10 Must-See Attractions in Philadelphia

Fondly referred to as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, Philadelphia offers exciting experiences for sports enthusiasts, art lovers, and everyone else.

This vibrant, dynamic city is famous not only for its pivotal role in shaping American democracy but also as the home of Philly cheesesteaks (and yes, you have to taste one). With a rich array of dining options, lively cocktail bars, outdoor cafes, public art, shopping, culture, and nightlife, Philly is sure to impress.

1. Discover the history at Independence Hall

Even if you’re not a history enthusiast, visiting the red-brick, Georgian-style Independence Hall is a must. As the site where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were born, this landmark is undeniably significant.

Join a guided tour or witness live reenactments of the Declaration signing. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the storytelling benches outside, where storytellers from Historic Philadelphia provide a brief history lesson as part of the Once Upon A Nation program. Independence Hall is located within the 45-acre National Historic Park, which also features the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

Tip for planning: Admission to Independence Hall is free, but you must reserve a ticket in advance, which incurs a $1 handling fee. Tours are limited, so be sure to book your tickets ahead of time.

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2. Discover inspiration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as the city’s premier cultural attraction, boasting over 240,000 artworks from diverse nations and cultures. This remarkable museum includes the main building, the Rodin Museum, the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, and the historic Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove Park Houses, covering more than 1 million square feet. Time will fly as you explore a vast array of collections, from East Asian art and European sculptures to contemporary pieces and photography.

The museum's iconic 72 steps gained fame through actor Sylvester Stallone in the film Rocky. Channel your inner champion and sprint to the top—don’t worry, you’ll be in good company!

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3. Cheer for local sports teams at Xfinity Live!

Philadelphia is a dream for sports enthusiasts, featuring professional teams in football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. Find a great spot to enjoy the games with local fans while you’re in the city. Xfinity Live!, a vibrant sports bar complex, includes five bars and three beloved eateries: Chickie’s and Pete’s (famous for its crab fries), Geno’s Steaks (one of the must-try cheesesteaks), and Lorenzo and Sons Pizza (offering huge thin-crust slices).

Situated between Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Wells Fargo Center, this complex is an ideal venue to catch all Philly sports teams on the big screen. Join fellow fans as they cheer on their favorites. For the adventurous, take a spin on the bull at PBR: A Coors Banquet Bar. How long can you hold on before getting thrown off?

4. Enjoy people-watching at Dilworth Plaza

Dilworth Plaza is the ideal spot for people-watching and planning your next Philadelphia outing (or simply resting your feet). Spanning 4 acres, it features beautifully renovated green lawns, a fountain, a café, and an outdoor roller skating rink in the spring and summer that transforms into an ice skating rink during the fall and winter—there's always something (and someone) to observe.

Located right at the entrance of City Hall, Dilworth Plaza hosts a variety of events, including yoga sessions, outdoor concerts, dance performances, and movie screenings. The park also offers free Wi-Fi, keeping you connected while on the move.

Detour: Want a stunning view of the city or a perfect selfie spot? Reserve a City Hall Tower Tour, which takes you 538 feet above ground to Philadelphia’s highest open-air observation deck.

5. Discover a little bit of everything on South Street

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, South Street spans 14 blocks filled with clothing boutiques, bars, restaurants, music venues, art galleries, and various shops, providing ample opportunities for people-watching, shopping, and immersing yourself in local culture.

Savor delicious options like gyros, cheesesteaks, and diverse cuisines including Caribbean, Indian, and Mexican. MilkBoy bar serves inventive cocktails alongside live music from local bands. Don’t miss a performance at the TLA (Theater of Living Arts), a beloved venue for 40 years, primarily featuring standing room with a small VIP section.

Tip for planning: Use public transportation or a ride-hailing service, as parking can be quite tricky.

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6. Treat your taste buds at Reading Terminal Market

Breathe in the aroma of freshly baked cakes and breads from Beiler's Bakery, savor Creole dishes at Beck's Cajun Cafe, and enjoy locally roasted coffee from Old City Coffee—all while exploring Reading Terminal Market, which showcases a vast array of cuisines from more than 80 vendors.

Originally, Reading consisted of two markets: the Farmers Market and the Franklin Market. Today, it attracts over 100,000 visitors each week. In 2018, the market marked its 125th anniversary, establishing it as one of the largest and oldest public markets in the nation.

Tip for planning: As a popular tourist destination, try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid lengthy lines.

7. Indulge in retail therapy at Fashion District Philadelphia

If refreshing your wardrobe is your idea of a perfect getaway, the 1.1-million-square-foot Fashion District Philadelphia will fulfill your shopping dreams. You’ll discover beloved national brands like Sephora, Pandora, Columbia, and Torrid.

Even if shopping isn't your thing, this revamped venue also features a movie theater, bowling alley, and an amusement center with billiards, karaoke, 250 arcade games, and Wonderspaces, a 24,000-square-foot space filled with captivating, immersive art installations for the whole family.

8. Reflect on incarceration at Eastern State Penitentiary

The notorious Eastern State Penitentiary is famous for housing gangsters like Al Capone, William “Slick Willie” Sutton, and Morris “The Rabbi” Bolber, alongside approximately 85,000 others who experienced solitary confinement.

Visiting is much more accessible now—and far less intimidating. You can explore this historic prison through various options: a daytime walkthrough, a virtual tour, or, if you're feeling adventurous, a nighttime tour. Eastern State Penitentiary is regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the country.

Planning tip: Several artists have their installations displayed at the penitentiary, so be sure to explore them during your visit.

9. Capture stunning photos at Boathouse Row

If you admire architectural beauty, don’t miss Boathouse Row, located west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This historic row features fifteen houses that belong to various social and rowing clubs, including those affiliated with the Navy. Many collegiate teams practice rowing on the Schuylkill River in this area.

You can stroll, jog, or rent a bike to enjoy the scenic 12-acre area filled with lush lawns and walking and biking trails. During the holiday season, the houses are beautifully illuminated with colorful lights.

Planning tip: The 19th-century boathouses are outlined with strings of lights at night, but the lighting system is currently undergoing maintenance until the end of 2023, so plan your visit during the day until the upgrade is finished.

10. Dive into Black culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia features four levels filled with interactive exhibits and artifacts that celebrate the history of Black Americans and their ancestors. Established by the Smithsonian in 1976 for the bicentennial, it was the first museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing African-American history and culture. It's conveniently located just two blocks from Independence Hall.

Don’t miss Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776–1876, a permanent exhibit highlighting the significant contributions of Philadelphians of African descent. You'll find images, historical documents, and much more to explore.

Planning tip: Reservations are required for your visit, with four time slots available each day. Check the calendar for additional events, such as lectures, film screenings, and workshops, to help you choose the best day and time.

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