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What to Do in Philadelphia: Things to See, Eat and Experience

 

 

Philadelphia is one of those cities that doesn't take long to develop an opinion about. It's historic. It's passionate. It's a little rough around the edges. It's obsessed with sports, food, neighborhoods, and hometown pride. And there's a lot more to Philadelphia than the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

 

If you're visiting Philly for the first time, there are the obvious attractions you shouldn't miss. But to really experience the city, you also need to walk its neighborhoods, eat the local food, see how seriously people take their sports, and spend some time discovering the places that make Philadelphia feel like Philadelphia.

 

Whether you're planning your first trip, returning for another visit, or you're a former Philadelphian feeling a little nostalgic, here are a few things to do in Philadelphia.

 

See the Liberty Bell

Let's start with the obvious one. The Liberty Bell is one of Philadelphia's most recognizable landmarks and one of America's most enduring symbols of freedom. Located in the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park, the bell is free to visit and sits across from Independence Hall.

 

Yes, it's a tourist attraction. But there's a reason millions of people have wanted to see it. When you're standing in Philadelphia looking at a symbol you've seen in history books your entire life, there's something pretty special about seeing it in person.

 

Tour Independence Hall

If you're interested in American history, Independence Hall belongs near the top of your Philadelphia itinerary. This is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Walking through the building puts you in the middle of some of the most important events in the country's history. Philadelphia isn't called the "Birthplace of America" for nothing.

 

Run Up the Rocky Steps

You don't have to be a boxing fan to know the scene. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visitors can climb the famous steps made iconic by the Rocky movies. And yes, you'll probably want to put your arms in the air when you reach the top. The real reward, though, is the view looking down Benjamin Franklin Parkway toward City Hall. Don't forget to check out the Rocky statue nearby before you leave.

 

Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Once you've conquered the steps, go inside. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the country's major art museums, with an extensive collection spanning centuries and cultures. You can easily spend hours exploring the galleries. And even if museums aren't normally your thing, the building itself is worth seeing.

 

Eat a Philly Cheesesteak

Let's get to the important stuff. Cheesesteaks. Philadelphia takes its signature sandwich very seriously.

Thinly sliced beef. Melted cheese. A long roll. And then comes the question: Provolone, American or Cheez Whiz?

 

And, of course: Onions or no onions?

Two of the city's most famous cheesesteak destinations are Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks in South Philadelphia. But don't assume that's where the conversation ends. Ask a Philadelphia local where to get the best cheesesteak and you may get a completely different answer. That's part of Philly's food culture.

 

Explore Reading Terminal Market

If you want to experience Philadelphia's food scene in one place, head to Reading Terminal Market. The historic indoor market has been serving Philadelphia for generations and brings together butchers, bakers, produce vendors, prepared foods, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties and restaurants. Come hungry. It's one of those places where you can wander around for an hour and continually discover something else you want to eat.

 

Visit the Italian Market

Philadelphia's Italian Market is one of the city's most distinctive food destinations. Located along South 9th Street, the market has long been associated with Italian immigrant culture and today reflects the diverse communities that have shaped South Philadelphia. You'll find meat markets, bakeries, produce, specialty foods, restaurants and plenty of opportunities to eat your way down the street. It's a great reminder that Philadelphia's food culture is about much more than cheesesteaks.

 

Walk Elfreth's Alley

Philadelphia is filled with historic buildings, but Elfreth's Alley offers a particularly memorable glimpse into the city's past. Often described as America's oldest residential street, the narrow cobblestone lane is lined with historic homes. It's easy to imagine what Philadelphia looked like centuries ago. And it's a great place to slow down after spending time around the city's busier attractions.

 

Explore the Philadelphia Magic Gardens

For something completely different, visit Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street. The immersive art environment is covered with mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, glass, found objects and other materials. It's colorful, unusual and completely different from Philadelphia's historic attractions. It's also a great example of the city's creative side.

 

Walk Along the Delaware River

Philadelphia's waterfront has become an increasingly popular place to spend time. Head toward the Delaware River for walking paths, parks, restaurants, seasonal activities and views across the water. Spruce Street Harbor Park is particularly popular during the warmer months, with colorful hammocks, lights, floating gardens and food vendors. It's a different perspective on the city—and a good place to relax after a day of sightseeing.

 

Visit the National Constitution Center

Philadelphia's history doesn't end with Independence Hall. The National Constitution Center explores the history and meaning of the U.S. Constitution through exhibits, artifacts and interactive experiences. For history buffs, it's an easy addition to a day spent exploring Old City and Independence National Historical Park.

 

Spend Time in Old City

Old City is where Philadelphia's history and modern city life come together. You can walk past historic buildings, visit museums and landmarks, stop at a restaurant or coffee shop, browse galleries and explore the neighborhood on foot. It's one of the best places in Philadelphia to simply wander. Sometimes the best way to experience a city is to stop following an itinerary.

 

Visit the Philadelphia Zoo

Traveling with kids? Or simply love animals? The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the city's classic attractions and makes a good break from museums and historic sites. It's also the oldest zoo in the United States, adding another historical footnote to a city already overflowing with them.

 

Catch a Philadelphia Sports Game

Philadelphia sports fans are passionate. Very passionate. If you have the opportunity to see the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers or Flyers while you're in town, consider going. Even if you aren't a huge sports fan, experiencing a Philadelphia crowd is part of experiencing the city. Sports are deeply connected to Philadelphia identity. For locals, it's not simply entertainment. It's hometown pride.

 

Visit the Eastern State Penitentiary

The massive stone walls of Eastern State Penitentiary make it one of Philadelphia's most unusual attractions. The former prison was once considered one of the world's most famous penitentiaries and is now a historic site offering tours and exhibits. Its enormous cellblocks and crumbling architecture make it unlike almost anything else you'll see in the city.

 

Walk the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway connects some of the city's most recognizable attractions. Along the route you'll find museums, monuments, public art, fountains and green space. It's often compared to Paris's Champs-Élysées, and it's one of the city's best places for a walk. Start near City Hall and make your way toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You'll see a lot of Philadelphia along the way.

 

Eat Like a Philadelphian

One of the best things to do in Philadelphia is simply eat. Beyond cheesesteaks and pretzels, look for:

Hoagies

Roast pork sandwiches

Italian water ice

Scrapple

Tomato pie

Tastykakes

Pennsylvania Dutch specialties

Italian pastries

Local beer

Philadelphia-style breakfast foods

 

Philadelphia's food culture reflects the people and communities that have shaped the city over generations. And that's what makes eating in Philly so much more interesting than simply checking restaurants off a list.

 

Discover Your Own Philadelphia

This may be the most important thing to do. Philadelphia has plenty of famous attractions. But some of the memories you'll take home won't come from the Liberty Bell or the Rocky steps.

They'll come from the little things.

The neighborhood restaurant you stumbled across.

The mural you noticed while walking.

The corner bakery.

The bartender who gave you a recommendation.

The cheesesteak that was better than you expected.

The street you wandered down without a plan.

That's how a city starts to become more than a destination. It starts to feel like a place.

 

Why Philadelphia Has So Much Hometown Pride

Philadelphia has a personality that is hard to miss. It's proud of its history. Proud of its neighborhoods. Proud of its food. Proud of its sports teams. And very proud of being Philadelphia. That's part of what makes the city such an interesting place to visit.

 

But for people who grew up there, Philadelphia is more than a collection of attractions.

It's home.

It's the corner store you remember.

The neighborhood you grew up in.

The cheesesteak shop everyone argued about.

The sports team you cheered for.

The streets you knew by heart.

The accent you can recognize immediately.

The people who knew your family.

Those are the things that turn a city into a hometown.

 

Philadelphia Is More Than a Destination.

You can visit Philadelphia for the history.

You can come for the food.

You can go to a game.

You can see the museums.

You can walk the historic streets.

 

But if you're lucky, you'll leave with something more valuable than a collection of photographs. You'll leave with a memory of the city. Because that's what makes places special.

They're not just locations on a map.

They're experiences.

They're people.

They're traditions.

They're food.

They're stories.

They're home.

 

And whether Philadelphia is where you live now, where you grew up, or simply a place that holds a special memory for you, it's worth celebrating. That's what Hometown Wears is all about.

 

We celebrate the cities, towns, states, neighborhoods, traditions, food and communities that become part of who we are. Because hometown pride isn't just about where you live. It's about where you're from—and where a part of you will always belong.

 

Wear your hometown. Love your hometown.