23 Best Things to do in Philadelphia

During my travels across the United States, I continue to gain new insights about the nation I call home. Philadelphia is one of the best cities to explore to learn about the founding of the United States. The historical museums and iconic sites around the city are amazing. Following my travel to Philadelphia, I’ve assembled a list of the 23 best things to do in Philadelphia.

I’m sure that my list of 23 things to do in Philadelphia could be expanded to so many more “Best things do to”. But You’ve got to start somewhere, so why not with this list.

I’ve listed everything in my order of preference. Thus, the first five are the ones that I think everyone should visit while in Philadelphia. The ones following that are optional, based on your interests.

If you’ve got any added recommendations or comments about the sites I’ve shared, please add them to the comments below.

1. National Constitution Center

One of the most inspiring places in Philadelphia is the National Constitution Center. The entire center is focused on helping all visitors (young and old) understand the history and true impact of the United States Constitution.

My favorite part of the whole visit was the presentation in the round theater at the center of the building. “We the People…” talks about what we are as a nation. How the United States of America really is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. After engaging with that presentation, you can wander a circular hallway to learn about different parts of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

There’s also a room with statues of each person who signed the Constitution, including the three who refused to sign what they called a “flawed document.” Grab a selfie with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin or even Alexander Hamilton.

You could spend a couple of hours exploring all the elements and learning opportunities they have at the National Constitution Center. And in my opinion, this is at the top of the list for the best things to do in Philadelphia.

2. Independence Hall

There are multiple, significant rooms inside Independence Hall, another one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. Most famously, is the room where both the Declaration of Independence was signed, along with the U.S. Constitution. The Assembly Room is the first stop on the guided tours of Independence Hall. The room is setup as it was in the late 1700s.

The other side of that same floor is a courtroom where the accused would stand trial… literally. There was a box where the accused would stand during the trial.

Independence Hall is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Timed tickets are required for tours between March and December. Entrance tickets are $1 and can be purchased online or by calling 1-877-444-6777 from 10AM to 12 Midnight. Entrance is by timed, ticketed tour only.

In the Independence Hall complex there are two other buildings I highly recommend touring. The West Wing has historical documents on display, including original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution. No tickets are required to visit the West Wing.

Check out Congress Hall before you head to other stops on your visit to Philadelphia. Free tours begin every 20 minutes and last about 15-20 minutes. The tour guide shares some great stories from major events, including when President John Adams took the reigns of the presidency from President George Washington.

3. Liberty Bell

The famous Liberty Bell is located across the street from Independence Hall. In order to access it, you can enter the building at one end and walk through several exhibit areas to learn more about the Liberty Bell.

When you reach the room where the Liberty Bell is located, be patient. Unless you visit at the right time, there will likely be many other people on the room.

If you don’t need to see the Liberty Bell up close, there is an area outside with a window you can look through. I recommend looking at it up close and reading the exhibits – but do what works for you.

There is no cost to visit the Liberty Bell, but there may be long lines. Be patient.

4. Museum of the American Revolution

I’ve loved exploring major cities in the original 13 colony states. As I’ve learned more about the founding of our nation, I’ve seen how connected everything is. For example, having explored Boston and the surrounding areas, I was intrigued to visit the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

The biggest take away for me was learning why those in America decided to fight against England. I know the saying, “No taxation without representation.” But how was that happening. I got the answer right at the start of the museum, which set the stage for the other events that played out in the Revolutionary War.

Another example of coming full circle was in a museum exhibit about the first shots of the Revolutionary War. My kids and I had crossed the bridge near Lexington and Concord where the first shots were fired. Minute Man National Historical Park was a stop during our family vacation to the New England area. We’ll, this museum had an original board from that bridge with bullets still lodged in its grains.

The Museum of the American Revolution is definitely one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. Make sure it’s part of your visit.

5. United States Mint

As a kid, I collected pennies. I was always looking for the year and the mint location of where the coins were made. My first chance to visit a U.S. Mint was during my first visit to the City of Brotherly Love. And I loved every part of the United States Mint in Philadelphia.

In addition to learning about coins, they done a fantastic job of tying coins to history. One of my favorite exhibits invites visitors to pull out a coin from their pocket and look at the year it was minted. Then look at the timeline on the wall to see what was happening that year. That really helps link each coin to a historical event in history.

RELATED POST: Visit the Money Museum (or Mint) in Paris, France

There are various artifacts on display as well, including one of the first press used to stamp the coins used in America’s early years (around 1792). After learning about the history of coin making, you can visit the third floor to see how coins are designed and made. You can even design your own coin – although they don’t make it for you. 🙁

The U.S. Mint is definitely one of the best things to do in Philadelphia for families, because there are great hands-on exhibits that help kids learn all about coins. Who knows… maybe they’ll be interested enough and decide they want to collect coins. The gift shop is a great place to get them started.

6. Betsy Ross House

The house where Betsy Ross called home is a fun little spot in Philadelphia. A visit provides insights into what colonial life was like for not only Betsy, but those living in America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. it’s also a great spot to learn about the woman who sewed the first flag of a new nation.

I recommend doing the audio tour as part of your visit. It’s a self-guided tour, so without the audio guide, you may not learn as much as you could.

The path through the house takes you to all the floors. Depending on when you visit, you may find some residents at home, working as a seamstress or taking care of household chores in the basement. These talented “actors” really help convey colonial life.

The tour through the Betsy Ross house only takes about 30-45 minutes – houses weren’t very big back in the early days of America. it’s just another one of the best things to do in Philadelphia.

7. The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is definitely one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. It’s a hands-on science museum, perfect for engaging kids in learning. There are several permanent exhibits, and other ones that rotate through. For example, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is currently at the museum, allowing visitors to celebrate the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter and the Wizarding World.

The more permanent exhibits teach about the body, electricity (a favorite of Benjamin Franklin), the Earth and space, and so much more.

The planetarium is something you’ll want to be sure and visit. There are three shows presented, two of which are about the stars in the sky. The other one is all about space exploration. These three shows are included with individual admissions to the Franklin Institute.

Learn about all the things you can experience at the Franklin Museum, along with current showtimes and visiting exhibits from their website – The Franklin Institute.

8. Eastern State Penitentiary

If you want something a little out of the ordinary from your colonial American history or art museums, plan to visit the Eastern State Penitentiary. It’s probably most famous for housing Al Capone for a short period of time.

Beyond the famous inmate, a visit to the penitentiary sheds light on the prison system. There’s a great interactive exhibit section that addresses many social issues related to incarceration. Take the time to think about what you’re seeing and contemplate the issues.

One section of the Eastern State Penitentiary is only accessible on a guided tour. It’s included in your general admission, but be sure you’re there to catch a tour through the medical wing. It’s a little creepy.

A visit should last anywhere from 60-90 minutes. That gives you enough time to tour the layout of the prison, learn about some of its inmates, and get a sense of life in this prison.

9. The Iconic Rocky Steps and Statue

It’s funny how influential movies can be for tourism. Rocky, the character played by actor Sylvester Stallone, is fictional. However, his famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art has tourists doing the same thing. Those steps are famous.

Below the steps is a statue of Rocky Balboa. If you want a picture or selfie, you may have to wait in line. It’s a popular spot for tourists – and it’s fun to see how influential a movie can be at attracting visitors.

10. Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a massive museum with lots of variety when it comes to art. Once you get past the Rocky Balboa stairs, make your way to the entrance to grab your tickets. You can also purchase them online.

Inside the museum you’ll find works by Renoir, Monet, Manet, Degas, and Cézanne. There’s also a collection of American art that helps tell the story of Philadelphia’s role in America’s founding. One of the most popular stops in the museum is in the Great Stairs Hall. A golden statue, Diana, stands on a small pedestal at the top of the stairs. You can get a better view from one of the balconies on the second floor. Beyond art and statues, there’s also an area dedicated to arms and armor.

If you want to maximize your experience, sync up with one of the guided tours – available at no charge with general admissions. You can rent an audio guide if you want to go at your own pace.

Behind the Philadelphia Art Museum is the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden. If you’re at the museum for a while, stop by one of the many restaurants inside the museum for lunch or a snack.

11. Independence Seaport Museum

I was excited to learn about the Independence Seaport Museum as I was researching the best things to do in Philadelphia. When I learned they had a WWI battle cruiser and a submarine, I made sure it was on my itinerary.

The Independence Seaport Museum has two main parts – the museum building and the two boats. Inside the museum, there are exhibits about water, ecosystems and more. It’s a great place to learn about the important role water and rivers play in the world.

The boats are a short walk down the river. Make sure you plan enough time to tour both of the ships. The WWI battle cruiser has a few levels (decks) you can explore. Next door is the submarine. Plan on 30-60 minutes to tour both vessels.

12. Benjamin Franklin Museum and Gravesite

Benjamin Franklin was quite the innovator. While most people associate him with being a signer of the US Constitution and flying a kite in a lightning storm, his stamp on history stretches much further.

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the man. For kids, there are lots of hands-on exhibits that can help them experience what they’re learning. There are also little squirrels on display – not real ones. They’re cartoon figures. Why squirrels? I’ll let you visit the museum to find out.

I know you’ll gain greater appreciation for the man after visiting the museum.

In addition to touring the museum, you can take a short walk to Christ Church Burial Ground to see where Benjamin Franklin is buried. even if the cemetery gates are closed, his site is right along the fence line and is easy to see.

13. Fireman’s Hall Museum

Fireman museums are fun to explore. I’ve been to a few in various states, and Fireman’s Hall Museum in Philadelphia is fantastic.

Inside the old firehouse are fire trucks and fire engines throughout the years. You’ll see the old pump carts in addition to the motorized fire engines. There’s also lots of paraphernalia and other things to help you understand what the culture was like in Philadelphia on the firefighting front.

The Fireman’s Hall Museum is another spot on the list of best things to do in Philadelphia.

14. Philadelphia Zoo

Families and visitors love spending time at the Philadelphia Zoo. Like many zoos, there’s a collection of animals from around the world: African lion, sloth bear, birds of prey, monkeys, crocodiles, frogs, toads, giraffes, jaguars, zebras, kangaroos and many, many more. But animals aren’t the only reason to come and explore the zoo.

The Philadelphia Zoo includes three rides and attractions – a carousel, a kiddie train and a ropes course. Each one of them is a great break from the walking paths of the zoo. Another great stop are the food locations. From the watering hole for a quick drink or the Urban Green for sandwiches, take advantage of a food stop during your visit.

Zoo360 is an unique experience I haven’t seen at other zoos. It’s a campus-wide network of see-through mesh trails, which offers more opportunities for animals to roam around and above Zoo grounds. Which means there are more chances of seeing animals at the zoo.

Learn more about the Philadelphia Zoo from their website.

15. Reading Terminal Market

The Reading Terminal Market is like one large market with just about everything you need. Wanna grab some lunch from a local small business? Wanna but some fresh fruit or homemade honey? What about sweet treats or delicious desserts? Then you’ll definitely want to visit Reading Terminal Market.

A word of note – I’ve played Monopoly since I was a kid. I’ve always pronounced Reading Railroad as “Ree-ding” Railroad. We’ll, my mind was blown during my last visit to Philadelphia when I learned it was pronounced “Red-ing” Railroad. 🤯

It can get pretty packed inside the market during lunch hours. Many people have the same great idea to grab lunch there. I’m not sure what it’ll be like in a post-COVID world, but if you’re in Philadelphia, plan to at least venture into Reading Terminal Market.

16. Mütter Museum

The Mütter Museum is pretty unique. It may be one of those museums where you wouldn’t want to bring young children to. The museum displays items associated with medical history. It’s not quite like the Body Worlds exhibit you’ll find around the country, but it does contain real specimens.

The purpose isn’t to gross people out or show off medical oddities. Their goal is to help visitors understand the mysteries and beauty of the human body and gain appreciation about the history of diagnosis and treatment of disease.

There are several permanent displays at the Mütter Museum, including skeletons, casts of conjoined twins and something referred to as the Soap Lady. There are special exhibits that rotate through the museum, including a current exhibit on how spit spreads death. Seems pretty relevant as we move out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

17. Rodin Museum

If you recognize the statue in the photo above, then you’re at least a little familiar with the works for Auguste Rodin. My first experience with the works of Rodin was at his museum in Paris. I was surprised to find a similar one in Philadelphia.

The Rodin Museum is an opportunity to learn more about the artist and his work. You’ll also discovery why there’s a museum in Philadelphia around the works of a French sculptor. While his works are wonderful in and of themselves, the museum presents them in a relaxing setting. It’s the perfect spot to ponder his works. After all, Rodin is referred to as the founder of modern sculpture.

18. Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary Soldier is a simple – yet important – monument in Philadelphia. You’ll find the monument and eternal flame in Washington Park, southwest of Independence Hall.

Unlike the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery near Washington, DC, there is no military guard keeping watch over the site. It doesn’t receive the Pomp and Circumstance and many people likely walk right past it, unaware of its significance.

I encourage you to take a moment to visit the monument and reflect on the many “Americans” who died in the fight for our nation’s freedom.

19. Carpenter’s Hall and New Hall Military Museum

As I was exploring Philadelphia, I saw a very historical looking building tucked back from the main road. On either side we’re red brick buildings that looked similar in nature. I ventured in to Carpenter’s Hall to learn a little more about its role in early American history.

Carpenter’s Hall hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 and was home to Franklin’s Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States. There are displays and artifacts inside to help you learn more about the history.

However, Carpenter’s Hall is undergoing a major preservation project and will be closed April-December 2022. So if you plan to visit it during this time, you won’t be able to enter the building. But there are some items on display at the Independence Hall Visitors Center.

Next door to Carpenter’s Hall is New Hall Military Museum. It’s two floors are dedicated to sharing information about the branches of the military in early American history – Army, Navy and Marines.

Currently, the New Hall Military Museum is closed. If you have plans to visit Philadelphia, check the National Park’s website for details on this museum and to see if it’s reopened.

20. Declaration House

The house alone is enough to capture attention. It looks like it was cut in half or something. But Declaration House is one of the important buildings to explore in Philadelphia. It’s the house where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. The home belonged to Jacob Graff, Jr., but Jefferson rented two rooms from him as he worked on the document that would start a new nation.

Visitors to Declaration House can tour the first floor exhibits and a short film about Jefferson’s time in Graff’s house.

21. Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza

During an evening walk to the Rocky Steps, a colleague and I stumbled across this Holocaust Memorial Plaza. This is the third city I’ve visited that has such a memorial. While it’s nothing more than a little memorial on a street corner, it’s definitely on my list of the best things to do in Philadelphia.

The Horowitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza includes six specific features: an eternal flame, tree grove, train tracks, the Theresienstadt tree, Six Pillars and the original monument that marked this memorial plaza.

To enhance your visit, download the USC Shoah Foundation IWalk app (Apple, Android) for a curated tour of the plaza and stories from those who experienced the Holocaust.

22. Explore the Murals around Philadelphia

I love walking endlessly around major cities filled with art. You don’t have to walk far to find a new and unique mural in Philadelphia. As you can see from the photo above, they come in all sizes and styles.

There are some paintings that are nothing more than a man in a top hat places on a red brick wall. Others take up the entire side of a large building. Better yet, these murals and outdoor art pieces are just downtown. I walked south to meet some friends for breakfast and continued finding new murals with even more diverse styles.

As a bonus, one plaza in Philadelphia has riddles with game tokens from a variety of games. For example, the iron from Monopoly, a piece from the game of Sorry, or chess and checkers pieces. It would’ve been fun to play those games on game boards built to scale based on the size of the tokens. But those boards were nowhere to be found. Shucks.

23. Ponder in the Rose Garden or Magnolia Garden

I enjoy exploring new places. But I need to remind myself often to stop and smell the roses. Well Philadelphia offered two opportunities for me to do just that.

A small rose garden is found one block south East from Independence Hall, connecting Walnut Street and Locust Street. Depending on when you’re visiting, you’ll find several varieties of roses. I hope you find some of them in bloom. I was there in early November and and there weren’t many blossoming. They were likely getting ready for winter.

Just south of the Rose Garden, across Locust Street, is the Magnolia Garden. It’s an open park area with a few benches and a single stone fountain.

Regardless of whether you visit one or both of the gardens, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to take a seat and simply enjoy the nature in Philadelphia.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

I was in Philadelphia for a national conference for work. As a result, we wanted to stay downtown by the conference center and City Hall.

The Marriott Philadelphia Downtown was perfect. The room was amazing, the location was perfect for all the sightseeing I wanted to do in my downtime. I was able to access great restaurants as well, so I didn’t need to walk far or grab an Uber to enjoy what Philadelphia has to offer.

The hotel includes beautiful rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, laundry services and more.

If you’re visiting Philadelphia, I recommend you book a room at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown.

PIN THIS