Welcome to the vibrant city of Philadelphia! From iconic historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to the bustling streets of South Street, Philadelphia offers an array of experiences for every traveler. Dive into the rich cultural tapestry of this city by exploring world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or savoring a classic Philly cheesesteak from one of the many renowned eateries. Whether you're wandering through the charming neighborhoods of Old City or admiring the city skyline from atop the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, there's always something new to discover in the City of Brotherly Love.
Join me as we uncover the best things to do and the most memorable ways to explore this dynamic city!
What to visit in Philadelphia, the heart of American history?
Philadelphia is the second largest city on the East Coast of the United States and the fifth largest city in North America.
William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682, a territory he had purchased from the King of England. Its name means "the city of brotherly love".
Because of its important location on the east coast, Philadelphia quickly became the cultural center of the New World. With its rich history, this "City of First Events" is considered the birthplace of American democracy and the home of the American Revolution. Before there was Washington DC, Philadelphia was the nation's capital from 1791 to 1800. Today it is a major metropolitan center for business, culture and tourism.
Philadelphia is a destination that is part of the classic triangle of the East Coast of the United States, along with Bosotn, New York and Washington DC. Here are the best things to see and do in Philadelphia.
The Liberty Bell, one of the most popular things to see in Philadelphia
This enormous bell, weighing 1 ton, is one of the most important icons of Philadelphia and the entire country. It symbolizes freedom and its inscription "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof" has inspired, since 1752, when it was created, the most significant movements in the history of the USA, such as; Independence, the abolition of slavery, feminism, the fight for civil rights, the World Wars, etc.
At the end of the XVIII century the population was warned by the ringing of bells so that they would come to listen to the new proclamations. On July 4, 1776 this bell was located in the Independence Hall (today it is the State House) and was one of the bells that rang to summon the population to the act in which the Declaration of Independence of the United States was read for the first time.
Today it is on display at the Liberty Bell Centre (State House), which is part of the Independence National Historical Park. Admission is free and there are always long lines. If you want to avoid those lines, you can also view it through a window located to the south of the park.
Independence Hall, one of the most important things to do in Philadelphia
This red brick, Gregorian-style building was built in 1753 as the seat of the colonial government of Pennsylvania. Today it is the centerpiece of Independence National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are a history buff, you will be pleased to know that this is one of the most charismatic buildings in the USA. In July 1776, the "Committee of 5" (composed of: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston), signed the Declaration of Independence. From that moment on, the United States ceased to be part of the British Empire and became a sovereign country.
A few years later, representatives of the 13 colonies that were part of the United States also met here to draw up their first Constitution.
The tour of Independence Hall is free, but must be guided. From March to December you must purchase a ticket in advance (they will give you a specific time to start the visit). The rest of the year there is no need to purchase a ticket in advance, you can go directly to the Independence Visitor Center and they will give you your ticket and time of entry.
Independence Hall is, without a doubt, one of the main monuments and places to visit in Philadelphia.
Elfreth's Alley, one of the most popular places to see in Philadelphia
This small alley located in the old part of the city (Old City), and near the port of Philadelphia, is an example of what this population was 250 years ago (eighteenth century). Here you can see a group of 32 Gregorian style houses of red brick, with wooden doors and windows painted with different bright colors. It is considered the oldest residential street in the United States (dating from 1702).
Benjamin Franklin's Tomb, a historic site to visit in Philadelphia
If you want to follow in the footsteps of Philadelphia's most famous character, you can visit his grave in Chris Church Cemetery. There you will see only a tombstone and an inscription.
Benjamin Franklin is considered one of the Fathers of the Nation. He was born in 1706 and died in 1790.
The entrance to the cemetery costs 2$, but the tomb can be easily seen through the gate facing the street.
Chinatown, an interesting neighborhood to visit in Philadelphia
It is one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States, along with New York, San Francisco and Boston. Inhabited since 1860 by people of Asian origin, you can find all kinds of stores and businesses with signs in Chinese typography. The gateway to the neighborhood is the classic Chinese arch, in this case, with a spectacular ornamentation.
It is a good place to eat something different and cheap, and disconnect from the history of the United States. Visiting Chinatown is one of the best things to do for free in Philadelphia.
Reading Terminal Market, a must-see place to visit in Philadelphia
Located in an old train station (1892), this market is the most colorful and authentic in Philadelphia. Here you will find fresh local products (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, etc.), but also typical dishes from many parts of the world, among them, the handmade desserts made by the Amish community, which you can't miss.
It is one of the best places to eat in Philadelphia. It works like an Asian "Four Corner". Everyone buys the dish they like the most and eats it at the common central tables.
The market is open every day of the week, but note that on Sundays the Amish do not come with their desserts, as it is their day of rest.
Philadelphia City Hall, one of the main places to visit in Philadelphia
This immense building from the beginning of the 20th century (1901) reminds me of some European constructions such as the Madrid City Hall or the Post Office building in Barcelona. It is one of the largest public buildings in the United States.
It highlights its 167 meters high tower, at the top of which stands the 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia.
It is possible to visit the inside of City Hall ($15) and climb the tower's observation deck ($8) at 156 meters high, from where there are breathtaking views of the city.
For many years it has been the best viewpoint in Philadelphia, until the construction of the One Liberty Observation Deck in 2015.
Staircase of the Rocky Steps Art Museum and Rocky Statue, one of Philadelphia's main tourist attractions
Philadelphia is known, among many other things, for being the city where Sylvester Stallone's famous "Rocky" saga was filmed. And one of the most remembered scenes of the movie are the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Rocky trained, in his gray tracksuit, to the rhythm of the exhilarating "Gonna fly now".
Today, this is one of Philadelphia's most popular attractions. Tourists emulate the boxer by running up the 72 steps and when they reach the top, they jump with their arms raised facing the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. This scene has been engraved in the collective memory and today, with cell phones and social media, doing the "Rocky Steps" is a must for anyone traveling to Philadelphia.
You can also take a picture with the bronze statue of Rocky Balboa that you will find in a small garden at the foot of the Museum. This statue was made for the movie Rocky III, then Sylvester Stallone donated it to the city.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, one of the most important avenues to visit in Philadelphia
This beautiful avenue is one of the arteries of Philadelphia, linking City Hall with the Museum of Art. Walking its 2.2 km is a pleasure. Here you will find parks (Love Park) and gardens, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, but also, the most important museums of the city, such as; Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Museum of Art itself.
Try Philly Cheeseestake, one of the most tempting things to do in Philadelphia
The "Cheesestake" is the most popular and typical sandwich in Philadelphia. It is a sandwich made from strips of beef cooked on the grill to which melted cheese (provolone or whiz) is added. It is said to have been made for the first time in the 1930s and the most famous places to try it are Jim's (on South Street), Pat's King of Steaks and its eternal rival Geno's Steaks (both a little far from downtown, near Passyunk Square).
Amish Lancaster County tour, one of the most recommended activities to do in Philadelphia
One of the most interesting excursions to do from Philadelphia is to visit Lancaster Amish County. This is the second largest Amish settlement in the USA, after Ohio.
The Amish (sometimes also called "Amish Mennonites") are an Anabaptist Christian ethno-religious group, known primarily for their simple lifestyle, modest, traditional dress and their resistance to adopting modern conveniences and technologies.
The Amish are recognized for being a tightly knit cultural community, drawn from the descendants of Germanic and predominantly German-speaking Swiss immigrants. Currently, Amish communities comprise approximately 22 settlements in the United States of America and Ontario, Canada. Some of the qualities that characterize the Amish are their belief in the New Testament, their life developed in settlements away from the metropolis, isolating themselves from the outside world, the defense of values such as pacifism, humility, simple life and work, and their dress in the style of the 17th or 18th century.
Bar Recommendation in Philly: The Garden Pop Up
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How to move around in Philadelphia?
You can move around by subway or bus (ticket price 2,25$). You also have the option to buy a daily ticket for 8$ (you can take up to 8 times the public transport) or move around in Uber. But the best, if you are staying more or less in the center, is to walk. You can practically reach any place of interest on foot.
We rented some bikes and it was our means of transportation! Highly recommended!
Do you know more things to see and do in Philadelphia? Leave us a comment with your experience in this interesting city in the United States 🙂
