If you’ve ever visited Philadelphia then you know that there’s a LOT to do. Quite often I talk to people who’ve visited the city and the number one thing they mention is that they wished they could’ve stayed longer. The great thing is that whether you’re a first time visitor to Philadelphia, or you you’ve spent a lot of time there, you’ll never be lacking in things to do, see, and eat. Keep reading to see why this city needs to be on your list of places to visit.
City Hall
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the country as it was founded in 1682. Being this old it’s no surprise that it played such a pivotal role in the formation of the country.
Fast forward to today and visitors will find a city that’s packed with attractions, beautiful architecture, an active arts scene, a diverse culture, and the thing that gets me the most excited, a highly rated food scene. It’s the largest city in the state of Pennsylvania with over 1.5 million people calling it home.
Visitors who come to the City Of Brotherly Love can explore lots of restaurants, and attractions like museums, historic sites, and parks, which is common in other Pennsylvania cities like Lake Harmony, for example. With so much to see and do and see , Philadelphia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the East Coast.
How To Get To Philadelphia
As I mentioned before Philadelphia is considered an East Coast city even though it’s not technically close to the ocean, like Virginia Beach for example. A first time visitor to Philadelphia can easily get there by plane, train, or automobile. And just to make sure you don’t have an excuse for not visiting, you can even get there by bus!
Flying To Philadelphia
I love planes so flying my favorite way to get to any city. Almost every major city offers direct flights, serviced by all the major airlines, to Philadelphia International Airport. The airport itself is about twenty to thirty minutes away from downtown Philly. Visitors have the choice of taking a taxi, an Uber, or jumping on the Airport Line by SEPTA Regional Rail. The Airport Line service runs seven days a week, between 5:00am and 12:00am.
Taking The Train To Philadelphia
You can easily get to Philadelphia , like almost every city throughout the U.S., via Amtrak.
All of Amtrak’s trains come into William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, minutes away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and the many hotels in the downtown core. The station is almost 100 years old and is a stunning piece of architecture. The platforms are filled with art deco details, a soaring concourse and many other unique pieces of art. It’s a great building to welcome visitors.
Driving To Philadelphia
Driving to Philadelphia couldn’t be easier as it’s close(ish) to other major cities. It’s about eight hours from Toronto, three hours from Washington D.C., and two hours from New York City. There are a number of major highways you can take to get to the city such as the PA Turnpike (I-276), I-76, I-476, I-95, US-1 and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Once you get there it’s best to park your car and explore either by public transportation, by foot, or by segway. With so much to see you really don’t want to be distracted when driving.
Getting To Philadelphia By Bus
Everyday you’ll find Greyhound buses coming into Philadelphia from all over the country. The Greyhound station is located on Filbert Street, just a couple of blocks away from the famous Reading Terminal Market.
Megabus and BoltBus also brings visitors to Philadelphia but from closer cities like New York City, Washington D.D., and Baltimore. These buses are more spacious and even offer free Wi-Fi.
Top Attractions For A First Time Visitor To Philadelphia
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park, the birthplace of the United States, is a must-visit attraction in Philadelphia.
The Park covers over 55 acres and is open all year round. It’s home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and other historical buildings under federal protection laws. Visitors can take a guided tour of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Tickets to the tour must be reserved ahead of time and while the tour is free there is an administrative fee of $1.
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one the largest art museums in the country, with a collection of over 240,000 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Apart from many priceless pieces, most people would recognize this museum from its entrance. The steps leading up to the museum has been labelled the “Rocky Steps” since they were featured in the film “Rocky”. At the base of the steps visitors will find a bronze statue of Rocky Balboa with his hands raised. On any given day you’ll find people running up the steps re-enacting one of the most famous scenes in movie history.
The museum has several galleries that showcase art from various regions and periods, including European, American, and East Asian art. The museum also has a large collection of medieval and Asian art, including a section devoted to Japanese tea ceremonies.
Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Betsy Ross House
The Betsy Ross House is a historic house museum about 10 minutes away from Independence Hall. The House was built in the early 1700s and is best known as the place where Betsy Ross, an American seamstress, is said to have sewn the very first American flag.
The Betsy Ross House is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. It provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a pivotal moment in American history that led to the country’s independence from British rule.
The building is a beautifully preserved example of colonial-era architecture. Visitors can explore the historic House and learn about Betsy Ross’s life and contributions to American history.
The House features period furnishings and artifacts, including the famous flag that Ross is said to have sewn. All of these are well preserved to serve as references to the times when Betsy Ross created the star-spangled banner that currently serves as the American flag today.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a science museum in Philadelphia’s Logan Square neighborhood. The museum features various interactive exhibits that allow visitors to explore science and technology in a fun and engaging way.
The museum has several permanent exhibits, including a giant heart that visitors can walk through and a space exhibit that features a replica of the International Space Station.
The Franklin Institute also has a rotating selection of temporary exhibits, including displays on robots, dinosaurs, and the science of Pixar. The museum is a great place for families with young children, as it has several exhibits designed specifically for young learners.
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is an important part of Philadelphia’s culture and history. It was created in response to the city’s growing population and the need for public green spaces where people can hang out with family and friends.
Fairmount park is massive with over 2000 acres of hills, trails, and shaded woodlands offering a variety of outdoor activities. There are also several large lakes and ponds that are perfect for fishing and boating. Fairmount park is also home to some of Philadelphia’s most iconic landmarks, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Please Touch Museum, the Horticulture Center, and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
The Park has a wide range of features, There are several historic mansions and other buildings, including the Mount Pleasant Mansion, Strawberry Mansion, and the Fairmount Water Works.
The Park also has several picnic areas and playgrounds for families, making it a great destination for a day trip.
Fairmount Park is open year-round and admission is free.
Fairmount Park
Museum Of The American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution narrates the American Revolution from its roots to its culmination through many manuscripts, art, and other communication materials used during the revolution era.
The museum features immersive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that bring to life the people and events that shaped the nation into an independent and free one today.
The museum’s collection includes original artifacts such as George Washington’s tent, rare documents, weapons from the Revolutionary War era, and many others preserved through great effort due to their significant value to the American people.
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia’s most popular neighborhoods with public parks. The Square is named after David Rittenhouse, a prominent scientist and astronomer from the 18th century.
Rittenhouse, as it is famously called, is surrounded by some of the city’s most elegant buildings, including high-end restaurants, luxury apartments, and boutique shops. It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
The square is filled with majestic trees and manicured lawns and is open 24 hours a day. The square also is home to some dramatic sculptures such as “Lion Crushing Serpent” by French sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye and “Billy”, the two-foot high sculpture of a goat that’s a favorite of many children who visit the square. Billy has been touch so much his head, horns and spine have been worn to a shiny gold color.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The Zoo first opened in 1874 and has a long history of providing educational knowledge about animals to its visitors.
The Zoo is home to over 1,300 animals that come from all corners of the globe. They also house rare and endangered species such as Amur Tigers, red pandas, and African elephants. One of the more exciting exhibits at the Philadelphia Zoo is their Zoo360 exhibit. It’s a series of raised platforms covered in wire mesh where the animals can freely roam above the zoo’s grounds.
Apart from the Zoo360 exhibit visitors are also able to participate in a number of educational programs.
Philadelphia Zoo
Bartram’s Garden
Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre botanical garden along the Schuylkill River in southwest Philadelphia. The Garden is named after John Bartram, a colonial botanist who founded it in the 18th century.
The Garden features a variety of native and exotic plants, including orchids, magnolias, and azaleas. Visitors can explore the Garden’s trails and paths, enjoy a picnic, or take a guided tour of the historic Bartram House.
With its tranquil setting and beautiful scenery, Bartram’s Garden is a great escape from the bustle of the city. It is a place to visit for a wonderful me-time in the city.
Independence Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum is situated on the Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia, PA. The Museum, founded in 1961, tells the story of Philadelphia’s maritime history with a deep explanation of how it began and the various achievements and challenges it faced.
The museum is home to various exhibits, including a WWII submarine, a wooden boat shop, and a wooden boat building school, and quite a few others.
The Museum provides a unique experience for visitors to learn about the history of Philadelphia’s waterways, the maritime industry, and the science and technology behind it. The exhibits and displays include models of ships, historic photographs, and interactive displays.
Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell Center is located in Independence National Historical Park just across the street from Independence Hall. It houses one of the most iconic symbols of American independence, namely, the Liberty Bell.
The Liberty Bell is a historic bell that was rung in the tower of Independence Hall to summon lawmakers to meetings and to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Liberty Bell was originally cast in 1752 but cracked during its first use in 1753. It was recast twice, but it cracked each time. The famous crack that we see today was created in the 19th century and has become a powerful symbol of American freedom and democracy.
The Liberty Bell Center also houses other artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the bell’s history and importance. Visitors can learn about the Liberty Bell’s symbolic significance to the United States and its role in American history. One of my favorite photos was getting both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in one photo.
Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Love Park
Love Park is a famous tourist attraction site in the heart of Philadelphia’s Center City. It is a place where people get to bond with one another and share some happy moments.
Love Park is known for its famous LOVE statue, which has become an iconic symbol of the city. The statue was created by Robert Indiana and was first installed in the Park in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.
This place is a great place to relax and enjoy the city’s scenery, with plenty of benches and tables available for visitors and enough sights to see and appreciate due to nature’s generosity.
Love Park is a place one should not pass on, as it is fun to explore. Getting a photo here is a must if you’re a first time visitor to Philadelphia.
Love Park
Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation is a unique attraction in Philadelphia that art lovers should not miss. It is a world-renowned museum that houses one of the world’s largest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings.
Barnes Foundation was established in 1922 by Albert C. Barnes, an American chemist, businessman, and philanthropist who was passionate about art. The museum is located in a stunning building in the heart of the city. It is a must-see for all first time visitors to Philadelphia interested in art and culture.
The Barnes Foundation is a vital part of Philadelphia’s cultural scene. It has made significant contributions to the city’s artistic heritage through its various efforts geared toward making art a popular topic in the city.
One of the unique features of the Barnes Foundation is its approach to displaying its collections. The artworks are not arranged by artist, period, or style but by how Barnes curated them.
Fort Mifflin
Fort Mifflin is a historic fort located close to the Philadelphia International Airport on the banks of the Delaware River. The fort, built in 1771, played an important role in the American Revolutionary War. It is now a popular tourist attraction and museum.
Fort Mifflin is an important piece of American history and a testament to the country’s fight for independence from British rule. The fort played a significant role in defending Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. It’s also the site of one of the most brutal battles of the conflict.
Fort Mifflin features several historic structures, including the main fort and several barracks. It also houses a museum that showcases the fort’s history and artifacts from the Revolutionary War.
Visitors can explore the fort and learn about the soldiers who fought and died there.
Fort Mifflin, Philadelphia
Cruiser Olympia
Cruiser Olympia is a protected cruiser that served in the United States Navy from 1895 to 1922 and was the flagship of Admiral George Dewey during the Battle of Manila Bay. As a result it played an important role in the Spanish-American War. Olympia is also the oldest steel warship afloat in the world and a National Historic Landmark.
Cruiser Olympia is an important piece of American military history. It provides a glimpse into the country’s naval past, making it one of Philadelphia’s most visited war monuments. Many tourists visit this ship to have a feel of its magnificence and to behold its beauty.
Cruiser Olympia
Conclusion
Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture. It’s an essential destination for anyone traveling to the East Coast. There are so many historical landmarks for visitors including Independence National Historical Park, the birthplace of the United States, to the Betsy Ross House, where the first American flag was sewn.
Visitors can also explore the diverse culture through the thriving arts scene and highly rated food scene. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute, and the Museum of the American Revolution are among the city’s must-visit attractions, providing unique opportunities to learn and engage in science, art, and history. Fairmount Park is another great destination with over 2000 acres of hills, trails, and shaded woodlands offering a variety of outdoor activities.
As if all of these aren’t enough there are many small towns within a couple hours drive like Bedford, Pennsylvania, that’ll be perfect as part of a weekend in Philadelphia itinerary. With so many things to keep you busy you can see how Philadelphia is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone.
Huge thanks to David from The Tourist Checklist this guest post. When he’s not out exploring you can find him in front of his computer writing all about the things he sees, experiences and eats across the U.S.
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I think I would enjoy Philadelphia as I love places rich in history. Adding it to my bucket list. Thank you for the very informative article.
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This city is filled with history!!
Awesome captures, Philadelphia looks so pretty especially
in spring..
I think I would enjoy Philadelphia since I’m always into places that are rich in history. Bookmarking this for future reference. Thank you!