Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city and is notable for its rich history, with several American Revolutionary sites that can be visited. There’s an abundance of things to see and do, most of which are iconic. So, read on for the Top 10 essential experiences to be had in the City of Brotherly Love.
Tour Independence Hall
While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall is where the nation was founded. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the goosebumps-inducing UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours of this bucket-list gem are available year-round. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in the guide to Independence Hall.
Visit the Liberty Bell
It doesn’t make a sound, but the Liberty Bell’s message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This inscription on the cracked but mighty Bell is one reason it became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists, and other freedom-seekers around the world.
The Bell draws people from around the world to snag a photo in front of it and its dramatic backdrop: Independence Hall. Both sites are free to visit year-round with no tickets required.
Pose with the Rocky Statue
Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination. Travelers from around the world embark on their own trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline.
To finish off the experience, head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III. Afterward, venture inside the museum.
Love the LOVE Sculpture
The City of Brotherly Love is filled with love—literally. One of the best-known landmarks is LOVE itself — the Robert Indiana sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza (or LOVE Park) that’s a prized photo op for couples, families, and friends eager to show the world how they feel about one another. The sculpture was restored and repainted in 2018, and the park was entirely redesigned to add more green areas and a high-tech water feature. A small visitor center kiosk was added in 2021. Another LOVE statue sits just west of Center City on the University of Pennsylvania campus near 36th and Locust streets. And because love comes in all languages in Philadelphia, there’s an AMOR sculpture — a Spanish edition of the LOVE sculpture — on display at Sister Cities Park, a six-minute walk from LOVE Park.
Marvel at the Museums
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile for good reason. Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and its crown jewel, the Philadelphia Museum of Art (shown in the photo).
For up-to-date hours, be sure to visit the museums’ websites before going.
Linger at Longwood Gardens
It’s not in Philadelphia proper, but the horticultural legend that is Longwood Gardens is well worth the 50-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia to Kennett Square. Spectacular, epic, brilliant, breathtaking — all of these adjectives adequately describe the Chester County mega garden and its 1,000+ acres filled with 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, 11,000 different types of plants, dancing fountains, and meandering meadows and woodlands. The colorful oasis also hosts hundreds of events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts, and musical theater.
Nosh at Reading Terminal Market
Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a trusted source of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and cheese for locals. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and sandwich slingers like the acclaimed DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks.
Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens, and more.
Explore the Waterfront
Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century. That’s thanks to the opening of a number of exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink — and diverse and well-attended events throughout the year.
You’ll also be treated to gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey.
Enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. So put your diet on hold for the day, and indulge in a hoagie roll filled with chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and your choice of cheese and/or fried onions. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American, or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich won’t ever end, but for an iconic Philly experience, visit the intersection of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses daily and do your very own taste test.
Dine at a Critically Acclaimed Restaurant
There’s no way around it: Philly’s dining scene is special. The Wall Street Journal recently called the city “a booming cultural and culinary destination”. So what makes the city’s food and the people who create it so irresistible?
For starters, chefs choose Philadelphia for their passion projects; it’s where they can run their (usually small) restaurants and fully commit to their vision. And it’s a place where they can pivot if necessary. Philly is all about diversity – in cuisine, in price, and in formality. Options include street food, James Beard award-winning restaurants, hundreds of bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) restaurants, and sidewalk seating reminiscent of European cities. There are bars with great food, craft pizza spots, vegetarian and vegan eateries (that aren’t just for vegetarians and vegans), and the Italian Market. And, of course, all of the Philly classics are available including cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, hoagies, pretzels, and water ice.
Source: Visit Philadelphia
Photo Credits:
Lead – AlphaCoders Wallpaper
Independence Hall – Miguel Angel Sanz on Unsplash
Liberty Bell – National Park Service
Rocky Statue – Teitur Hansen on Unsplash
Love Sculpture – Nadine Doerle on Pixabay
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Change Ye on Unsplash
Longwood Gardens – Visit Philly
Reading Terminal Market – Dan Mall on Unsplash
Waterfront – Chris Murray on Unsplash
Philly Cheesesteak – Lenny Rogers on Pixabay
Sidewalk Cafe on Market Street – rConceptz on Pixabay