Philadelphia
Save39 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution.
- Must know: Book ahead
- Tip: Go early
1 tip
- Guided ranger tour runs about 30 minutes
📷 Photos
- 2
The iconic cracked bell, symbol of American freedom.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Free entry, no ticket needed
- Read the exhibits before the bell for context
📷 Photos
- 3
Grand art museum with vast European and American collections.
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Pay-what-you-wish on first Friday evenings
- Check the Perelman Building for special shows
📷 Photos
- 4
Historic food hall with Amish specialties and local favorites.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Try roast pork sandwiches and Dutch Eating Place breakfast
- Avoid peak weekend lunch crowds
📷 Photos
- 5
The famous steps from the movie Rocky, with city views.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Run up for the classic photo
- Rocky statue is at the base to the right
- Sunset gives great skyline views
📷 Photos
- 6
Atmospheric former prison once home to Al Capone.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Allow 2 hours with the audio tour
- Dress for weather; much is outdoors
📷 Photos
- 7
America's oldest continuously inhabited residential street.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Residents live here; keep voices low
- Small museum house is open seasonally
📷 Photos
- 8
Mosaic-covered art environment by Isaiah Zagar on South Street.
- Tip: Weekdays
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Combine with a South Street stroll
📷 Photos
- 9
Grand Second Empire building topped by a William Penn statue.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Tower tours go up to the observation deck
- Walk through the courtyard arches
📷 Photos
- 10
Interactive museum dedicated to the US Constitution.
3 tips
- Start with the Freedom Rising show
- Signers' Hall has life-size bronzes
- Allow 2 hours
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Philadelphia tips
Transportation
- Use a SEPTA Key: SEPTA buses, subway and trolleys accept the SEPTA Key card and contactless payment, which is easier than paying cash.
- Walk Center City: Center City is compact and grid-based, so walking between Old City, Rittenhouse and Chinatown is easy.
- Take the Airport Line: SEPTA's Airport Line regional rail links the airport with Center City stations.
Security
- Stay alert at night: Some neighbourhoods and transit stations are less safe after dark; stick to busy streets and use rideshares late.
- Watch your belongings: Keep phones secure on the subway and in crowds around Independence Hall and the Reading Terminal Market.
- Avoid unlicensed rides: Use official taxis or rideshare apps rather than accepting rides from strangers near stations.
Saving
- Visit free sights: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and many historic sites in Independence National Historical Park are free.
- Eat at the markets: Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market offer cheap, filling meals from local vendors.
- Check pay-what-you-wish times: Some museums offer pay-what-you-wish or free hours; check their websites before you go.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot humid summers: Summers can be sticky; wear breathable clothes and plan indoor breaks in museums.
- Bundle up in winter: Winters are cold with occasional snow; pack a warm coat, hat and gloves.
- Enjoy spring and fall: These seasons are mild and pleasant; bring layers and a light jacket for cool evenings.
Cultural
- Try a cheesesteak: Philly's famous sandwich comes in many styles; locals debate whether to order with or without onions and cheese type.
- See the murals: Philadelphia has thousands of public murals; the Mural Arts programme offers tours.
- Tip for service: Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars in the US, usually a percentage of the bill.
Local Hacks
- Run the Rocky Steps: Climb the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for city views and a photo with the Rocky statue.
- Try a soft pretzel: Philly-style soft pretzels are a local snack sold at bakeries and stands all over town.
- Go to Spruce Street Harbor Park: In warmer months this waterfront park has hammocks, lights and food stalls.
1-day itineraries in Philadelphia
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Elfreth's Alley and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops
- 1Elfreth's Alley
- 2National Constitution Center
- 3Reading Terminal Market
- 4Philadelphia City Hall
- 5Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Day 2 of 2
Eastern State Penitentiary and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 4 stops
- 1Eastern State Penitentiary
- 2Philadelphia Museum of Art
- 3Rocky Steps
- 4The Barnes Foundation
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