Philadelphia is one of America’s most important cities. It is full of history, and the same city boasts of being a cultural epicenter, with influence in art and music around the world. A trip to Philadelphia is a great way of experiencing American history and a myriad of attractions that include museums, parks, recreation centers and amazing restaurants.
Once you get to Philadelphia, you’ll want to get a rental car for the best experience. A Philadelphia car rental will allow you to explore comfortably and conveniently. Choose a premium sedan to cruise the city center in style, or take your family on a history tour in an SUV.
- 1. Independence Hall
- 2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
- 3. Liberty Bell Center
- 4. Reading Terminal Market
- 5. LOVE Park
- 6. Philadelphia Zoo
- 7. Rodin Museum
- 8. Please Touch Museum
- 9. The Franklin Institute Science Museum
- 10. Eastern State Penitentiary
- Best Places to Eat & Drink in Philadelphia
Must-see attractions in Philadelphia
1. Independence Hall
If you’re interested in American history, then Independence Hall is a must-visit. Under the roof of this red-brick Georgian-style building is where the American forefathers met, debated, drafted and signed the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution. Independence Hall has great exhibitions; among them are surviving copies of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Articles of Confederation. You’ll want to book a tour at the rangers’ desk for an in-depth look at American history.
Address: 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Entry fees: Free, but tickets are required
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
This museum is home to one of the largest collections of paintings and other artwork in the US. It is also where you can find the “Rocky” steps, and fans of the movie franchise will love getting a picture on the steps with the famous pose from the movie. The art museum features several galleries, with the medieval gallery being particularly popular. You’ll see artwork by famous painters in other rooms, such as Van Gogh, Degas, Manet and Toulouse-Lautrec. There’s also a collection of American art featuring one of the best, Thomas Eakins.
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
3. Liberty Bell Center
For several decades now, the Liberty Bell has been a symbol of freedom and independence in the United States. The bell sits in a glass pavilion in Independence National Historical Park. History buffs will enjoy seeing the bell that was used to mark important historical events, such as the Declaration of Independence. You’ll have to be there to know the story behind the bell’s big crack, which came happened in 1846 (Hint: It involved a birthday).
Address: 101 S. Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Entry fees: Free, although security screening is required
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
4. Reading Terminal Market
For a taste of local produce, baked goods and coffee, head to Reading Terminal Market. The market is below the Reading Railroad’s train station, another historic landmark, and hosts over 80 vendors. Here you’ll find all tastes and flavors, from Greek to Thai to Mexican. You can also try Amish specialties and eat a Philly cheese steak. There are also arts and crafts on sale, should you want a souvenir.
Address: 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
5. LOVE Park
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy picture or want to rest your tired legs, the John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as LOVE Park, is not to be missed. Designed by Edmond Bacon, father of the actor Kevin Bacon, LOVE Park is one of Philly’s highlights. It’s home to the world-renowned LOVE statue, and the plaza has undergone recent renovations that have seen it add a water feature, green space and a welcome center.
Address: Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Entry fees: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
Time required to see the attraction: 1 hour
6. Philadelphia Zoo
This was the first to open in the country, making it the oldest one in the US. More than 1,300 animals call the Philadelphia Zoo home, and there’s plenty to keep you and your kids entertained. The zoo has different sections, and in the PECO Primate Reserve, you’ll come face to face with gorillas and orangutans, while the KeyBank Big Cat Falls is home to several lions, jaguars, and tigers. Other popular stops are the African Plains, Bear Country and Tortoise Trail.
Address: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
7. Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum is home to the largest collection of Rodin’s works outside Paris. The Rodin Museum has over 150 bronze, plaster and marble sculptures made by Auguste Rodin. The collection takes you through the highlights of the artist’s career, including The Kiss. The museum itself is found inside a beautiful building, and on the neatly manicured lawns you’ll find Rodin’s other popular works, such as The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Entry fees: Free
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 1 to 2 hours
8. Please Touch Museum
This is a hands-on children’s museum and a must-visit if your kids join your Philadelphia tour. The museum has a lot of exhibits, all of which are fun. In one, you’ll be taken to Wonderland for a cup of tea with the Mad Hatter, and in another, you’re learning about the properties of water in the River Adventures exhibit. The Please Touch Museum also hosts plenty of events and has a café on-site for when hunger sets in.
Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
9. The Franklin Institute Science Museum
Yet another museum that your kids will enjoy. The Franklin Institute has something for everyone, including you. Interactive displays help visitors learn about everything from physics to astronomy. It is a fun place, with a movie theater inside the building as well as several escape rooms. Other great spots inside the Franklin Institute are the SportsZone and Fels Planetarium.
Address: 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 4 hours
10. Eastern State Penitentiary
The castle-like state penitentiary is one of Philadelphia’s most historic sites. Opened in 1929, the Eastern State penitentiary sought to reform prisoners using isolation and reflection rather than capital punishment and physical abuse. The facility closed in the 1970s and has now transformed into a tourist attraction, with one of the highlights being gangster Al Capone’s cell.
Address: 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Entry fees: Tickets
Hours: When to visit
Time required to see the attraction: 2 hours
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Philadelphia
Like the city itself, Philadelphia’s restaurant scene is strong, inventive and diverse. As you explore the museums, theaters, and attractions that Philly offers, here are some of the top restaurants you should check out.
Jamaican D’s Caribbean & American Restaurant: There’s always a line outside Jamaican D’s on Chelten Avenue. The reason is the caramelized plantains, savory collard greens and creamy mac and cheese – all great complements to their delectable jerk chicken.
Down North Pizza: A city is just as great as its pizza, and Philly is sitting at the top thanks to the pies served at Down North Pizza. The Detroit-style pizzas are perfectly executed with a thick crust and are named after Philadelphia’s musicians and their songs.
Kalaya Thai Kitchen: Sitting in the heart of the Italian Market, Kalaya serves delectable Thai dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. After a day shopping at the Italian market, settle down for some Kang Pae served with jasmine rice.
Bloomsday: This is the place for a great night out in Philadelphia. Whether it’s wine, beer or craft cocktails, Bloomsday serves them all. And during the day, they have a kitchen serving pub fare.
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