As you wander this captivating route, prepare for a truly breathtaking hand-to-mural combat, as every turn offers a chance to be "wall-y" impressed by the urban artistry gracing the city's buildings.

www.muralarts.org

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18. Philadelphia Museum of Art

4.8 (18146)

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Welcome to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can pretend to be Rocky Balboa as you conquer the iconic steps leading up to this grandiose treasure trove of culture. Prepare yourself for an adventure that's more than just a museum visit; it's a marathon to explore the four floors of art, with exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to funky contemporary installations that will make your eyebrows raise higher than the city skyline. And if you're feeling fancy, don't forget to take a mandatory swipe at the bronze statue of Rocky himself, because what's a trip to Philly without paying homage to the fictional boxing champ?

www.philamuseum.org

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19. Philadelphia City Hall

4.6 (1166)

1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA

Welcome to Philadelphia City Hall, where history and bureaucracy collide in a magnificent, slightly perplexing union. Marvel at this grand architectural masterpiece that manages to simultaneously resemble a wedding cake, a chessboard, and perhaps a touch of Gotham City. With its clock tower piercing the skyline like a misplaced giant thermometer, it's hard not to associate this building with time magically disappearing while waiting in line for paperwork – definitely a must-see!

www.phila.gov

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20. Philadelphia Zoo

4.5 (19283)

3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Welcome to the Philadelphia Zoo, where you can hang out with more animals than a Disney movie! Prepare to feel like a legit Tarzan as you swing around this 42-acre wonderland, home to over 1,300 animals that will make your Instagram followers go wild. From the lazy lions who nap like they're on vacation to the overexcited monkeys who can't sit still (seriously, do they ever chill?), this zoo offers a beastly adventure you won't soon forget.

www.philadelphiazoo.org

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Philadelphia by plane is to fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which has international and domestic flights available.

Car

Driving to Philadelphia via Interstate 95 is a convenient option for those coming from nearby cities.

Train

Amtrak offers train services to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station from various cities across the United States.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Philadelphia, passengers can arrive in Philadelphia via a cruise to nearby cities such as New York or Baltimore and then take ground transportation to Philadelphia.

Bus

Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to Philadelphia from various U.S. cities.

More guides

Discover the Best of Philly in 3 Days

Philadelphia, located in Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and culture. As a tourist, you can explore famous sites such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center. Don't forget to also indulge in Philadelphia's famous food scene by trying a cheesesteak or soft pretzel.

Philly on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

A trip to Philadelphia on a limited budget can still be filled with historic experiences and exciting attractions. Visitors can explore the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for free, and enjoy the local food scene with delicious cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. With affordable lodging options and plenty of public transportation, Philadelphia is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Romantic Day Trip: Discover Philadelphia's Charm

Discover the birthplace of America and indulge in a romantic getaway to Philadelphia. Explore historic landmarks such as Independence Hall, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of Old City, and savor Philadelphia's famous cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. For a unique experience, visit the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and snap a photo at the iconic Rocky Steps.

Philly Fun: A Budget-Friendly 3-Day Family Adventure

A family friendly trip to Philadelphia offers an exciting blend of history, culture, and fun activities. Explore iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where America's founding fathers declared independence. Visit the Franklin Institute, a science museum with interactive exhibits, or take a stroll through the Philadelphia Zoo to admire a diverse range of wildlife.