Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

1. Visit the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell has long been a cherished symbol of freedom and independence in the United States. It's located in Independence National Historical Park and is worth a visit. It has rung to mark many momentous occasions, such as the signing of the Constitution. Still, ironically, its most famous crack came long after that- when it tolled in observance of George Washington's birthday.

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of freedom that many groups have used over the years to promote equality and justice. You'll learn all about its history in the exhibits, and you can see how it was used as a tool for change by watching a film about its journey.

The bell travelled around the country in the late 1800s, bringing people together and helping to heal the divisions left by the Civil War. Today, it continues to inspire us to fight for what is right and to never give up on our dreams of a better world.

The Liberty Bell has travelled a long and arduous journey over the years, but it finally reached its destination in Philadelphia in 1915. The Liberty Bell Pavilion is open to visitors free of charge, making it one of the many free things to do in this lovely city.

2. Explore the Fairmount Park

The Fairmount park stretching alongside the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek is home to Philadelphia's most famous tourist destinations-- the Philadelphia Zoo, the Rodin Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Shofuso Japanese house and garden.

Amidst all of these renowned attractions, there are also plenty of other fun activities to enjoy in the park, like exploring the various gardens, playing ball at one of the many fields or courts, swimming in one of the pools, hiking along the nature trails, picnicking in designated areas, or letting the kids run wild at one of the playgrounds.

Step into a different world at Shofuso, a traditional Japanese house and garden in Philadelphia. Wander through the koi pond and island, and admire the delicate beauty of the Japanese gardens. During the Tanabata Family Weekend in early July, experience traditional Japanese crafts and activities with your loved ones. You'll feel like you've been transported to another land.

Along the Schuylkill River, you can find a charming line of historic boathouses. These buildings are home to local college rowing clubs and add character to the area. The park is a National Historic Landmark, which means it is essential to the nation. It was one of the first parks created to serve as a public green space and a watershed protection area. This makes it a unique place to visit and explore.

3. See the Rocky Steps and the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most iconic and impressive buildings in the United States. It contains an astounding collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from all around the world. Themed galleries showcase art from different historical periods, including an exquisite section dedicated to medieval art. This section is home to some of the most famous paintings in the museum, including masterpieces by Rogier van der Weyden and the van Eyck brothers.

You admire the beautifully painted ceilings and walls as you walk through the hall. Various paintings of different styles and periods line the walls. There is a collection of Renaissance art in one room, including paintings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. There are Baroque works and art from the 18th and 19th centuries, including pictures by Vincent van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas. There is also a collection of 20th-century European art, represented by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Paul Klee, and other artists.
It is also home to American art from masters like Thomas Eakins and Charles Wilson Peale and exquisite collections of Asian art, with delicate porcelain and vibrant jade on display.

The museum is a neoclassical building fronted by a broad set of stairs. These stairs are now a popular tourist attraction, as they were featured in the classic American Rocky films. Each day, thousands of fans flock to the steps to race to the top and strike a Rocky pose with the city as a backdrop.

4. Visit the Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum is a museum designed specifically for kids. It is filled with interactive exhibits that allow children to learn through play. The presentations cover various topics, including art, science, history, and math.

Kids can dress up in costumes and pretend they live in different periods of history, explore a grocery store and learn about healthy eating, play in a giant sandbox, make music with their voices and bodies, or slide down a four-story slide.
The Please Touch Museum is a great place to take kids of all ages. It is an interactive and educational experience that will leave them lasting memories.

5. Go wine tasting in the Delaware Valley

The Delaware Valley is home to some of the best wineries in the country. The region has a rich history of grape-growing and winemaking, and today, there are dozens of award-winning wineries in the area.

Visitors can go on wine tastings tours to explore different wineries and taste their delicious wines. Several wine festivals are held in the Delaware Valley throughout the year. These festivals are a great way to sample many different wines and meet the people who make them.

Whether you're a wine lover or just looking for something different to do, wine tasting in the Delaware Valley is an experience you won't want to miss.

6. Visit the Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is a wondrous place, home to an astonishing diversity of animals from all around the world. They are dedicated to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation and work tirelessly to educate visitors about how human beings impact the earth's other residents. It's a magical place where you can learn about the importance of conservation and see some of the most incredible creatures on the planet up close.

One of the unique habitats in the zoo is Big Cat Falls. This spacious area is home to the world's most giant cats, who can roam among plants and flowing waterfalls. They can also explore the entire park through tunnels that wind above other habitats - including the human visitors.

The small mammal house at the zoo provides a unique opportunity for visitors to see the nocturnal residents as they go about their day. Clever lighting inverts their sleep cycle so that you can watch them during the day. The zoo operates a rare animal conservation center and primate reserve. Here, you can see some of the earth's most endangered animals and learn about the issues affecting them. You can also find out how to help protect these animals.

7. Love Park

Philadelphia is a city that celebrates brotherly love. The iconic LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana is a favorite photo-op for visitors and locals alike. The sculpture was installed in John F. Kennedy Plaza to celebrate America's Bicentennial in 1976.

LOVE Park is a must-see destination for any traveler visiting Philadelphia. It's located at the entrance to the Museum Mile, which features some of the city's most renowned museums, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This beautiful park is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

It is also a perfect place for a festive gathering. The well-manicured green areas and trees provide the ideal backdrop for a merry celebration, while the walking paths and benches offer a place to relax and take in the seasonal cheer. The open paved areas are perfect for setting-up Christmas stalls and hosting carolers, making Love Park the ideal place to celebrate the holidays.

8. Shop on Chestnut Street

Chestnut Street is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Philadelphia. The street is home to a wide variety of high-end stores, boutiques, and restaurants. You can find everything from luxury fashion brands to unique local stores on Chestnut Street.

The street is also home to the famous Rittenhouse Row. This exclusive neighbourhood is home to some of the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment. If you're looking for a truly luxurious shopping experience, Rittenhouse Row is the place to be.

9. Take a food tour of Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to a diverse and delicious food scene. From traditional Philly cheesesteaks to modern fusion cuisine, there's something for everyone in the City of Brotherly Love.

A great way to experience Philadelphia's culinary culture is to take a food tour. These tours will take you on a journey through some of the city's best restaurants and eateries. You'll get to try some of the city's most iconic dishes and learn about the history and culture behind them.

10. Reading Terminal Market

This historic landmark has been a part of Philly culture for over a century and is home to some of the best food in the city. The market was built in 1893 by the Reading Railroad Company and has been a popular spot for farmers and butchers since then. Today, the market is packed with locals and tourists alike, all searching for the best food Philadelphia has to offer.

The Old Market is where you can find everything from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods to handmade crafts. The renovations have preserved the unique ambience and many of the original features of the market.

There are now more than 80 merchants, most of whom are small, independent businesses. Locals and tourists come to buy fresh produce, free-range meats, fresh-baked Amish bread, canned goods, and handmade crafts. The Old Market is a great place to find traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods and unique gifts and souvenirs.

11. Franklin Institute Science Museum

As you enter the imposing building, you can't help but feel in awe of the impressive statue of Benjamin Franklin that dominates the hall. The Franklin Institute Science Museum comprises several museums under one roof, each dedicated to a different aspect of science. From Franklin's discoveries to the latest in technology, there is something for everyone to enjoy. You can spend hours exploring the various exhibits and learning about the world around you.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a place where people can explore the physical bases of technology. Visitors can try their experiments in many fields, including computers, information technology, space travel, astronomy, and oceanography. In addition to the museum, there is also an IMAX Theater and the Fels Planetarium on site. People can learn about the universe and its complexities while also enjoying a show at the theatre. It's a place where people can explore, dream, and imagine what the future might hold.

12. Explore the underwater world

The Adventure Aquarium is the perfect place for a family day out! With more than 8,500 aquatic species and two million gallons of water, you'll be able to see some fantastic creatures. The most extensive collection of sharks on the East Coast is also housed here, so you'll be able to get up close and personal with them.

The Aquarium is home to the hippos Button and Genny and a variety of other aquatic creatures such as turtles, stingrays, and African penguins. Kids will love the KidZone area, which encourages hands-on exploration of nature. The Aquarium is a must-see for any nature lover with both above- and below-water exhibits.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia has a lot to offer visitors. From delicious food and historical landmarks to museums and attractions, Philadelphia is an ideal destination for those who love exploring new places. Philadelphia is a city that you'll never want to leave with something for everyone.