Things To Do
in Philadelphia
Known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, this city is the birthplace of American democracy, housing iconic landmarks such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. It's a place where culinary delights meet world-class art, museums, and bustling markets, with the Reading Terminal Market standing out as a food lover's paradise.
Boasting a passionate sports culture, this city's heart beats strongly for its major league teams, making it a dynamic and spirited metropolis to explore.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Take a guided tour to learn about its historical significance.
Visit the nearby Liberty Bell Center to see the iconic symbol of American freedom. Spend some time walking around the National Historical Park to soak in the history.
Dine at a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak spot for an authentic experience. Stroll around Old City to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and local shops.
Begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its impressive collection and the Rocky Steps. Enjoy a leisurely morning admiring both the art and architecture.
Head to the Barnes Foundation, home to an extraordinary collection of Impressionist and Modern masterpieces. Be sure to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
Experience a show at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Choose from a variety of performances and enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance, home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Diverse food scene, famous for its cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
- Cultural attractions including museums, theaters, and art galleries.
- Strong sports culture with passionate fan bases for the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers.
- Good public transportation system with services like SEPTA.
- High crime rates in certain areas can be a concern.
- Traffic congestion can be a significant issue.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and hot summers.
- High cost of living compared to some other cities in the region.
- Occasional political and economic challenges impacting local programs and infrastructure.
Best Activities in Philadelphia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic landmarks and learn about the birth of the United States.
Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and visiting the Philadelphia Zoo and other attractions within the park.
Take a walk, run, or bike ride along the scenic trail by the river.
Experience a vibrant waterfront park with hammocks, food vendors, and a boardwalk.
Tours
Uncover the best of Philadelphia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Philadelphia
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic view of the Philadelphia skyline from the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
360-degree panoramic views of Philadelphia from the top of One Liberty Place
Scenic views of the city and the Delaware River from the pedestrian walkway on the bridge
Waterfront park with stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline
Observation deck providing a bird's-eye view of Philadelphia's cityscape
Food in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Philadelphia classic, consisting of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and sometimes grilled onions on a hoagie roll. Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are iconic spots to try this dish.
Must-Try!
Soft, doughy pretzels sprinkled with coarse salt, often served with mustard. Be sure to visit the famous Philly Pretzel Factory for an authentic experience.
A breakfast delicacy made of pork scraps and cornmeal, formed into a loaf and sliced for pan-frying. Reading Terminal Market is an ideal place to sample this local favorite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Philadelphia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic indoor market offering a plethora of food options including Amish specialties, diverse international cuisines, fresh produce, and artisanal goods.
This vibrant outdoor market is known for its fresh produce, seafood, and authentic Italian fare. It's a fantastic place to explore and savor street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Philadelphia, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close or touching strangers without permission.
Punctuality is valued in Philadelphia, so it is important to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Philadelphia is known for its diverse population, so it's important to show respect for people from different cultural backgrounds and be open to learning about new traditions and perspectives.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Philadelphia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Philadelphia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Philadelphia, and it is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as taxi drivers and hotel staff.
In Philadelphia, most businesses accept major credit cards and mobile payment options. Cash is also widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Philadelphia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is one of the best times to visit Philadelphia as the city comes alive with blooming flowers, outdoor festivals, and pleasant weather. You can expect mild temperatures and the start of outdoor events and activities.
Summer in Philadelphia brings warm weather, bustling outdoor markets, vibrant street festivals, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can expect bright sunshine, outdoor concerts, and a great array of food and drink options.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Philadelphia as the city embraces the changing colors of the leaves and cooler temperatures. Visitors can expect to enjoy fall foliage, harvest festivals, and seasonal foods like apple cider and pumpkin treats.
Winter in Philadelphia can be cold, but it's also a time of festive cheer and seasonal events. Visitors can expect holiday decorations, ice skating rinks, warm holiday drinks, and indoor attractions such as museums and galleries.
Philadelphia at Night
Hiking in Philadelphia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the largest urban park systems in the United States, offering numerous trails for hiking and beautiful views of the Schuylkill River.
Part of the Fairmount Park system, this area features scenic trails along the Wissahickon Creek, with rugged terrain and lush forest.
A multi-use trail that runs along the Schuylkill River, providing a flat and easy hiking path with beautiful riverside views.
Historic park featuring miles of hiking trails, significant Revolutionary War history, and scenic landscapes.
This refuge provides a unique blend of wetlands and woodlands with several trails for hiking while observing diverse wildlife.
Located a short drive from Philadelphia, this park offers trails with varying difficulty levels and picturesque views of the lake.
Renowned for birdwatching, this area features a network of trails with breathtaking views of the Appalachian mountains.
A state park with a variety of hiking trails through woodlands, offering a peaceful retreat just outside the city.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Philadelphia through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Philadelphia by plane.
The main airport serving Philadelphia, located just 7 miles from downtown.
Located approximately 85 miles from Philadelphia, it is one of the major airports serving the New York City area.
Situated about 95 miles from Philadelphia, JFK is another major airport serving New York City.
Located about 100 miles from Philadelphia, BWI serves the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metro areas.
Approximately 135 miles from Philadelphia, Dulles serves the northern Virginia and Washington D.C. areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 41% of the population identifies as White.
Around 43% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
About 15% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Approximately 7% of the population identifies as Asian.
About 3% of the population identifies as being of two or more races.
Less than 1% of the population identifies as Native American.
Less than 1% of the population identifies as Pacific Islander.
The Soul of Philadelphia
Discover the essence of Philadelphia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is immensely popular in Philadelphia, with the Philadelphia Eagles being the city's NFL team. The Eagles have a passionate fan base and their games are major events.
The Philadelphia 76ers represent the city in the NBA, and basketball has a rich history here, contributing to the vibrant sports culture with many local leagues and schools participating.
The Philadelphia Phillies are the city's Major League Baseball team. Baseball season draws large crowds to Citizens Bank Park, fostering a strong community around the sport.
Ice hockey enjoys a strong following in Philadelphia, particularly with the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL. The Flyers have a dedicated fan base that supports them vigorously.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in Philadelphia, especially with the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. The team has seen increasing support as the sport's profile rises in the U.S.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Philadelphia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Philadelphia offer diverse vegetarian and vegan choices, with numerous restaurants dedicated to plant-based cuisine, such as Vedge and HipCityVeg.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at various establishments, including P.S. & Co., a gluten-free, plant-based cafe with delectable offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Philadelphia with these cultural adventures.
