Fun Things To Do In Philly

Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, is the largest city in Pennsylvania. Home to iconic historical monuments, unique cultural attractions, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, Philadelphia is a great destination for tourists visiting for the first time. From its cobblestone streets, to its thriving sports teams, to its vibrant nightlife and dining options, Philly has something for everyone. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best and most fun things to do in Philly.

A Brief History of Philadelphia

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, the founder of the Pennsylvania colony. Penn named the city after his father, Sir William Penn. The city quickly grew and rapidly developed into an important center for political, economic, and social activity. In fact, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States before Washington D.C. Between 1790 and 1800, Philadelphia was the most populous city in the United States. The city is best known for its role as the site of several important events during the American Revolution, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention.

Today, Philadelphia is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.6 million people. It is home to a thriving business center, world-renowned universities, and vibrant cultural attractions. From its historical sites to its modern attractions, Philadelphia offers visitors plenty of things to do and explore.

Exploring Philadelphia’s Famous Sights

The most iconic sight in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell. Located in Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence. The bell was used to call people together to hear important announcements in colonial times, and became famous when it was rung during the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The bell is now located in a glass pavilion and visitors can come to see it up close and take photos with it.

Another popular sight in Philadelphia is the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The steps were made famous in 1976 when Sylvester Stallone ran up them in the movie Rocky. Today, thousands of tourists come here to take photos and recreate Rocky’s iconic run.

Philadelphia is also home to a number of other historical sights and monuments, such as the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, and Elfreth’s Alley. All of these sites offer visitors an insight into Philadelphia’s rich history and culture.

Best Food Experiences in Philly

Philadelphia is known for its unique cuisine. From classic cheesesteaks to delicious hoagies, there is something for everyone in Philly’s food scene. Cheese steaks are a staple of Philadelphia cuisine and can be found all around the city. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are two popular spots where tourists can enjoy a Philly cheesesteak. Another popular food item in Philadelphia is the hoagie. A hoagie is essentially a type of Italian sandwich filled with cold cuts and other delicious ingredients. Di Bruno Brothers is a popular spot for hoagies, as well as other Italian delicacies like cheese boards and charcuterie platters.

Philadelphia also has a thriving restaurant scene with plenty of options for fine dining. Talula’s Garden is one popular spot that serves creative and delicious dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Other popular restaurants include Vedge, which serves vegan fare; High Street on Market which offers seasonal farm-to-table dishes; and Zahav which serves modern Israeli cuisine.

Vibrant Nightlife Scene

Philadelphia has a thriving nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs for visitors to explore. Locust Bar is one popular spot located in Midtown Village that features live music and DJs spinning a mix of funk and soul music. The bar also serves craft beer, cocktails, and small bites. Another popular spot is The Dolphin Tavern located in South Philadelphia. This dive bar has a laid-back atmosphere and features DJs playing rock music from all eras. For a more upscale experience, visitors can check out The Franklin Bar located in Old City which features craft cocktails, DJs playing house music, and small plates.

Unique Shopping Experiences

Philadelphia also has plenty of unique shopping experiences for visitors to enjoy. One popular spot is South Street which features boutiques, vintage stores, record shops, and more. South Street is also home to Head House Square Market which offers visitors a variety of handmade crafts and local food vendors. Another popular shopping spot is the Reading Terminal Market which offers visitors a variety of fresh produce, locally-made goods, food stalls, souvenirs, and more.

Experience Philly’s Arts Scene

Philadelphia is home to a thriving arts scene with plenty of museums and galleries for visitors to explore. The Philadelphia Museum of Art features an impressive collection of works from all over the world as well as special exhibitions throughout the year. Other popular museums include the Barnes Foundation which focuses on impressionist paintings from Europe; The Franklin Institute which features interactive exhibits on science; and The Academy of Natural Sciences which houses displays on dinosaurs and other animals from around the world.

In addition to museums, Philly also has plenty of art galleries for visitors to explore. Vox Populi Gallery focuses on contemporary art from emerging artists while Fleisher/Ollman Gallery showcases works from American artists from the 19th century to present day. The Crane Arts Building is another popular spot which features several galleries filled with works from local artists as well as art workshops and events throughout the year.

Popular Tours In Philly

There are many popular tours that visitors can take while exploring Philadelphia. One popular tour is the Old City Historic District Tour which takes visitors through Philly’s most popular historic sites such as Independence Hall and Elfreth’s Alley. The tour also includes stops at famous restaurants such as Reading Terminal Market and Pat’s King of Steaks for a taste of classic Philly cuisine. This tour lasts about three hours with an experienced guide who will share stories about Philly’s past along the way. Visitors can book this tour online or by calling ahead of time.

Another popular tour is the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia which takes visitors on a spooky journey through some of Philly’s most haunted locations such as Eastern State Penitentiary and Christ Church Burial Ground. The tour lasts about two hours with an experienced guide who will share stories about Philly’s creepy past along the way. Visitors can book this tour online or by calling ahead of time.

Finally, another popular tour is the Segway Tour which takes visitors around the city on two-wheeled stand-up scooters while learning about Philly’s history and culture along the way. This tour lasts about three hours with an experienced guide who will share stories about Philly’s past along the way. Visitors can book this tour online or by calling ahead of time.

Final Thoughts On Fun Things To Do In Philly

From its iconic historical sights to its vibrant cultural attractions, there are plenty of fun things to do in Philly for tourists visiting for the first time. Whether you’re looking for delicious cuisine or vibrant nightlife scene, Philly has something for everyone to enjoy. From exploring its historical monuments to taking one of its many popular tours around town, there are plenty of unique activities that will make your visit to Philly memorable one!