Top Attractions

Philadelphia's top attractions weave together the founding of a nation with a vibrant contemporary culture that keeps the city feeling fresh and exciting.

Independence National Historical Park

Walk the same halls where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated and signed. Independence Hall offers free guided tours (timed tickets required in summer), and the Liberty Bell Center next door displays the iconic cracked bell. The park also includes Congress Hall, the First Bank of the United States, and Benjamin Franklin's grave at Christ Church Burial Ground.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The third-largest art museum in the country houses over 240,000 works spanning 2,000 years. The Philadelphia Museum of Art collection includes masterpieces by Renoir, Picasso, and Duchamp. Before heading inside, run the famous "Rocky Steps" — the 72 stone steps immortalized by Sylvester Stallone — and snap a photo with the Rocky statue at the base.

Reading Terminal Market

Operating since 1893 in a stunning Victorian train shed, Reading Terminal Market is one of America's oldest and largest public markets. Over 80 vendors sell everything from Amish baked goods and Pennsylvania Dutch sausages to fresh-cut flowers and specialty cheeses. DiNic's roast pork sandwich has been called the best sandwich in America.

Eastern State Penitentiary

This imposing fortress-like prison once held Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton. Now a haunting museum, Eastern State Penitentiary offers daytime audio tours narrated by Steve Buscemi that explore the history of incarceration in America. In October, the prison transforms into one of the most elaborate haunted houses in the country.

Food & Dining Scene

Philadelphia's food scene extends far beyond the cheesesteak — though you absolutely must try one. The city has become a legitimate food destination with James Beard-recognized restaurants and deeply rooted neighborhood food traditions.

Must-Try Philly Foods

  • Cheesesteaks: The eternal rivalry between Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks at 9th and Passyunk draws tourists, but locals swear by Jim's Steaks on South Street and Dalessandro's in Roxborough. Order "whiz wit" for Cheez Whiz with fried onions.
  • Roast Pork Sandwich: Many Philadelphians argue the roast pork is the true signature sandwich. DiNic's at Reading Terminal Market and John's Roast Pork in South Philly serve the definitive versions — thin-sliced roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone on a seeded Italian roll.
  • Soft Pretzels: Philly-style soft pretzels are oblong, salty, and chewy. Center City Pretzel Co. opens at 3 AM for the freshest batch. Federal Donuts pairs its famous fried chicken with hot coffee and fresh donuts across multiple locations.
  • Water Ice: Philadelphia's answer to Italian ice. John's Water Ice in South Philly has served cherry, lemon, and chocolate water ice since 1945 and draws lines around the block on summer evenings.

Neighborhood Food Crawls

The Italian Market on 9th Street in South Philly is the oldest continuously operating outdoor market in America, stretching for blocks with butchers, cheese shops, and produce stands. Passyunk Avenue is a restaurant row featuring acclaimed spots like Laurel, Bing Bing Dim Sum, and Fond. Chinatown along 10th Street serves outstanding Cantonese, Szechuan, and Vietnamese food.

Outdoor Activities

Philadelphia's park system is anchored by the massive Fairmount Park — one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Fairmount Park & the Schuylkill River Trail

Fairmount Park spans over 2,000 acres on both sides of the Schuylkill River. The Schuylkill River Trail is a paved path popular with runners and cyclists that runs from Center City through the park and beyond. Boathouse Row — a string of historic rowing clubs lit up at night — is one of the most photographed scenes in the city.

Wissahickon Valley Park

This 1,800-acre gorge within the city limits feels like a wilderness escape. Forbidden Drive, a 5.5-mile car-free gravel path along the Wissahickon Creek, is perfect for walking, jogging, and horseback riding. The park features over 50 miles of trails through old-growth forest and past historic stone bridges.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Open in the warm months along the Delaware River waterfront, this seasonal park features colorful hammocks strung between trees, floating gardens, craft beer from local breweries, and food from popular Philly restaurants. It is one of the most relaxing urban hangouts in the city.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Philadelphia's nightlife punches above its weight, with a thriving craft beer scene, intimate music venues, and a legendary sports culture.

Craft Beer

Philly is one of the best beer cities in America. Yards Brewing Company in Northern Liberties brews in a stunning former factory. Monk's Cafe in Center City is considered one of the best Belgian beer bars in the country. The annual Philly Beer Week each June is the largest beer celebration in the US.

Live Music

Union Transfer in Spring Garden is the city's premier mid-sized live music venue, housed in a former railroad depot. Johnny Brenda's in Fishtown combines an indie music stage with an excellent gastropub. World Cafe Live, connected to the WXPN radio station, offers intimate performances and the famous live recordings for NPR.

South Street

This eclectic corridor from Front Street to Broad Street is the bohemian heart of Philadelphia. Browse vintage shops, tattoo parlors, and record stores, then grab a drink at Tattooed Mom or Bob & Barbara's Lounge — famous for its $3 "Citywide Special" (a PBR and a shot of Jim Beam).

Hidden Gems

Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a stunning mosaic art environment covering an indoor and outdoor space along South Street. The immersive installation by Isaiah Zagar is covered in mirror fragments, bottles, bicycle wheels, and ceramic tiles. Zagar's mosaics also adorn over 200 buildings throughout South Philly — a free walking tour of the neighborhood reveals them on nearly every block.

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Hidden in West Fairmount Park, this authentic 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden was originally built for a 1953 exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Surrounded by a koi pond, stone lanterns, and meticulously pruned trees, it is one of the most serene spots in Philadelphia.

The Mutter Museum

This medical museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia houses a fascinating and sometimes unsettling collection of anatomical specimens, medical instruments, and pathological curiosities. Highlights include a wall of skulls, preserved specimens in jars, and a collection of objects swallowed and removed from human airways. It is not for the faint of heart but utterly unforgettable.