A Guide to Happening In Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s largest city, is full of history, culture, and activity. From the cobblestone streets of Old City to the vibrant neighborhoods of South Philly, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy in Philadelphia. With a population of over 1.5 million, Philadelphia is the sixth-largest city in the United States, and it has been a major city since its founding in 1682. It was the country’s first capital, and it is home to some of America’s most historical sites, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center.

Philadelphia has seen a resurgence in recent years, as its economy has shifted from a manufacturing-based economy to one that is more focused on technology, education, medicine, and finance. The city is home to several major institutions of higher learning, including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Temple University. It is also home to some of the top medical institutions in the country, such as The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Known as the “City of Brotherly Love” and “The Birthplace of America,” Philadelphia has long been a popular tourist destination due to its wealth of iconic attractions and its vibrant cultural scene. From its world-famous cheesesteaks and renowned museums to its lively music scene, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Philadelphia. Let’s take a closer look at some of the city’s most popular attractions.

Historical Attractions

Philadelphia has a rich and storied history that stretches back hundreds of years. Its most iconic attractions are the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which are located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. The Liberty Bell is one of America’s most recognizable symbols of freedom, and it is located in the Liberty Bell Center near Independence Hall. Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were both signed, making it one of America’s most important historical sites.

Other notable historical attractions in Philadelphia include the Betsy Ross House, which is the oldest standing residence in Philadelphia and was once the home of America’s first flag maker. There is also the National Constitution Center, which houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive collections of documents related to the U.S. Constitution. The Eastern State Penitentiary, once one of America’s most notorious prisons, is now open for tours. And there is also Fairmount Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and home to the Philadelphia Zoo.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Philadelphia is home to some of the best museums in the United States. The most notable museum in Philadelphia is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses an impressive collection of art from around the world. The museum also features several outdoor sculptures and galleries, as well as an observation deck with incredible views of the city skyline. The Barnes Foundation is another popular museum that features an impressive collection of Impressionist art. And The Franklin Institute is a science museum that is popular with both adults and children alike.

Other popular museums in Philadelphia include The Academy of Natural Sciences, which features exhibits on science topics such as zoology and paleontology; The Mütter Museum, which is dedicated to medical history; and The Penn Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient cultures around the world.

Philadelphia’s Culinary Scene

No visit to Philadelphia would be complete without sampling the city’s famous cuisine. Philadelphia is known for its Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which consists of thinly sliced steak cooked on a griddle with melted cheese on top. It’s commonly served with onions, peppers, mushrooms, or other toppings. Other popular sandwiches in Philadelphia include Italian hoagies and roast pork sandwiches.

Philadelphia also has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries located throughout the city. Many breweries offer taproom experiences where visitors can sample their beers or take part in beer-making classes or tours.

Shopping and Entertainment

Philadelphia has no shortage of shopping opportunities, with several malls located throughout the city. The King of Prussia Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in America, featuring over 400 stores and restaurants spread over two levels. The Shops at Liberty Place are located right in Center City and feature a variety of upscale shops and restaurants. Other popular shopping districts include South Street for its hipster vibe; Rittenhouse Square for its high-end designer stores; and West Philly for its eclectic mix of vintage shops and thrift stores.

Philadelphia also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with several live music venues scattered throughout the city. There are also a number of comedy clubs, jazz bars, dance clubs, and karaoke bars for visitors to enjoy.

Popular Tours

For those looking to explore Philadelphia in more depth, there are several popular tours available that offer unique experiences. One popular tour is A Taste of Philly Food Tour, which takes visitors on a walking tour through Philadelphia’s most iconic neighborhoods while sampling some of the city’s best foods along the way. During this 2-3 hour tour, visitors will sample some of Philadelphia’s most beloved foods such as cheesesteaks, hoagies, pretzels, and more while learning about the city’s rich history and culture. From sampling handmade pretzels at Reading Terminal Market to tasting authentic Italian sandwiches on South Street, this tour offers an enjoyable way to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer culinary-wise. Book an A Taste Of Philly Food Tour here.

Another popular tour is A Night Out on South Street tour which takes visitors on an evening stroll through historic South Street while sampling some of the best local beers along the way. During this 2-hour tour, visitors will visit some of South Street’s most iconic pubs such as Johnny Brenda’s and The Legendary Dobbs music venue while enjoying craft beers from some of the best local breweries in town. Book a Night Out on South Street tour here.

Conclusion

From its rich history to its vibrant culture scene, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Philadelphia. Whether you are looking for history, culture or culinary experiences, there are plenty of attractions to explore in this beloved city. From visiting iconic historical sites such as Independence Hall to sampling some of Philadelphia’s best food on a walking tour or enjoying some craft beer at one of South Street’s famous pubs, there is something for everyone in this great city. So come explore Philly for yourself and discover all that this amazing city has to offer!