Things to do in  Philadelphia

One of the most recognizable pieces of American revolutionary history (thanks in part to its famous crack), the Liberty Bell represents freedom in the city where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. Today, the Philadelphia icon is located within the free-to-visit Liberty Bell Center, a highlight of Independence National Historical Park and home to exhibits in addition to the bell itself.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest public art galleries in the United States. Along with its main Greco-Roman style building—home to works by Rubens, Monet, and van Gogh—this cultural treasure boasts four smaller museums and is fronted by the “Rocky Steps,” immortalized in the hit 1976 film Rocky.

The larger-than-life bronze statue standing at the base of the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art has become an essential stop on any visit to the hometown of fictional fighter Rocky Balboa. The massive Rocky Statue—both arms raised—was made for the movie Rocky III (1982) and gifted to the city by actor Sylvester Stallone.

One of the country’s first science museums, the Franklin Institute takes its name from inventor and former Philadelphian Benjamin Franklin. Today, it serves as an entertaining and educational destination for visitors of all ages—its hands-on exhibits, temporary exhibitions, planetarium, and other offerings make it a family-friendly must.

George Washington supposedly asked Betsy Ross to stitch the first-ever American flag. The seamstress is said to have created the Stars and Stripes in 1776. Today, visitors can explore the 18th-century house where Betsy Ross purportedly lived, examine artifacts from her life, and even meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator.

Philadelphia City Hall, in the middle of Center City at the intersection of Broad and Market streets, is visible from all over town. For nearly 100 years, it remained the tallest structure in the city. Though it no longer bears the accolade, City Hall remains one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings.

Congress Hall played an important role in the history of the United States. Following the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was declared the capital city and Congress Hall served as the home of the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800. Today, the building is part of Independence National Historic Park and is open to the public for tours.

Billed as the oldest residential street in the United States, Elfreth’s Alley dates back to 1702. A National Historic Landmark and a living museum, the narrow, cobbled alley features 32 buildings in Georgian and Federal styles. It’s also home to Elfreth's Alley Museum House.

Founded in 1695 and located in the heart of Old City, Christ Church is one of Philadelphia’s oldest and most significant religious landmarks, formerly attended by Founding Fathers including George Washington. Christ Church Burial Ground serves as the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, George Ross, and other American luminaries.

Known as “America’s most historic square mile,” Independence National Historical Park comprises the most significant landmarks linked to the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States. Highlights of the park, located in Philadelphia’s Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods, include Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.

Located in downtown Philadelphia, the John F. Kennedy Plaza is better known as LOVE Park, after Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture in the center of the park. Newly redesigned, with expanded green spaces, improved seating and pathways, and a programmable fountain, LOVE Park is a popular destination with locals and visitors alike.

One of Philadelphia’s oldest and most popular destinations for food lovers, Reading Terminal Market has catered to hungry visitors since the 1860s. Just steps from Jefferson Station and the Philadelphia Convention Center, the market hosts dozens of stalls, from hot food vendors to gift shops and Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods sellers.

Located on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall, the National Constitution Center is dedicated to honoring and exploring the United States Constitution, which (ratified in 1788) is the supreme law of the nation. The sprawling, tech-savvy museum brings the Constitution to life via interactive exhibits and dramatic presentations.

A highlight of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, Carpenters’ Hall was completed in 1775. Best remembered as the host of the First Continental Congress in 1774, the landmark has been continuously operated by the Carpenters’ Company (the country’s oldest craft guild) and was declared a National Historic Monument in 1970.

Located where the residence of the country’s first presidents once stood, The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation exhibition area is a highlight of Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park. Erected in 2010, the open-air gallery explores how slavery tainted the country’s struggle for freedom.