Philadelphia: what's actually worth it
Philadelphia’s soul was forged when the Declaration of Independence echoed through Independence Hall, shaping a city that still values its foundational ideals. Walk its streets and you’ll feel a gritty resilience mixed with warm hospitality; locals are quick to offer directions or share stories over a cheesesteak. This is not just a museum town but a vibrant, living community where historic brick lanes meet modern art scenes, inviting you to explore beyond the tourist traps and discover the authentic rhythm of America’s oldest city.
Top things to do in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art museum · ★ 4.8 (23,418 reviews)
Majestic space with famed entry staircase featuring Renaissance classics & special exhibits.
Check tours & tickets →Independence National Historical Park
Historical Place · ★ 4.6 (26,587 reviews)
This landmark-filled park covers 20 city blocks with museums, Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell.
Check tours & tickets →Liberty Bell
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.6 (23,511 reviews)
Last rung in 1846, this 2,080-pound icon of freedom features a biblical inscription & a famed crack.
Check tours & tickets →Adventure Aquarium
Aquarium · ★ 4.6 (19,651 reviews)
Massive aquarium with a 3D theater, plus hippos, stingrays & an underwater shark tunnel.
Check tours & tickets →Philadelphia Zoo
Zoo · ★ 4.5 (22,643 reviews)
Large zoo with nearly 1,700 animals, including rare & endangered species, plus an education center.
Check tours & tickets →Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
Museum · ★ 4.7 (14,764 reviews)
Iconic stairs from the movie "Rocky" providing tourists a popular photo-op & views of the city.
Check tours & tickets →The Franklin Institute
Museum · ★ 4.6 (13,911 reviews)
Lively, family-friendly science museum with many interactive exhibits & displays plus a planetarium.
Check tours & tickets →JFK Plaza (Love Park)
Park · ★ 4.5 (15,946 reviews)
Bustling urban plaza featuring a geyser-like fountain & Robert Indiana's well-known Love sculpture.
Check tours & tickets →Independence Hall
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.7 (8,026 reviews)
Georgian hall where the Declaration of Independence & the U.S. Constitution were debated & signed.
Check tours & tickets →Spruce Street Harbor Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (8,274 reviews)
This popular summer staple with games, events & food features gardens, an urban beach & hammocks.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Reading Terminal Market
Market · ★ 4.7 (46,099 reviews)
Famous indoor farmer's market offering diverse fare, housewares & area specialties since 1893.
Website →Down Home Diner
Breakfast Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,482 reviews)
A kitschy retro diner motif sets the scene for Southern-inspired homestyle cooking.
Website →Oh Brother Philly
American Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (5,508 reviews)
Casual counter-serve destination for classic cheesesteaks, burgers, creative sides & shakes.
Website →Parc
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (6,502 reviews)
Traditional bistro fare is served in a bustling setting that reminds of belle epoque Paris.
Website →The Dandelion
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (5,530 reviews)
This spot serves craft beers & modern takes on British cuisine in a pubby setting.
Website →Pat's King of Steaks
American Restaurant · ★ 4.1 (15,442 reviews)
The self-proclaimed "inventor of cheesesteak" offers classic versions of Philly's favorite sandwich.
Website →El Vez
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (6,487 reviews)
Trendy Mexican joint serving upscale eats & cocktails in a colorful, flashy setting.
Website →Monk's Cafe
European Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (4,332 reviews)
Mussels, fries, craft ales & other Belgian-accented offerings dispensed in a brewpub setting.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours
Tour Agency · ★ 4.5 (2,810 reviews)
Tour operator specializing in trolley & double-decker-bus trips around town to see famous sights.
Check tours & tickets →Boathouse Row
Storage · ★ 4.7 (1,728 reviews)
Scenic riverside site of historic boathouses for rowing clubs dating back to 1853.
Check tours & tickets →City Cruises
Tour Agency · ★ 4.3 (2,537 reviews)
Romantic dining, dancing & entertainment with a view of the Philadelphia skyline from a ritzy yacht.
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Wissahickon Valley Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (6,934 reviews)
Vast park with over 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians, plus a trout-stocked creek.
Website →Nockamixon State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (4,728 reviews)
This 5,286-acre park has Lake Nockamixon for swimming & boating, plus horseback riding & camping.
Website →Marsh Creek State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (4,313 reviews)
The 1,727-acre park contains Marsh Creek Lake offers fishing & boating, ice skating & ice-boating.
Website →Ridley Creek State Park
State Park · ★ 4.7 (3,449 reviews)
Green oasis of woodlands & meadows offering hiking, fishing & picnicking from sunrise to sunset.
Website →John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Wildlife Refuge · ★ 4.7 (3,201 reviews)
Dedicated to preserving the Tinicum Marsh, this refuge offers hiking trails & a visitor center.
Website →After dark
The Dandelion
Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (5,530 reviews)
This spot serves craft beers & modern takes on British cuisine in a pubby setting.
Website →Monk's Cafe
European Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (4,332 reviews)
Mussels, fries, craft ales & other Belgian-accented offerings dispensed in a brewpub setting.
Website →McGillin's Olde Ale House
Irish Pub · ★ 4.4 (4,956 reviews)
Oldest continually operating pub in the city featuring a vast beer selection, pub fare & karaoke.
Website →Silk City
Diner · ★ 4.5 (3,029 reviews)
This renovated diner with an outdoor beer garden serves classics like fried chicken & meatloaf.
Website →More guides
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