Philadelphia is often overlooked in favor of its popular neighbors just a little bit north in New York City and a little bit south in Washington, D.C.. But people who skip over us here in the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection) are missing out!
There are plenty of awesome things to do in Philadelphia, our adopted hometown of 20 years. In addition to the sites where the founding fathers walked, there is lots of contemporary culture. You’ll find great parks, fabulous food and drinks, and street art that will make you want to come back to Philly again and again.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite attractions–the ones we recommend most to people who are visiting for the first time.
Tour Independence Hall
For most first-timers, a visit to Independence Hall is a must. This building, which has been restored to its 1776 appearance, is the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were adopted. It was also the seat of the US government for a decade while the White House was being built. Essentially everyone who was anyone in the colonial and early American governments darkened the doors of this building in Old City. Along with the Statue of Liberty and Monticello, Independence Hall is one of only a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S.
Independence Hall is impressive from the outside, but it’s in the 20-minute guided tour where the story comes alive. You’ll see George Washington’s “rising sun” chair in the Assembly Room, which is arranged as it was during the original Constitutional Convention. In the adjacent West Wing, the inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and an original draft of the Constitution are prominently displayed.
Timed tickets (just $1) are required March through December. If you’re visiting in January or February or after 5pm during summer hours, you won’t need one. Arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled tour to allow time to go through security.
See the Liberty Bell
Just across from Independence Hall is another of the top historical sites—the Liberty Bell. Year-round, people line up to see this imperfect symbol of liberty.
The bell rang in Independence Hall for decades, calling people together and serving as a rallying cry for independence. While there was no immediate announcement about the vote for independence on July 4, 1776, the bell was rung on July 8 when the Declaration of Independence was read aloud.
If the line isn’t too long, it’s worth taking a few minutes to walk through the free museum. Otherwise, walk to the south side of the building (the side that faces Independence Hall) where the bell is visible through glass any hour of the day. It’s even lit up at night.
Enjoy Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley is one of the most colorful places in the city. As the oldest residential street in the US, there is lot of history here, but we love it for its decorations and brightly painted doors.
The 32 houses currently along the cobblestoned Elfreth’s Alley were built between 1728 and 1836. The museum that now occupies 124-126 has been restored to its colonial-era appearance and tells the history of the street and the tradesmen who originally called it home. It’s fascinating to see inside.
See the street art
As lovers of street art, discovering new-to-us murals in the city is always fun. With the nation’s largest public arts program—Mural Arts Philadelphia—there are new pieces going up on the blank canvases of city buildings all the time.
In its 35-year history, Mural Arts has been responsible for over 3000 murals, and 60–100 public art projects are added each year. That means that no matter which neighborhoods you visit, you’re likely to find something created by the Mural Arts artists (you might even see the one we contributed to in Fairmount Park).
Taking a mural tour is one of the best ways to dig into the city’s street art culture. There are regular walking, biking, train, and vehicle tours of different neighborhoods and works with different themes.
Sample the offerings at Reading Terminal Market
For over 100 years, Reading Terminal Market has been one of the main markets in the city, and it’s the oldest continually operating market in the US. While it’s definitely a prime tourist attraction, it’s also very popular with locals.
The 100+ vendors sell fresh produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, and lots of prepared food. Our favorite stops are Millers Twist pretzels (they even have a delicious, stuffed cheesesteak option) and Bassetts Ice Cream, the oldest ice cream company in America–you really can’t go wrong with any of their flavors.
Visit LOVE Park
LOVE Park is so well-known as one of the top symbols of Philadelphia that you’ll never hear anyone call it by its official name, John F. Kennedy Plaza. It takes its name from the red LOVE statue by Robert Indiana that’s resided here since 1976. The park is a popular spot for proposals and even the occasional wedding, thanks to the theme. But, most days, it’s a quick photo stop for tourists and a place where locals escape from their offices in the afternoon.
Several days a week, the park hosts a handful of food trucks at lunch. There is a splash fountain, green areas, and walking paths along with plenty of seating. Throughout the year, there are markets, pop-ups, and various special events here.
Walk through Magic Gardens
South Street is home to one of the most creative attractions in the city, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. The unique museum, which bills itself as a “immersive mixed media art environment,” was created by artist Isaiah Zagar. It began as a project to beautify South Street and expanded into this unique place.
Using reclaimed materials, Zagar created this unexpected space that is essentially a giant, walk-through mosaic. The project weaves inside and outside, incorporating bicycle spokes, bottles, mirrors, and other items into the giant work. We’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else, which is why we highly recommend it.
Relax in Rittenhouse Square
Center City’s most expensive neighborhood is Rittenhouse Square, and, at its center, is a park by the same name. It was one of the five original parks planned by William Penn and was first constructed in 1683.
Today, Rittenhouse Square is a tree-filled park surrounded by luxury apartments, shops, and restaurants. It hosts a farmers market year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays and many special events such as the Rittenhouse Square Spring Festival and an annual Christmas tree lighting. It’s one of the fun places to lounge and people watch, and when you’re done with that, visit one of the nearby top restaurants like French bistro Parc or Barclay Prime steakhouse.
Enjoy the Delaware waterfront
The attractions along the Delaware River waterfront set Philadelphia apart from many major cities and provide lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Some of our favorites include:
Spruce Street Harbor Park — This riverside park is lined with hammocks and colorful seating. In season (May-October), there are lots of places to eat, movies, and frequent pop-up markets.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink — In winter and summer, the RiverRink offers outdoor recreation. Depending on the season, you can ice skate or roller skate, enjoy carnival rides, play games, and indulge in concessions like cheesesteaks and funnel cakes.
Cherry Street Pier — With food and drinks and incredible views of the Delaware River, this mixed-use spot is a regular stop for us. There is year-round artistic and cultural programming plus pop-up markets and artists’ studios.
Indulge at a rooftop bar
Rooftop bars are my happy place. Luckily, there is a considerable selection of places for a cocktail and meal with a view.
We love Assembly on the roof of the Logan Hotel overlooking Logan Circle and Continental Midtown, which has an indoor/outdoor bar that’s open year-round. Both spots are super convenient for visitors to Center City. Bok Bar in South Philly has stunning skyline views and a regular rotation of meals from some of Philly’s best chefs from April through October.
Visit Christ Church and its Burial Ground
Founded in 1695, Christ Church counted people like Presidents George Washington and John Adams, Betsy Ross, and others among its notable parishioners. The current building on 2nd Street is perfect for history lovers. The interior is open daily for visiting, and you’ll see all the marked pews where famous visitors sat as well as the baptismal font used for Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn.
In addition to the beautiful Georgian-style building, Christ Church is known for its cemetery. The burial ground three blocks away is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War figures and early leaders. Its most famous resident is Benjamin Franklin whose grave can be seen through an opening in the brick wall on the northwest side. Every day, hundreds of people toss pennies onto the marble grave marker in honor of his famous words, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”
See Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
A little further afield, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is an unexpected surprise. A few minutes from downtown, the house and peaceful garden span an acre oasis in Fairmount Park. If you’re visiting in spring through fall and want to do something a little bit different, this spot is worth visiting.
Shofuso was built in 1953 as a gift from Japan to American citizens as a symbol of peace following World War II. It includes a traditional-style Japanese house and a serene garden complete with koi pond and 75-year-old weeping cherry tree. Visitors can walk through the house (no shoes allowed), learn about its art and function, and linger in the gorgeous garden.
Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.
In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.
