Philadelphia: Top 15 Things to Do in the City of Brotherly Love

Historic Must-Sees:

1. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell: No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to its most sacred historic ground. Walk the halls where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed at Independence Hall, then stand in the presence of the iconic Liberty Bell, a global symbol of freedom. Both are located in Independence National Historical Park.

2. Explore Eastern State Penitentiary: Discover the haunting beauty of this massive, castle-like former prison. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, and today its crumbling cellblocks and historic exhibits (including Al Capone's cell) make for a fascinating and unforgettable tour.

   
   
   

3. Take in the Sights of Boathouse Row: Stroll, jog, or drive along Kelly Drive to see the iconic Boathouse Row. This picturesque collection of 19th-century boathouses, belonging to various rowing clubs, is a stunning sight, especially at night when the houses are outlined in twinkling lights.

4. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: Experience the streets of historic Philadelphia in a truly charming way. 76 Carriage Company offers daily rides departing from across from Independence Hall, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories of the city's colonial past.

   
   
   

World-Class Museums & Family Fun:

5. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Perched majestically at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art houses a world-class collection of over 200,000 works. Don't forget to run up the "Rocky Steps" for a triumphant photo before heading inside to explore its vast galleries and the nearby Perelman Building.

6. Get Hands-On at The Franklin Institute: One of America's oldest and premier science museums, The Franklin Institute is a paradise for the curious. Walk through a giant, two-story replica of a beating heart, explore exhibits on space and technology, and catch a show in the Fels Planetarium or the IMAX theater.

   
   
   

7. Visit America's First Zoo: Learn about over 2,000 species of wildlife at the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo chartered in the United States. It's a leader in conservation and is known for its innovative Zoo360 animal trail system that allows animals to roam above visitor pathways.

Iconic Food & Drink Experiences:

8. Eat a Philadelphia Cheesesteak: You can't visit Philly without trying its most famous sandwich. While you can find them in every neighborhood, the most famous spot is Pat's King of Steaks in South Philadelphia, where the cheesesteak was invented.

9. Feast at Reading Terminal Market: A true foodie paradise, Reading Terminal Market is one of the country's oldest and largest public markets. It's a bustling indoor bazaar of restaurants and food stalls serving a diverse range of dishes, from Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies to authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, fresh seafood, and incredible baked goods.

10. Sip a Microbrew in Manayunk: Head to the charming neighborhood of Manayunk to visit the Manayunk Brewing Company. This large brewpub offers hand-crafted beers, wine, a full liquor bar, and delicious food right on the banks of the Schuylkill River.

Entertainment & Recreation:

11. Have Fun at Penn's Landing: Located along the Delaware River, Penn's Landing is a year-round hub of activity. At the Blue Cross RiverRink, you can go ice skating in the winter (Winterfest) or roller skating in the summer (Summerfest). You'll also find arcades, concerts, and great food and drink options.

12. Take in a Game: Philadelphia is a die-hard sports town. Depending on the season, you can catch the Phillies (baseball), Eagles (football), 76ers (basketball), or Flyers (hockey) at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The city is also home to major college sports teams.

13. See a Show at the Academy of Music: Located on the Avenue of the Arts, the stunning Academy of Music is the oldest grand opera house in the country, still in use for its original purpose. It's a magnificent venue to watch a performance by the Pennsylvania Ballet or Opera Philadelphia.

14. Cruise the Delaware River: See the city's historic landmarks from a new perspective by taking a dinner or sightseeing cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia. Departing from Penn's Landing, it's a fun and scenic way to experience the city's skyline.

15. Shop at the Fashion District: Located in the heart of Center City, the Fashion District Philadelphia is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex spanning three city blocks, offering a huge variety of retail stores.