So, you’re planning a trip to the City of Brotherly Love? Excellent choice. Forget everything you think you know about Philadelphia from the history books. Sure, the past is alive and well here, but Philly’s heart beats to a modern, vibrant, and downright delicious rhythm.
This is a city of cozy neighborhoods, world-class art hiding in plain sight, and food that will make you want to write home about it.
We’re cutting through the noise to give you the real scoop. This isn’t your average checklist. We’re diving into the experiences that make Philadelphia, Pennsylvania a destination you’ll dream about long after you leave.
Get ready to explore iconic landmarks, uncover local secrets, and eat arguably the best sandwich on the planet. Let’s unlock the very best things to do in Philadelphia.
1. Run Up the Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Like Rocky
No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a pilgrimage to the “Rocky Steps.” The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a treasure trove of global art, from Renaissance masterpieces to groundbreaking modern works.
But let’s be real, you’re here for those 72 stone steps. Channel your inner Balboa, pump your fists, and sprint to the top. The view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretching downtown is absolutely killer.
Snap your victory photo with the bronze Rocky statue to the right of the steps. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia and a rite of passage. Pro tip? Go early in the morning to beat the crowds. Then, maybe actually go inside the museum—you won’t regret it.
2. Get History-Smart at Independence National Historical Park
This is where America’s story kicked off, and walking these cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a history book. The star of the show is Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.
Right across the way, you can gaze at the legendary Liberty Bell. Its famous crack and powerful message are more moving in person than you might expect. Best part? Seeing the bell is completely free.
Ranger tours are your best bet to get the juicy details and skip the lines. Planning your Philadelphia activities must include this iconic park.
3. Dive into a Cheesesteak Taste Test
You can’t talk about Philadelphia without talking about cheesesteaks. This is a serious business here, not just a sandwich. The big debate is always Pat’s vs. Geno’s, the rival spots facing off in South Philly.
But locals might tell you to venture elsewhere for the real deal. Ordering like a pro is key. You’ll need to specify “Whiz wit” (Cheez Whiz with fried onions) or “provolone without.”
Grab extra napkins, because it’s gonna get messy. Figuring out your favorite is one of the essential things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
4. Wander and Get Lost in Reading Terminal Market
Prepare your senses. Reading Terminal Market, opened in 1893, is a bustling paradise under one giant roof. You can find everything here, from the freshest Amish pretzels and apple dumplings to spicy Thai food and famous roast pork sandwiches.
The energy is contagious. Grab a freshly squeezed juice, sample some local honey, and watch the butchers and fishmongers do their thing. It’s a feast for the eyes just as much as the stomach.
This market is a cornerstone of what makes Philly so special. Don’t just visit—come hungry and ready to explore.
5. Explore the Quirky Magic of Magic Gardens
This place is pure, unfiltered imagination. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street is a completely unique art environment created by artist Isaiah Zagar. It’s a labyrinth of mosaics made from recycled bottles, bike wheels, tiles, and folk art pieces.
Every single inch is covered in swirling color and texture. You’ll discover new details around every corner. It feels secret and magical, like you’ve stumbled into an urban fairy tale. This spot is a standout for unique activities in Philly. Your camera will thank you.
6. Catch the Skyline from a New Angle at Spruce Street Harbor Park
When the weather’s nice, there’s no better hangout. Spruce Street Harbor Park, on the Delaware River Waterfront, is a seasonal urban beach with hammocks, floating gardens, and colorful LED light installations.
Grab some gourmet popcorn or a local draft root beer, snag a hammock, and watch the boats go by. Play a game of bocce or simply chill. At night, it transforms into a glowing wonderland.
It’s the perfect, low-key way to spend a summer evening and is easily one of the best things to do in Philadelphia for relaxation.
7. Tour the Fascinating Eastern State Penitentiary
This place is hauntingly beautiful. Eastern State Penitentiary is a massive, castle-like prison that once held famous inmates like Al Capone. It pioneered the solitary confinement system. Now it’s a crumbling, eerie ruin you can walk through.
The audio tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, is fantastic. It guides you through cellblocks and tells stories of inmates and guards.
It’s not scary, but it’s powerfully thought-provoking. Their Halloween event is legendary, but a daytime visit is a truly captivating Philadelphia activity.
8. Stroll and Shop Along Historic South Street
South Street is where Philly lets its hair down. This iconic street is a vibrant mix of eclectic shops, classic pizza joints, funky music stores, and vibrant street art. It’s been the city’s counterculture hub for decades.
Pop into a vintage clothing store, check out the giant mural of famous Philadelphians, and grab a slice of pizza that folds like a dream.
The people-watching is top-tier. It’s a great area to just wander without a plan and see what you discover.
9. Immerse Yourself in Science at The Franklin Institute
Get ready to play. The Franklin Institute isn’t your stuffy old science museum. Here, you can walk through a giant, beating heart, explore a real steam train, or get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits.
They have an amazing planetarium and an IMAX theater too. It’s fantastic for kids, but adults will have just as much fun relearning how lightning works or climbing through a neural network.
It makes for a perfect rainy day among your things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
10. Enjoy a Peaceful Escape to Fairmount Park
Need a breath of fresh air? Fairmount Park is one of the largest urban park systems in the country. You can rent a bike and cruise along the Schuylkill River Trail, visit the stunning horticulture center, or explore historic mansions.
Find a quiet bench by the water and watch the rowers glide by. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the middle of a major city. This is the local’s secret for escaping the hustle without going far.
11. Experience the Italian Market’s Authentic Vibe
This is the country’s oldest and largest working outdoor market. The Italian Market in South Philly is a noisy, aromatic, and absolutely authentic stretch of 9th Street.
Butcher shops hang whole cheeses in the window, produce stalls overflow with colorful veggies, and the smell of fresh espresso is everywhere.
It’s a real, working-class market, not just a tourist spot. Chat with a vendor, sample some olive oil, and soak in the old-world atmosphere. It’s a genuine slice of Philly life.
12. Marvel at the Art and Architecture of City Hall
You can’t miss it. Philadelphia City Hall is the largest municipal building in the country and an architectural masterpiece. The detail on this thing is mind-blowing. The best part? You can take a tour right up to the base of the 37-foot-tall statue of William Penn atop the tower.
The view from the open-air observation deck is arguably better than from any skyscraper, because you’re looking out from the historic center of the city. It’s a stunning way to cap off your best things to do in Philadelphia adventure.
Conclusion
So there you have it—your roadmap to experiencing the real Philadelphia. This city is so much more than its historic landmarks. It’s a feeling you get biting into a perfect cheesesteak, the view from a hammock by the river, and the surprise of finding beauty in a mosaic-covered alley.
Each neighborhood has its own flavor, its own story. The best plan is to mix the iconic stops with a few off-the-beaten-path discoveries. Talk to people. Ask for recommendations. Philadelphians are proud of their city and love to share its secrets.
Now it’s your turn. Book that trip, lace up your most comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to fall in love with the energy, the history, and the undeniable charm of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Your unforgettable story here is just waiting to be written.