Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 77 listings.
Independence Seaport Museum
This celebration of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley’s roles in early American maritime trade was originally called the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, built around the extensive personal collection of J. Welles Henderson, a local lawyer and enthusiast of seafaring memorabilia who died in 2007.
Renovated extensively in the mid-1990s and now set in a large, modern space on historic Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum houses several exhibition spaces, a wide array of model ships, historical documents, navigation devices and shipbuilding tools, and a comprehensive maritime library. The museum is affiliated with two National Historic Landmark crafts, both docked nearby on the Delaware River: the Olympia, the late 19th-century flagship of U.S. Navy Admiral George Dewey, and a World War II submarine called Becuna.
Practical Info
The museum offers several tours for groups of 10 or more, with
experiences that include behind the scenes visits aboard the Olympia and
Becuna, and explorations of the surrounding docklands; these tours can
be accompanied by lunch or dinner (tours vary from $20-50+ per person).
River tours are also offered from May to August in conjunction with the
RiverLink Ferry (which provides a 50-minute Interpretive Cruise) and
Summer Wind, a 48-foot yacht rigged with Chinese Junk sails. Additional
cruises are offered on historic watercraft during the mid-October Old
City Seaport Festival. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
From $ 17
Independence National Historical Park
Spanning 55 acres and bridging two neighborhoods—Old City and Society Hill—this national park is often called "America's most historic square mile" for encompassing many of Philadelphia’s famous historical landmarks. These include the UNESCO-listed Independence Hall; the Liberty Bell Center; Franklin Court; the First and Second Banks of the United States; and the National Constitution Center, among many others. Visitors should plan to spend one to two days in the park in order to visit several of these sites and explore the extensive grounds.
The Independence Visitor Center, set at the corner of Sixth and Market streets, is the nerve center of the park. Tourists can pick up area maps; get free, timed tickets to Independence Hall (required from March to December); and find bathrooms, WiFi, and snacks.
Practical Info
The Independence National Historical Park is bordered by Chestnut, Walnut, Fifth, and Sixth streets. The site is open daily from 9am to 5pm and is closed on Christmas Day. The Visitor Center has its own underground parking lot and is also adjacent to subway and bus stops.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
From $ 19
Philadelphia Fairmount Park
In the midst of Philadelphia's steel and concrete urban setting lies acres of beautiful green parkland. While relaxing on a beautiful park bench beneath the shade of a tree, you can thank the Fairmount Park for providing you with such a serene sense of nature in a big city.
Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's Park System. With over 9,200 acres (3,723 hectares), it claims 10% of the land in Philadelphia and is comprised of 63 regional and neighborhood parks. The largest of these parks are East and West Parks, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, Pennypack Park, Poquessing Park, Tacony Creek Park and Wissahickon Valley Park.
Fairmount Park is Philadelphia's Park System. With over 9,200 acres (3,723 hectares), it claims 10% of the land in Philadelphia and is comprised of 63 regional and neighborhood parks. The largest of these parks are East and West Parks, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, Pennypack Park, Poquessing Park, Tacony Creek Park and Wissahickon Valley Park.
Practical Info
The many parks are scattered throughout Philadelphia, so you are sure to pass by one as you are working along the city streets.
Address: Philadelphia, USA
From $ 14
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the country’s largest art museums -- the third largest, to be exact -- the Philadelphia Museum of Art encompasses 10 acres (4 hectares) with more than 300,000 works spanning over 2,000 years. Impressive collections in Renaissance, American, Impressionist and Modern art abound, as well as pieces from cultures around the world and different time periods. In fact, the second floor of the museum holds over 80 period-themed rooms to explore.
While the entire museum is interesting, there are some highlights not to miss. Check out their collection of arms and armor, the second largest in the United States. Explore architecture by visiting a reconstructed Japanese tea house or a Muromachi period Buddhist temple. For some local art culture, peruse the room dedicated to Philadelphia local Thomas Eakins. Outside, the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden features one acre (0.4 hectares) of well-manicured gardens littered with rotating sculptures. Before visiting, check the Philadelphia Museum of Art calendar for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Rocky Balboa fans will also love taking a jog up the museum’s front steps, as this is the same grand staircase Sylvester Stallone ran up in the movie Rocky. Outside the museum are numerous vendors selling Rocky memorabilia, as the steps are commonly referred to as “The Rocky Steps.” Before leaving, have your photo taken next to the two-ton (4,409-pound),10-foot (three-meter) tall bronze Rocky statue.
While the entire museum is interesting, there are some highlights not to miss. Check out their collection of arms and armor, the second largest in the United States. Explore architecture by visiting a reconstructed Japanese tea house or a Muromachi period Buddhist temple. For some local art culture, peruse the room dedicated to Philadelphia local Thomas Eakins. Outside, the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden features one acre (0.4 hectares) of well-manicured gardens littered with rotating sculptures. Before visiting, check the Philadelphia Museum of Art calendar for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Rocky Balboa fans will also love taking a jog up the museum’s front steps, as this is the same grand staircase Sylvester Stallone ran up in the movie Rocky. Outside the museum are numerous vendors selling Rocky memorabilia, as the steps are commonly referred to as “The Rocky Steps.” Before leaving, have your photo taken next to the two-ton (4,409-pound),10-foot (three-meter) tall bronze Rocky statue.
Practical Info
Hours of operation for the Main Building are Tuesday through Sunday 10am
to 5pm, with Wednesday through Friday having extended hours until
8:45pm. Admission tickets are good for two consecutive days and include
access to the Main Building, Perelman Building, Rodin Museum, and
Historic House Mount Pleasant. Prices are $20 for adults; $18 for
seniors 65 and over; $14 for students and youth aged 13 to 18; and free
for children 12 and under and museum members. During the first Sunday of
the month and Wednesdays after 5pm you can pay what you wish.
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA
Hours: Main and Perelman Building Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, Closed Mondays. Rodin Museum Wed-Mon 10am-5pm, Closed Tuesdays.
Admission: Adults: $20; Seniors: $18; Students: $14; Youth (13–18): $14; Child: Free
From $ 20
Longwood Gardens
Located 30 miles outside of Philadelphia in the heart of Chester County, the epic estate of Longwood Gardens spans more than 1000 acres of well-groomed gardens and picturesque landscapes. Purchased by the du Pont family in 1906 in an effort to preserve local land and wildlife, Longwood Gardens eventually became one of the nation’s top horticultural attractions.
Travelers can explore the grounds of this idyllic Brandywine Valley institution and wander through highlights (inside and out) like the Italian Water Garden, the Birdhouse, Fern Passage, Cascade Garden and more. Mother Nature is on stunning display all year round, with seasonal highlights like the Spring Blooms, Fall Colors, Orchid Extravaganza, and the most popular Longwood Christmas. During the holiday season greenhouses and grounds are decked out in twinkling lights, making the gardens an even more incredible sight.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the grounds and make a day of exploring Longwood Gardens, or hire a private driver and check out some of the nearby attractions like the Brandywine Museum and the home of Andrew Wyeth.
Practical Info
Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road in Kennett Square.
Address: 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, USA
Hours: 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults: $23, Children 5-18: $12, under 4 Free. Prices increase during Christmas season.
From $ 49
Logan Circle
This popular Philadelphia neighborhood known as Logan Circle, ironically also goes by the name Logan Square. One of the five key “squares” identified by William Penn in his original city design, it was named after one of the City of Brotherly Love’s most famous mayors.
Travelers to this destination will find plenty of history, architecture and Americana on the bustling streets, in addition to a large portion of the city’s central business district. Enjoy a self-led walking tour that includes the Arch Street Presbyterian Church, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Wesley Building and the Francis McIlvain House, in addition to numerous other iconic structures and the central Swann Memorial Fountain.
Practical Info
The Philadelphia neighborhood is market by Market Street to the south, Spring Garden Street on the north, Schuylkill River to the west and Broad Street to the east. It is north of Center City.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 32
Independence Visitor Center
Located in the Independence National Historical Park beside Independence Hall, the 50,000-square-foot Independence Visitor Center welcomes travelers to the city of Philadelphia. Here guests can pick up various area maps and brochures; get free, timed tickets to Independence Hall (required from March to December); find public bathrooms and a variety of snacks; and connect to free WiFi.
The center is staffed by reps from the National Park Service, some of whom lead free tours of the Historical Park and Old City—these begin in the lobby. Short historical films are also shown at the center: Independence, a 30-minute film made by director John Huston in 1976 that illuminates Philadelphia's place in history during the 25 years following the American Revolution and the 15-minute Choosing Sides, which features modern-day teens reading letters written by post-Revolution-era teens.
Practical Info
The Visitor Center features an underground parking lot for easy access by car. On the ground floor, guests will find Philadelphia's official souvenir shop, which offers, among many other items, T-shirts and coffee mugs emblazoned with the city's signature logos.
Address: 1 North Independence Mall W, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am–7pm
From $ 32
Institute of Contemporary Art
Give enough time between visits to Philadelphia's Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), and no two will be the same. The edgy and contemplative museum located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the few in the country without permanent collections. Rotating installations of everything from improvisational performance art to experimental music to miniatures have recently populated its cavernous blank space.
Visiting and local art-lovers will appreciate the museum's reputation as a magnet for the creative and its ability to identify emerging artists. Home to Andy Warhol's first solo showing in 1965, the museum continues to house popular installations, and can be easily visited on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour around the city.
Practical Info
Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, the Contemporary Art Institute is free to enter and easy to access. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am until between 5pm and 8pm.
Did you know? In 1965, the museum organized Andy Warhol’s first solo museum showing—a move that helped popularize his now household name. It’s said the event was so successful and the gallery crowds so effusive that Warhol had to escape through a hole cut in the gallery’s roof.
Address: 118 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Hours: Wed–Sun: 11am–8pm (closing hours vary)
From $ 32
Philadelphia City Hall
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.
The Basics
Officially the largest municipal building in the US, City Hall is a highlight on a number of Philadelphia walking, minivan, and bus tours. City Hall is also a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing double-decker bus.
Casual passersby can admire the building, especially its Second Empire edifice bearing impressive sculptures by Alexander Milne Calder, creator of the William Penn statue on its spire. Dilworth Park, located at the building’s base and added during a 2014 renovation, is a pleasant place to pause and catch your breath. Tours of the building’s interior are also available; tickets are based on 15-minute timed intervals and can be purchased online or at the venue. It’s also possible to book a guided tower tour and ascend to the observation deck located just below the William Penn statue.
Things to Know Before You Go
- City Hall’s viewing platform, the highest open-air observation deck in Philadelphia, offers panoramic views of the city at 548 feet (167 meters).
- Follow in the footsteps of your favorite actors: Philadelphia City Hall served as a filming location in classic movies ranging from Rocky to Philadelphia.
- While you can book tickets on the day, it’s wise to purchase them online and secure your admission slot in advance.
- One of the best perspectives of City Hall comes from the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps—it's visible directly down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
How to Get There
Philadelphia City Hall stands at what was once Center Square, a landmark still very accessible on foot. There are also a number of public transportation options for visiting City Hall, including SEPTA Regional Rail (use either Suburban and Jefferson stations), SEPTA Market-Frankford and Broad Street lines, SEPTA trolleys, SEPTA buses, and NJ Transit buses.
When to Get There
Philadelphia City Hall is open Monday–Friday and on select Saturdays year-round; it’s closed during public holidays. December is an exciting time to visit: That’s when Dilworth Park hosts the lively Rothman Ice Rink and companion Christmas market.
What's Inside Philadelphia City Hall?
While the tower tour is often considered the highlight of a City Hall visit, don't discount the interior splendors of this architectural treasure. The enormous building contains more than 600 rooms, including the opulent City Council Chamber, the wood-paneled Supreme Court Room, and the chandelier-lit Conversation Hall.
Address: Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
From $ 14
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is perfect for families with kids looking for a break from the historical sites, though it has some historical significance as well—it was the nation’s first zoo. It’s home to over 1,300 different animals, many of them rare and endangered, and renowned for successfully breeding animals that are difficult to breed in captivity.
The Basics
The Philadelphia Zoo has activities for the whole family. With exhibits like Outback Outpost, African Plains, Big Cat Falls, Penguin Point, and Monkey Junction, the zoo offers a closer look at rare and endangered animals that you may not see anywhere else. There’s also a children’s zoo with interactive exhibits and opportunities for hands-on learning. Save money with a discounted multiattraction pass that includes zoo admission.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Philadelphia Zoo is a must-do for animal lovers and families with kids.
- Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in line at the box office.
- Expect to spend a full day exploring the zoo’s animal exhibits and attractions.
- The zoo is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters, and offers restrooms, an ATM, and on-site parking.
- There are plenty of shops and dining options inside, and guests are permitted to bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks.
How to Get There
The Philadelphia Zoo sits on the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in northern Philadelphia, just a short drive from other attractions. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off tour or by public transport—SEPTA’s route 15 trolley and the Philly Phlash stop right outside. If you’re driving, take I-76 to the Girard Avenue exit and follow the signs.
When to Get There
The Philadelphia Zoo is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. It’s busiest in summer; other times of year are less crowded. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, avoid the long lines, and see the animals at their liveliest.
Zoo Rides and Attractions
In addition to the many great animal exhibits, the Philadelphia Zoo also offers several rides and attractions. Young kids will love the zoo’s custom-built carousel featuring endangered species from the Amazon rainforest and the PZ Express kiddie train, while visitors of all ages can fly above the zoo in a hot-air balloon or paddle around the lake in a swan boat.
Address: 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia 19104, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
National Museum of American Jewish History
For history buffs, a sojourn in Philadelphia isn’t complete without a stop at the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH). Learn about Jewish heritage while browsing the vast exhibits, curated to showcase culture and traditions of Jews in America.
The Smithsonian-affiliated museum hosts special events and houses an extensive collection of 30,000 artifacts detailing themes that include American-Jewish immigration, art, charity, sports, and religion. Because of its’ convenient location across from Independence Mall and near the Liberty Bell, NMAJH is included in many tours of Philadelphia’s historic district.
Practical Info
The National Museum of American Jewish History is located near the intersection of Fifth and Market Street, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visiting hours at NMAJH are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Check the museum’s schedule for holiday and special event hours. Admission costs $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and youth — children, active military and members can attend for free.
Address: 3003 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19106, USA
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Admission: $12 adults, $11 seniors & youth, free for children, active military & members
From $ 13
Manayunk
For visitors looking beyond the historical attractions of downtown Philadelphia, the hip and vibrant Manayunk neighborhood is a must-visit. Situated along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, this formerly industrial area is now a trendy neighborhood packed with waterfront bars, cafés and art galleries. One of the biggest draws to Manayunk is the Philly Cycling Classic, an internationally renowned bike race that winds through the neighborhoods notoriously hilly streets, including the Manayunk Wall, a stretch of Levering Street with a challenging incline. As you explore the area, you can stop in at Orbit Gallery, which features local artists, or join a kayaking trip.
Practical Info
Manayunk is located in the northwest of the city, about 22 minutes’ drive from downtown Philadelphia. To get there by car, take either I-76 West or Kelly Drive. Most of the shops and restaurants can be found along Main Street, which fronts the Manayunk Canal.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 29
Mt Washington
Aside from being one of the most visited neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Mount Washington offers some of the best views of the city skyline, having been named one of the most beautiful vistas in America. Rows of charming homes and Shiloh Street, the main district of shops, bars, restaurants, and boutiques also draw many to the area. Several of the restaurants offer an upscale ambiance with incredible views of the city and the three surrounding countryside and rivers. It is one of the premier neighborhoods in Pittsburg.
The mountain was once the home of many various coal mines, earning it the nickname of “Coal Mountain.” Grandview Avenue runs the length of the hill with four outlook decks in between homes and restaurants. At the edge of the mountain you’ll find the bronze statue of George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta staring at one another, marking the area’s history. Also be sure to check out the library and the city’s newest park, Emerald View, which feels worlds away from the city.
Practical Info
Mount Washington is located directly across the Monongahela River from downtown Pittsburg. It has an overlook 450 feet above the city. Many visitors take the Duquesne Incline to the top of the mountain to access the viewpoint. To get there by driving, take the PJ McArdle Roadway from the south end of the Liberty Bridge.
Address: Mt Washington, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, USA
From $ 75
Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell, a 2,000-pound (907-kilogram) piece of American history, was forged in London's Whitechapel Foundry and represents freedom in the city where the Declaration of Independence was crafted. Now set in the Liberty Bell Center, the bell was commissioned in 1752 and has been in Philadelphia since British Colonial rule.
The Basics
Visit the Liberty Bell Center to see the bell up close and read its famous inscription, which has been an inspiration to US leaders such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. Many Philadelphia city tours include a visit to the center, including walking excursions, Segway tours, small-group driving tours, and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Most excursions also include stops at nearby landmarks such as the National Constitution Center and Betsy Ross House.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s almost always a line to enter the Liberty Bell Center, but you can also view the bell through a window on the western side of the building.
- Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Independence Visitor Center, and most buildings in the Independence National Historic Park are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- You must pass through security to visit the Liberty Bell Center; bring only small bags to minimize screening time.
How to Get There
The Liberty Bell Center is part of the Independence National Historical Park, located in Philadelphia’s Old City historic district. The nearest train station is located at 8th and Market streets, and the nearest Metro station is 5th Street Station. Street parking is scarce, but there are paid lots nearby. The PHLASH bus operates seasonally (spring and summer) with stops at 20 locations, including the Independence Visitor Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Zoo.
When to Get There
You can visit the Liberty Bell Center year-round, although the site is typically packed with visitors during summer and school vacation weeks. Opt for an early morning visit to avoid lines and crowds.
The Liberty Bell’s Famous Crack
Originally cracked during a test ring in 1752, the bell was fixed, cracked again after almost 100 years of regular use, then fixed again in 1846, prior to the anniversary of George Washington's birthday. The bell seen today is proof that “stop drilling,” the technique used to repair that last crack, worked.
Address: 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Library Hall (American Philosophical Society Museum)
Up until the early 18th century, books were almost exclusively owned by and available to clergy, universities, or wealthy people with private collections. In 1731, a group of some of Philadelphia’s most intellectually focused citizens, including Benjamin Franklin, decided to pool their resources and begin obtaining a large collection of books and other research materials that they all could use. Naming themselves the Library Company, this group would eventually house their collection in the original incarnation of Library Hall -- the first public library in America, and the predecessor of the Library of Congress.
Between the 1790s and the mid-19th century, the location of Library Hall would change several times due to the growth of the collections and financial troubles during the Great Depression. Its current home, a reproduction of its original Georgian-style building, was completed in 1966.
Now known formally as the American Philosophical Society Museum, Library Hall contains many historically significant volumes and documents, including the original journals of the Lewis and Clark expedition; a copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson; and a first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. The Hall also contains some of the world’s most sought-after collections of research materials on genetics, cultural anthropology and more.
Address: 105 S 5th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: April-Oct: Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm; Nov-Dec: Fri-Sun 10am-4pm
From $ 19
Philadelphia Old City
Old City is a neighborhood in Central City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its antiquated charm and many historic sites important to the birth of the United States. Wander down its narrow cobblestone streets and you'll feel like you're stepping through a time warp into 18th-century colonial America.
The Basics
The neighborhood is a must-see for travelers who want to walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers. Highlights include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, and Carpenters' Hall. Elfreth's Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country, lined with centuries-old homes.
Bus tours, many via open-top, double-decker buses, skirt the boundaries of Old City, but some of the landmarks are on narrow streets or in courtyards best accessible on a walking tour. Tour guides fill visitors in on the life and times of Philly's most famous resident, Benjamin Franklin, while stopping at city landmarks. Horse-drawn carriage tours are another popular option, allowing visitors to travel like their historic compatriots.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old City is a don’t-miss for colonial history buffs and first-time Philly visitors.
- Visitors can skip the (often long) line for the Liberty Bell and view the famous national symbol through the Independence Visitor Center side window.
- The historic cobblestone streets can make the area difficult to access for strollers and wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Old City occupies the blocks between Front and Sixth streets, bounded by Florist Street to the north and Walnut Street to the south. It is easily accessible via SEPTA (bus and rail), but street parking in the area is notoriously difficult.
When to Get There
By day, the area is thick with travelers on sightseeing tours, so visit early to avoid the crowds. Expect long lines at the top attractions (especially the Liberty Bell). Nighttime ghost tours are available for those in search of a creepy thrill, and neighborhood nightlife features top-notch restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Arts and Fashion
Today’s Old City is also a hub for Philadelphia's fashion, arts, and design scene. The neighborhood has more than 30 art galleries and home furnishing outlets, and boutiques showcase collections by local fashion designers.
Address: USA
From $ 33
Independence Mall
Fanning out from the Independence Visitor Center at the corner of Sixth & Market streets, Independence Mall is a three-block stretch of the Independence National Historical Park that includes several of Philadelphia's most visited historic attractions: the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, and the President's House. Only the National Constitution Center charges admission ($8–$14.50); all other mall attractions are free.
Independence Hall, however, one of the area's most popular sites, does require timed tickets during its busiest season, from March to December. Be aware that the only place to pick up these free tickets is at the next-door Visitors Center.
Insider's Tip: Free twilight tours of the park and its historical landmarks are offered from mid-June to early September by the nonprofit Friends of Independence. These tours meet at the Visitor Center and run from 6 to 7:15pm.
Practical Info
The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm. The center houses the only public restrooms in the immediate vicinity and sits atop the most convenient parking lot in the area. Both the center and Independence Mall are well connected by public transportation to all major points of the city.
Address: 6th and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am–6pm
From $ 32
Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This much-loved memorial honoring Vietnam veterans from the city of Philadelphia was born in the 1980s and exists—most appropriately—above the busy Veterans Highway (I-95). Travelers to this somber and patriotic site will find the names of more than 600 soldiers from the City of Brotherly Love etched into black granite slabs. Visitors who wander along the historic waterfront will likely find themselves at this beautiful reminder of sacrifice and honor. Local guides will share details about the list of names from the monument in Washington, D.C. that exists inside one of the stones and travelers looking for a full war memorial experience can also head to the nearby Korean Veterans Memorial that’s adjacent to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Practical Info
The memorial is located on Spruce Street and Front Street, just south of the Independence Seaport Museum, near Penn’s Landing.
Address: Spruce St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19147, USA
From $ 32
Italian Market
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at the Italian Market, one of the oldest open-air markets in the country. This South Philadelphia landmark is not only home to endless vendors hawking spices, fish produce and cured meats from their stalls, but it’s also home to two legendary Philly cheesesteak locations: Pat’s and Geno’s. And while the Italian heritage of the market still underlies the area, it’s far from Italian-only as many shops also cater to Philadelphia’s many diverse ethnic populations. Today the Italian Market is the perfect place to find everything from Vietnamese banh mi, to Korean barbeque and authentic Mexican food.
Practical Info
The Italian Market is at the heart of South Philly, about 8 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from the historic sites of downtown Philadelphia. The market itself occupies about ten blocks on either side of Ninth Street, from Christian Street to Washington Avenue. The market is open 7 days a week, though hours can vary among vendors, and some close on Mondays.
Address: 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19147, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 8am-1pm
From $ 30
Philadelphia Chinatown
Originally settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants, Philadelphia's Chinatown is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its fresh-food markets, authentic restaurants, and diverse crowds. Its streets and alleyways are jam-packed with shops, including those selling gifts and souvenirs, novelty items, and artisan crafts.
The Basics
The colorful, 40-foot-high (12-meter-high) Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch streets marks the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown. In addition to exploring the neighborhood, spanning from Arch to Vine streets and from 8th to 11th streets, hungry travelers can sample savory and sweet cuisine from one of Chinatown’s more than 50 restaurants, making it the ideal destination for enjoying authentic Chinese dim sum, noodles, and other delights.
Visit Chinatown independently or as part of a sightseeing tour of Philly. It’s included on most hop-on hop-off tours, and there’s also a popular BYOB trolley tour to consider.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chinatown is ideal for those looking for a meal and/or souvenirs and other goods.
- It’s a great choice for a night out, with karaoke bars, comedy clubs, and live music venues on almost every corner.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- There are numerous parking garages within walking distance of the neighborhood.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Philadelphia’s Chinatown, located in Center City. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or by public transport—the Market–Frankford subway line stops close by. Travelers can make their way to Philly’s Chinatown from other major East Coast cities using inexpensive Chinatown buses.
When to Get There
As with all of Center City, Chinatown’s streets are busy year-round. Summer is Philly’s peak tourist season, whereas other times of year are less crowded. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between comfortable weather and manageable crowds.
Asian Arts Initiative
While in Chinatown, set aside some time to check out the Asian Arts Initiative on Vine Street in the Callowhill/Chinatown North area. This community-based arts center is home to artist studios, a gallery and exhibition space, and a small theater. It also frequently hosts workshops and special events for those looking to learn more about Asian culture and traditions.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
From $ 32