Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
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The 10 Best Free Things to do 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. Wissahickon Valley Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 279 reviews
Reviewed By Wanderer2662 - North Potomac, United States
Wissahickon park is a beautiful wooded park with hiking trails and a creek to splash around in. It’s a great place for a fun afternoon with kids. But we recently attended a wedding at the Valley Green Inn - tucked into the park, right in the creek bank. What a nice place for a wedding!
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. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 956 reviews
This church's congregation has included Ben Franklin, George Washington and Betsy Ross.
Reviewed By antoinettel389
Where else can you visit one building and find history about religion, politics, social events, presidents, founding fathers, Betsy Ross, the Penn family, see a letter written by George Washington, see the tallest building in the colonies for 56 years, the 600 year old baptisimal font used to baptise William Penn, sit in The Presidents Pew .....and much, much more. All the church historians are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always willing to take time to answer questions. As a tour guide in Historic Philadelphia for the past 20 years I have the opportunity to vist with our guest from throughout the world and for many it is the highlight of their tour. They most often mention the passion of the guides which brings the church history alive. A trip to Historic Philadelphia is incomplete without a visit to Christ Church.
6. 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!
7. Independence Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,415 reviews
The Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Greater Philadelphia, primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park, and exclusive location to pick up free, timed tickets to tour Independence Hall. Our multilingual staff are fluent in twelve languages to help all visitors. Tickets for 100+ local tours, attractions, museums, are available for purchase. Free services and amenities offered here include: official Welcome Film of Philadelphia; maps and brochures; WiFi access; and public restrooms.
Reviewed By Larry10803 - Pelham, United States
Huge, very clean and well air conditioned Visitor Center next to Independence Mall. Great starting point for any visit, lots of brochures and info available. There are souvenir and snack shops within the building, as well as very clean bathrooms.
8. Yards Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Yards Brewing Company has been proudly brewing in the City of Brotherly Love since 1994. We’ve grown from a garage-sized operation in the Manayunk section of Philly to Roxborough, Kensington, Northern Liberties, and now to our newest location - a 70,000 square foot brewery and taproom - at 500 Spring Garden Street. Philadelphia Pale Ale and Brawler, both nationally recognized ales, lead a balanced portfolio of quality, handcrafted beers including eight year-round offerings and several seasonal and limited releases. Founder, Tom Kehoe, and the Yards Crew share a commitment to supporting the good people and organizations making their backyard a better place to live and work. Here at Yards, it's always been about working hard, having fun and giving back. The Brew Unto Others motto reflects our commitment to quality, community and sustainability. It's also a call-to-action. We encourage you to get together, to enjoy our beer, each other's company and to Brew Unto Others every day.
Reviewed By chetndeb - Elizabeth, United States
We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon, the place is huge and good thing, because it was hopping. The outside seating was filled and the gigantic lower floor was also filled, we sat upstairs and had a great time.our server was amazing and the beers and pretzel were great.
9. Fairmount Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
One of the world's largest municipal parks, a sprawling 9,200 acres contains several million trees and America's oldest zoo.
Reviewed By DMarshall2014 - Philadelphia, United States
Warm sunny day, have a picnic and enjoy the fabulous view... Now that spring is here, many restaurants have takeout....
10. Elfreth's Alley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,121 reviews
America's oldest residential street was built in 1702 and is now designated a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By stacywanderlust - Nashville, United States
This alley is representative of an era of history preserved in a single area and is the oldest residential street in the U.S. I took the best photos of my entire trip here. Private citizens occupy the houses, so I tried to be respectful of privacy and kept quiet. Elfreth's Alley is a must-see in Philly. I only wish the museum had been open the day I visited.
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