Philadelphia, the “Birthplace of America,” is the first World Heritage City in the USA. It is a port city and the largest in Pennsylvania. This city that bore witness to early American innovations is situated between Washington, D.C., and New York City. The famous landmarks, such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Benjamin Franklin Museum, are must-see destinations for every first-time visitor. The birthplace of the American Dream is also a compelling destination for lovers of the arts, fashion, and food. Include Elfreth’s Alley Museum, Boathouse Row, and Philadelphia Zoo on your itinerary to enrich your experience of The City of Brotherly Love. Make time for novelty activities to elevate your Philly vacation. Even on rainy days, this city has a lot to offer indoors. Check out our list of the top things to do indoors in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for a unique experience.
1. Plunge into bizarre fun at Museum of Illusions (from USD 25.76)
The Museum of Illusions in Philadelphia presents more than 60 mind-bending illusions to delight the whole family. The bizarre and otherworldly exhibits in the museum’s immersive rooms will confuse your brain and keep you on your toes. Still, it’s all about giving the family fun memories to share. Children under four years of age may enter for free. This timed entrance ticket will get you entry only for the day indicated.
Furthermore, you may also bring your camera and make the most of the off-the-wall photo opportunities available.
Philadelphia: Museum of Illusions Timed Entrance Ticket
2. Engage in maritime history at Independence Seaport Museum and USS Olympia (from USD 20.0)
Take this opportunity to go on board the oldest floating steel warship in the world, USS Olympia. On the same day, you can check out The Seaport Boat Shop and Independence Seaport Museum’s spellbinding and informative exhibits. The largest collections of maritime art and artifacts in North America await. However, this “River Alive!” exhibit ticket does not include food, beverages, or access to Submarine Becuna.
Moreover, make a note on your planner that 4:30pm is the last entry for the museum and cruiser.
Philadelphia: Independence Seaport Museum and USS Olympia
3. Get lost in piano tunes and French cuisine at Chez Sandrine (from USD 151.0)
An intimate night of French food and piano tunes at Chez Sandrine is a wonderful way to spend your last night in this historic city. Dress up for this unique experience and spend an elegant evening with your beloved at the home of the host.
During the piano concert, a cheese platter and wine will be served. During the meal, the flavors of a starter of mushrooms, tomatoes, and organic vegetables will tickle your palate. For the main meal, tasty servings of Poulet Suprême au Grand-Marnier and Chicken flambé are guaranteed to be the highlight of the day.
Philadelphia Small-Group French Dinner with Live Piano Music
Duration: 4 hours
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4. Learn about the pursuit of liberty at National Liberty Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Tomorrow 12/8, educators can learn about unique, cross-departmental ways to spark student creativity and advocacy,...
Posted by National Liberty Museum on Tuesday, December 7, 2021
National Liberty Museum (NLM) was founded by philanthropist and publisher, Irvin J. Borowsky. He was also an avid art collector. His vision for the museum was to go beyond showcasing art and artifacts. NLM was founded to promote awareness of hard-won liberty and how to keep it alive in people’s hearts. The permanent galleries and temporary exhibits are spread out over four floors, which are all wheelchair accessible. When you purchase a ticket, remember that it is non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
National Liberty Museum
Address: 321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
Website: National Liberty Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 12 USD (Adults); 10 USD (Seniors 65+); 8 USD (Students with valid ID); 6 USD (Youth of ages 6-17)
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the ci... Read more
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my colum... Read more
Tours by Vance
5. Shop for artisanal goods at Reading Terminal Market
You won’t have to pay a fee to enter Reading Terminal Market premises. But get your wallets ready for the many eateries, arts and crafts shops, and produce merchants vying for your attention.
Walk around munching on a cone of artisanal ice cream or a bag of gourmet snacks after sitting down for cheesesteaks or freshly-brewed coffee. Stop by some of the Pennsylvania Dutch merchants for yummy local treats, such as savory chicken or sweet donuts. Additionally, you can log on to the complimentary WiFi to send photos to friends and upload stories of your Reading Terminal Market experience without any delay. You can also book a Taste of Philly Food tours for deeper insights into this vibrant market’s eateries.
Reading Terminal Market
Address: 1136 Arch Street, #400, Philadelphia, PA
Website: Reading Terminal Market
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily) / (All Pennsylvania Dutch Merchants are closed on Sundays)
6. Be an amateur scientist at The Franklin Institute
Benjamin Franklin’s legacy is alive in The Franklin Institute. This interactive science museum is on a mission to inspire young and old to learn more about science and technology. The inquisitive minds will find endless diversions in its rooms. You might catch a world premiere exhibition behind the doors. The Franklin Institute also promotes science and learning through digital videos and pod shows.
Let the children experience Newton’s laws brought to life at Sir Isaac’s Loft, a playground of experimentation. Before leaving, don’t forget to take a souvenir shot before the 20-ft (6-m) marble statue of Benjamin Franklin.
The Franklin Institute
Address: 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: The Franklin Institute
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD (Adult); 21 USD (Children aged 3-11 years); Free (Members)
7. Climb your first wall at Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Philadelphia Rock Gyms - Fishtown on Friday, May 6, 2022
Climb your first wall in this 6,000-sq. ft. (557-sq m) facility in this charming city. Learn lead climbing and top roping. If you are a climber, bring your belay certification to validate your skills. If you are a newbie, avail yourself of the Intro to Climbing Package and First Time Climber Package. Moreover, wear sneakers and comfortable clothing for this adventure, so you can efficiently take on the walls.
You can also go bouldering at Philadelphia Rock Gyms if you have boulder certification. There are cushy mats beneath the bouldering area and more than 65 boulder problems, and 35 routes to tackle.
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Address: 2412 E York St Philadelphia, PA 19125
Website: Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Tue & Thu: 7am - 10pm; Sat & Sun: 10am- 8pm
Price: From 21.95 USD (Day Pass)
8. Become an expert marksman at Bury the Hatchet Axe Throwing Philadelphia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Some photos from our last house league championship! If you wanna get a little Competitive or just meet some new friends...
Posted by Bury The Hatchet Philadelphia PA Axe Throwing on Friday, May 5, 2023
Find your way to this South Philly indoor axe-throwing range for a chance to hone your lumberjack axe-throwing skills. Bury the Hatchet Axe Throwing Philadelphia makes it as easy as it sounds. Instead of throwing a lightweight dart, you will be throwing an axe at the heart of a wooden target.
You will gain confidence and greater muscle strength in your dominant arm after your first two-hour session with an axe master. Bring friends and dare each other to compete in a group tournament. This is also a perfect place for a creative twist to your date nights.
Bury The Hatchet Axe Throwing Philadelphia
Address: 1719 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Website: Bury the Hatchet Axe Throwing
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 12pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 42 USD (per person for two hours)
9. Captivate your taste buds at Dim Sum House by Jane G's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dim Sum House University City on Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Dim Sum is a dining tradition that originated in China. Choose from a delectable selection of Cantonese, Shanghai, and Jiang Nan dishes at Dim Sun House by Jane G’s for a filling meal. You can book one of the five dining rooms if you are organizing a private lunch of dumplings, bao, and siu mai.
After the meal, gather around the pool table for a game with your loved ones at no extra charge. This restaurant also serves wine, cocktails, and beer in the bar and lounge until 2am, the perfect pitstop for your pub crawls.
Dim Sum House by Jane G's
Address: 1930 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; 3939 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Website: Dim Sum House by Jane G’s
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Tue - Thu: 12 pm - 9 pm (closed on Mon)
10. Discover worlds of fun at NEST Center City
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Nest Center City on Wednesday, January 25, 2023
NEST Center City has been providing valuable services to the community since 2011. They organize parties, special events, and private playdates for the little ones. They also offer progressive parent education and 40 parent-child classes per week. Families with children six years old and younger are welcome to use the facilities.
NEST Center City boasts modern and enriching play spaces for children ages eight months to five years. Indeed, the kids will find it hard to leave the fun and interactive environment. Visitors also have access to a toy boutique and snack cafe.
NEST Center City
Address: 1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: NEST Center City
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm; Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Price: 90 USD (four months membership); 135 USD (five months membership)
Discover new ways to have fun in Philadelphia's indoor attractions
Philadelphia is the birthplace of the American Dream and a true 21st-century port city. Enrich your visit to Philly not only with immersion in historical attractions but also with novelty experiences. Make time for these fun and engaging indoor activities in The City of Brotherly Love for an unforgettable time.
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