Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
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The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA)
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. Woodford Mansion
2. Philadelphia Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
3. City Hall Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,387 reviews
Located in the true center of Philadelphia, the City Hall Visitor Center allows visitors to experience one of the City’s most iconic buildings. Our knowledgeable Visitor Services Representatives offer visitor essentials including maps, brochures, souvenirs and trip itineraries. Interior and Tower Tours of this architectural treasure are available.
Reviewed By WuzA-Fergie - Bethlehem, United States
I’ve always admired the architectural beauty of this building, and I’ve wanted to do the “Building Tour” (which includes the Tower tour) for a long time. Our tour guide was Walker, and he was very knowledgeable about the history of the building. He took us outside to see statues, the courtyard, and different historical vantage points of the building. Inside, there are many murals depicting events relevant to the history of Philadelphia, as well as beautiful meeting rooms . It was a gorgeous day to visit the Tower, and the views were spectacular! A word of warning though- the elevator to the top is extremely small, and an only fit 4 people at a time. I’d highly recommend this trip!
4. Boathouse Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
The best walking and biking route in the city is along the Schuylkill River. The cluster of 15 rowing clubs host a variety of rowing and running events each year.
Reviewed By MissElegance
These mostly historic boathouses are private, but there is a public place to rent boats and another for bikes or surreys. The view from Martin Luther King Dr (FKA West River Drive) is beautiful -- day or lit-up at night. Biking, hiking, driving, or picnicking along the water is lovely and can be busy but never overly crowded except on regatta days! There's an ok cafe for a beverage or snack near the bike rentals on Kelly Drive (fka East River Drive).
5. Arch Street United Methodist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
6. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Tour our house, view our garden and feed our koi! Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007.Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials and exhibited in the courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was moved to Philadelphia in 1958, to the site of several previous Japanese structures dating to the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In 2007, internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, inspired by our waterfall, donated 20 murals to Shofuso.A viewing garden with koi pond and island, a tea garden, and a courtyard garden comprise the 17th century-style Japanese walled and fenced garden of this historic site and museum.
Reviewed By 200PL - Philadelphia, United States
I visit this place maybe twice a year, I would totally go more times, but I like to stretch it out a bit. I park near the horticulture center and walk through it’s courtyard to The shofuso house. The entrance is grand and reminiscent of that of walking into a courtyard in 16th century Japan. You take a stone trail to the guest window (there is only one, so on a good day, there can be quite a wait. Arrive around 11:00-11:45 to avoid crowds or long lines. After a check in, price is reasonable for the culture experience, you can either walk the path around the house or visit the koi pond. Many of the koi are huge and have beautiful colors. A few turtles live in the huge pond as well. If you take a walk to the pond, grab some fish food for $2 on your way. You’ll appreciate the many fish and the colors. They love to eat! There is a statue hidden amongst bambo and brush that you can cast some coins onto for luck. When you’re finished walking the ground and taking in the: many varieties of trees, pond, island and bridge (performance or ambiance purpose only for the island), a small yet meaningful waterfall, and pathways, visit a service member to get a lecture about the house. I found the history of the house to be fascinating. You learn about the different rooms, how and why the house arrived to Philadelphia, the reason for the scenery and even a few demonstrations of how certain aspects of the house work. This is a great place to visit for those who enjoy cultural experiences, history, and who want to simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s a great place for professional and amateur photographers to get some awesome shots. They hold tea classes once a month and have many different events throughout the year. The porch like area of the house, is great for just sitting around and taking in the scenery. A representative even stated it’s a great place to visit in rainy weather because of how the house is designed, as the water runs off of the roof and into the many waterways throughout the house grounds. All in all, everyone, from children to teens will enjoy their visit. The enclosed photo is during the first week of Spring. Cherry blossoms are scheduled beginning in April.
7. The Curtis Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By DanielS936
On a walking tour of Washington Square we read of the visual treasures inside the Curtis Building. The magnificent mural is visible on entry and a short walk down the hall takes you to the atrium flanked by a spectacular fountain.
8. Andalusia Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By hmonshaw - Haddonfield, United States
This National Historic Landmark ”is one of the earliest and most pristine examples of the Greek Revival style in the country.” The 1806 house and grounds are sited on a soft promontory--the lawns sloping down to the Delaware river. We toured the house with an extremely knowledgeable docent—the two-hour tour flew by. The interior is so homey with furniture and other accessories accumulated by the family for over 200 years. The grounds are replete with a grotto, engine house, dog cemetery woodland walk, pool pavilion, billiard room atop the old ice house. We saved ourselves primarily for the gardens and grapery; especially the 1830’s ingenuous attempt to grow grapes by heating the garden wall. The garden was recently rehabbed--gorgeous and meticulously maintained. In the late 1790’s John Craig, a wealthy Philadelphia merchant with business ties to southern coastal Spain—thus the estate’s name—built this estate 13 miles north of Philadelphia. In 1806 renovations began with the architect Benjamin Latrobe (White House redesigner). In 1811 Craig’s daughter married Nicholas Biddle, the president of the Second Bank of U.S. initiating more renovations in 1835 with Philadelphia architect Thomas Walter (U.S. Capitol redesigner and Girard College architect). Walter enlarged the house and designed the Greek Revival monumental portico facing the Delaware river.
9. Royal Princess Grace Kelly Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Experience787028
I have long remembered seeing the Kelly family home at 3901 Henry Street in Philadelphia from the black and white movie tone newsreels of the day. So to actually see it in person was a treat. Henry Street is a very busy thoroughfare and there's nowhere to park on that Street. If you want to actually walk around the house, as I did , you must park on the side street. This is actually fairly easy because directly across the street on the side of the house is a city park and there seems to be ample parking near. Grace Kelly's son ,Prince Albert of Monaco ,recently acquired the house and restored the exterior to its original appearance. It is worth the trip over.
