What to do and see in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

November 14, 2021 Veronika Gaddis

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. Historic Philadelphia-Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches

About 8 blocks around Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA +1 215-629-5801 http://historicphiladelphia.org/once-upon-a-nation/storytelling-benches/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 99 reviews

Historic Philadelphia-Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches

2. Chestnut Hill Skyspace

20 E Mermaid Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19118-3505 +1 215-247-3553 http://www.chestnuthillskyspace.org
Excellent
94%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 70 reviews

Chestnut Hill Skyspace

Reviewed By Kitoeki - Philadelphia, United States

The Chestnut Hill Skyspace by James Turrell in a mystical moment, a magical experience and a profound art installation all at the same time. The property is wonderful to visit, the guides are outstanding and once the moment begins you will be utterly blown away by the experience. James Turrell, the sky and the Quaker Meeting House all come together to bring you on a journey through color, light, and experience. We loved laying on the floor and watching the sky and the room transform before our eyes. This is a must see activity for any art or nature lover in a wonderful vibrant neighborhood called Chestnut Hill, just 15-20 minutes from Center City. Take a hike before the visit in the natural wonder called the Wissahickon. I can guarantee you will recommend the Skyspace to friends after your visit.

3. Philadelphia Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

1739 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1122 http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/philadelphia/
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

Philadelphia Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

4. Liberty Bell Center

6th Street Between Market and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215-965-2305 http://www.nps.gov/inde/learn/historyculture/stories-libertybell.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,738 reviews

Liberty Bell Center

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. Rittenhouse Square

18th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-636-1666 http://www.rittenhouserow.org
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 840 reviews

Rittenhouse Square

People-watching is the favorite pastime at this busting park, with loads of benches to accommodate weary pedestrians.

Reviewed By David-KevinB - Washington DC, United States

Planned by William Penn himself, Rittenhouse Square is a fantastic park in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by apartments, hotels, restaurants and shops, the green space is a great respite and more often than not, features a musician or two near its entrances. #rittenhousesquare

6. Avenue of the Arts

S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19109-1029 +1 215-731-9668
Excellent
48%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Avenue of the Arts

7. Dream Garden Glass Mosaic

601 Walnut St # 45 in the Curtis Building, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3323 +1 732-604-3444 http://www.ushistory.org/tour/dream-garden.htm
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Dream Garden Glass Mosaic

8. Comcast Experience

1701 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2670 +1 215-496-1810 http://www.visitphilly.com/museums-attractions/philadelphia/comcast-experience-video-wall-comcast-center/
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 169 reviews

Comcast Experience

9. Wanamaker Organ

1300 Market St Macys, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3742 +1 215-241-9000 http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 848 reviews

Wanamaker Organ

Reviewed By upstateculture - Ithaca, United States

All of the department stores in our hometown have closed down so we went looking for Macy's while we were in town and were pleasantly surprised by the magnificence of this building and its preserved history including the original organ for the Wanamaker Department Store, one of the first in the country. It heralds from the grand era of department stores and is well worth the trip even if you don't need to buy anything, though you'll probably be inspired to need something while you're there. We didn't get to hear the organ when we went but I've read that there are noon performances and hope to catch one some day. You gotta see this if you're close by.

10. 30th Street Station

2955 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2828 +1 800-872-7245 http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer
Excellent
49%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 683 reviews

30th Street Station

Reviewed By pollytalknyc - New York City, United States

Red Caps are worth their service and all you do is deposit your luggage with then and if you are early wait and then one of then will take yo down as soon as train enters the station and takes you to the Quiet Car or wherever you have a seat and all this before the other passengers descend to the platform. Of course, do give a tio that is all I suggest.and it makes travel for seniors, poarticularly, so much easier.

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