If you’re looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, you’ve come to the right place!
Despite not being the capital city of Pennsylvania, Philly is the largest city in Pennsylvania.
The city is probably best known for its extensive history and involvement in the Revolutionary War.
In Boston, they were dumping crates of tea in the harbor and fighting off the Red Coats.
But it was in Philadelphia that the Declaration of Independence was signed, where the Liberty Bell rang, and where the American Flag was constructed.
That makes Philly one of the top places to visit in the US if you are interested in American History.
Over the years, along with all that early American History, the city became a popular place for artists, world-renowned chefs, and more to call home.
That means there are tons of things to do in Philadelphia that you don’t want to miss.
Things To Do In Philadelphia PA: 15 Experiences Not To Skip
Stop To Pose With The Rocky Statue
Start your trip with one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia, taking a quick picture with the Rocky statue.
Despite Rocky Balboa not being a real person, Philly is exceptionally proud to be the home of the fictional boxing champion.
In the movies, Rocky can be seen running around Philadelphia and up the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps while he was training.
The statue was created for a scene in Rocky III, but the city loved it so much that it became a permanent fixture.
You can find the Rocky Statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art near the famous steps Rocky himself ran up.
There is a constant flow of visitors taking pictures with the famous statue. It’s a fun and quick, way to celebrate your trip to Philly!
Look Here: Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Look Here: Half-day private Rocky filming locations tour.
Explore The Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Since you’ll already be on the Philadelphia Museum of Art grounds to see Rocky, why not explore the museum too?
The museum is open from Thursday through Sunday and has an admission fee.
Inside you’ll find a massive and beautiful space full of works by some of the most famous artists in the world.
Admire paintings by Paul Cezanne, Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe, and Claude Monet.
There are also sculptures by Frank Gehry, design pieces by Charles Eames, and artworks by Andy Warhol.
It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Philadelphia.
Look Here: Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
A Visit To The Liberty Bell Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Philadelphia
While you’re in Philadelphia, you’ll want to spend time exploring its historic sites.
Your first stop on the tour of historic Philadelphia attractions should be the Liberty Bell.
The Liberty Bell once hung in the Pennsylvania State House now known as Independence Hall.
Inscribed on the bell is a quote from the King James Bible, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof”.
Despite not being seen as a symbol of liberty until the early 1800s, the Liberty Bell is now one of the USA’s most iconic symbols.
Today the Liberty Bell is housed in the Liberty Bell Center where you can admire the bell for free.
At the Liberty Bell Center, you’ll learn an in-depth history of the bell and how it became an iconic American symbol of freedom. And see the bell up close.
It’s one of the attractions in Philadelphia that you must see.
Look Here: Revolution and the Founding Fathers History Tour
Take A Tour Of Independence Hall
After visiting the Liberty Bell, head across the street for a tour of Independence Hall.
Independence Hall is arguably the most important building in American history.
It is where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and eventually adopted.
You do need to obtain timed tickets to tour the hall, but they are only $1 each. This is mostly because it’s a popular thing to do in Philly.
Many visitors often call it a surreal experience to be where the Founding Fathers were when they decided to form the government that would come to be the United States of America.
Look Here: History, Highlights, and Revolution Walking Tour
Look Here: Revolutionary Walk Through Historic Old City
Here I am visiting Philadelphia.
Learn The Whole Story At The Museum Of The American Revolution
When visiting these sites we remember what else was happening in America at that time.
These important moments in American history played a role in the continued and eventual genocide of Native Americans and the continued enslavement of black people.
Those two histories will always be intertwined and at the Museum of American Revolution, you learn about both.
You’ll see exhibits on the Founding Fathers and figures like Paul Revere.
But the museum also takes care to have exhibits that show what women, Native Americans, and enslaved peoples were enduring during those war-torn years.
They also have a collection of art, writings, and objects that tell the story of the American Revolution.
The Museum of American Revolution is open daily with an admission fee.
It’s a great place to visit in Philadelphia to learn the entire history of the American Revolution.
Look Here: Museum of American Revolution Entry Ticket
Trying An Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Philly
You have to try an authentic Philly Cheesesteak when you are in Philly.
In the 1930s, thanks to a street food vendor named Pat, the iconic Philly Cheesesteak was born.
If you don’t know, a cheesesteak is thinly sliced beef typically sauteed with mushrooms, peppers, and onions.
It is then topped with liquid cheese-wiz or melted provolone cheese.
Try one of the more iconic places like Pat’s King of Steaks or Jim’s.
It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Philadelphia PA.
Look Here: Flavors of Philly Guided Foodie Tour
Visiting Reading Food Hall with my family.
Explore The Franklin Institute
Named after the famous scientist and Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Institute is a hands-on science museum.
The museum is open daily and there is an admission fee. If you want to see the special exhibit, there is typically another admission fee.
The Franklin Institute is a fun thing to do in Philadelphia, especially if you are traveling with kids.
There are hands-on exhibits, daily live science shows run by experienced scientists, and more.
You can visit the Benjamin Franklin Memorial, see a show at the Planetarium, and experience the four-story Foucault Pendulum.
Look Here: Philadelphia Go City All-Inclusive Pass
Look Here: Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
See Where The First American Flag Was Made At The Betsy Ross House
If you’ve not had your fill of Revolutionary historic sites in Philadelphia, then stop at the Betsy Ross House.
For those who may not know, Betsy Ross was the woman who sewed the first American flag.
The Betsy Ross House is said to be the home in Philadelphia where she sewed that first flag.
In 1876 many surviving relatives of Ross confirmed the small ‘trinity style’ house and shop were where Ross spent many hours sewing the flag while she lived there from 1776-1779.
In the late 1930s, the house was saved from being demolished, but it needed some serious restoration to preserve it.
That restoration came and in 1937, on Flag Day, the house was officially opened to the public as a house museum.
Ever since visitors can tour the small home and step into a piece of American history.
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Tour Eastern State Penitentiary
One of the more popular things to do in Philadelphia is a tour of Eastern State Penitentiary.
Eastern State Penitentiary was a prison in Philadelphia that was open from 1829 to 1971.
The building was designed to make those residing there feel ‘penitence’ and was done through its grand size and architecture.
This fundamental goal of the building made it the first true ‘penitentiary’ in the world.
Throughout its long life as a state prison, it saw famous outlaws like ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton and Al Capone.
On your tour, you’ll peek into Al Capone’s cell as it would have originally looked.
The building is also rumored to be extremely haunted.
So look out for ghostly apparitions in your photos at the end of your tour.
Eastern State occasionally offers nighttime tours for those who’d like a scary experience.
It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Philadelphia.
Look Here: Eastern State Penitentiary Admission Ticket
Browsing The Stalls At Reading Terminal Market Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Philadelphia
The Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest markets in the United States.
It has been open since 1893 and is in a National Historic Landmark Building.
You can shop at the market daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
Grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors or pick up some fresh produce.
There are also Pennsylvania Dutch vendors, which are what Pennsylvanians typically call their Amish community.
The PA Dutch stalls are closed on Sundays but open every other day.
Reading Terminal Market is massive, so prepare to spend a good bit of time exploring the different vendors
Look Here: Open Top Bus Night Tour Of Philly
See Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
If you’re looking for a unique attraction in Philadelphia, stop at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.
The Magic Gardens are a massive three-city blocks long folk art space.
Outside there are stunning mosaics, walls sculpted out of found objects, and hidden grottos.
Inside there are galleries with folk art.
Most of the folk art comes from different cultures and religious traditions.
It’s a great way to learn about the various cultures that have come to call Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania, home.
The Philadelphia Magic Gardens are a must-see Philadelphia attraction.
Look Here: Small Group Philly Walking Art Tour
Learn The History of Philly’s Mummer Community At The Mummers
While Mummers exist worldwide, they are well known in Philadelphia and much of PA.
But the Scandinavian immigrants of Philly embraced the Mummer tradition of dancing and dressing in extravagant artistic outfits. Philly’s Mummer’s Day Parade is an iconic event.
At The Mummers Museum, you’ll learn all about the history of Philadelphia’s Mummer community.
From the origin of the Mummer throughout the world to costumes and oral traditions, you’ll learn all about the colorful community.
It’s a museum that is one of the most interesting things to do in Philadelphia and is unique to Philly.
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Shop On South Street
Every city has a street that is known to have the best shopping.
In Philadelphia Pennsylvania, that street is South Street.
On South Street, you’ll find some of the most iconic Philly restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
There are shops full of wares from different cultures, oddity shops, boutiques, and more.
It is also where you can find iconic Philly Cheesesteak restaurants.
Many shops and restaurants on South Street have been there for decades.
They’ve built up a loyal group of customers, many of whom return year after year.
It’s especially festive lit up during the holidays.
Philadelphia attractions are some of the best on the East Coast and you should plan at least two days in Philadelphia.
Take The Kids To The Please Touch Museum
One of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia is the Please Touch Museum.
The Please Touch Museum is an interactive children’s museum featuring immersive displays.
There are exhibits for every age group, so no matter how old they are, the kids will have a blast.
It’s even a fun Philadelphia activity for adults too!
There is an admission fee to enter the museum and it is open Wednesday through Sunday. They are closed on all major holidays.
With an always-changing list of exhibits, the Please Touch Museum is a fun place to visit in Philadelphia all year round.
Taking A Photo In LOVE Park Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Philadelphia
One of the most popular things to do in Philadelphia PA is a stop at Love Park.
LOVE Park is near Philly’s City Hall.
It’s where you’ll find the popular Instagram spot, Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE statue.
The LOVE statue is smaller than one might expect, but it’s still pretty cool.
Since it was placed in the park in 1976, it’s been a popular site in the city’s park.
That’s why the park eventually became known as LOVE Park, even though its name is the John F. Kennedy Plaza.
There are also gardens, water fountains, and places to sit and relax in the middle of the bustling city.
Here I am posing in front of Philadelphia’s LOVE statue.
Things To Do In Philadelphia Packing List
Here are some of my tips on how to pack lightly.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.
These RFID sleeves are another option.
This Anker high-speed battery charger is the exact one I carry on my trips..
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. it folds down into a zippered pouch
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There are so many fun things to do in Philadelphia! You can take , follow the steps of Benjamin Franklin, or even take a brunch or river cruise.
You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore all this historic and beautiful city has to offer, since it’s one of the best things to do on the east coast of the USA.
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