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Best Things To Do In Philadelphia

Planning a trip to Philadelphia? Use this guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to do in Philadelphia! Here’s what you’ll definitely want to see and do:

Things To Do in Philadelphia

A few weeks ago Kevin and I spent a weekend in Philadelphia to celebrate our anniversary. We had such a blast in this fun city. Philadelphia is fascinating — there is so much beauty and history here. It almost feels like stepping back in time, or traveling across the ocean and vacationing in a romantic European city with all the historic buildings, architecture, and streets.

Where else can you walk on the oldest street in America? Or mail a letter from the very first United States Post Office? I highly recommend everyone visit Philly at least once. It is especially great for kids learning about our nation’s history and founding fathers.

Best Things to Do In Philadelphia

If you’re wondering what to do in Philadelphia, we researched all the most popular things to do in Philadelphia and put them all in this one convenient list. Here are the best things to do in Philadelphia:

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell

Of course, one of the most popular things to do in Philadelphia is see the Liberty Bell!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Liberty Bell

Entrance to the Liberty Bell is free, and opens daily at 9am. You don’t need a ticket, and if you get there right at 9am or a few minutes before, you can be the first to get in and see the Liberty Bell without the crowds or waiting in line.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Across from the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell once hung, and where the Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock, to name a few.

Entrance to Independence Hall is free, but you do need a ticket. A free ticket can be obtained at the Independence Visitor Center near the Liberty Bell. The visitor center opens daily at 8:30am, so grab a ticket before or after seeing the Liberty Bell, then head over to Independence Hall.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Love Sign

Philadelphia Love Sign

The City of Brotherly Love’s best-known landmark is LOVE itself!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Love Sign

The iconic LOVE Statue has been a symbol of Philadelphia since it was installed in Philadelphia’s Love Park in 1976. Taking a picture in front of the Love Sign is one of the most iconic things to do in Philadelphia!

Read More: Best Philadelphia Restaurants

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Museum Of Art

Philadelphia Museum Of Art

If you are a fan of Rocky, you know this view! The Philadelphia Museum of Art (also know as the “Rocky Steps”) is where Rocky Balboa ran up the now-famous 72 stone steps.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Museum Of Art

This is a view from the top! You’ll find the Rocky Statue at the bottom of the steps on the right. Running up the Rocky Steps was definitely on Kevin’s “things to do in Philadelphia” list!!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building in the United States. It’s located right by the Love Sculpture and Reading Terminal Market. There’s a tower and observation deck inside, but even if you don’t go in it’s definitely worth walking past and seeing.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is a landmark in Philadelphia where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross lived when she sewed the first American Flag.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Betsy Ross House

We had originally planned to just walk by and see the outside, but for a small fee you can also go inside and see what the home would’ve looked like in the 1700s. It was actually very cool to see inside. So many small, winding staircases!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest residential street in America.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

There are 32 houses on the street, which were built between 1728 and 1836.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

These houses have been continuously inhabited for nearly 300 years.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia, I would highly recommend walking up and down this cobblestone street!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Elfreth's Alley

There were beautiful streets and homes everywhere we turned in Philly!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Ben Franklin's Grave

Ben Franklin’s Grave

Although he wasn’t born here, at age 17 Benjamin Franklin ran away to Philadelphia to start a new life, and lived most of his life here until he died in 1790.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Ben Franklin's Grave

You can see where Ben and his wife Deborah were buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. There is a small fee to get in the cemetery, but you can see the grave from the outside. We didn’t go in, both of these pictures were taken from the outside. You can also place a penny on his grave.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - First Post Office

The First Post Office in the United States

Only in Philadelphia can you visit the very first Post Office in the United States. The postal workers here wear colonial-style clothing and use a quill and inkwell to write — a living portrayal of a bygone Colonial lifestyle. People come from all over to mail letters here, because letters mailed from this post office are hand-canceled with an exclusive postmark. Definitely send yourself a post card from here as a memento of your trip! One of the most popular things to do in Philadelphia is have your wedding invitations mailed from this post office!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Boathouse Row

Boathouse Row

Boathouse Row is another unique historic site in Philadelphia.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Boathouse Row

Located just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art you’ll find a row of 15 boathouses built in the 19th-century which house a variety of social and rowing clubs along the Schuylkill River. If you’re looking for things to do in Philadelphia, this spot is perfect for an afternoon stroll!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Chinatown

Chinatown

At the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood stands the colorful 40-foot Friendship Gate. This international neighborhood features unique shops and the best Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai food in the city!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Philadelphia Magic Gardens

Another highlight of the trip was visiting the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. This is one of our favorite things to do in Philadelphia!!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

The Magic Gardens are a unique, vibrantly embellished outdoor art installation.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

This labyrinth of colorful tiles spans three city lots which are completely covered in mosaic art.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

The man behind the mosacis is Isaiah Zagar, a local artist who began tiling Philadelphia’s infamous South Street in the 1960s and never stopped.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

He constructed the space out of glass tiles, bicycle spokes, wine bottles, ceramic and other artistic knick-knacks.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Philadelphia Magic Gardens

There is a small fee to enter the gardens, but you can see a lot of them from the outside, and even the walls around the garden are decorated as well!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - South Street

South Street

South Street is one of Philadelphia’s most eclectic and lively neighborhoods. Known as the edgiest street in Philadelphia, South Street is a melting pot of groups and cultures. It’s got personality & charm all its own with over 300 diverse shops and more than 60 restaurants, cafes and bars.

South Street is perfect for people watching — it’s always buzzing with hip visitors and locals no matter if you visit on a Tuesday afternoon or a Friday night!

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Ben Franklin Bridge

Ben Franklin Bridge

One of our favorite things to do in Philadelphia is walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge at sunset.

Things To Do in Philadelphia - Ben Franklin Bridge

On one side of the bridge is Philadelphia, and the other side is New Jersey. We took an Uber across the bridge to New Jersey and walked back to Philadelphia to work up an appetite for dinner. Stunning views of the river and Philadelphia skyline at sunset!

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

This is one my favorite things to do in Philadelphia! The audio tour takes around 45 minutes and is narrated by Steve Buscemi.

Read More: Visiting Eastern State Penitentiary

Philadelphia Hotels

Philadephia Hotels

Looking for the best place to stay in Philadelphia? Check out our review of The Logan Hotel in Philadelphia.

Read More: Philadephia Hotels — The Logan Hotel


Getting Around in Philadelphia

We loved walking all over Philadelphia everywhere we could, but sometimes you just need a taxi. Thank goodness for Uber! Have you heard of Uber?? It’s your own personal, private car service and it’s cheaper than a taxi. All you do is download the Uber app, and it will show you where drivers are near you, and tell you how long it will take for a car to get to you.

Uber is available in most cities worldwide and usually a car can be there in less than 5 minutes. You even set your destination through the app so you don’t have to worry about your driver not speaking English or not knowing where to take you.

No need to wait outside in the cold, heat, or rain for a taxi — the app sends you a notification when your driver is getting close, and another notification when they have arrived.

You can add a credit card or Paypal account to your Uber account, so you never to worry about paying the driver. It’s all done through the app — no money exchanges hands. You get in the car, the driver takes you to your location, and you get out. No fumbling with paying, you can just get out and leave!

Tip is even included. It says so on their webpage that it’s built into the price of the service. So much easier than a taxi! Uber is seriously the fastest, best, and safest way to get around in Philadelphia!

Use this link to sign up with Uber to get your first ride FREE!


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Best Things To Do In Philadelphia

Best Things To Do In Philadelphia

Best Things To Do In Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

Things To Do in Philadelphia

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24 Responses
  1. Brett Rosenthal

    These are all great and all things that Philly natives overlook about the city. Born and raised here and actually never went to the Liberty Bell and that seems to be common.

  2. Scott

    Born in Philly ,raised in South Jersey, I don’t disagree with any of those places in this article, especially for a tourist to our great city. Okay this covers your first day in town, what about the rest? You have to get a cheese steak. They’ll tell you Pat’s or Geno’s both right across from each other. Don’t eat there, go see it then head to South Street to Jim’s. They’re good not the best but I’m not about to direct you to Steve’s or Donkey’s. A stroll down South Street ain’t what it used to be but still worth a couple of hours. As crazy as our sports fans are ( we are) it’s amazing how incredibly nice we are to tourists and there is nothing we love more than talking about our city and telling people where to go to have fun. Reading Terminal market is a must go , be hungry when you go. A day trip down the shore is always great. If you go to the art museum know on the way there we have a hundred other museums along the way there. The Ninth street market is also a great waste of a couple hours. We have everything here. We love to share our city with the world. You can walk from one side of center City to the other in a couple hours and there is so much to see and do in that walk. Come to Philly ask anyone what to do that day after you hit all of our attractions that have to do with our countries birth, and you will get an itinerary of interesting things to do.

  3. Grammy

    Lived 3 years in center city Philly in the late ’60s & early ’70s and loved it. Now I am setting up a one day tour with my daughter, who has worked in Philadelphia, her daughter and other of my grandchildren. Viewing the recommended sites to visit has given me an enthusiasm to see Philly thru their young eyes. What a city full of history, past and more recent, and fun things to do.

  4. Deserae

    This was the most informative post I’ve read on Philadelphia! Thank you! I’ve been researching the best places to see when I take my kids there this summer!

  5. Virginia

    Great blog post described here with some amazing photos what you’re searching for your next trip. Philly trip was a wonderful experience. I love Philly streets, historical structure, tradition, food, etc. Thanks for sharing this nice, informative blog post.

  6. Danielle

    Great post! My fiancé and I are on a road trip, just passing through Philly and we stumbled upon this post! We can’t wait to check some of these places out. 
    I was also wondering who you go through for your ad service? We have a blog of our own and can’t seem to find the right ad company. I was wondering if you could help! Thanks!

  7. Janete

    Great Job! I am planning to visit philly this summer and these were by far the best tips I’ve read! Thank you for sharing!

  8. Vicki Inglis

    Thanks for your ideas. I have just been researching for an upcoming trip from Australia in September and you have great suggestions, many I hadn’t found in my research. Thanks.

  9. Yury

    Do you mind PLEASE telling me how you got the tripcipe map on your post? I’ve researched everywhere and can’t seem to find the answer!

  10. Chrystina

    It’s always fun to see your city through somebody else’s eyes. You got so many wonderful shots – and saw so many things! Very cool.

  11. Janet

    Thank you for this post on Philadelphia.  My husband is working on a project near Philly and we are always looking for fun things to do.  You gave us new ideas.  

  12. Abby

    Thanks for coming & visiting Philly! Glad you had a great time. As for your next post, I’m going to guess Reading Terminal Market. Lots of food there!

  13. Patty K-P

    I went to Philly once in high school, but definitely didn’t get a chance to soak in as much as you did! LOVE all the history! Totally on my bucket list to drop a letter off at the first post office ;)

  14. Jennifer Lewis

    It’s gotta be the Eastern State Penitentiary! We went to Philadelphia last summer, and that was definitely a highlight of the trip!

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Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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