28 Cool Things to Do and Tourist Places to Visit in Philadelphia, PA

December 11, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2058 Views

Philadelphia, also known as Philly, is a city in Pennsylvania state of the USA. Majority of the best things to do in Philadelphia, PA concern the early history of the country. This city and its residents have played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the establishment of governance. Houses of residents like Ben Franklin, Edgar Allan Poe, Betsy Ross, and so on are some of the best places to visit in Philadelphia, PA for those interested in the lives of these historical figures.

The city was established in 1682 by William Penn. Many of the historical Philadelphia tourist attractions were commissioned by him. It was the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony during colonial rule. There are many colonial buildings among things to see in Philadelphia. These include Wynnestay, Gloria Dei Church, Rittenhouse, Carpenter’s Hall, Old Trinity Church, and more.

But, the city is best associated with the history of the American Revolution. The Philadelphia attractions once served as a meeting place for the founding fathers of the country. These meetings led to the revolution. The city also held the first First & Second Continental Congress, Ringing of the Liberty Bell, Singing of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and more. Philadelphia tourist spots are associated with many such historical events.

The city is also known for the Battle of Germantown and the Siege of Fort Mifflin. You can visit both of these sites during Philadelphia sightseeing. It was also the very first national capital city and held that position till 1776. Aside from national history, there are places to go in Philly to admire artworks by renowned artists as well as archeological and natural history artifacts.

Alongside history, there are also several fun things to do in Philly. You can relive the iconic moment from the Rocky film. You can visit the Adventure Aquarium and Philadelphia Zoo to meet animals from around the world. The city also has an ice skating rink, and several parks for outdoor activities to do in Philadelphia. People can also take a tour of haunted places in the city when they visit Philadelphia. The city also has a unique food culture and performance arts scene.

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Table of Contents

Top 28 Tourist Places to Visit in Philadelphia in 4 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Here I am suggesting a couple of Top Rated Tours and Activities to Do in Philadelphia, that you should try to get some different and unique experiences in Philadelphia.

Day 1

1. Christ Church

The history of this church goes back to 1695. It is also known as the Nation’s Church as many important political figures of the revolution visited this place. These included William White, Ben Franklin, Absalom Jones, and more. It is one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia, PA from the early period of the city. The architecture of this church blends the Quaker design of the 1600s and the Gregorian elements of the 1700s. You will need an hour from Philadelphia sightseeing to explore this church.

2. Benjamin Franklin Museum

This museum is built at the site of the former residence of Benjamin Franklin. It looks into several aspects of Ben Franklin’s life. The museum has innovative displays including interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. It is among the best things to do in Philadelphia, PA for history enthusiasts. The museum truly transports you to the 1700s. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

3. Carpenters’ Hall

Built in 1770, this hall served as the meeting place for the Carpenters’ Guild, the oldest craft guild in the city. Then it also served as the house for the very first Continental Congress. This hall was designed by Robert Smith. It is one of the simplest-looking historical things to see in Philadelphia, PA. It blends the features of a Scottish Hall and a Palladian Villa. In this hall, you will learn about the political aspects of the birth of the nation and its early years. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum when you visit Philadelphia.

4. Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery

This galley is home to artworks by Charles Wilson Peale. The collection features 150 portraits by different artists dating between the 18th and 19th centuries. The majority of the portraits were done by Peale. The building is also well known among Philadelphia tourist attractions owing to its Greek Revival architecture. You will need about an hour to explore the building and the gallery.

5. Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the American Jewish community. It has 25,000 exhibits that describe the life and experiences of Jewish people who came to the USA from different parts of the world. It is one of the most fascinating Philadelphia attractions owing to the hundreds of stories and cultural insights. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

6. Independence National Historical Park & The Liberty Bell

This park has 20 historical Philadelphia tourist spots that collectively tell you about the birth of the USA. These include Independence Hill, The National Constitution Center, Christ Church Burial Ground, and many more. The park has several fun things to do in Philadelphia, PA. It is also home to the famous Liberty Bell. This bell was cast in 1752 with an inscription from the Bible. The bell cracked when it was rung in Philadelphia. It was rung to summon the citizens of the city to hear John Nixon read out the Declaration of Independence. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Philadelphia travel to tour this park and explore the attractions within it.

7. Independence Hall

This building is one of the most important Philadelphia historical sites. It is the birthplace of the US constitution as well as the site of the Declaration of Independence. You can take a guided tour of Independence Hall to learn about these historical events and the role of the people involved. The furniture of the assembly room is arranged exactly as it was during the constitutional convention. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

Day 2

1. Fairmont Park

This is the largest public park in the city. It was also the very first park in the city. The park is home to several tourist places to go in Philly including Memorial Hall and Please Touch Museum. The park also has green spaces, a cycling track, a walking track, an urban forest, picnic areas, and more. You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in Philadelphia in this park. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

2. Philadelphia Museum of Art

This greek revival building was built in 1876 and houses an enormous collection of artworks. The collection hails from different periods and places. It is one of the most interesting places to see in Philadelphia. You will see art pieces created by renowned artists including Van Gogh, Rodin, Duchamp, Thomas Eakins, Degas, Cezanne, and several others. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

3. Rocky Statue & Steps

This iconic statue is a must-see in Philadelphia. This place was popularized by the Rocky film franchise featuring Sylvester Stallone. These steps are the second most famous film location after Grand Central Station of NYC. The statue was donated to the city by Stallone himself. There is a lot of stuff to do in Philly but nothing as memorable as recreating the scene from Rocky. Many people come here to take pictures and videos. You will need 15 to 20 minutes from Philadelphia sightseeing for this place.

4. Eastern State Penitentiary

This penitentiary is considered one of the most well-designed prisons in the world. It was built in 1829 and was operational till 1971. It is one of the best places to visit in Philly for those interested in history, crime, or haunted places. The prison once held major criminals including Al Capone, Slick Willie Sutton, Lester Smith, and more. It is also included among the top things to do in Philadelphia for its architecture and numerous stories of all kinds. You will need about 2 hours to tour this prison building.

I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to The Eastern State Penitentiary in advance.

5. Rodin Museum

This museum has the largest collection of artworks created by the renowned french artist and sculptor Auguste Rodin. The collection includes some of the most famous things to see in Philly including The Thinker, The Adam, Eve, The Shade, and The Kiss. The museum has more than 140 statues made from bronze, plaster, and marble. You will need an hour or so from Philadelphia travel to tour this museum.

6. Barnes Foundation

This art museum has a collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern artworks. It is one of the best things to do in downtown Philadelphia. You will see artworks by Picasso, Charles Demuth, El Greco, Henri Matisse, Pierre-August Renoir, and many others. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum when you visit Philadelphia.

Day 3

1. The Franklin Institute

This science museum is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the country. The museum has sections dedicated to different disciplines of science. It also has interactive exhibits and indoor activities to do in Philadelphia. Here, you can get aboard a locomotive, take the surfboard challenge against a wave, run on a race track to compare your stats with famous athletes, and more. It is one of the most popular Philadelphia sights for family tourists. You will need an hour to tour this institute.

2. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

This museum has exhibits concerning natural sciences such as botany, biology, zoology, geology, and so on. The collection has more than 17 million specimens including skeletons of animals, plant samples, taxidermy models, and more. It is one of the most interesting Philly tourist attractions. The institute also has a simulated tropical forest with butterflies and other insects. You can also touch several animals at the institute’s zoo. The place has several similar cool things to do in Philadelphia, PA. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

3. The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

This museum focuses on the history of medical sciences. The collection focuses on the human body, diseases, treatments, medical procedures, medicines, and more. The collection includes more than 25,000 exhibits including the brain of Albert Einstein. The museum also has several weird and unusual things to see in Philadelphia. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

4. Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

Established in 1805, this is the oldest art school in the USA. It is also the nation’s oldest art museum. The permanent collection of the museum comprises 14,000 artworks including sculptures, paintings, art installations, drawings, craft pieces, and more. The collection primarily features the work of American artists from the 1760s onwards. It is one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia for aesthetes. You will see works by Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, Peale, and more. You will need at least 2 hours to tour this museum.

5. City Hall

This building serves as the seat of the city’s government. It is the largest municipal building in the entire world. Aside from its political significance, this building is also included among the best things to do in Philly for its architecture and lush interior decor. It is designed Empire style architecture. One of the most well-known features of this hall is the sculptures created by Alexander Milne Calder. You will need an hour from Philly sightseeing to tour this place.

6. Rittenhouse Square

This square is one of the 5 public places planned by Quaker and William Penn in the 17th century. The square is surrounded by historical buildings, restaurants, and shops. The park has lawns, a planter bed, a reflecting pool, and so on. But, the place is most known among Philadelphia tourist attractions for its sculptures and Greek figurines. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place when you visit Philly.

Day 4

1. Reading Terminal Market

This enclosed public market is one of the biggest and oldest in the city. The building dates back to the 1890s and used to serve as a train shed. The market sells farm produce, food products, street food, bakery goods, meat products, and more. You can also find home items in this market. A food tour in this market is a must-do in Philadelphia. It is well known for its Amish specialties. You will need about an hour to explore this market.

2. Masonic Temple

Established in 1873, this temple of freemasonry was designed by James H. Windrim. The building exhibits one of the finest works of architecture in the city. It blends medieval architectural elements with the Norman style. It is one of the most wonderful Philadelphia attractions. The interiors of this building are quite ornate. You will see large classic furniture, hand-crafted items, art pieces, sculptures, and more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes from Philly travel to tour this place.

3. Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site

This museum is held in one of the residences of renowned author Edgar Allan Poe. He lived in many places in the city, but this is the one that remains. This house museum looks into the life and work of the author. You will see his books, manuscripts, personal belongings, and more. This place should be on the list of stuff to do in Philadelphia for bibliophiles. You will need an hour to tour this museum.

4. Betsy Ross House

This house once belonged to Betsy Ross, an 18th-century seamstress. She is considered to be the one who sewed the very first American flag. Though many people argue about her role in that event, this house is one of the most popular Philadelphia historical sites. The house retains much of its original construction dating back to the 1740s. Even the interior is designed to reflect the era. Even if you do not believe in the Betsy Ross story, this house is still one of the most interesting places to go in Philly. It gives you an insight into the home life of people during that time. You will need about an hour to tour this place.

5. Elfreth’s Alley

The history of this street goes back to the 1700s. It is the oldest inhabited street in the USA. Many of the buildings on this street date back to the 18th century. A guided tour of the alley tells you about the businesses that flourished here, the people who roamed this street, and events that took place here. This tour is among the top things to do in Philly for history buffs. You will need an hour to tour this place.

6. Independence Seaport Museum

This maritime museum focuses on the seafaring history of the Delaware Valley and the Port of Philadelphia. The museum has historical artifacts, ship models, art pieces, memorabilia, archival documents, photographs, and even a few parts of some ships. It is one of the most intriguing places to see in Philadelphia. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this museum.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to The Independence Seaport Museum in advance.

7. University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum)

This museum has a collection of archeological artifacts brought from different places in the world and belonging to different time periods. The museum has several unique artifacts that are considered must-see in Philadelphia. The highlight exhibits of this museum include the Granite Sphinx of Ramses II, Taizong Horses, Headdress of Queen Puabi of Ur, Skeletons from Hasanlu, and many others. You will need 2 hours to tour this museum when you visit Philadelphia.

I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Penn Museum in advance.

8. Philadelphia Zoo

This zoo houses more than two thousand animals. It is also the oldest zoo in the country dating back to 1859. The zoo is divided into trails. Each trail features animals from different regions and species. You will see cheetahs, tigers, deer, gorillas, hippopotamus, giraffes, zebra, rhinoceros, lions, bears, kangaroos, and many more. The zoo is also known for several fun things to do in Philly. The zoo has several illuminated zones that create a variety of magical experiences. You will need at least 2 hours from Philadelphia travel to explore this place.

9. Please Touch Museum

This museum is designed for children and has several interactive exhibits. The museum recreates an entire city for children. The exhibition areas include restaurants, construction sites, restaurants, hospitals, and more. It is one of the most fun places to go in Philadelphia for children. The place also has several activities that teach them about different professions, sciences, and arts. You will need about an hour or so to tour this museum.

If you are looking for more cool things to do in Philly check out the section below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of places and activities that you can enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Philadelphia

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Eastern State Penitentiary
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell
The Franklin Institute
Barnes Foundation
The Mutter Museum
Independence National Historical Park
Museum of the American Revolution
Penn Museum
Please Touch Museum
The Academy of Natural Science of Drexel University
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia City Hall
Rodin Museum
Betsy Ross Museum
Elfreth’s Alley Museum
Battleship New Jersey
Independence Seaport Museum
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Woodmere Art Museum
Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
Institute of Contemporary Art
Liberty Bell Center
National Liberty Museum
Simeone Foundation Automative Museum
Fort Miffin
Laurel Hill East
The Rosenbach Townhouse
Christ Church
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
Fairmount Water Works
Science History Center
Carpenter’s Hall
American Swedish Historical Museum
Independence Visitor Center
Benjamin Franklin Museum
SS United States
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial
United States Mint
Fireman’s Hall Museum
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Glencairn Museum
Glen Foerd Historic Mansion
Fragment of Franklin Court
Beth Sholom Synagogue
Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Second Banks of the United States
Cliveden of the National Trust
Masonic Temple
Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna
Powel House

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Philadelphia

Wissahickon Valley Park
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Wissahickon Creek

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Zoo
Adventure Aquarium
Philadelphia Magic Gardens
Morris Arboretum
Bartram’s Garden
Spruce Street Harbour Park
Fairmont Park
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Love Park
Blue Cross River Rink
Dilworth Park
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse
FDR Park
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavillion
Parx Racing
The Rail Park
Awbury Arboretum
Scott Arboretum
Penn Treaty Park
Pennypack Park
Clark Park
Cooper River Park
Cira Green Park
Fort Washington Street Park

Shopping in Philadelphia

Reading Terminal Market
Chestnut Hill Shops
King of Prussia Mall
Historic Antique Row
Chinatown
East Pasanyunk Ave Shops
Shops at The Liberty Place
Rittenhouse Row
West Market Parkway District
Jeweler’s Row
South Street Headhouse District
9th Street Italian Market
Market East Neighbourhoods
Main Street Manayunk
Midtown Village

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Philadelphia

Ice Skating
Hiking
Camping
Haunted Tours
Segway Tours

Sightseeing in Philadelphia

Elfreth Alley
Rittenhouse Square
Rocky Steps
Rocky Statue
Franklin Square
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Boathouse Row
Philadelphia Mural Arts
South Street
Race Street Pier
Walnut Street
Washington Square
Congress Hall
Schuylkill Banks
Cherry Street Pier
Walt Whitman Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Philadelphia

White Yak
Abyssinia
Dalessandro’s Steaks
Tambayan
Caphe Roasters
Huda
Down North Pizza
Her Place Supper Club
Sor Ynez
High Street Philly
Eeva
Firday Saturday Sunday
Kensington Quarters
Seorabol Center City
Middle Child Clubhouse
South
Vernick Fish
Zahav
Dim Sum Garden
Le Caveau
Jazabel’s Argentine Cafe
Fiore Fine Foods

Where to Stay in Philadelphia?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Philadelphia. You can check the below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Philadelphia.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Philadelphia

How to Reach Philadelphia?

By Air

The city is served by Philadelphia International Airport. It sits 7 miles outside the city. You can get direct flights to visit Philadelphia from Dublin, Montreal, Toronto, Seattle, Amsterdam, Aruba, Boston, Atlanta, Charleston, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Madrid, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Washington DC, London, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Doha, and many other cities.

You can get a train, bus, and cab to get to the city from the airport.

By Road

The city sits on the Amtrak routes Acela, Keystone Service, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvania, and Carolinian / Piedmont. You can reach Philadelphia by train from New York, Washington, Richmond, Charlotte, Boston, Lancaster, and many other cities in the USA. The city is connected to several places in the USA by bus.

If you are planning to reach Philadelphia by road, you should head for Interstate highway 95 or 76.

By Water

You can get ferries for Philadelphia travel from Camden in New Jersey.

Image Reference

Christ Church – teachandlearn / Flickr
Benjamin Franklin Museum – jcsullivan24 / Flickr
Carpenters’ Hall – Pbjamesphoto / Wikimedia Commons
Second Bank of the United States Portrait Gallery – Teemu008 / Flickr
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History – Christopher / Flickr
Independence National Historical Park & The Liberty Bell – Jonathan / Flickr
Independence Hall – Todd Van Hoosear / Flickr
Fairmount Park – The West End / Flickr
Philadelphia Museum of Art – jschauma / Flickr
Rocky Statue & Steps – Domenico Convertini / Flickr
Eastern State Penitentiary – Booth Kates / PixaBay
Rodin Museum – Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons
Barnes Foundation – Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons
The Franklin Institute – chrisinphilly5448 / Flickr
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University – Wally Gobetz / Flickr
The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia – Terry Robinson / Flickr
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Simon / Flickr
City Hall – Domenico Convertini / Flickr
Rittenhouse Square – The West End / Flickr
Reading Terminal Market – David Saddler / Flickr
Masonic Temple – Luke H. Gordon / Flickr
Edgar Allan Pоe National Historic Site – Shana McDanold / Flickr
Betsy Ross House – wyliepoon / Flickr
Elfreth’s Alley – Ken Lund / Flickr
Independence Seaport Museum – George100 / Wikimedia Commons
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum) – Mefman00 / Wikimedia Commons
Philadelphia Zoo – Michael Stokes / Flickr
Please Touch Museum – Jim, the Photographer / Flickr