Things to do in Philadelphia
Late spring and early fall bring warm, comfortable days ideal for walking the historic district and the parkway. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but quieter at the major museums.
Best months: May, June, September, October
What is worth your time in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of ArtDo not miss
One of the great American art museums, fronted by the Rocky Steps and a sweeping view down the parkway to City Hall.
Museum · 3.3 hr4.8
Eastern State PenitentiaryDo not miss
Walk the crumbling cellblocks of the world's first true penitentiary, including Al Capone's restored cell.
Historic Site · 2 hr4.7
Independence HallDo not miss
Stand in the room where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, on a ranger-led tour.
Historic Site · 1.1 hr4.7
Liberty Bell CenterDo not miss
See the cracked icon of American independence up close, with the skyline of Independence Hall framed behind it.
Historic Site · 45 min4.7
Reading Terminal MarketDo not miss
Philadelphia's iconic 1893 food market: cheesesteaks, roast pork, Amish baked goods, and dozens of local vendors under one roof.
Market · 1.5 hr4.7
The Barnes FoundationDo not miss
An astonishing private collection of Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse, and Picasso hung in Albert Barnes's original ensembles.
Museum · 2.5 hr4.7
9th Street Italian MarketDo not miss
The oldest continuously operating outdoor market in the US, lined with cheese shops, butchers, produce stalls, and cheesesteak rivals.
Market · 1.5 hr4.6
Philadelphia's Magic GardensDo not miss
A labyrinth of mosaics built from tile, bottles, and found objects by artist Isaiah Zagar along South Street.
Cultural Experience · 1.1 hr4.6
The Franklin InstituteDo not miss
A hands-on science museum with a giant walk-through heart, planetarium, and the towering Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
Museum · 3.3 hr4.6
Rittenhouse SquareDo not miss
Philadelphia's most elegant green square, ringed by cafes and grand townhouses, perfect for a stroll and people-watching.
Park · 53 min
Schuylkill River Trail
A flat riverfront walking and biking path with the Boardwalk over the water and skyline views toward Center City.
Scenic Route · 1.4 hr4.8
Wanamaker Grand Court Organ
The world's largest playable pipe organ booms twice daily through the grand court of a historic Center City department store.
Cultural Experience · 45 min4.8
Boathouse Row
A row of Victorian rowing clubs along the Schuylkill, outlined in lights at night for one of the city's signature views.
Viewpoint · 40 min4.7
Carpenters' Hall
The Georgian guild hall where the First Continental Congress met in 1774, still owned by the original carpenters' company.
Historic Site · 33 min4.7
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The historic district around Independence Hall is compact and best explored on foot; reserve free timed Independence Hall tickets in advance in peak season.
- SEPTA buses, the Market-Frankford Line, and the PHLASH seasonal tourist trolley connect the core; the airport rail line runs straight into Center City.
- Reading Terminal Market is busiest and best at lunch on weekdays; many stalls close by mid-afternoon and the Amish vendors are closed on Sundays.
- Summers are humid; plan parkway and outdoor stops for the morning and save museums for the hot afternoon.
- Standard US tipping applies: 18 to 20 percent at restaurants and bars.