If it’s your first Philadelphia visit, you’re in for a treat. With world famous historical attractions, vast sporting arenas, and culinary delights on offer, there are so many fun places to go in Philadelphia. Recreate famous movie scenes, experience life behind bars or explore a huge art installation with our guide to the top things to do in Philadelphia.
Visit historic attractions
No visit to this historic city is complete without taking a tour of the world-famous attractions. This is the birthplace of the nation – home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. There’s also top historical learning to be had at places like the Museum of the American Revolution and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Why not hop on a Big Bus for your very own guided tour around all the best Philadelphia attractions?
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Blue Route, Stop: Independence Visitor Center
Eat a cheesesteak
If you love your food, then you have to sample one of these incredible sandwiches. Philadelphia is known around the world for many things, but this might just be up there near the top. Thinly sliced pieces of steak are covered with melted cheese and served up in a huge hoagie roll. You’ll find them all across the city, so have fun trying to find the perfect Philadelphia cheap eat.
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Go to a ball game
Love sports? Then you’ve come to the right place. Philadelphia is a city that’s renowned for its love of all things sporty. Take in a game at the legendary Citizens Bank Park, a huge baseball stadium that’s home to the Philadelphia Phillies – the city’s major league baseball franchise. A visit to this Philadelphia attraction is a rite of passage.
Meet animals at the zoo
Visit the first zoo ever to open in the US, dating back to 1859. This may be a small site but there are some big attractions. The zoo is known for its ability to breed animals that have trouble doing so in captivity elsewhere. With more than 1,300 animals to meet, give yourself plenty of time to say hello to them all.
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Blue Route, Stop: The Philadelphia Zoo
Explore the Magic Gardens
This self-proclaimed ‘visionary art environment and community arts center’ was created by local mosaic art legend Isaiah Zagar. It spans half a block along the city’s famous South Street. It’s an immense installation piece of found objects, including colorful glass bottles, bike wheels, tiles and huge amounts of other stuff. It’s a great option for anyone wondering what to do in Philadelphia with kids as you can explore this fantasy world at your leisure and get lost in the labyrinth.
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Blue Route, Stop: South Street/Head House Square
Run up the Rocky Steps
Recreate the famous scene from Rocky by running up the 72 steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You’ll be one of many others doing the same – in what is a rare example of a scene from a movie that made a staircase famous. There’s also a statue of Rocky, donated to the city by star of the film, Sylvester Stallone.
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Blue Route, Stop: Rocky Steps
Get tactile at the Please Touch Museum
Feel like a kid again at the Please Touch Museum. If you’re fed up or never being able to physically touch anything when you visit galleries or museums, then this is the place for you. It’s a no holds barred hands-on experience where adults and kids can explore and learn together.
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Blue Route, Stop: Please Touch Museum/Memorial Hall/Fairmount Park
Shop for bargains at Reading Terminal Market
Wander the halls of the Reading Terminal Market – one of the city’s biggest covered commercial areas. With more than 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to exotic herbs and spices – it’s open every day of the week for you to pick up some souvenirs. The market opened way back in 1859 and even today, some of the vendors are descendants from original stallholders. That’s a real family business.
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Blue Route, Stop: Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center Marriot/Macy’s
Get locked up in Eastern State Penitentiary
Experience life behind bars at this legendary prison. At one time it was the largest and most expensive public building in the world. Until closing its doors in 1971, it held the likes of infamous gangster Al Capone, amongst others, during its working life. These days, it’s open to the public seven days a week. One of the top Philadelphia things to do on any fun break in the city.
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Blue Route, Stop: Eastern State Penitentiary
With our list of activities, you’ll never find yourself wondering what to do in Philadelphia. Add some of our top picks to your travel itinerary and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. And once you’ve worked your way through our list be sure to check out the buzzing Best Bars in Philadelphia too…
