Philadelphia is one of the most historic cities in the United States. The city played a crucial role during the American Revolution, giving rise to the ideals of freedom and independence. The Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence here, and the US Constitution was ratified in Philadelphia as well. You can spend days visiting all the sites and learning about the city’s rich past. In addition to the history, Philadelphia has a myriad of fabulous museums and lovely neighborhoods. In fact, there are so many interesting things to do in Philadelphia that you’ll need to prioritize if you only visit the city for several days. The recommendations below will help you plan a fantastic visit to the country’s birthplace.
Interesting things to do in Philadelphia
1. Visit Independence National Historic Park
Some of the most important national historic landmarks are located in Philadelphia. I recommend setting aside at least a day to visit the most important ones. Obviously, you’ll need to visit Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. You’ll also want to see Congress Hall where both George Washington and John Adams were inaugurated. Remember to book your tickets online, otherwise you won’t be able to go inside the buildings. No tickets are required to see the Liberty Bell, the President’s House, Benjamin Franklin Printing Office, and many other sites. Walking through Independence National Historic Park is truly a wonderful experience; you get to learn about the Founding Fathers and ponder their lasting impact on the US and the world.
2. Visit Benjamin Franklin's grave
After visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, head to Christ Church burial grounds to see the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his wife. There are also other revolutionary leaders and signers of the Declaration of Independence buried here. The cemetery is not part of the National Park Service, so you’ll need to pay $5.00 to go in. Just so you know, you can see Benjamin Franklin’s grave through the fence, so definitely do not miss this site.
3. Peek into Elfreth’s Alley
Elfreth’s Alley is a beautifully preserved historic street in the Old City Cultural District, not far from the National Constitution Center. It is actually the oldest continuously inhabited street in the country. It dates back to the early 1800s when it was home to artisans and merchants of Philadelphia.
4. Stroll along the Delaware River
If you’re visiting Independence Hall, you’re really not far from the Delaware River. Why not take a stroll along the waterfront? There are several attractions here. Penn’s Landing commemorates the 1682 landing of Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn (he actually arrived in Chester not Philadelphia). You can also see a World War II era submarine and a few other historic ships. If you want to relax and rest after a busy day of sightseeing, head to Spruce Street Harbor Park where you can lounge in a hammock and enjoy a bite to eat.
5. Meander along lovely colonial style streets
Philadelphia, just like Boston, is home to some beautiful colonial style architecture. If you’re heading west from Independence Hall, take Pine Street. The street showcases lovely red brick row houses with nicely painted shutters and lots of plants. The street is also much quieter than other streets, so it will be a pleasure to stroll along it.
6. Admire City Hall
Philadelphia’s City Hall is one of the most attractive municipal government buildings in the country. The beautifully ornamented structure boasts over 250 sculptures with the statue of William Penn decorating the clock tower. City Hall is located in the historic center of Philadelphia, halfway between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. It is surrounded by an inviting Dilworth Park, a pedestrian plaza with chairs, fountains, and green space.
7. Grab lunch at the Reading Terminal Market
Right by the Convention Center, the Reading Terminal Market offers a wonderful variety of meal options as well as specialty ethnic foods. The history of the market is interesting. It started operating as an indoor market in 1893 after outdoor markets were considered a health hazard and very quickly developed a refrigeration facility which allowed for storage and preservation of food. The market survived the Depression, the Second World War, and the Covid pandemic. In June 2022, when I last visited, it was a bustling place with locals and tourists enjoying the delicious food.
8. Relax at Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is one of the original 5 squares designed by William Penn. This lovely park is a great place to relax and sit for a bit. There is a pretty pool, and several lovely statues decorating the park. We stayed 2 blocks away from Rittenhouse Square and made sure to walk through it a couple of times a day.
9. Walk across the South Street Bridge
If you want to take beautiful pictures of the skyline of Philadelphia, I recommend walking across the South Street Bridge. The bridge connects downtown Philadelphia with University City, an area of the city where University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are located. The walk is pleasant and the views are fantastic!
10. Visit University of Pennsylvania
One of the Ivy League schools, University of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest universities in the United States. It was established in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. It’s truly enjoyable to stroll across the campus admiring the buildings. Nearby is another university, Drexel, which is also worth visiting. Stop by one of the many eateries and enjoy the atmosphere.
11. Walk along Benjamin Franklin Parkway
This scenic one mile long boulevard connects the City Hall with the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was built in the style of Parisian Champs-Élysées and is lined with many museums and cultural institutions. Flags from around the world decorate the parkway, which I particularly enjoyed. Stop by Logan Square and admire the Swan Memorial Fountain as well as the views towards City Hall. Take a short detour and stopped by the Franklin Institute, which is to the west of Logan Square. There is a grand statue of Ben Franklin inside, definitely worth seeing.
12. Have a cheesesteak
You cannot go to Philly and not have a cheesesteak! There are lots of places to choose from and you can’t go wrong. Remember, the sandwiches are huge so make sure you’re hungry before you buy one.
