One of the nation’s first capitals, Philadelphia is best known for Independence National Historical Park, home to icons of early America like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But, the best things to do in Philadelphia go beyond the Founding Fathers. We’re talking about museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Barnes Foundation, beloved sports teams like the Phillies and Eagles, culinary hotspots like Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market, and buzzy areas like Chinatown and South Street. It’s hard not to like the City of Brotherly Love.
Summer heats up in Philadelphia with festivals, concerts, and cultural events, from the Wawa Welcome America July 4th Fireworks over the Delaware River to Philly Beer Week. But, spring holds its own with major annual events like the Philadelphia Flower Show and the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival and is another good time to visit. It also sees fewer crowds at the popular sights located within the Independence National Historical Park complex.
The City of Brotherly Love is served by Philadelphia International Airport, which links it with a range of domestic and international destinations. Philadelphia's major train hub is William H. Gray III 30th Street (which is served by intercity Amtrak services as well as local SEPTA and NJ Transit lines), while commuter trains also can be picked up at Suburban Station and Jefferson Station. The city’s three subway lines, numerous buses, and trolleys offer alternative public transit options.
Philadelphia’s Mural Arts program has covered the city in vibrant public artworks since its inception in 1984, and today its thousands of murals can be viewed on walking and trolley tours around town. Afterward, head to the Magic Gardens on South Street to experience more outdoor art. The Magic Gardens project is a unique sculptural environment formed from a mosaic of tiles, mirrors, and found objects that have been transformed into a sculptural masterwork.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 72 | Tours 200 | Reviews 14,516 |
Philadelphia was the nation's early capital, and history buffs can discover the Liberty Bell, follow in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers in Old City, and visit Independence Hall, where the Constitution was drafted. Philly is also known for its Art Museum (immortalized in "Rocky"), its sports teams, and its cheesesteaks.
...MoreBegin a day in Philadelphia among the landmarks of Independence National Historical Park before heading to the indoor Reading Terminal Market for a hearty lunch. Afterwards, continue to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a dose of culture, and finish with a stroll among the shops and restaurants of Rittenhouse Square.
...MoreYes, the Philadelphia area welcomes upwards of 40 million visitors per year, and its wealth of historical landmarks, cultural destinations, and distinctive neighborhoods make it a must-visit city. Sports teams like the Eagles and the Phillies are a draw, and the city's dozens of museums and top-tier dining scene added bonuses.
...MorePhiladelphia has a wealth of attractions, including historic landmarks (Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, City Hall) and museums (the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the National Constitution Center). Eastern State Penitentiary is a macabre draw, while Longwood Gardens and Fairmount Park are popular warm-weather destinations.
...MorePhiladelphia has something for everyone, but it's wise to do your research: squeamish visitors should skip the medical oddities of the Mütter Museum, and those bored by politics should avoid the National Constitution Center. Additionally, beware of tourist-trap cheesesteaks: try Angelo's or Jim's instead.
...MoreNo, Philadelphia is not usually dangerous for tourists, but the city does have elevated levels of crime. While the main attractions of Center City are usually a safe bet, it's best to avoid straying into outlying neighborhoods in North, West, and South Philadelphia, and to avoid walking around alone at night.
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