Philadelphia, or known affectionately as Philly by the locals, is the largest and most popular city in the state of Pennslyvania. It is most well known for its rich American history; it is the site of many iconic American historic moments. It is home to the Liberty Bell, a historic icon of America’s freedom and independence. It is also home to Independence Hall, where the U.S Constitution was written and where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art are also an iconic photo-taking spot, especially after it was featured in the film “Rocky”. There is much to do and see around the city of Philly. Not sure where to begin? Scroll down to find the most famous things in Philadephia, Pennsylvania!
1. Take a stroll around Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is to Philadelphia what Central Park is to New York City. The park is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a common place for visitors and locals alike to take a walk, exercise, or have a picnic. In such a huge park, one of the biggest urban green spaces in the U.S, there is much to see and do. You can walk around Concourse Lake, visit the small organic farm, Carousel House Farm, and look at many art sculptures.
Fairmount Park
Address: Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19119, USA
Website: Fairmount Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
2. Visit the 9th Street Italian Market (from USD 36.0)
Like most of Philadelphia, this market is historic for being the oldest outdoor market in America. Open all year round, the market spans about 10 blocks of food vendors and stores selling mouthwatering delicacies and treats. From baked goods to fresh produce, meat and cheeses, as well as fish and poultry, there is so much to buy and taste at this market. This tour brings you on a two-hour walking tour with a local guide who can give you the inside scoop on the ins and outs of this historic market.
Philadelphia 9th Street Italian Market Tasting Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
3. Snap a photo on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Not only is this a great place for that Instagram-worthy shot, but it is also known as “the Rocky steps” for its feature in the famous Hollywood film. The 72 stone steps leading up to the museum entrance became famous after the scene in the film where Rocky triumphantly climbs up the stairs. Many tourists and Rocky fans love to recreate this scene by the steps. Besides the steps, another great place to take a photo would be with the bronze Rocky statue at a grassy patch near the bottom of the stairs.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Website: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Wed, Fri: 10am - 8.45pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 14 - 20 USD
4. Visit the Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the centerpiece and the most iconic building in the Independence National Historical Park in the city. It was in this iconic red-bricked building that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the United States Constitution was adopted. Many regard it as the birthplace of the United States as we know it today! Besides being a place that is so rich in history, the beautiful design and architecture make it a great place for a photo.
Independence Hall
Address: 520 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Independence Hall
5. Appreciate the art at Rodin Museum
Rodin Museum, not to be confused with the museum of the same name in Paris, is named after the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum has the most number of works by said sculptor outside of Paris. Right before you enter the museum, you can view arguably the most well-known of Rodin’s works, The Thinker, which sits right outside of the museum in the courtyard. Entry to the museum is ‘pay as you wish’, however, suggested admission is 10 USD for adults.
Rodin Museum
Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Website: Rodin Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: 10 USD
6. View the Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a monumental sign of America’s independence and located right in Philadelphia. It used to be housed within the Pennsylvania State House. While it was used for making announcements or calling lawmakers in the past, today it is a tourist attraction, found right in Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park, the same park as Independence Hall. Here, not only can you get a close up look at the bell, but also learn about its significance in history through videos and exhibits.
Liberty Bell Center
Address: Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
Website: Liberty Bell Center
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
7. Shop at the Reading Terminal Market
Besides the 9th Street Italian Market, another great market that you have to visit is the Reading Terminal Market. This huge market offers a wide array of the best locally grown produce and locally sourced meats. They also sell the freshest fish and other seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and so much more. You can also find the widest variety of restaurants, with all sorts of different cuisines and styles. Located right in the commercial centre of the city and just a block away from City Hall, the market is extremely accessible.
Reading Terminal Market
Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Website: Reading Terminal Market
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
8. Take a trip down to the City Hall
City Hall is located right in the heart of the city and is the largest municipal building in the city. The building is certainly a sight to behold, with its Second Empire style. One of the tallest buildings in the city, the entire exterior is decorated with sculptures of iconic figures, with the statue of William Penn at the very top. You can go on a guided tour of the building, which brings you to the observation deck at the very top of the building. Here you can get a beautiful birds-eye view of the city.
City Hall
Address: 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
Website: City Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free entry
9. Catch the Philadelphia Eagles in action
The Philadelphia Eagles are the home American football team of the city, with their home stadium being the Lincoln Financial Field. The pride and glory of the city, be sure to catch them in action if you happen to be in the city during the football season. Make sure to get your tickets early, they have a history of selling out every game since 1999. Pre-season starts in August, and the actual season starts around September. There are also a few post-season games, which happen in January.
10. Try a classic Philly cheesesteak
The classic Philly cheesesteak consists of beef slices and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. This popular fast food can be found all over America, but where else to try the best cheesesteaks than the city where it was founded? In fact, the original diner where the cheesesteak was invented is still standing! Head on down to Pat’s King of Steaks to try this Philly favourite for yourself.
Enjoy Philadelphia
The city is home to some of the most beautiful and amazing historical sites, especially those of U.S history. Philadelphia is an amazing city to visit with so much to see, do and also shop!
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