If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Philadelphia, you’re in the right place!
William Penn established Philadelphia County in November 1682, making it one of the first three counties in Pennsylvania, alongside Chester and Bucks counties.
In 1854, a reform charter established that all boroughs, townships, and districts within the County of Philadelphia were part of the City of Philadelphia, essentially dissolving the county government.
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, and is home to a vast array of historic sites, museums, restaurants, and countless other points of interest.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of what I consider the 18 “must-see” attractions for every first time visitor to Philadelphia.
Simply click on the blue text links to view more detailed information about any of these 18 Philadelphia tourist destinations.
1. Independence Visitor Center
A great place to start your visit to Philadelphia is the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park at 6th and Market Streets.
There is no fee to enter the building, and entrance doors are located on all sides of the building.
Inside you’ll enjoy interactive exhibits about Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and a myriad of other Philadelphia tourist attractions.
There are also restrooms, a café, free Wi-Fi, and a gift shop (naturally).
Venture up to the second floor patio for great views of Independence Hall and the Philly skyline.
2. Independence Hall
Independence Hall is the birthplace of the United States!
In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here; eleven years later, in the same room, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed the United States Constitution.
Entrance is by guided tour only, and timed entry tickets are required from March through December between 9 am and 5 pm.
No tickets are required after 5 pm; entrance is first-come, first-served, and the building is open until 7 pm.
3. The Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell Center is located in front of Independence Hall, housing what is arguably the world’s most famous bell.
There is no fee to visit the Liberty Bell, no tickets are required, and entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the bell itself, there are a number of exhibits detailing its historical significance.
4. Congress Hall
Located right next to Independence Hall, Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States
Presidents Washington and Adams were both inaugurated in this building.
The House of Representatives met on the first floor, the Senate met upstairs.
Congress Hall is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, admission is free, no tickets are required, and tours are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
5. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located just steps from Independence Hall, and features tree-lined pathways, a fountain, and benches perfect for people-watching.
One of five public green spaces laid out by none other than William Penn, this beautiful park also shares a more somber and historic past.
During the Revolutionary War, nearly 2,000 American soldiers and POWs were buried here.
Today, a memorial to George Washington and those many unknown soldiers of the American Revolution can be found at Washington Square Park.
The park is located near the back of Independence National Historical Park.
6. Franklin Square
Like Washington Square, Franklin Square was one of the five original green spaces in Philadelphia laid out by William Penn.
This eight-acre park features a carousel, a fountain, and other family-friendly attractions.
There’s even a mini golf course where guests can play a round of putt-putt on holes that pay homage to Philly landmarks including the Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Special events are held at Franklin Square throughout the year; when I visited last summer the Chinese Lantern Festival was taking place.
7. National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is the only museum in the world dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, called by some “the four most powerful pages in America’s history.”
The 160,000-square-foot museum educates visitors about the U.S. Constitution and its signers through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Signers’ Hall is a must-see, containing life-size bronze statues of all the signers of the U.S. Constitution.
Located next to the Independence Visitor Center and just steps from Independence Hall, the museum is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm; you can check out the latest ticket prices and hours HERE.
8. The Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia uses historic artifacts, dioramas, short films, paintings, and other exhibits to tell the story of the Revolutionary War in America.
The museum opened to the public on April 19, 2017, the 242nd anniversary of the first battles of the Revolutionary War (at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts) on April 19, 1775.
As you make your way around the second floor of the museum in counter-clockwise fashion, the story of the American Revolution plays out in chronological order.
The Museum of the American Revolution is open 10 am – 5 pm daily (closed on major holidays) – check the museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE for any special closures and current admission prices.
9. Elfreth’s Alley
If you’ve ever wondered what a residential neighborhood in Philadelphia looked like during the time of George Washington, Ben Franklin, and Betsy Ross, then you’ve got to check out Elfreth’s Alley.
Elfreth’s Alley in Philadelphia is the oldest continually-inhabited residential street in the United States.
Elfreth’s Alley has been home to artisans, factory workers, laborers, and professionals for over three centuries.
The Elfreth’s Alley Association operates a small museum at 126 Elfreth’s Alley, open Friday – Sunday between 12 noon – 5 pm, from April-October.
10. The Curtis Publishing Building
If you’re a fan of amazing architecture and historic artwork, the historic Curtis Publishing Building is a great FREE attraction to check out when visiting Philadelphia!
Constructed in 1910, the Curtis Publishing Building served as the home to famous magazines like The Saturday Evening Post and Ladies Home Journal until 1969.
The South 6th street lobby of the Curtis Publishing Building is also where the largest Tiffany glass mosaic in the world, known as “The Dream Garden”, was installed in 1916, and where it continues to be displayed to this day.
The mosaic is located just inside the South 6th Street entrance to the Curtis Publishing Building, directly across the street from Independence Hall.
11. The Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist attractions, said to be the site where Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in late May, 1776.
While some historians consider the “first flag” story more mythology than fact (citing a lack of corroborating evidence), the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission acknowledged her contribution to American history in 2009 with the installation of this official marker in front of the Betsy Ross House.
The Betsy Ross House is located at 239 Arch Street in Philadelphia’s Old City, and is open for tours year-round, from 10 am. – 5 pm. (closed on Tuesdays).
12. Christ Church
Christ Church in Philadelphia is famous for its ties to the American Revolution, with many of the Founding Fathers including George Washington, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin attending services there.
In 1754, a 196 foot tall tower and steeple was added to the church, making it the tallest building in North America for the next 56 years.
Christ Church is open every day year-round for self-guided tours, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
13. Christ Church Burial Ground
Christ Church Burial Ground is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. (weather permitting), and is closed in January and February.
The Burial Ground, located just 3 blocks from Christ Church, is the final resting place of some of our most prominent colonial-era leaders, including Benjamin Franklin and four other signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Located on two acres of land at what was the “outskirts of town” in 1719, you’ll find the Christ Church Burial Ground at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.
14. The Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo opened on July 1, 1874 and was America’s first zoo!
The zoo spans 42 acres and is home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals.
The Philadelphia Zoo is located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in the city’s historic Fairmount Park section, and is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
15. Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is America’s most-historic (and some say most-haunted) prison!
Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, Eastern State Penitentiary was the most expensive prison in the world when it opened in 1829.
Closed as a prison in 1971, Eastern State Penitentiary now operates as a year-round museum and historic site.
16. The Simeone Automotive Museum
The Simeone Automotive Museum in Philadelphia is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of racing sports cars!
Assembled over 50 years by renowned neurosurgeon and automotive enthusiast Dr. Frederick Simeone, the museum’s collection contains over 75 historically significant race cars, representing manufacturers like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Jaguar, Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin, Ford and more.
The cars are displayed in dioramas representing the famous race courses where they actually competed, such as Watkins Glen, Bonneville, Sebring, the Mille Miglia, and Le Mans.
17. The Rocky Statue
The Rocky Statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art is an iconic cultural symbol of the City of Brotherly Love and one of its most popular tourist attractions.
The 1976 film Rocky, written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, tells the tale of a blue-collar Philadelphia boxer (Rocky Balboa) who gets an unlikely shot at fighting the heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed (played by Carl Weathers).
The film was a critical and box office success, spawning a series of sequels, including the 1980 flick Rocky III, for which Stallone commissioned the creation of a bronze statue of Rocky for use in the movie.
After filming was completed, Stallone donated the statue to the City of Philadelphia.
18. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is comprised of more than 200 galleries, containing over 240,000 objects of European, American and Asian origin.
The museum is open year-round from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
You’ll also find the famed “Rocky steps” in front of the museum, another tribute to Philadelphia’s favorite fictional son.
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