11 Places To Visit In Philadelphia For A Remarkable Vacay In 2024

Pennsylvania, as difficult as i is to pronounce the name, it’s worth it. The place is beautiful and is home to the historical city of Philadelphia because The Declaration of Independence was signed here. It is one of the largest cities in the state of Pennsylvania in the United States and is popular for its art, music, and iconic food. There are many art museums and landmarks that have been shown in Hollywood movies. Visit this city for its musical and performance arts events and diverse colonies. It is dotted with many shops, restaurants, night pubs, historical sites, and the many popular places to visit in Philadelphia.

Best Time To Visit Philadelphia

The weather in Philadelphia is great all around the year. The best time to visit the city is between the months of March and May. Summer is the peak season. You can visit the city in fall and winter season for cheaper rates. For picturesque landscapes and Cherry Blossom bloom visit Philadelphia in during the spring season.

Best Places To Visit In Philadelphia

If you are wondering which are great places to visit in Philadelphia then here is a list of those. Check these out for an amazing vacay in the beautiful city.

1. Independence Hall
2. Liberty Bell Centre
3. Museum Tour
4. Parks in Philadelphia
5. The Philadelphia Zoo
6. Historical Sites
7. Reading Market Terminal
8. The Barnes Foundation
9. Please Touch Museum
10. The Franklin Institute Science Museum
11. Elmwood Park Zoo

1. Independence Hall

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One of the most important places to visit in Philadelphia is the Independence Hall. The Declaration of Independence was signed at this hall on July 4th 1776. This is also the place where the American Flag was unveiled for the first time. This hall as been restored several times and bears historical significance. You can visit this hall which is located inside the Independence National Historical Park.

It has a screening area, shops, and eateries inside the park. You can choose from various walking tours inside the park. You can visit the museums inside the park, take a selfie, play glass armonica, and explore the exhibits inside the museum.

Location: Chestnut Street
Key attractions: Museum exhibits, legal documents, walking tours
Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: $1 for reservation

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2. Liberty Bell Centre

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Liberty Bell Centre symbolizes freedom and is one of the most famous historical places to visit in Philadelphia. Take a walking tour around this center and visit the series of exhibit rooms. You will witness the history of how this Bell came into existence following a series of incidents that took place post the installation. There is also an x-ray exhibit to showcase the insides of this Bell. It is displayed in front of a window and the visitors are not allowed to touch it. It is made with a mix of metals like copper, tin, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. It has a crack and since has not been used to ring the bell. Though the crack is recast the clapper is still not used. If you are visiting this city in the summer, you have to wait lines to view the exhibits as well as this Bell. You can plan your tour in spring as well as autumn to this city as it looks beautiful during this season.

Location: Market Street
Key attractions: Exhibits inside the hall
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free

3. Museum Tour

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Visit the Rodin Museum to view the large collection of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. The Thinker is the most well-known sculpture of this sculptor. The Philadelphia Art Museum is located at the Benjamin Franklin Passaway and is one of the largest museums in the city that showcased millions art pieces from various artists making it one of the popular places to visit in Philadelphia for art lovers. The New Hall Military Museum is located at the Chestnut Street and has exhibits from the Military and Navy.
The Shoe Museum is a hidden gem in the city and worth a visit for the historical significance every shoe bears. Shoes used from various cultures including the ancient Egyptian display of sandals is fascinating for history buffs. You can find the detailing on every shoe and read about their history. The Eastern State Penitentiary is an abandoned prison built in the Gothic style and is converted into a museum.

Location: Various locations
Key attractions: Exhibits and history in each museum
Opening Hours: Vary for each
Entry Free: Starting from $10

4. Parks in Philadelphia

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There are nearly 30 parks in the city. You can choose from the top five to visit for relaxing and recreational activities. The Fairmount Park is one of the top tourist places to visit in Philadelphia and has sculptures, performance arts centers, historic mansions, and museums. Wissahickon Valley Park located in the Chestnut Hill is lovely for driving and scenic view of the green pastures. Love Park is an iconic landmark and has fountains, benches, and lush greenery. Spruce Street Harbour Park is great to visit during all seasons for events, festivities, food, and beer gardens. Visit it for LED lights, hammocks, and other entertainment options. Dilworth Park is a must visit in November and during winters. It has many outdoor events such as musical events, festivals, cafes, etc. There is also an ice rink for those who love skating.

Location: Various locations
Key attractions: Festivals, events, landscapes, creeks, sculptures, and recreational activities
Opening Hours: Vary
Entry Fee: Vary

5. The Philadelphia Zoo

It is spread across a land of 48-acres. It has a Victorian garden, beautiful sculptures, and shrubs. It has more than 500 species of plants. It has exhibits of animals from various species and is one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia for animal lovers. This is a good place to go with family and kids. Kids will learn about various animal species. You can take the Zoo trails and meet humoungs species and get a unique view of the animal in its cage. It has many adventure rides and attractions for kids. Cross bridges, balance ropes, swan rides and many other attractions let kids and adults have a fun time at the zoo. Meet your favorite animals and interact with them in a semi-private environment. Feed the penguins, otters, giraffe, and interact with other animals up and close.

Location: Girard Ave
Key attractions: Exhibits, plant and animal species, rides, and close encounter with animals
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
Entry Fee: Starting from $16

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6. Historical Sites

Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

Visit the Independence Visitor Center and take historic walking tours before you enter the Independence Hall. It has a cafe, gift shops and a place where you can purchase nearly 60 tickets to various tourist attractions in the city. The Free Quaker Meeting House was built in the 17th century where you can find original benches from the meeting house. Christ Church Burial Ground is a cemetery where Benjamin Franklin was buried. This is a cemetery of many leaders of America who created history. Betsy Ross House is the home of the seamstress who designed the American Flag. You can take a self-guided tour to her place and view her rooms, personal items, and many other artifacts. Visit the streets of Elferth’s Alley and view the homes which have been built in the 17th and 18th century.

Location: Various locations
Key attractions: Key historical sites in the formation of the United States
Opening Hours: Vary for each site
Entry Fee: Starting from $5

7. Reading Market Terminal

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This is a historic landmark in the city. It is a place to relish the iconic food of the city, indulge in some retail therapy, and buy from the fresh produce of farmers. It is known for it unique ambiance. You can taste food from different stalls, buy clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, gifts, and many other items. You can relish on pretzels, donuts, ice creams, drinks, beverages, and have a good time exploring this market. You will find everything you need at this market which is one of the most popular places to visit in Philadelphia. It has many gourmet and speciality shops to choose from. You can also purchase flowers and plants from exotic species inside this market. You can take the cooking demo classes, tasting and sampling tours, dine, and listen to live music. You can spend an entire day at this market exploring various stalls and shops.

Location: 51 North, 12th Street
Key attractions: Food stalls, clothing stores, dining options
Opening Hours: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry Fee: Free

8. The Barnes Foundation

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This is a part of the Museum District of the city and is one of the most important places to visit in Philadelphia. It has a huge collection of French Impressionist paintings. There are paintings and sculptures from renowned artists from around the world. You can plan a visit on Sunday and take a view of the entire collection at this museum. You can spend an entire day at this museum and take classes in various certified art programs. You can attend art lecture and mingle with people of similar interests at this place. This is a must-see for art lovers who dwell in the artsy devices. It has a dining and a coffee area and facilities for people with disabilities are provided. You can take a guided tour to these galleries and view the collections inside this gallery.

Location: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Key attractions: Paintings and sculptures from various artists
Opening Hours: 11.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: Starting from $25

9. Please Touch Museum

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A must-visit museum for kids as it has carousels and many interactive activities for kids. There are fun sessions such as creative art, storytelling, museum programs and many more learning and interactive activities which boost critical thinking, creativity, and mental abilities, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Philadelphia for kids. Kids also get to meet new people and boost their communication and social skills. Adults and kids can collaborate for these fun and interactive activities. There are list of events and activities at this museum where you can spend a lot of time learning and exploring entertainment and recreational options. There are exhibits, collections and a 100 year old carousel to take a spin. Kids will have a lot of fun visiting this museum. Their curiosity can find new avenues and boost their confidence with these learning and interactive fun.

Location: Memorial Hall
Key attractions: Carousel ride, learning and interactive sessions
Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: Starting from $5

10. The Franklin Institute Science Museum

The Franklin Institute Science Museum In Philadelphia

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This is a creative museum where you are allowed to perform experiments in science, space travel, information technology, and many other sciences. It has a planetarium, many museums, and exhibits inside which let you explore various aspects of science. You can find escape rooms, flight simulators, virtual reality tours, interactive maps, and many exhibits and gameplays inside this museum which makes it one of the best places to visit in Philadelphia. There are many events organized by the museum. You can find buy tickets to live shows, sci-fi movies, science festivals, community night and more. Science buffs can take a tour inside this museum and experience one of a kind interactive fun. You can also buy goodies and accessories from the store. Take a cultural and educational tour inside this museum with family and kids. There are also summer camps, camp-in sleep overs, travel programs and workshops organized at this museum.

Location: 222 North 20th Street
Key attractions: Interactive fun, exhibits, virtual reality, games, live shows, workshops, and many entertainment options.
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: Starting from $8

11. Elmwood Park Zoo

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A zoo that houses more than 100 exotic and endangered species. It is a perfect place for a picnic with family and kids. You can hand feed and pet many animals inside the park zoo. You can find many exotic species of amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and more inside the zoo, making it one of the places to visit in Philadelphia to interact with wildlife. Spot white-tailed deers, barn animals, and get a close encounter with a few species. You can find Capybaras, bisons, ferrets, cougars, jaguars, and many more species of animals. Kids will love the tree top adventure which are 50 in number to choose from. Experience wildlife up and close with these adventures. The zoo has lush vegetation and many adorables such as the otters keep the audience entertained. There are pools, places of dining, and lounge areas which serve craft beers.

Location: 1661 Harding Boulevard
Key attractions: Exotic animal and bird species, tree top adventures
Opening Hours: 10 am to 4 pm
Entry Fee: Starting from $10.95

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Philadelphia is one of the best places to visit for art, music, and history. There are many historic sites which are a must-see. You can taste the iconic Philadelphia food at the food stalls and market areas and should definitely not miss out on the interesting places to visit in Philadelphia on your trip to USA.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Philadelphia

What is a great location for tourists to stay?

Tourists can stay at a location close to the National Historic Park. There are many budgeted and luxurious hotels close to this area.

Can you visit the Liberty Bell at night?

You get the best view of the Bell when you visit it at night because it is illuminated.

How long is the Independence Hall Tour?

It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to tour the hall.

Is photography permitted inside the parks and buildings?

Yes, photography and videos are permitted in most of the buildings except the West Wing of the Independence Hall.

Are parks pet-friendly?

Most of the parks are pet-friendly as long as they are tied on a leash.

What localities are safe and unsafe in Philadelphia?

Chestnut Hill, Fairmount Park, Somerton are some of the safe localities in Philadelphia. Further North and South areas are not safe for tourists to travel alone in the night.

Is Philadelphia a walkable city?

Yes, it is a walkable city and stands 5th in place as a walkable city in U.S

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Seema Gurnani

Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!