Did you know that Philadelphia was the very first Capital of the US? This biggest city of Pennsylvania plays a very important role in the history of the US as well as the whole world. The Declaration of Independence as well as the constitution of the US was written in this very city. Philadelphia has over 67 historical landmarks all over the city. Apart from its rich history, the city is also particularly famous for its food scene, Philadelphia nightlife, and much more.
We have curated a list of top 10 things to do in Philadelphia which cannot be missed out on your first visit to this city. Also, If you are planning to visit this food & history paradise at a budget, it is a must for you to check out these 10 tips to save money and cheaply travel in Philadelphia.
1) Take a tour of Independence National Historical Park, “The Birthplace of US”: The INHP is one of the most important places to visit in Philadelphia as well as the whole of the US. The major attraction of this Historic Park is the Liberty Bell, where the Declaration of Independence of the US was signed in 1776. Some of the other attractions of this most important venue of the US include the Independence Hall, Congress Hall, Bishop White House, Franklin Courts, and the New Hall Military Museum.
- Plan your Visit to the INHP: https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/index.htm
2) Explore the city’s ever-cheerful Waterfront: Once an under-rated public area, the Delaware Riverfront now has become one of the most cheerful and one of the most favourite attractions in Philadelphia for tourists, with events happening all year long, and some of the most amazing trucks for food in Philadelphia line up along the riverfront. Moreover, a number of attractions of Philadelphia tourism like the Spruce Street Harbour Park, and Race Street Pier have also been developed along the riverfront, making it a locals’ favourite. Also, if you wish to capture the beauty of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which connects Philadelphia with New Jersey, there could not be a better location than the riverfront. There are also a number of things to do for couples along the waterfront.
- Spruce Street Harbour Park:
- Entry: Free of Cost
- Timings: 11 A.M. – 11 P.M. (Sunday – Thursday), 11 A.M. – 1 A.M. (Friday, Saturday)
- Information Link: Click Here
- Race Street Pier:
- Entry: Free of Cost
- Timings: 7 A.M. – 11 P.M.
- Information Link: Click Here
3) Enjoy some delicious food in Philadelphia at the Reading Terminal Market: This is one of the oldest as well the largest public markets of the USA, set up in a National Historic Landmark Building since 1893. Ranging from locally grown exotic organic produce, finest of the cheese collections, seafood, baked goods to housing some of the best and the most authentic of the restaurants and eateries, this market is a dream come true for every food lover out there!
- Information Link: https://readingterminalmarket.org/
4) Visit the Historic Museums at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway: If you are an art lover and a museum geek, one of the most important attractions in Philadelphia for tourists which you would love the most is the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It houses some of the most iconic museums in the city. Some of the most important and popular which cannot be missed out include the Franklin Institute, The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
- Franklin Institute
- Entry Ticket: $23 (Adult), $19 (Child aged 3-11)
- Timings: 9:30 A.M. – 5 P.M.
- Booking Link: https://www.fi.edu/pricing
- The Barnes Foundation
- Entry Ticket: $25 (Adult), $23 (Senior Citizen), $5 (Students & Youth aged 13-18)
- Timings: 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. (Wednesday-Monday), Tuesday Closed
- Booking Link: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/plan-your-visit
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Entry Ticket: $25 (Adult), $23 (Senior Citizen), $14 (Students), Free (Youth below 18)
- Timings: 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), 10 A.M. – 8:45 P.M. (Wednesday Friday), Monday Closed
- Booking Link: https://philamuseum.org/visit/admission
- Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
- Entry Ticket(Online Booking): $20 (Adults), $16 (Children aged 2-11), $17 (Senior Citizen)
- Timings: 10 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. (Monday-Friday), 10 A.M. – 5 P.M. (Weekends & Holidays)
- Booking Link: https://ansp.org/visit/admission/
5) Run down the “Rocky Steps” & take a pic with the Rocky Statue: Since the release of the first “Rocky” movie on the silver screen, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have become a great hype amongst the locals as well as the tourists. Running down the stairs, with fists pumping up in the air has almost become a custom for everyone visiting the city. Also do not forget to get yourself clicked with the iconic bronze statue of Rocky, which was originally made for “Rocky III”.
- Entry: Free Of Cost
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
6) Relish an authentic overloaded Philly Cheesesteak: The most popular food item of the city is the Philly Cheesesteak. This popular sandwich is made by thinly chopping steak and overloading it with cheese and onions. The rivalry for the tag of the best cheesesteak in the city has been on since ages; however, there has been no clear cut winner till now. You can try out two of the most popular joints in the city, Geno’s Steaks, and Pat’s King of Steaks, who feed a huge number of locals, every day of the year!
7) Travel back to time in the lanes of the Old City: Taking a walk along the rusty lanes of the Old City is a must on your visit to Philadelphia. Moreover, there are a number of iconic attractions of Philadelphia tourism which will take you back in time and give you a break from the modern rushing lives. Some of the must visit places in the Old City are Franklin Fountain, Shane confectionery, the historic candy emporiums. All the candy and sweets at these iconic emporiums are made with century-old recipes.
8) Take a Walk along the Boathouse Row: Now a National Historic Landmark, the 15 Boathouses along the banks of the River Schuylkill were constructed as charming boating clubhouses over 150 years ago. The view of these iconic boathouses is the most beautiful during the night time with decorated lights of the houses glittering in the clear waters of the river. If you are searching for things to do in Philadelphia at night, without any safety concerns, this surely should be on your list. Moreover, there are a number of events organized around this area all-round the year. If you are lucky enough, you might even get a chance to attend one of those.
9) Sample Some Locally Crafted Beer: Philadelphia has some of the best breweries in America which are famous for their craft beer. Moreover, you may not fall short of places to visit in Philadelphia where you will get a chance to sample some free beer on the go. However, if you love beer and wish to go experimental, you can visit some of the iconic breweries of the city including the Philadelphia Brewing Company, and the 2nd Story Brewing.
- Philadelphia Brewing Company Tour Details: http://philadelphiabrewing.com/tours/
10) Unwind yourself at the Rittenhouse Square: One of the most loved parks of the city, the Rittenhouse Square Park is an amazingly designed park, with a beautiful fountain in the centre, which also works as a gathering point. Stretch out your legs on one of the empty benches of the park, and if the weather allows, pack up your picnic bags and book your spot for the afternoon. There are also a number of eateries just across the park from where you can grab a meal and enjoy the same in the park.
- Entry: Free of Cost
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
We assure you that even if you are confused about what to do in Philadelphia, even if you cover up the above mentioned 10 things to do in Philadelphia on your very first visit; your trip would turn out to be a fulfilling one! Also, we are sure that your travel explorations would not end in this city. For your further visits to the cities of New York & Boston, you can check out these 10 tips to save money and travel cheap in New York, and 10 tips to save money and travel cheap in Boston to travel on a budget.
