Places to Visit in Philly

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a bustling city full of history, culture, and art that stretch back to the days of the founding fathers. From the iconic Liberty Bell to its many delicious restaurants, Philly is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to keep you coming back again and again. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s colonial roots or just want to treat your taste buds to a delicious meal, there are plenty of places to visit in Philly that are sure to keep you entertained.

History and Culture

Philadelphia has a long and storied history that is worth exploring. One of the city’s most iconic sites is the Liberty Bell, located in the Liberty Bell Center. The bell was cast in 1751 and originally hung in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. The bell was rung to signal important events such as the Declaration of Independence and the start of the American Revolution. Today, it is a symbol of freedom and independence and a must-see for any visitor to Philadelphia.

Another site central to Philadelphia’s history is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the Constitution was debated and adopted. This building is part of the Independence National Historical Park and is open for tours. The park also includes other Revolutionary War era buildings and monuments, such as the Betsy Ross House, where America’s first flag was created.

Food and Shopping

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without trying some of its famous food. The city is renowned for its cheesesteaks, which can be found at many places throughout the city. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are two of the most famous cheesesteak places in Philadelphia, and they have been competing for decades. Both places offer delicious sandwiches made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese, usually served on a Philly roll. If you’re looking for something a bit different, try one of the many roast pork sandwiches available throughout the city.

Another popular food item in Philadelphia is the soft pretzel. Soft pretzels can be found at many places throughout the city, from street vendors to markets. They are usually served with some sort of cheese sauce or dipping sauce, such as mustard or cheese whiz.

Philadelphia also has a vibrant shopping scene with plenty of places to find souvenirs, clothing, and more. The Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest public markets in the country and features over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to prepared foods. The Market also features several restaurants serving up delicious meals. South Street is another popular shopping area featuring an eclectic mix of stores ranging from vintage clothing to modern art galleries.

Museums and Art

Philadelphia is home to many world-class museums worth visiting. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States and features over 227,000 works of art from around the world. The museum also houses a library containing over 300,000 books and periodicals related to art and design. The nearby Rodin Museum houses Auguste Rodin’s famous sculptures including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is another popular attraction in Philadelphia. The museum features interactive exhibits about science and technology as well as a planetarium and an observatory for stargazing. The museum also hosts several special exhibits throughout the year featuring some of the latest scientific discoveries.

If you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat, make sure to check out Magic Gardens. This unique outdoor space was created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar out of thousands of pieces of broken glass, ceramics, bicycle parts, found objects, and more. It’s a great place to explore and take photos or just relax and take in the beauty of this one-of-a-kind creation.

Outdoor Activities

Philadelphia has plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and features 9,200 acres of green space for visitors to explore. The park includes numerous trails for hiking and biking as well as many lakes for fishing and boating. The park also features several monuments and memorials dedicated to important figures in American history such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton.

Rittenhouse Square is another popular outdoor spot in Philadelphia. This public park is located in the center of the city and has been a popular spot for recreation since 1825. It’s a great place to relax, people watch, or just enjoy some fresh air. The park also hosts several special events throughout the year including concerts and festivals.

The Schuylkill River Trail is another great place for outdoor recreation in Philadelphia. This multi-use trail extends from Center City all the way out to Valley Forge National Historical Park and features 26 miles of paved trails perfect for walking, running, cycling, or just enjoying nature. Along the way you’ll find several parks and monuments as well as stunning views of the Schuylkill River.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an organized tour that will show you all the best places to visit in Philly, there are several options available. One popular tour is the Philadelphia Trolley Tour which takes visitors on a guided tour around the city with stops at various points of interest including Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Betsy Ross House, and other historic sites. The tour includes audio commentary about each stop along the way so you can learn more about each site while enjoying the ride. You can book this tour here.

Another popular tour is the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tour which takes visitors on a two-hour bus tour around the city with stops at historic monuments such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, Elfreth’s Alley (the oldest residential street in America) and more. The tour also includes audio commentary about each stop along the way so you can learn more about each site while enjoying the views from your seat on the bus. You can book this tour here.

Finally, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore Philadelphia’s streets and landmarks, consider taking a Segway tour around town. Segway tours are an easy way to get around town and see some of Philly’s most popular sites such as Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, City Hall, and more while learning about their history along the way. You can book a Segway tour here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is a city full of history and culture that offers plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. From iconic landmarks to delicious restaurants and fun outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in Philly. Whether you’re looking to explore its rich colonial past or just want to treat your taste buds to something new, there are plenty of places to visit in Philadelphia that will keep you entertained during your stay.