Top Things to Do in Philadelphia

Affectionately known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia offers an abundance of activities for sports fans, museum-goers, and everyone in between.

This bustling city is renowned for its historic significance in shaping the country’s democracy, as well as for its famous Philly cheesesteaks that you must try. Catering to all the senses, Philly does not disappoint with its top-notch dining and cocktail spots, open-air cafes, public art, shopping, culture, and nightlife.

1. Get a History Lesson at Independence Hall

Regardless of your interest in history, a visit to the red-brick, Georgian-style structure of Independence Hall is essential. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution, the significance of this landmark cannot be overstated.

Experience a guided tour or enjoy live reenactments of the signing of the Declaration. If you’re visiting during the summer, look for storytelling benches just outside, where Historic Philadelphia’s storytellers provide a quick history lesson. Independence Hall is located within the expansive National Historic Park, which is also home to the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

Planning tip: Admission to Independence Hall is free, but you will need to secure a ticket ahead of time, which incurs a nominal handling fee. Tours are limited, so plan ahead.

2. Find Inspiration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the city’s largest cultural attraction, boasting over 240,000 works of art from diverse countries and cultures. This impressive museum consists of the main building, the Rodin Museum, the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, and Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove Park Houses, covering more than 1 million square feet. Visitors can explore everything from East Asian art to European sculpture and contemporary photography.

Moreover, the museum’s 72 steps gained fame from the movie Rocky. Embrace your inner athlete and race to the top; you certainly won’t be alone in this endeavor.

3. Root for Local Sports Teams at Xfinity Live!

Philadelphia is a sports lover’s paradise, featuring professional teams in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. Find a vibrant spot to catch a game with local fans while you’re in town. Xfinity Live!, an arena-like sports bar, features five bars and three local restaurants known for delicious food and lively atmosphere.

The venue is strategically located between major sports arenas, offering the perfect environment to watch Philadelphia’s teams on big screens. Join in and cheer for your favorite teams alongside fellow fans. If you’re feeling adventurous, give the bull ride at PBR: A Coors Banquet Bar a try and see how long you can hold on!

4. People-Watch in Dilworth Plaza

Dilworth Plaza is an ideal location for people-watching and resting your feet as you contemplate your next adventure in Philadelphia. This renovated area features four acres of lush green lawns, a fountain, a cafe, and an outdoor roller skating rink that transforms into an ice skating venue during winter.

Conveniently located near City Hall, Dilworth Plaza hosts a variety of events including yoga classes, musical concerts, dance performances, and outdoor movie screenings. The park provides free Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your visit.

5. Explore South Street

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Street is a lively 14-block stretch filled with clothing boutiques, bars, restaurants, music venues, art galleries, and shops. It’s a great spot for people-watching, shopping, and immersing yourself in local culture.

Gastronomic delights await, with options ranging from gyros and cheesesteaks to Caribbean, Indian, and Mexican cuisine. Experience local music at MilkBoy bar while enjoying creative cocktails, or catch a live show at the Theater of Living Arts (TLA)—a favorite local venue for decades.

Planning tip: Utilize public transit or ride-hailing services, as parking can be quite challenging in this busy area.

6. Treat Your Tastebuds at Reading Terminal Market

At Reading Terminal Market, indulge in freshly baked treats from Beiler’s Bakery, savor Creole flavors from Beck’s Cajun Cafe, and enjoy locally roasted coffee from Old City Coffee. This extensive market features over 80 merchants offering a wide variety of cuisines.

Originally comprised of two markets, it now welcomes over 100,000 visitors each week and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2018, marking it as one of the largest and oldest public markets in the United States.

Planning tip: To avoid long lines, consider visiting during off-peak hours.

7. Shop at Fashion District Philadelphia

For those looking to update their wardrobe, the 1.1-million-square-foot Fashion District Philadelphia delivers shopping bliss, featuring brands such as Sephora, Pandora, Columbia, and Torrid.

Even if shopping isn’t your main interest, the revitalized area includes a movie theater, bowling alley, and an amusement center complete with billiards, karaoke, and 250 arcade games. WonderSpaces also offers mesmerizing, immersive art installations for the entire family to enjoy.

8. Contemplate Incarceration at Eastern State Penitentiary

The notorious Eastern State Penitentiary once housed infamous mobsters and thousands of others subjected to solitary confinement. Today, visitors have various options for exploring this historic site, including daytime walkthroughs, virtual tours, and night tours for the brave.

Additionally, numerous artists showcase their works throughout the penitentiary, making your visit a captivating experience.

9. Snap Photos of Boathouse Row

If you appreciate architectural beauty, visit Boathouse Row located west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This picturesque row comprises fifteen historic houses belonging to rowing and social clubs, with many collegiate teams practicing on the Schuylkill River.

Enjoy walking, jogging, or biking through the lush 12-acre area filled with scenic trails. During the holiday season, the houses are adorned with colorful lights, adding to the charm.

Planning tip: While the lights outlining the boathouses are appealing, maintenance is ongoing until the end of 2023, so day visits are recommended until the upgrade is complete.

10. Immerse Yourself in Black Culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

This museum features four levels of interactive exhibits commemorating Black Americans’ history and their ancestors. Established in 1976 by the Smithsonian for the bicentennial celebration, it was the first institution dedicated to preserving African-American history and culture, conveniently located just two blocks from Independence Hall.

Don’t miss the permanent display titled Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876, highlighting the contributions of Philadelphians of African descent through various historical records and images.

Planning tip: Visitors need to choose a time to visit, with four time slots available each day. Check the calendar for special events like lectures and workshops during your visit.

This article highlights the top destinations and activities in Philadelphia, ensuring you have an enriching experience in this historic city.