Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
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Things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Historic Sites
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. Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
A non-profit library and historic site furnished with fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century. Free exhibitions.
2. Old St. Augustine's
3. Old St. Mary's Church
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. Physick House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The only free standing Federal-style mansion left in Philadelphia. Built in 1786 for Madiera wine importer Henry Hill, it was later purchased by Dr. Philip Syng Physick in 1815. Tours are available at the top of the hour. The last tour of the day begins at 3pm. The museum is open Thursday- Sunday from April- November. The museum is open on Saturday & Sunday for the first two weekends in December & all weekends in March. Available by appointment only in January & February.
Reviewed By TwofortheRoad1115
I love historic homes and this one did not disappoint on that front. But what was truly interesting was the history of the people who lived in this house. We had a fabulous, knowledgeable and personable guide (who actually lives on the property) and she shared the life stories of the Hill Family, the wine merchants who built the house, and it's subsequent owner, the fascinating Dr. Philip Physick, considered the Father of American Surgery. We were fortunate be the only two people on the tour so it was more of a conversation with the guide rather than the typical tour. I highly recommend a visit here.
10. Powel House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
The Georgian mansion of well-to-do colonial Samuel Powel, who served as mayor of Philadelphia. Home also to the sinful dinners, as John Adams called it, the fabulous dinners and dances Powel hosted, inviting the founding fathers and foreign dignitaries.
Reviewed By DeePartyofSix
If you're in the Society Hill area (near the Physick House), be sure to book a tour of the mid-Georgian 18th-century mansion, Powel House. We were guided through the estate by Meghan, who has an amazing grasp on the history of the home, it's inhabitants and the social customs of the colonial era. The foyer archway was considered a "privacy entrance" - if the family chose to welcome you into their home, you would be invited into the main part of the home; if they considered you an acquaintance ... well, you'd be left standing in the foyer! The Powels were great entertainers, welcoming their contemporaries ... George and Martha Washington, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, the Marquis de Lafayette, and other notable and distinguished revolutionaries. The significance of the house is predominantly the close relationship that Samuel and Eliza Powel maintained with George and Martha Washington. This isn't just hear-say, there's written correspondence between GW and Eliza Powell, that reflect an intimately friendly and trusted relationship. The connection between the two families is clearly evident by correspondence and the gifts given to the Powels from the Washingtons. There's quite a number of original artifacts: a few pieces of blue and white china that Martha bestowed to Eliza (part of the blue and white set displayed at Mt. Vernon) along with the Powell's floral pink china set; there's "pretzel-back" chairs in the dining room that GW so greatly admired, he had the design copied for Mt. Vernon; upon GW's death, he bequeathed his carriage to the Powel family (because the Powell House lacks adequate coverage and protection to house and maintain the carriage, Powel House "loans" the carriage to Mt. Vernon for their display. The unsung hero of the stories is Eliza Powel. She was an ardent supporter of the American Revolution, and talked strategy with the founding fathers for the war - more so than her husband. Samuel held a prestigious position in Philadelphia that favored him maintaining loyalist ties with the King and Parliament. Despite being a Shippen descendent (as in Anne Shippen-Willing was her mother and loyalist spy, Peggy was her cousin), Eliza Willing-Powel devoted herself to furthering the revolution and seeing that GW accepted the role as the first President of the newly independent colonies. Although Samuel Powel served as the appointed Mayor of Philadelphia, his "founding father" friends convinced him to sign "an oath of allegiance" to the colonies. Two weeks later, the British occupied the Powel House, moving Samuel and Eliza out of their bedroom into the head servants bedroom. Fortunately, the signed oath was never discovered by the British; had the document been presented, Samuel would have been tried and executed for treason to the British crown. There's a portrait of Eliza's great, great, great aristocratic British grandfather who signed the execution order for King George I; then King George II signed the grandfather's execution order. Meghan offers a wealth of information. Best not to miss a tour of this little gem. *** Book your tour ahead of time.
