The Best Travel Guide to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Philadelphia

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North America United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Overview

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The guide was updated: 2023-10-25

As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia has endured centuries of hardship, obstacles, and triumphs, and remains a top tourist destination in the U.S. Historical buildings, sculptures, and murals line streets that were once walked by the Founding Fathers. While the weather fluctuates between mild springs, hot summers, and chilly winters, the people of Philly can always be seen out and about in the City of Brotherly Love. Whether it's exploring the rich history or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, Philadelphia has something for everyone.

Facts

Population:	1.59 million (2022)
Currency:	$1 U.S. = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	The Philadelphia Inquirer — www.inquirer.com Philadelphia Weekly — philadelphiaweekly.com Philadelphia Magazine — www.phillymag.com
Website:	www.visitphilly.com
Opening hours:	General shop hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10 am or 11 am to 5 pm or 6 pm.
Tourist information:	Independence Visitor Center 599 Market Street, Philadelphia Open daily 9am–5pm +1 800 537 7676

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Section in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Historical landmarks and beautiful scenery await visitors to Philadelphia. Its identity as a cultural epicenter has lent the city an array of sights and memorable experiences for everyone. Fun may be found on land or on the water in the City of Brotherly Love.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall

Freedom is inlaid with every brick of its architectural facade, while history wafts in every room and corridor. As the site of independence for America, Independence Hall served witness to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Generations of visitors have ventured through time in the Assembly Room, Courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Long Gallery, Governor’s Council Chamber, and Committee of the Assembly Chamber. Myriads of historical figures have tread through Independence Hall, including Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, and others.

Liberty Bell

Liberty Bell

Liberty has been a grand achievement for people throughout history, and the historic Liberty Bell serves as a testament to America’s own piece of freedom. Named by abolitionists during the struggle to end slavery, the Liberty Bell traveled the nation following the Civil War as a symbol of freedom and healing. Now, it stands proudly for all to partake in its message of equality and liberty. Video presentations and exhibits display the Bell’s history, and multilingual tapes are available as well.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art

As one of America’s largest museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers an impressive array of exhibitions, collections, programs, and entertainment. It boasts more than 227,000 pieces of art, and over 200 galleries feature paintings, decorative arts, sculptures, photography, textiles, paper works, and feats of architecture from around the world. Children and family-oriented programs, fascinating lectures, films, and concerts are included.

Love Park

Love Park

As a beacon for the City of Brotherly Love, John F. Kennedy Plaza gives way to Love Park — an epicenter of food, art, music and fun since its emergence in the 1960s. Robert Indiana’s renowned “LOVE” sculpture overlooks JFK Plaza, drawing kisses from countless locals and visitors for decades. But perhaps best known as the forefront of world skateboarding venues, Love Park made Philadelphia the only city to hold ESPN's “X Games” twice in a row.

Please Touch Museum

Please Touch Museum

If you're struggling to find a place to take your kids in Philly - look no further than the Please Touch Museum. This place lives up to the promises of its inviting name and offers plenty of interactive exhibits for kids–but grown-ups are also welcome to join in.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Do not expect to admire trees and flowers coming to this "garden" - the showpieces here are the unique mosaics that artist Isaiah Zagar has been creating since 1994, turning the place into a fascinating maze of artistic craftsmanship.

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market

This Philadelphia indoor farmer's market is an experience you should not miss while in town. Browse through a variety of shops selling all sorts of edible delights, as well as flowers, plants, art, and crafts. And don't miss the chance to have lunch at one of the many food stalls, which offer a diverse range of options including corn dogs, Middle Eastern delicacies, Thai cuisine, burgers, and Cajun dishes, among others.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary

Once the most famous prison in the world holding the likes of Al Capone, this building is now more of an experience than a museum — take the guided tour through its cold, haunted hallways and learn about the prison's chilling history. Wear the red necklace if you don't mind being snatched away from the group by the "spirits" of deceased inmates.

Schuylkill River Trail

Schuylkill River Trail

The trail is a great place to spend time outdoors while still in the vicinity of the city. Appropriate for biking, hiking, jogging, or simply taking a walk by the river, this place is especially popular among locals during the summer months.

Shofuso — Japanese House & Garden

Shofuso — Japanese House & Garden

The garden house was originally a gift to the U.S. from Japan, an effort to foster relationships between the nations after World War II. First erected in New York, the house was later relocated to Philadelphia and is now the central point of the Japanese garden in West Fairmount Park. The house gives you the opportunity to experience historic Japanese architecture in Philadelphia.

Betsy Ross House

Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is an 18th-century home that is believed to have been the residence of the renowned seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross. Legend has it that she sewed the first American flag here. Visitors are invited to tour the house and partake in the interactive exhibits and programs and even meet a Betsy Ross impersonator, who works in the upholstery shop and can answer questions about her fascinating life.

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The museum aims to foster a deeper connection of Jews to their heritage and inspire an appreciation for the diversity of this experience and the ideals of American freedom among people of all backgrounds. Visitors can enjoy a wealth of exhibits, including over 1,200 artifacts and documents from the museum's collection, 2,500 images, 30 original films, and 13 interactive media displays. Some of the notable artifacts on display include Einstein's pipe, Irving Berlin's piano, and Steven Spielberg's first camera.

Arden Theatre Company

Arden Theatre Company

The acclaimed Arden Theatre Company brings the spirit of performance to Philadelphia. The stage features productions of classics, music, dramas, epics, and more. As a veritable hometown theatre, the Arden harbors a community of artists who paint Philadelphia with a pallet of culture and heritage. For children, Arden provides theatrical and reading programs to promote literacy in the youth.

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute

Graced by scientific greats like Nikola Tesla and Philo Taylor Farnsworth, The Franklin Institute has been a model for technological and scientific exploration since 1824. Following the inquisitive spirit of Benjamin Franklin, The Institute has inspired generations of budding scientists and seasoned experts. Internationally renowned programs, exhibits, discussions, and lectures have placed The Franklin Institute on the map for anyone seeking knowledge for the future.

Citizens Bank Park

Citizens Bank Park

Home to the World Series champions Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park is a 21-acre, state-of-the-art baseball stadium. Just outside of the stadium is the jubilant Ashburn Alley, where visitors and fans may watch batting practice or study up on Phillies history. The Phillies All-Star Walk, Phillies Wall of Fame, and Memory Lane are located in the Alley. The familiar, delectable Philadelphia fare makes its way to Citizens Bank Park as well, reining in such accolades as "Best Ballpark Eats" by the Food Network.

The Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation

With a mission to promote the “advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts,” The Barnes Foundation has cultivated the vibrancy of art since 1922. It boasts one of the world's greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern art, along with African, Pennsylvanian German, Native American, and other periods of art. Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse are just several artists to have their masterpieces featured at the Barnes, and there is even a 12-acre plant collection in the Arboretum.

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