Philadelphia has it all — a storied past, great food, world-class museums, and places to chill outside that make you not want to leave. This is just some of the reasons why we love it here in the City of Brotherly Love, and that’s why we’ve made it our home. And even after visiting many times, you can still find new spots to explore.
That said, it’s impossible to cover it all, so this is our round-up of things to do in Philadelphia. Here, we highlight the things that make Philadelphia, The Birthplace of America, special, from its colonial roots to the bustling waterfront to its art scene. These are the places we recommend to friends, the places we take our family when they visit, and the places we like to frequent. Let’s start exploring!
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Ways to Have Fun In and Around Philadelphia
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1. See Independence Hall
Visiting Independence Hall is probably the number one thing to do here. Stepping through the doors where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were drafted feels like the founding fathers just left. You’ll even find one of George Washington’s chairs in a prominent place.
The building is impressive enough, but the 20-minute guided tour is what really brings the site to life. We’ve done the tour multiple times and learned something new every time. There are lots of historical artifacts, and the Parks Service rangers can answer any question you have about the site. While in the secure area, we also suggest visiting Congress Hall, where the US Congress met while Philly served as America’s capital.
Stepping into the very room where the US Constitution was born is another thrill that must be experienced in person to truly appreciate. Steps away from Independence Hall is the world-famous Liberty Bell. Thousands gather around the Liberty Bell to witness the crack in person. The Liberty Bell was cracked during the American Revolution and got its name during the abolition movement to stop slavery.
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2. Explore the Country’s Oldest Street
Elfreth’s Alley is the most colorful place we’ve seen in the city. Even though it’s only one block long, we always end up walking up and down it multiple times because we love seeing the brightly painted doors. The street has seasonal decorations as well, so the look of the street changes throughout the year with Halloween and Christmas especially standing out.
Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest known alley and residential street in the US, and it’s still an active neighborhood. Stop by the museum at 124-126 while you’re there. It’s been restored to its Colonial-era appearance and gives the history of the street and the tradesmen who lived there when it was built. Even if you only have one day in Philadelphia, Elfreth’s Alley should be a quick stop.
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3. Take Up Reading Terminal Market
We considered whether or not to put Reading Terminal Market in the “eating and drinking” category of this list, but it’s one of the main things to do in Philadelphia, so here it is among the main sites. Like other big city public spots, despite the fact that the market is visited by tourists daily, it is not a tourist trap and is loved by Philadelphians.
Opened in 1893, the terminal was built for 70 dairy cows to move between cities. Now it is the home of over 100 vendors that feed Philadelphia daily. You can find cuisine from around the world, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, flowers, and produce. We recommend Miller’s Twist for their buttery pretzels, Kismet Bialys for their onion-topped pastry, and Termini Brothers Bakery for pretty much anything. A lot of people also love Hershel’s for pastrami, so you may as well (I’m just not a huge fan of Jewish deli food). The list of vendors worth going to is long.
Weekends and afternoons are generally very busy at the market, so we recommend timing your visit for a weekend morning to avoid the crowds. If you go at other times, you’re better off having a few places in mind, reviewing the map ahead of time, and bringing your patience with you.
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4. Plenty of Museums to Explore
We love art, but we also love walking. So when we first visited the Barnes Foundation a few years ago, we chose to see only one section of the museum. Artists like Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, and Seurat are all represented here.
There were many groupings based on how the original collector, Dr. Albert C. Barnes. This might include putting a Matisse next to some Pennsylvania German furniture, a 14th-century chicken sculpture, and a spatula.
If you have some extra time, walk 3 minutes down the road to the Rodin Museum. The museum is free with a donation requested.
If you are an absolute history buff or have no idea what “taxation without representation” means, you will love the Museum of the American Revolution. The exhibits start at the beginning, explaining why the colonies had issues with the English, and continue through the war and finally to the problems of governing a new country. Throughout, thousands of artifacts, weapons, and documents help bring the historic events to life.
Something that was particularly interesting to us was the inclusion of many points of view that aren’t often mentioned. We were surprised to hear the voices of Native and Black Americans as well as women and others who weren’t part of the “all people” that were created equal in The Declaration of Independence. After touring the main galleries, go to the dedicated theater that contains the best artifact in the museum—George Washington’s original headquarters tent.
A visit to the museum lasts about two hours, but there are plenty of activities for kids and tons of detail for history buffs, so you could spend a lot longer if you want to learn more about the stories.
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5. Take up the Night Life
Often referred to as New York’s sixth suburb, Philadelphia has no shortages of nighttime activities. There are plenty of live concerts to catch, including jazz shows and other cultural events, such as salsa dancing. With big casinos near me, like Harrah’s Philadelphia, I can socialize with other members in the bars, the casino floor, and the world-class restaurants. These casinos are great for catching live events from top-name performers and other entertainers.
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Having Fun in Philadelphia Is Easy!
Philadelphia is a historic city with so much culture and experience. You can explore famous landmarks, try delicious foods, and stroll through parks and gardens. From the Liberty Bell to the Passyunk Avenue, there are many unique experiences. You can also check out the first UNESCO World Heritage city in the US.
When you explore this city, you will have memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the excitement, enjoy the flavors, and take in the stories of Philadelphia. This city wants you to discover its charms and go deeper so you have memories to tell.