Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
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What to do and see in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
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. Rodin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,443 reviews
With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters - including "The Thinker" - the distinguished collection housed in the Rodin Museum represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career. Located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the elegant Beaux-Arts–style building and garden offer an absorbing experience and the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris.
Reviewed By mininani - Madrid, Spain
A small museum plenty of beatiful sculptures, most from Rodin, in a very nice house sourrounded by a nice garden. The entrance fee is "pay what you wish" all the days, and it's on the way to the Museum of Art.
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. 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.
9. Please Touch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
Hands-on museum where adults and children can learn and explore together. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free.
Reviewed By pookala - Philadelphia, United States
Our family’s 3 year old toddler spent a fully engaged 4 hours at The Please Touch Museum. Her first stop was the large water play area, followed by the Alice in Wonderland play space. We took a break for lunch & I have to say the cafe and its operation were run really well. Staff in the cafe were very kind and helpful. Different dining areas are available & she was enchanted by the Teddy Bears Picnic murals in our room. Also props to Maintenance for keeping the mayhem of families eating under control. Tables were cleaned, floors swept etc. After lunch, more playtime. We did two carousel rides ($3 for one ride, $5 for unlimited), went to the transportation area, the supermarket, the hospital, a building section and a restaurant. The only dud was perhaps the shoe store. Finished with some more time back in the water zone. One of the nice things about Please Touch is it’s housed in a beautiful old building & even though it was an obviously very crowded time (week between Xmas & New Years) you didn’t feel overwhelmed by other guests.
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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