A City Guide to Penn’s Landing: Things To Do Nearby

Penn’s Landing is a major tourist attraction located on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a popular destination for visitors from around the world and offers a variety of activities for all ages. From outdoor markets and festivals to river cruises and historical sites, Penn’s Landing has something for everyone. This city guide will provide an overview of Penn’s Landing and the best things to do nearby.

History of Penn’s Landing

Penn’s Landing was named after William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania and one of the first Europeans to settle in the area. It was originally used as a port for ships carrying goods and supplies to Philadelphia. The waterfront became a popular destination for sightseeing boat tours, recreational fishing, and weekend getaways. In the mid-twentieth century, the area began to decline as industry left the city. However, in recent years, Penn’s Landing has been revitalized and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Philadelphia.

Things To Do at Penn’s Landing

Penn’s Landing offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. The most popular attractions include the large open-air markets and festivals that are held at the waterfront throughout the year. There is also a large selection of restaurants and bars nearby, as well as river cruises and boat tours. In addition, there are plenty of shops and galleries to explore, and many of them offer unique items that can’t be found anywhere else.

The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing is the largest open space at the waterfront and is host to a variety of events and activities. The Great Plaza offers incredible views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River. It is a great place to relax and take in the beauty of the city. Throughout the year, the plaza hosts outdoor markets and festivals, such as the popular PECO Multicultural Festival and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. The Great Plaza also features a large fountain, which is lit up at night, making it a great spot for photos.

River Tours and Boat Rides

Penn’s Landing offers several river tours and boat rides for visitors to enjoy. The most popular is the Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise, which takes visitors on a two-hour tour around the Philadelphia Harbor. The cruise includes live entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and incredible views of the city skyline. Visitors can also take a narrated tour of the Delaware River on board a Liberty Tour Boat or take an evening cruise aboard The Northern Lights Boat.

Festivals and Events

Throughout the year, Penn’s Landing is host to a variety of festivals and events that are open to the public. The popular PECO Multicultural Festival celebrates Philadelphia’s diverse cultural heritage with live music, art exhibits, food vendors, and more. There is also the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, which celebrates Japanese culture with traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and art exhibitions. Other popular events include the Cooper River Yacht Race, which is held every June, and the Philadelphia Marathon which takes place in November.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to the festivals and events that are held at Penn’s Landing, visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors can take advantage of the waterfront views by taking a stroll along the boardwalk or taking a ride on one of the many bike trails that run along the river. There are also several playgrounds located at Penn’s Landing where children can play. And if you’re looking for something more active, there are several volleyball courts located at the waterfront park.

Popular Tours Near Penn’s Landing

Old City Philadelphia Trolley Tour

The Old City Philadelphia Trolley Tour offers visitors an in-depth look at some of Philadelphia’s most historic sites and attractions. This two-hour tour begins with a ride down Market Street, where visitors will get a glimpse of some of Philadelphia’s oldest landmarks such as Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House. Along the way, visitors will see several other historic sites such as Franklin Square and Elfreth’s Alley. This trolley tour is perfect for those looking to learn more about Philadelphia’s fascinating history. Book this trolley tour today to experience all that Old City Philadelphia has to offer.

Delaware River Ghost Tour

The Delaware River Ghost Tour takes visitors on an eerie journey down Philadelphia’s spooky past. This two-hour tour takes visitors on a boat ride down the Delaware River while they explore some of Philadelphia’s most haunted spots. Along the way, visitors will learn about some of Philadelphia’s darkest secrets and encounter stories of ghosts and ghouls that are said to haunt this historic city. This tour is perfect for those looking for an exciting adventure full of thrills and chills! Book this ghost tour today for an unforgettable experience!

Philadelphia City Sightseeing Bike Tour

The Philadelphia City Sightseeing Bike Tour is the perfect way to explore all that the city has to offer from a unique perspective on two wheels! This two-hour tour takes visitors on an adventure through some of Philadelphia’s most iconic neighborhoods such as Old City, University City, and more. Along the way, visitors will have plenty of time to take in breathtaking views of the city skyline while they explore some of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Rittenhouse Square Park, and more! Book this bike tour today to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer!

Conclusion

Penn’s Landing is one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist destinations and offers something for everyone to enjoy. From outdoor markets and festivals to river cruises and historical sites, Penn’s Landing has it all! This city guide provides an overview of what you can expect to find at Penn’s Landing as well as some of the best things to do nearby. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or just some time to relax and take in all that Philadelphia has to offer – Penn’s Landing is sure to have something for you!