A Local's Guide to Philadelphia: 20 Best Things to Do
The Liberty Bell, the Rocky Steps, Reading Terminal Market, murals, cheesesteaks and Eastern State Penitentiary – a local's guide to the best of Philadelphia.
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America's birthplace is also one of its most liveable, creative and food-obsessed cities. Philadelphia mixes world-changing history with brilliant museums, thousands of murals, lively markets and neighbourhoods full of character – all within easy walking distance of each other. Here's how to spend your time like a local.
History
1. See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and signed. Across the street, the cracked Liberty Bell is free to visit. For Independence Hall, reserve a free timed ticket in advance during the busy months.
The famous crack runs down the side of the bell, and in the plain room of Independence Hall, the guide's story of 1776 makes history feel close.
2. Visit the Museum of the American Revolution
This excellent modern museum tells the story of the revolution through objects, films and immersive galleries. The highlight is George Washington's original wartime tent.
3. Explore the National Constitution Center
Interactive exhibits explain the Constitution and how it still shapes American life today. Signers' Hall, with life-size bronze statues of the delegates, is a favourite photo spot.
4. Walk down Elfreth's Alley
Dating back to the early 1700s, this narrow cobbled lane is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States. A small museum tells the stories of the people who lived here.
America's oldest residential street, with brick houses, flower boxes and cobbles – a quiet, charming moment in the city.
5. Tour Eastern State Penitentiary
This vast, crumbling 19th-century prison once held Al Capone. The audio tour is fascinating, and in autumn the prison hosts one of America's best-known Halloween events.
The crumbling cellblocks, peeling paint and empty cells are eerie, and Al Capone's luxurious cell is a surprise.
Art and museums
6. Run up the Rocky Steps
Climb the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art like Rocky Balboa, take a photo with the Rocky statue at the bottom, then head inside for one of America's great art collections.
Everyone runs up the steps of the Art Museum and raises their arms at the top, with the city skyline behind – yes, you'll do it too.
7. See the Barnes Foundation
One of the world's finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art – including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and Van Gogh – is displayed exactly as collector Albert Barnes arranged it.
8. Take a mural tour
Philadelphia has thousands of outdoor murals, more than almost any other city. Mural Arts Philadelphia runs walking, trolley and train tours that explain the stories behind them.
9. Wander Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
On South Street, artist Isaiah Zagar covered a maze of walls and courtyards in mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, bottles and bicycle wheels. Book a timed ticket ahead.
Every surface is covered in mirrors, tiles, bottles and bicycle wheels – a mosaic maze that's dazzling and strange.
10. Visit the Franklin Institute
The city's science museum is famous for its giant walk-through heart and hands-on exhibits – a great choice for families.
Food and markets
11. Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market
Opened in 1893, this huge indoor market has more than 75 vendors selling everything from roast pork sandwiches to Amish baked goods. Go hungry, and avoid the weekend lunchtime rush.
The smell of soft pretzels, roast pork sandwiches and Amish pastries fills the busy hall – come hungry.
12. Try a cheesesteak
Thinly sliced beef on a long roll with melted cheese and onions is the city's most famous dish. Everyone has a favourite spot – try a few and pick your own. Don't miss a roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe, too.
Thin slices of beef sizzling on the grill, melted cheese and a soft roll – order 'wit' or 'witout' onions, like a local.
13. Shop the Italian Market
Along South 9th Street, one of the oldest outdoor markets in the country sells cheese, pasta, spices and produce from family-run shops and street stalls.
Awnings shade stalls of fruit and vegetables, cheese shops and butchers – one of the oldest outdoor markets in the country.
Parks and neighbourhoods
14. Relax in Rittenhouse Square
The elegant square in Center City is surrounded by cafés and restaurants – perfect for people-watching on a sunny afternoon.
Leafy and elegant, with people reading on benches, dogs playing and cafés around the edges.
15. Stroll the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and LOVE Park
The parkway links City Hall with the art museum and is lined with museums and flags of the world. Start at LOVE Park and Robert Indiana's famous LOVE sculpture.
16. See Boathouse Row and Fairmount Park
The historic boathouses along the Schuylkill River are outlined in lights at night. Walk or cycle the riverside trail into Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban park systems in the country.
The Victorian boathouses along the river are outlined in lights at night, reflected in the water – a classic Philadelphia view.
17. Enjoy Spruce Street Harbor Park
In summer, this pop-up park on the Delaware River waterfront fills with hammocks, colourful lights, food stalls and floating gardens.
18. Catch a game
Philadelphia is a passionate sports city. Watch the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park or the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field – the atmosphere is unforgettable.
Day trips
19. Visit Valley Forge
About 40 minutes from the city, Valley Forge National Historical Park is where Washington's army spent the hard winter of 1777–78. Today it's a beautiful park for walking and cycling.
20. Explore Longwood Gardens
An hour west of the city, Longwood Gardens is one of America's great gardens, with vast conservatories, fountain shows and spectacular Christmas lights.
Fountains dance to music, the conservatory is full of flowers and the gardens are magical at Christmas.
Getting around
Center City is very walkable. Use SEPTA buses, trolleys and subways with a SEPTA Key card, and the Airport Line train to reach Philadelphia International Airport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
Two to three days covers the historic district, a couple of museums, the food markets and a neighbourhood or two. Add a day for Valley Forge or Longwood Gardens.
Is Philadelphia walkable?
Yes. Center City and the historic district are compact and easy to walk, and SEPTA buses, trolleys and subways cover the rest of the city.
Do I need tickets for Independence Hall?
Entry is free, but for most of the year you need a timed ticket, which you can reserve online for a small booking fee or pick up at the visitor center on the day.
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