10 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, affectionately called “Philly,” masterfully combines its profound, foundational American history with a vibrant, modern creative energy. It is the city where the Declaration of Independence was ratified and the US Constitution was debated and signed, but its identity is equally shaped by its iconic food, world-class museums, sprawling murals, and fiercely passionate sports culture. More than just a repository of historical landmarks, Philadelphia is a living, breathing city with distinct neighborhoods, a celebrated culinary scene, and an arts community that thrives both inside institutions and on the streets.

Remarkably compact and walkable, Philadelphia makes it delightfully easy to jump from 18th-century cobblestone alleys to cutting-edge galleries and cozy neighborhood bars within a few blocks. From the hallowed halls of Independence Hall and the symbolic crack of the Liberty Bell to the delicious chaos of Reading Terminal Market and the triumphant ascent of the Museum of Art steps, here are 10 of the best things to do in Philadelphia to experience the full depth of its character.

1. Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Independence Hall is the unequivocal birthplace of American democracy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Second Continental Congress convened and where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were fiercely debated and signed. Stepping into the Georgian-style building, particularly the Assembly Room, is a powerful immersion into the nation’s founding moments. The guided tours bring to life the gravity of the decisions made within these walls, surrounded by period furniture and artifacts that witnessed history.

Just across the street, in its own serene pavilion, resides the Liberty Bell, an international symbol of freedom. Its iconic crack and profound inscription (“Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof”) draw visitors from around the world. Both sites are managed by the Independence National Historical Park, which encompasses a significant swath of Old City. While entry to see the Liberty Bell is free, timed tickets are recommended for the Independence Hall tour. This historic core is not just a lesson in history; it’s a pilgrimage to the very source of American ideals, making it an essential and moving first stop for any visitor.

2. Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the “Rocky Steps”

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the nation’s preeminent cultural institutions, housed in a majestic Greco-Roman temple at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Its vast and encyclopedic collection spans continents and centuries, from Asian temples and European armor courts to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Picasso. The museum’s recent renovation has only enhanced its ability to showcase stunning works in thoughtfully curated galleries, making it easy to spend an entire day wandering from Renaissance altarpieces to contemporary installations.

Outside, the museum’s grand east entrance staircase has achieved global fame as the “Rocky Steps.” Following Sylvester Stallone’s iconic training run in the film Rocky, visitors by the thousands recreate the sprint to the top. At the base of the steps, a bronze statue of Rocky Balboa offers a prime photo opportunity. The real reward, however, is the breathtaking panoramic view from the top, looking back down the parkway toward the towering statue of William Penn atop City Hall. This perfect blend of high art and pop culture embodies Philadelphia’s unique, unpretentious character.

3. Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market

Housed in a National Historic Landmark building that was once the terminal for the Reading Railroad, Reading Terminal Market is the bustling, aromatic, and delicious heart of Philadelphia’s food scene. This sprawling indoor market has been operating since 1893 and features over 80 diverse vendors. It is a true melting pot where you can find Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies from the Amish community (think scrapple, shoofly pie, and soft pretzels), iconic Philly cheesesteaks (with fierce debates over rivals Pat’s and Geno’s settled by the excellent versions here), and an incredible array of global street food, from Vietnamese banh mi to Middle Eastern falafel.

The key is to come with an appetite and a sense of adventure. Grab a freshly shucked oyster, a legendary roast pork sandwich from DiNic’s, a scoop of Bassetts ice cream (America’s oldest ice cream company), and a strong coffee, then find a spot at the crowded communal tables to people-watch. The vibrant, noisy, and utterly authentic atmosphere provides a visceral taste of the city’s daily rhythm and its rich culinary heritage, making it a mandatory stop for any food lover.

4. Wander Old City’s cobbled streets

Adjacent to Independence Hall, Old City is Philadelphia’s most historically dense neighborhood, where 18th-century architecture seamlessly blends with 21st-century urban life. Its narrow, cobblestone streets, such as Elfreth’s Alley—the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street—offer a tangible, picturesque connection to the colonial past with their perfectly preserved brick homes and flower boxes.

By day, the area is a haven for history buffs and shoppers, hosting a high concentration of independent boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and small museums like the Museum of the American Revolution. As the sun sets, Old City transforms into a lively dining and nightlife destination, with acclaimed restaurants, intimate wine bars, and trendy cocktail lounges filling the historic buildings. Wandering its blocks without a firm agenda, peeking into courtyards and admiring the juxtaposition of old and new, is the best way to absorb its layered charm.

5. Discover street art and murals

Philadelphia is rightly celebrated as the “City of Murals,” home to one of the world’s most ambitious public art programs. Spearheaded by Mural Arts Philadelphia, the city’s walls have been transformed into a vast, open-air gallery with over 4,000 works. These aren’t mere decorations; they are community-driven projects that tell stories of social justice, celebrate local heroes, and beautify neighborhoods.

You can encounter stunning murals in every corner of the city, with dense concentrations in areas like South Philadelphia, Fishtown, and West Philadelphia. To truly appreciate the scale and stories, consider joining a guided tour by foot, trolley, or even bike, where educators explain the artistic process and community impact. From the majestic “Peace is a Haiku Song” on the side of a building to the poignant “How to Turn Anything into Something Else,” exploring this urban canvas reveals the city’s creative pulse and its commitment to art as a tool for connection and conversation.

6. Visit the Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation houses one of the world’s most extraordinary and idiosyncratic collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern art. Assembled by the visionary Dr. Albert C. Barnes, the collection includes an astonishing number of works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. What makes the Barnes truly unique is its display: Dr. Barnes arranged the paintings in his own exacting “ensembles,” mixing masterpieces with antique metalwork, furniture, and decorative arts in symmetric wall compositions.

This intimate, salon-style hanging, preserved in the stunning modern building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, forces a different kind of looking. It encourages visitors to draw connections between form, color, and object across cultures and eras. A visit here is an immersive, almost meditative art experience, distinct from the chronological layout of traditional museums. Combined with the nearby Rodin Museum (home to the largest collection of Rodin’s work outside Paris) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it cements Philadelphia’s status as a heavyweight destination for art connoisseurs.

7. Walk along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Often called Philadelphia’s “Champs-Élysées,” the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a grand, diagonal boulevard that cuts from the foot of the majestic City Hall to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Lined with flags from nations around the world, it is the city’s ceremonial corridor and cultural spine. A leisurely stroll down its length offers a tour of major institutions, including the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute science museum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Key landmarks along the way include LOVE Park (officially John F. Kennedy Plaza), famous for Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture, and the Swann Memorial Fountain. The walk culminates in the awe-inspiring view of the art museum at the far end. The parkway is also the site for major civic events like the Wawa Welcome America July 4th celebrations and the Thanksgiving Day Parade, pulsating with the city’s communal energy.

8. Explore Fairmount Park and Boathouse Row

One of the largest contiguous urban park systems in the United States, Fairmount Park is Philadelphia’s green lung, offering over 2,000 acres of wooded trails, scenic overlooks, historic mansions, and quiet meadows along the Schuylkill River. It’s a paradise for runners, cyclists, and anyone seeking a nature respite minutes from downtown.

The park’s most picturesque feature is Boathouse Row, a series of 19th-century Victorian-style boathouses lining the east bank of the river. Home to social and rowing clubs, the houses are beautifully illuminated by thousands of lights each evening, creating a magical, postcard-perfect scene reflected in the water. Renting a bike to explore the Schuylkill River Trail or touring one of the park’s historic homes, like Strawberry Mansion, provides a perfect blend of recreation, history, and unparalleled views of the city skyline.

9. Experience Fishtown and Northern Liberties

Once gritty industrial neighborhoods, Fishtown and adjacent Northern Liberties (NoLibs) have been utterly transformed into the epicenter of Philadelphia’s contemporary cool. These areas pulsate with a creative, youthful energy, housed in converted factories and classic Philly row houses. Fishtown’s main drag, Frankford Avenue, and NoLibs’ 2nd Street are lined with an ever-evolving array of craft breweries (Philadelphia Brewing Company, Evil Genius), innovative restaurants (from award-winning pizza to high-end tasting menus), independent boutiques, live music venues (Johnny Brenda’s), and specialty coffee shops.

Spending an evening here, hopping from a microbrewery taproom to a vinyl bar or a gourmet food hall like Liberty Lands, offers an authentic taste of modern Philly life. The vibe is laid-back, stylish without being pretentious, and fiercely supportive of local business, representing the city’s dynamic present and future.

10. Cheer on a Philadelphia sports team

To understand the passion and pride that defines Philadelphia, spend time with its sports fans. Philadelphians live and die with their teams—the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL)—with a legendary intensity that is both intimidating and infectious. Attending a game at Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, or the Wells Fargo Center is a crash course in local culture, complete with roaring crowds, beloved traditions, and a deep sense of community.

Even if you can’t score tickets, visiting the South Philadelphia sports complex on a game day to experience the tailgating scene—an art form in itself with grills, games, and generations of fans clad in midnight green or Phillies red—is an unforgettable spectacle. It’s a raw, energetic, and uniquely Philadelphia form of fellowship, showcasing the city’s heart and identity beyond its history and art.