Things to do in Philadelphia
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Top 10 attractions in Philadelphia
Penn Museum
In the nineteenth century, the University of Pennsylvania organized many expeditions to explore the Middle East and the Far East. Today, the museum collects a large number of cultural relics from Babylon, Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Ottoman Empire, and Chinese and Far Eastern civilizations. , including mummies, ancient Greek sculptures, Chinese Han Dynasty unicorns, etc. In addition, there are two of the six horses in Zhaoling that are now lost in the United States - Sa Lu Zi and Quan Mao Qi. These exhibits have a very high level in the archaeological field, and many of them are unique works of art that can only be appreciated here, and the craftsmanship is astonishing.Philadelphia · 2.4 km from downtown
Liberty Bell
Liberty Bellis located in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia. Today, the bell is housed in a transparent glass pavilion. Looking through the tall glass curtain wall, Independence Hall serves as its perfect backdrop. The bell was commissioned by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly from craftsmen in London. After arriving in Philadelphia, it was recast twice by local craftsmen before being hung in the steeple of the State House (now Independence Hall), where it was used in the early years to summon lawmakers and citizens. In the mid-19th century, abolitionists noticed the inscription on the bell and popularized it,the name "Liberty Bell" spread from there, and it also gradually came to be seen as a symbol of the spirit of freedom in Philadelphia and the United States. A corridor on one side of the pavilion features exhibits that tell the story of the bell's origins and its connection to the abolitionist and civil rights movements. At the end of the corridor, you can get a close-up view of the bell, which weighs about one ton: the crack on the bell is clearly visible, and the bell is inscribed with a famous verse from the Bible's Book of Leviticus: "Proclaim liberty to all the people of the world."Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtown
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is an open-air historic site consisting of red-brick Georgian buildings, green spaces, and plazas, where the United States Declaration of Independence was born. The park is surrounded by trees, and bronze statues stand among the plazas and gardens. Among them, the "Signers" statue pays tribute to the founding fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence. Independence Hall, with its red bricks and white windows, features a towering white bell tower that serves as the park's landmark and is a popular subject for visitors' photos. The highlight of the park is Independence Hall: on the first floor, there are two main halls. One was the courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the other, the Assembly Room, was the venue for the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and passed. The interior is furnished according to the layout of the 18th-century meetings. The "Rising Sun Chair," used by George Washington while presiding over the Constitutional Convention, is an original piece that has survived to this day. It was while looking at the sun carved on the back of the chair—unsure whether it was rising or setting—that Benjamin Franklin became convinced at the signing of the Constitution that it was a "rising sun." North of Independence Hall, in the Liberty Bell Center, the famous cracked Liberty Bell is displayed in a glass pavilion. The early repairs on the bell and the crack that silenced it forever are clearly visible. Adjacent to its west side is Congress Hall, which served as the meeting place of the U.S. Congress during the ten years Philadelphia was the capital; both Washington's second inauguration and Adams's inauguration took place here. Not far to the east is the Fragments of Franklin Court, the site of Benjamin Franklin's former residence, and the Old Second Bank of the United States building, which houses rows of portraits of the founding figures. The historic sites throughout the park are basically within walking distance.Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtown
Independence Hall
Independence Hallwas originally the Pennsylvania State House during the colonial period, built in the 18th century. The main building is a two-story, Georgian-style red-brick structure with white door and window trim outlining its symmetrical facade. A tall white steeple rises from the center, with a large clock face embedded in its lower level. The red bricks and white tower complement each other, creating a highly recognizable streetscape in the old city. The building is particularly notable for the Assembly Room on the first floor, where delegates to the Second Continental Congress passed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The Assembly Room has been restored to its original appearance, with long, green-felt-covered tables and high-backed chairs arranged in rows. In the center of the room sits the "Rising Sun Chair," used by George Washington while presiding over the Constitutional Convention. It is one of the few original items in the hall and can be clearly seen from behind the railing. The bell originally hung in the tower is said to have been rung when the Declaration of Independence was first publicly read; it was later moved to the pavilion across the street for separate display after it cracked. The bell currently hanging in the tower is the "Centennial Bell," cast in 1876 to commemorate the nation's centennial. The back of the US$100 bill features an image of the building's tower; seeing the real thing and then comparing it with the banknote makes for a more tangible experience.Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtown
Old City
Old City is a historic neighborhood in Philadelphia adjacent to the Delaware River, where red-brick houses, church steeples, and cobblestone alleys remain intact, and the 18th-century colonial atmosphere is still clearly discernible today. Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell with its distinctive crack are both located here. The Betsy Ross House, Carpenters' Hall, and other historic buildings related to the nation's founding are also within walking distance, and Benjamin Franklin rests in the cemetery next to Christ Church. The core attractions can be connected on foot, and walking around is like reading through half of early American history. 18th-century Elfreth's Alley is a popular streetscape in Old City, where the Georgian-style red-brick row houses on both sides are still inhabited today. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States, and two of the old houses have been turned into museum houses, restoring the living scenes of ordinary residents from that time. Many historic buildings in the neighborhood are open to the public, and even lesser-known small houses may hide a small museum. After visiting the historic buildings, you can take a walk to the waterfront promenade along the Delaware River to take a break and look back at the skyline where red-brick roofs interweave with modern buildings in the distance; there are also many galleries, cafes, and small shops in the neighborhood.Philadelphia · 1.7 km from downtown
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall stands in Penn Square at the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street. This was originally the central square reserved by city founder William Penn when he planned Philadelphia in 1682, and today this magnificent Second Empire-style building remains the seat of the city government. It was designed by architect John McArthur and built in the late 19th century. Construction took about 30 years and cost approximately US$24 million. The entire building is constructed with heavy masonry load-bearing walls, and it stands about 167m tall, including the bronze statue at the top of the tower. For more than a decade after the tower was topped out, it remained the world's tallest habitable building until it was surpassed by skyscrapers in New York in 1908. The bronze statue of William Penn at the top, which is about 11m tall, is the work of sculptor Alexander Milne Calder. More than 250 other sculptures he helped create are scattered inside and outside the building, covering themes such as artists, educators, and engineers. Each of the four sides of the tower is embedded with a giant clock face nearly 8m in diameter, which is even larger than the clock face of Big Ben in London, and four bronze eagles are perched above the clock faces. Below the bronze statue is an observation deck overlooking the entire city center: to the northwest, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretches straight toward the distantPhiladelphia Museum of Art, to the east lies the historic district of Old City, and to the west are rows of skyscrapers. The marble staircases and council chambers inside the building are equally impressive. The building also holds an interesting unspoken agreement: for a long time, Philadelphians tacitly agreed not to build structures taller than the William Penn statue, until One Liberty Place rose up on the west side behind the statue in 1987, breaking this unwritten rule. There is even a playful local saying that the skyscraper was intentionally built where Penn couldn't see it. Today, standing in front of Philadelphia City Hall and looking around, you see the quaint streetscape of the old city on one side and the modern skyline on the other, a single building that perfectly reflects the new and old of Philadelphia.Philadelphia · 57m from downtown
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. Its history dates back to a centennial exposition, when it was originally housed in the art gallery left behind by the fair, before moving into the current Neoclassical main building. The main building sits on a high plateau at the end of Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, with its tiered steps and colonnaded portico reminiscent of a Greek temple. The griffin, a creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, is the museum's symbol and can often be seen on the museum's logo and souvenirs. The collection includes over 200,000 objects, covering European painting, Asian art, American modern and contemporary masterpieces, as well as arms and armor, prints, and photography. European paintings from the 19th to 20th centuries are a strength of the collection. Van Gogh's "Sunflowers," repainted from memory, is widely recognized as the museum's crown jewel. Other famous works from the same series of sunflowers in a vase are now housed in museums in Munich, London, Tokyo, and Amsterdam, but the Philadelphia version's intense yellow petals and blue-green background remain vivid and striking to this day. Monet's "Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool," Picasso's "Self-Portrait with Palette," Matisse's "Woman in Blue," and Rubens's massive oil painting "Prometheus Bound" are also on display. If you prefer modern art, don't miss Duchamp; the museum's collection of his work is one of the most complete in the world, including "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2" and the installation "The Large Glass." The 72 steps in front of the museum became famous due to the movie "Rocky," and many visitors come specifically to reenact the classic scene of the protagonist reaching the top and throwing a punch. Standing at the top of the steps and looking back, Benjamin Franklin Pkwy stretches all the way to City Hall in the distance, making it a popular photo spot in Philadelphia. There is often a line of people waiting to take photos with the Rocky statue at the foot of the steps.Philadelphia · 2.1 km from downtown
Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park is located at 1 Citizens Bank Way in Philadelphia. The venue offers a variety of dining options, and amenities include high-definition big screens, a natural grass field, and the Ashburn Alley interactive area.Philadelphia · 5.2 km from downtown
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the United States, built during the Civil War. There are more than 1,300 animals in the zoo, which is one of the largest zoos in the United States, especially the Philadelphia Zoo has a large number of endangered animals. The children's playground here is also very lively. You can take a helium balloon to the height of 120 meters to overlook the panoramic view of Philadelphia, pedal boats and other projects. It is worth bringing your children to spend a pleasant time here.Philadelphia · 3.4 km from downtown
Adventure Aquarium
Adventure Aquarium is located in Camden, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. It is a modern aquarium that combines exhibitions with interactive experiences. There are many marine animals in the aquarium, including sharks, hippos, penguins, sea lions and various tropical fish. Some animals will participate in scheduled performances, which are suitable for parents and children to watch together. There are also educational lectures and hands-on areas designed specifically for children, where you can touch marine life such as starfish with your own hands to increase your practical experience. The park has clear routes and complete facilities, making it a good choice for arranging a half-day or one-day parent-child itineraryCamden · 2.9 km from Philadelphia
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Free things to do in Philadelphia
Liberty Bell
Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtownIndependence National Historical Park
Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtownIndependence Hall
Philadelphia · 1.2 km from downtownOld City
Philadelphia · 1.7 km from downtown
Fragments of Franklin Court
Philadelphia · 1.5 km from downtown
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Philadelphia · 2.1 km from downtown
United States Mint
Philadelphia · 1.3 km from downtown
Society Hill
Philadelphia · 1.7 km from downtown
What travelers say about Philadelphia
Dreamer2002September 16, 2026
5.0
The Penn Museum is a fascinating place to explore, with an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient cultures around the world. I especially enjoyed seeing the Egyptian exhibits and learning about the history behind the objects on display. There’s so much detail that you can easily spend a few hours here. A great stop in Philadelphia for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and ancient civilizations. 🏺✨
Penn Museum
小鱼儿2015February 14, 2020
4.0
One of the most important places in the United States to commemorate the independence movement, this huge metal bell is quite impressive, with some clearly visible signs of wear. There are also several nearby memorials that are worth visiting.
Liberty Bell
颖慧怡然January 17, 2025
5.0
It's worth going here to learn about Philadelphia's historical trajectory in the United States
Independence National Historical Park
WB2021February 16, 2022
5.0
A great piece of US history. You can easily spend a very informative afternoon roaming its halls and learning more about the declaration of independence.
Independence Hall
__赛__November 20, 2019
5.0
Philadelphia is a very charming American city. Unlike New York, which is messy and glamorous, this city has a profound heritage. The old city is very charming, and the public security is very good. It is safer to go out at night.
Old City
Mushfiqur Rahman ChowdhuryNovember 19, 2023
5.0
Lots of iconic buildings and landmarks across both sides of the street. You can visit the place in the 100 US$ bill as well, like the final image below.
Philadelphia City Hall
poohwubearMay 18, 2023
4.0
Philadelphia was once the capital of the United States, so there is plenty of history, museums, monuments, and sites around the city. The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts a nice array of exhibits. I visited on a Friday evening after work because museum admission is free Friday evenings (pay what you wish). I did pay for parking at their garage, which was only $5.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
孔垂信001April 17, 2020
5.0
This stadium is very large and can accommodate tens of thousands of people. It is very spectacular.
Citizens Bank Park
努力的三号October 8, 2019
5.0
This is the first animal park in the United States, that is, a zoo established when the country was just founded, so it has a very long history. Although it is not particularly large, there are really humane facilities everywhere. In addition to the humanity, the animality here is also quite good. This place pays great attention to animals. They live in a purely natural environment and can live in harmony with humans. People can also interact with them without any pressure.
Philadelphia Zoo
Fadi.culopAugust 16, 2024
5.0
One of the best aquariums in the US is the Adventure Aquarium, located in Camden, New Jersey.They are home to some of the most interesting animals in the world, including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, the only aquarium in the world to feature hippos, and one of only six facilities in the US to feature Little Blue penguins.The sharks can be viewed in two ways: from above on the Shark Bridge and from below when you walk through the Shark Tunnel.There are unique exhibits and over 15,000 aquatic animals.Tickets cost around $30.~ This was my FIRST TIME at an aquarium and I loved the experience!!!! I love marine life, I find it very beautiful and mysterious.
Adventure Aquarium
Trip Moments in Philadelphia
