A Guide to Philadelphia: All the Sights to See and Things to Do

Philadelphia is a city that has been called “the cradle of liberty” for centuries, and for good reason. With a rich history, iconic sights, and plenty of activities to enjoy, it’s easy to see why Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities in the United States. From America’s oldest residential street to the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Brotherly Love has plenty of sights and experiences that draw in tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, art, or just want to have a good time, Philadelphia is a great place to explore.

A Brief History of Philadelphia

Before being known as the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia was originally called by its Lenape name, “Tschakȃk,” or “Tschakȃnk,” which translates loosely to “where the creeks come together.” The city was founded in 1682 by William Penn and became the largest city and busiest port in the original 13 colonies. It also served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790-1800 while Washington D.C. was under construction. After the Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was home to many of the nation’s most prominent founding fathers and served as a center for political discourse, learning, and culture.

Today, Philadelphia is home to 1.5 million people and is recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations in America. With its vibrant culture, rich history, beautiful scenery, and plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit Philadelphia.

Famous Sights in Philadelphia

When visiting Philadelphia, there are plenty of iconic sights that are worth checking out. Here are some of the most popular spots that tourists should be sure to check out while they’re in town:

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is one of the most important sites in American history. It is the site where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were both signed, making it the birthplace of American democracy. Visitors can take a tour of the building and explore its fascinating history.

Liberty Bell Center

The Liberty Bell Center is home to the iconic Liberty Bell, one of America’s most iconic symbols of freedom. The bell was originally housed in Independence Hall but now sits in its own dedicated museum where visitors can learn about its history and take photos with it.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is home to more than 227,000 works of art. The museum offers a variety of exhibitions and collections that cover everything from Early American art to modern sculptures. It is also home to the iconic steps featured in Rocky Balboa’s training montage from Rocky III.

Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary was once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals and was one of the first prisons in the United States to use solitary confinement as a form of punishment. Today, it is open for tours and houses a variety of artifacts related to its history as a prison.

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s oldest public markets and is home to more than 100 vendors selling everything from Pennsylvania-made cheeses to freshly baked bread. It’s a great spot for visitors who want to sample some local cuisine or pick up some unique souvenirs.

Popular Activities in Philadelphia

In addition to its famous sights, Philadelphia also offers plenty of activities for visitors to take part in. Here are some of the most popular activities for tourists visiting for the first time:

Touring Old City

Old City is one of Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhoods and is home to some of its most iconic sights such as Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center. Visitors can take a walking tour around Old City and learn about its history, explore its cobblestone streets, and visit some of its oldest buildings.

Exploring South Street

South Street is one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant neighborhoods and is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues. Visitors can take a stroll down South Street and explore its unique culture or catch a show at one of its many live music venues.

Taking a Food Tour

Philadelphia is home to an array of delicious cuisines ranging from classic Philly cheesesteaks to upscale Italian restaurants. Visitors can take a food tour around the city and sample some of Philly’s best dishes while learning about its culinary history.

Visiting Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful public parks and is home to sculptures, fountains, and plenty of green space for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around Rittenhouse Square or take part in some of its seasonal events and activities such as outdoor movie screenings and yoga classes.

Cycling Along the Delaware River

The Delaware River runs along Philadelphia’s east side and offers spectacular views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can rent a bike and explore the area by bike or take part in one of the many guided bike tours offered by local companies.

Popular Tours in Philadelphia

In addition to its many attractions and activities, Philadelphia also offers plenty of guided tours that allow visitors to get an up-close look at some of its most iconic sights. Here are two popular tours that visitors should consider taking:

Revolutionary War Tour

This two-hour tour takes visitors through historic Old City and tells the story behind some of America’s most important moments in history such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Battle of Germantown. The tour includes stops at Independence Hall, Liberty Bell Center, and other key sites related to the Revolutionary War era. Book a Revolutionary War Tour here.

Brewery Tour

This three-hour tour takes visitors through some of Philadelphia’s best breweries while offering samples of locally crafted beer along the way. The tour includes stops at Yards Brewing Company, Dock Street Brewing Company, Crime & Punishment Brewing Company, Evil Genius Beer Company, and 2nd Story Brewing Company. Book a Brewery Tour here.

Conclusion

Philadelphia is a city full of history, culture, art, and plenty of sights for visitors to explore during their stay. From iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center to vibrant neighborhoods such as South Street and Rittenhouse Square, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia no matter what their interests may be. There are also plenty of activities such as bike tours along the Delaware River and food tours that allow visitors to experience all that Philadelphia has to offer. For those looking for a more immersive experience, there are even guided tours such as Revolutionary War Tours and Brewery Tours that offer an up-close look at some of Philly’s most iconic sights and attractions. No matter how you choose to experience Philadelphia during your stay, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest during your visit to this historic city.