Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
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Top 10 Traveler Resources 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. Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The guiding words as well as principles of the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies are simple: diversity and tolerance. Exhibits focus on persons and accomplishments spanning many cultures.
2. Fisher Fine Arts (Furness) Library
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Masonic Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
"The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania" is an example of elegant architecture. Inside, the lodge is adorned with lovely artwork.
Reviewed By PMahdis
We had run out of things to do and decided to give a tour here a shot. It was 1 hour long. If you expected to be treated like a tourist customer entitled to prod and demand things, maybe this is not the tour for you. I read some of the "terrible" ratings and things like not answering questions about the masons is maybe to be expected otherwise it would not be a secret society. 14 Presidents were Masons. This is an impressive building built by masons for masons. They allow the public in under watch by a tour guide. It is one of the strongest memory forming things I did in Philly.
6. Rosenbach Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
The Rosenbach Museum & Library seeks to inspire curiosity, inquiry, and creativity by engaging broad audiences in exhibitions, programs and research based on its remarkable and expanding collections. With an outstanding collection of rare books, manuscripts, furniture, and art, the Rosenbach is a museum and world-renowned research library, set within two historic 1865 townhouses, that reflects an age when great collectors lived among their treasures.
Reviewed By AlecPlotkin - West Chester, United States
Museum was a book lovers heaven. Admission was inexpensive and included a tour and Dracula and Frankenstein exhibit. The tour was of the library of the Rosenbachs which included many rare and interesting books. Handicapped accessible.
7. Free Library of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
This magnificent building modeled after the Place de Concorde in Paris has an excellent and eclectic collection. If its medieval manuscripts you want or early American hornbooks, youll find it here.
Reviewed By Justatouristlikeyou - Pinellas Park, United States
Amazing architecture, sweet area with old books, many floors specializing in different topics of publications. Not the largest library I've been to but this is a special place. Go I'd you have time or if you need a place to sit and think. Would be a great rainy day place for sure!!
8. Science History Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives. We preserve and interpret the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices in California and Europe, the Institute houses an archive and a library for historians and researchers, a fellowship program for visiting scholars from around the globe, a community of researchers who examine historical and contemporary issues, an acclaimed museum that is free and open to the public, and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Reviewed By larryderm - Philadelphia, United States
An excellent museum that tells in a succinct and beautiful fashion the development of science and chemistry so that the non-scientist will understand the progress that has been made through chemistry.
9. Library Company of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Library Company of Philadelphia is an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Open to the public free of charge, the Library Company houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company is America's oldest cultural institution and served as the Library of Congress from the Revolutionary War to 1800. The Library Company was the largest public library in America until the Civil War. The mission of the Library Company is to preserve, interpret, make available, and augment the valuable materials in our care. We serve a diverse constituency throughout Philadelphia and internationally, offering comprehensive reader services, an internationally renowned fellowship program, online catalogs, and regular exhibitions and public programs.
Reviewed By CyndyandByron - Bridgeton, United States
We attended the opening of the Ghost River exhibit. The Library Company invited Native American guests who were consultants for the book. Mingling with the members allowed for a greater understanding of the good, the bad, and the ugly of colonization depicted in the book. We also got to see several old books and documents, The card catalog actually till exits for researchers who are big users of this location. The Elliott Bible, the first Bible transcribed in a Native American language, was available for viewing. A light appetizer and beverage spread was provided for the guests in the well maintained meeting rooms.
10. Civil War Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Temporarily Closed to Public; Museum is moving to new location.
