Visiting Philadelphia for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Philadelphia was named the United States’ first UNESCO World Heritage City, and Independence National Historical Park is the reason why. Spanning some 51 acres (21 hectares) of the Old City neighborhood, this park celebrates the country’s founding ideals and its 18th-century beginnings. In addition to heavy-hitters like Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were voted on) and the Liberty Bell, highlights range from Franklin Court and the National Constitution Center to Congress Hall. Whether you explore on foot, by hop-on hop-off bus, or even by BYOB trolley, there are so many ways to discover the park.

For many visitors, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is best remembered for its iconic steps, made famous during the Rocky movies. While it’s worth running up them (and posing at the Rocky statue near their base), don’t stop there: The art museum, housed in a striking building modeled on a Greek temple, is considered one of the best in the country. Its collection includes masterpieces by van Gogh, Duchamp, Brancusi, and more—even including Grace Kelly’s wedding dress. Afterward, continue to other leading art museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, like the Barnes Foundation and Rodin Museum.

Philadelphia’s best-known dish is the ridiculously hearty cheesesteak. Griddled, chopped steak is enrobed in melted cheese and wedged into a hoagie roll. (Cheez Whiz, a processed cheese sauce, is the classic option, though American and provolone also are permissible). Locals are loud and proud about their favorite steak slingers, and, to order, follow their lead: State your cheese preference first, and then choose to have onions added or not (“wit” or “witout”). Most visitors begin at storied South Philly rivals Pat’s and Geno’s; while you’re there, take in the sights and bites of the Italian Market neighborhood.

Once you’ve covered the aforementioned Philadelphia Museum of Art and other leading museums, make a quick pit stop at one of the city’s more underrated institutions. It might be your first visit to Philly, but you won’t regret the detour to the American Swedish Historical Museum, the oldest of its kind in the United States. Ditto, the fascinating Colored Girls Museum in Germantown.

Philadelphia takes its sports seriously. (Yes, the city really does grease its lampposts to prevent fans scaling them after a Super Bowl or World Series win). No matter what time of year you visit, you can join those famously boisterous fans and catch a game. Watch the Phillies (baseball), 76ers (basketball), Eagles (football), or the Flyers (ice hockey)—the latter offers a chance to spot Gritty, the team’s internet-famous, bright-orange mascot. Head to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex to get in on the action.

There’s simply no other street that perfectly encapsulates Philly’s edgy and eclectic spirit like South Street. Its plentitude of piercing and tattoo parlors, as well as classic dive bars, give South Street an alternative feel, but it’s also a destination for its cheesesteak delis, thrift shops, concert venues, and other cultural stops. One worth going out of your way for is the Magic Gardens. This extraordinary outdoor sculptural environment has been created by artist Isaiah Zagar from a glittering mosaic of glass, tiles, and found objects. See it, and other artworks, on a South Philly art tour.

Philadelphia is a city that takes its food seriously, and nowhere is that more evident than Reading Terminal Market. This covered market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the country, with a history that dates back to 1893. Inside, visitors will find more than 80 stalls, which range from coffee roasters, bakeries, and restaurants to shops that sell everything from fresh produce and cheese to spices, Amish pastries, and seafood. Lest its plenitude overwhelm you, book a tasting tour and follow your guide straight to its highlight eats.

Philadelphia’s Chinatown makes a grand first impression: Approach the neighborhood via 10th Street N and you’ll pass through the vibrant, 40-foot-tall (12-meter-tall) Friendship Gate. On the other side, you’ll have a dizzying array of options to taste and discover, from dim sum parlors and bubble tea outlets to karaoke lounges and specialty gift shops. Increasingly, Chinatown also reflects a broader pan-Asian experience, with a number of Korean and Vietnamese eateries now among its offerings. A hop-on hop-off bus tour will offer a drive-by introduction, and it’s worth disembarking to really soak up the scene.

Philadelphia has long been considered one of the country’s top destinations for beer lovers, thanks to long-standing local breweries like Yards Brewing Company and beloved bars like Monk’s Café. Every year, the city hosts Philly Beer Week, the largest beer event of its kind in the country. Whether your brew of choice is IPA, lager, or sours, taste the best of the city’s vibrant beer scene on a multistop brewery tour (which you also can do by bike or with a meal accompaniment).

Thanks to its approachable scale, Center City, Philadelphia has long been accessible for pedestrians. But those who prefer to explore the City of Brotherly Love on foot now have more options than ever, thanks to the Schuylkill River Trail. Consisting of renovated former railway lines and footpaths, the in-progress trail will eventually span some 120 miles (193 kilometers), stretching from rural Pennsylvania into the city. It’s worth spending some extra time on the urban “Schuylkill Banks” portion, which passes a range of Philly landmarks and features kayaking tours, movie nights, and more.