Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
Countries
10 Things to do in Philadelphia That You Shouldn't Miss
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia
1. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
2. Liberty Bell Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,738 reviews
Though it can no longer be rung, the bell remains a lasting American symbol of freedom.
Reviewed By Southjp - London, United Kingdom
A must do!!! Visit very emotional and educational about the iconic symbol of American independence, set in the ruins of the colonial house.
3. Reading Terminal Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,685 reviews
Featuring over 80 concessions, this historic market has something for even the most eclectic of tastebuds.
Reviewed By normanandmarilyn - Caldicot, United Kingdom
This amazing market was all indoors and had every type of food offering you could possibly think of There was tables and chairs to sit at after you had chosen your wonderful food offering which went from Vegan to Chinese and from Pizza to Healthy
4. Independence Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,956 reviews
Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
This is a must-see attraction which requires a timed entry ticket which should be reserved way in advance, especially during holidays, spring break, and summer. We went in October and could not get tickets for our first-choice date, so we re-juggled our planned itinerary around the date for which we could get tickets to Independence Hall. It seems to us the first place to visit in Philadelphia is Independence Hall for people interested in American history. (If you're an art aficionado, then the Barnes would be the first stop in Philly.) The park ranger provided an informative overview and history of Independence Hall, after which we were allowed to roam and explore the Independence Square buildings. To get or pick-up reserved tickets, go to the modern Independence Visitor Center which across the street from the entrance to Independence Hall.
5. Rodin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,443 reviews
With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters - including "The Thinker" - the distinguished collection housed in the Rodin Museum represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career. Located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the elegant Beaux-Arts–style building and garden offer an absorbing experience and the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris.
Reviewed By mininani - Madrid, Spain
A small museum plenty of beatiful sculptures, most from Rodin, in a very nice house sourrounded by a nice garden. The entrance fee is "pay what you wish" all the days, and it's on the way to the Museum of Art.
6. The Franklin Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,112 reviews
Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. Discover something new at The Franklin Institute, where kids and parents can explore the fun side of science through twelve cutting-edge, hands-on exhibitions. Every day The Franklin Institute provides resources that help people to connect with science and technology in creative ways that resonate with learners of all ages and backgrounds
Reviewed By IanWright_Philly - Philadelphia, United States
Whether it is a walk through the giant heart, standing on the footplate of the last great steam engine, exploring the inner workings of the brain or visiting one of the many world class visiting exhibitions, the Franklin Institite has something for everyone with a curious mind. It also houses Franklin Hall, the national memorial to Ben Franklin. This is a must see for kids of all ages!
7. Barnes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,320 reviews
The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest collections of nineteenth- and twentieth-century French painting in the world. An extraordinary number of masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse provide a depth of work by these artists that is unavailable elsewhere. Established as an educational institution, the Barnes carries out its mission teaching classes in its galleries and Arboretum.
Reviewed By LisaC712 - Asheville, United States
I visited here over 30 y ago when reservations were difficult to acquire and gettting there was also not easy. The new building is an architectural beauty and the art- week , for the Barnes family to have bought what they did and preserved it for everyone to see and learn and experience all that beauty- it is truly amazing and an experience every lover of impressionist art should have
8. One Liberty Observation Deck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,248 reviews
Visitors to One Liberty Observation Deck get a breathtaking look at the historic Philadelphia skyline from a one-of-a-kind vantage point. See the whole city from above and learn about Philly's rich history and culture with interactive touchscreens and free tours Friday-Sunday. One Liberty is one of the best places to take photos in the city and a great place to start your Philadelphia journey.
Reviewed By E5647LFtracym - Greensboro, United States
Got lucky and visited on a slow day so we have plenty of time and space to walk and take in the outstanding views (also was a clear beautiful day). When exploring cities as a family we normally will visit observatories and this one was certainly not a disappointment. Much like many, they have description based on the view you are looking at to list what you are looking at. Philly being a smaller city than say NYC or Chicago , this observatory really lets you take in and see the entire city and surrounding area. Definitely worth visit to see the entire City of Brotherly Love! Good for couples and families. Stroller friendly
9. Philadelphia Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,268 reviews
A surprise around every corner - discover the cultural heart of Philadelphia. The museum’s landmark building houses one of the most remarkable collections in the country, featuring some of the greatest works of American, Asia, and European art anywhere. You’ll find van Gogh's Sunflowers, the world’s largest Marcel Duchamp and the only dedicated Rodin Museum outside France. Eat. Drink. Shop. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, you’ll always see something new. Catch a world-class exhibition or get to know the masterpieces that live year-round in the museum’s 200+ galleries, including many stunning architectural spaces and period rooms. Then, browse an impressive collection of art books and more at the Museum Store and grab a bite made by Constellation Culinary at one of the cafés or Stir, the only Frank Gehry–designed restaurant on the East Coast. Kids 18 and under are always free. Bring the whole family and enjoy kid-friendly programs all year long.
Reviewed By katsusanna - Raleigh, United States
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the best art museums I have ever visited. Unfortunately, we only had about two hours to spend in the museum, which isn't nearly enough, so we had to move at a brisk pace and be selective about the exhibits we visited. We aren't big fans of contemporary art, so we focused primarily on the classical European and American galleries, which were just overwhelmingly impressive. We actually started in the medieval Europe section, viewing arms and armor from that period (my husband could have spent a LOT more time in that section!). We then moved on to the art from our favorite periods -- 18th and 19th century. They have a wonderful collection from that period (both European and American), and my personal favorite galleries were the period rooms that were transported and recreated -- using the original furnishings, artwork, and architectural elements -- from authentic period homes. They have an absolutely wonderful collection of 18th-century paintings, which was the other highlight for me. We also viewed the Impressionist galleries, where they have a nice representation of works by the most famous Impressionists, such as Renoir and Monet, although the paintings themselves are not necessarily the most famous or iconic works by those artists. Again, we had to move at a brisk pace to see all of that in two hours, and I would definitely like to return again someday and be able to spend more time there. Before entering the museum, we did view the Rocky statue outside, although we opted not to wait in line to have our photo taken with the statue. (I've never seen the movie Rocky, but my husband has, and he insisted on doing the obligatory run up the museum steps and doing the "triumphant Rocky pose" at the top.). One nice surprise --- the day we visited happened to be a "pay what you wish" day, which was really nice, since we knew we'd only have about two hours to spend in the museum and were able to pay a bit less than the usual admission price of $25. I will say, though, that $25 is a reasonable price to pay if you have the time to be able to visit the museum at your leisure, and I would absolutely have no qualms about paying that if I visit again on a regular admission day. If I am ever in Philadelphia again, I definitely hope to make a return visit to the art museum. It is truly a world-class collection, exhibited in a beautiful facility!
10. Museum of the American Revolution
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,305 reviews
Experience the Revolution. Join the angry mob that pulls down a statue of King George III. Face the enemy on the front lines of battle while risking everything for the uncertain hope of freedom. Take an engrossing chronological journey that gives you a feel for the Revolution through immersive galleries, digital interactives, recreated historical environments and more.
Reviewed By dons262 - Boston, United States
We spent about 4 hours at the museum, although it could be done in less time. It has a good variety of exhibits, including films, artifacts, and explanations of the history of the war, the roles of loyalists, women, slaves, Native Americans, etc., and the lasting effects of the revolution. The film on Washington’s War Tent was surprisingly good.
