Philadelphia is a city in Pennsylvania, United States, which bears a historical significance as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S constitution was written in this city. It is one of the largest cities in the state known for its iconic food such as cheese sandwich, pretzels, Liberty Bell, museums, original colonies, and diverse ethnicities. With numerous places to explore and activities to indulge in, Philadelphia has proved to be one of the top tourist destinations. From exploring the history of this city to relishing tasty foods, there are upteem things to do in Philadelphia.
Top 17 Things To Do In Philadelphia
Here is a compilation of the top things to do in Philadelphia that you must opt for on your vacation. These activities are meant for all kinds of travelers whether solo or group travelers.
1. Liberty Bell – Explore & Capture Selfies
This is a symbol of freedom of America and a must-visit to get a glimpse into the history of the United States and take a look at this historic relic. The Liberty Bell is cracked because it was made with a brittle metal in the 17th century when America got its independence. This bell was rung to mark the Declaration of Independence and is an iconic symbol of America’s freedom. The bell cannot ring now because it is cracked.
Location: Liberty Bell Center
Tickets: free
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
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2. Peddler’s Village – Explore On Your Own
Experience the countryside at Peddler’s Village. This is a small and quaint town that organizes events, festivals, and has a wide range of shopping options. It organizes the Strawberry Festival in May, Blueberries festival in July, and the Peach festival in August. It is famous for its multi-cuisine dining options. You can also enjoy parades, eating delicious food, and exploring the picturesque countryside dotted with specialty shops. Visit it at Christmas to view the lights throughout the village.
Location: Lahaska
Ticket: Drive costs between $3 to $5
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
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3. Dilworth Park – Enjoy Thrilling Activities
This is a public park that has interactive fountains, live musical concerts, outdoor movie screening, and more. There is also a well-maintained lush green space for family and kids to enjoy a picnic. Go skating on the ice rink, take a stroll, walk, eat, shop, and enjoy leisure time at this park. Winters are a great time to visit this park to enjoy the holiday spirit and buy souvenirs. Enjoy a glass of wine, and attend the events that are organized at this park.
Location: Dilworth Park
Timings: 6 am to 1 am
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4. Valley Forge National Historical Park – Go For A Hike
There are many activities you can take up at this national park. You can explore the park on the bicycle, pick a trolley or driving tour, participate in interactive historic tales, and take hiking and biking trails at this park. You explore creeks, rivers, historic sites, and hilly areas in these trails. You can also take horseback riding and visit many places of attractions within the park. You can also choose bird walks to view birds from more than 200 species in the Artillery Park.
Location: King of Prussia
Timings: 9 am to 6.30 pm
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5. Attend Music, Theatre & Dance Events
Live music, performances, theatre scene is vibrant in Philadelphia. There are many live musical events, orchestra, avant-garde theatrical performances with original scripts, and much more happening in the art scene. The city is renowned for its visual arts and musical events. There are many dance and music venues you can choose from to view excellent dance performances from the international troupe. Enjoy ballet, hip-hop, salsa, or the classics attending these events.
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6. Check Out The Fashion District
There are a lot of places inside the fashion district to check out. Candytopia is a place to visit with your family and kids, eat from the pool of marshmallows you can swim into. There are an edible candy museum that houses candy art in the form of bags, wall art, etc. Watch movies on the AMC Dine and sip some cocktails in the bar of this theatre. City Winery is a huge wine restaurant that stores more than 400 delicious wines. There’s a lot more you can explore at this place.
Location: 9th & Market Street
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
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7. Enjoy Folkart At The Magic Gardens
This garden is made with mosaics and sculptures, grottos, and tunnels. You can view the colorful art and take a self-guided leisurely tour taking pictures and a stroll inside this garden. Images are created using colorful tiles and are worth a look. There is an art exhibition and beauty spread across all over the place. There is a lot of artwork you can stop over and have a look. There are also many events and parties held in this garden which you can attend.
Location: 1020 South Station
Tickets: $5- $10
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm
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8. Boathouse Row -Take A Walk
This is a historic site located on the banks of the Schuylkill River. It has a row of 15 boathouses each of which has a history worth taking note of. All these boathouses are 150 years old and look magnificent in the night when they are decorated with lights. There are many events conducted in this area which you can attend. This historic landmark is a must-see for those who visit Philadelphia.
Location: Boathouse Row
Tickets: None
Timings: open 24 hours
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9. Dine At Popular Restaurants
Parc is an award-winning restaurant which serves great white wine, fresh bread, and transatlantic food. Talula’s Table in Chestnut County is a great place to relish on the seasonal menus. Taste great American food at The Love restaurant. El Vez serves the best Mexican food. The Dandelion is a beautifully decorated gastropub with British cuisine. You will find restaurants and pubs from cuisines across the world.
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10. Reading Terminal Market – Explore 125-year-old Area
Get some taste of local food and go grub hopping at this market. You can choose from a list of fresh seafood, meats, cheese, sandwiches and get some retail therapy from the local stores in this market. You can find every kind of food from various ethnicities to explore and eat. Relish on donuts, pretzels, dumplings, pies, Middle Eastern delicacies, and more at this market.
Location: 51 N. 12th Street
Tickets: Food tours starting from 2536
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
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11. Race Street Pier – Unwind With Your Gang
You can get a spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from this green space. This space is suitable for family picnics, taking a stroll, and spending time at the manicured garden area. This area looks spectacular at night and is decorated with lighting. You can find some quiet time sitting in this park that has a magnificent view.
Location: Race Street
Tickets: Vary for different events
Timings: 7 am to 11 pm
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12. Bok Bar – Enjoy A Drink Under Sky
Image Credit: bridgesward for Pixabay
You get a panoramic view of the city at this bar. There are only limited beer and wine drinks. Many events are hosted here and the place is a buzz and a favorite amongst tourists. A place to relax and unwind during day time or night time. The bar serves delicious food bites and drinks. If you need a pint of beer, fresh air to breathe and get a stunning view, this is the best place to be.
Location: Mifflin Street
Tickets: Free
Timings: 5 pm to 11 pm, vary on weekends
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13. Rail Park – Explore & Relax
This is an unused railway station that is converted to a park. It has numerous benches, public art, and green scapes. A place to take a stroll and relax by reading a book or just getting lost in thoughts. This is a good place to visit at dusk as the view is stunning. You get an amazing view of the city from this park. It is spread across three miles and has large-sized swings. A good place for a picnic with family and kids.
Location: Noble Street
Tickets: Vary for events
Timings: 7 am to 10 pm
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14. Old City – Marvel At the Age-Old Beauty
You can take a walk in the charming lanes of the Old City. There are historic spots you can visit such as Shane Confectionery, Franklin Fountain, and many other stores that existed since Victorian times. Relish candies and satiate your sweet tooth eating delicacies from the Victorian Candy Emporium that was built in the 18th century. Shane Confectionery has all the sweet goodies such as ice cream, chocolate truffles, etc made with old recipes.
Location: Ranges between Vine Street and Walnut Street
Tickets: Vary for different events
Timings: Vary
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15. South Philadelphia Sports Complex – Enjoy A Game
Catch up with live sports happening at this place whether you love the Bears or the Eagles. It has a very large seating capacity and parking space of 22000. It can host up to 380 events in a single day. Enjoy concerts, soccer games, delicious food and drinks, baseball games, and other events at this venue. A great place for sports enthusiasts to watch the live games can be very thrilling.
Location: 3300 South 7th Street
Tickets: Vary for different games
Timings: View calendar for hours
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16. Spruce Street Harbour Park – Opt For Outdoor Activities
Take along your kids and have a good time at this park that is close to the Delaware River. It gives a spectacular view of the bridge and nearby areas. There are many food stalls where you can enjoy iconic food the city is famous for and drinks. You can also chill at the 50 hammocks available at this park. There are also many gaming options such as ping pong, chess, etc available. You can sip some cold beer from any of these beer gardens.
Location: Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Tickets: free
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
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17. Rocky Statue – Pose & Click A Picture
This is an iconic landmark as it was featured in the movie Rocky Balboa. This Hollywood movie won an Oscar Award in the year 1977 and is an inspirational movie. You can take a selfie at this statue and learn about the Rocky theme. This is a popular landmark and a must-visit when you are touring the city. The 72 stone steps are known as the Rocky Steps to mimic the climb shown in the movie.
Location: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Tickets: free
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Philadelphia is a city for delicious food, art, and music. It is significant for its history and has many attractions and places for sightseeing. You can visit the city in any season and enjoy the events and festivals that happen all-around the year. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your vacation to USA with TravelTriangle for a butter-smooth vacay! Make sure that you indulge in these things to do in Philadelphia.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Philadelphia
What is Philadelphia known for?
It is also called Philly, ‘The City of Brotherly Love,’ and is known for its iconic food, Declaration of Independence, and the Liberty Bell.
What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
Months between March and May and the spring season is the best time to visit. You can visit Philadelphia throughout the year as the weather with many events and festivals organized.
What are the iconic Philadelphia food?
Philly Cheesesteak, Philly Soft Pretzels, Scrapple, Roast Pork Sandwich are some of the iconic foods of the city.
What is South Philly famous for?
It has many parks and sports complex which provide entertainment options and outdoor activities.
What can you do in Philadelphia at night?
Visit places in the Historic District, grab some drinks, watch open-air movies, eat, go people- watching.
What are the popular neighbourhoods in Philadelphia?
City Center East, West, and the University City are the best neighbourhoods in the city.
Don’t when in Philadelphia?
Do not walk slowly as the pedestrians walk faster in the city. Do not visit South Street in the night as it can get unsafe.
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