The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia’s Historic District

In winter, this riverside pop-up village features an open-air Olympic-size ice skating rink, cozy lodge with fireplaces, festive landscaping, twinkling lights, fire pits, arcade games and a variety of food and beverages. Come summer, the space transforms into a day-to-night hangout with an outdoor roller rink, an arcade, classic Philadelphia foods (Crabfries, anyone?) and plenty of playful spaces to chill out — including a Midway with carnival games and rides like a Ferris wheel.

The Philly cheesesteak — savory sandwiches of chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and a choice of cheeses and fried onions on a hoagie roll — is inarguably the city’s most famous food. Lucky for visitors and residents, there are a number of local spots in the Historic District, including Sonny’s and Campo’s, that do Philly’s signature dish right.

The President’s House explores the paradox of slavery and freedom at the site of the nation’s first executive mansion, where presidents George Washington and John Adams lived during their terms and where nine enslaved people lived with the first commander-in-chief. The 24-hour open-air site provides visitors with different perspectives of this complex and powerful story.

Enjoy the outdoors at this fun-filled park named in honor of — who else? — Benjamin Franklin. Take a mini-tour of Philadelphia as you putt-putt your way through the city’s iconic sites at Philly Mini Golf, or enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Parx Liberty Carousel, a classic tribute to Philadelphia’s great heritage of carousel-making. There’s also a spectacular fountain (renovated in 2019 to now feature fountain shows and nighttime light shows!), a SquareBurger food stand, a playground, and lots of open space to lounge or run around.

Sitting in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier offers a relaxing respite from city life with an expansive lawn, comfy seating areas and more than three dozen shade trees. Take in an epic sunrise over the water, bring a picnic lunch to enjoy as you look out over the Delaware River or visit at night to see the urban green space all aglow.

Founded in 1976, The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African Americans. The museum takes a fresh, bold look at the roles of African Americans in the founding of the nation through the core exhibit Audacious Freedom. Visiting exhibitions and frequent programs reveal the history, stories and cultures of those of African descent throughout the African diaspora.

The Museum of the American Revolution, which opened in spring 2017, is home to George Washington’s headquarters tent, an iconic piece of history where the general slept and made game-changing decisions during the Revolutionary War. The tent is just one of hundreds of objects gathered from and pertaining to the Revolutionary War at the museum, which tells the whole story of the American fight for independence.

Opened in 2018, Cherry Street Pier is the latest in a growing selection of must-visit attractions along the Delaware River waterfront. What was most recently an abandoned pier is now a lively mixed-use space welcoming visitors year-round with art exhibitions, pop-up markets, in-house artist galleries, food and drinks at The Garden at Cherry Street Pier (reservations available), and excellent views of the river and Benjamin Franklin Bridge.

The Historic District gained more than a dozen new drinking and dining options when The Bourse Food Hall opened in late 2018. The former commodities exchange building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated to house artisanal food vendors serving a variety of cuisines, including Korean tacos, oozy grilled cheeses and Hawaiian poke bowls.

Snag a photo of your favorite Founding Father — including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton — in the National Constitution Center’s Signers’ Hall. Recreating the final day of 1787’s Constitutional Convention in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), Signers’ Hall includes 42 life-sized bronze figures of the Constitution’s signers and dissenters.

Get the scoop on America’s most famous flag maker as she greets guests outside her interactive 18th-century upholstery shop, part of a tiny dwelling where visitors learn about Ross’ life and legend, and enjoy programs, storytelling and activities.

Head to Christ Church Burial Ground (located just off Independence Mall) and throw a penny on Benjamin Franklin’s grave, a nod to Franklin’s aphorism that “a penny saved is a penny earned” (though the actual phrase was “a penny saved is a penny got.”) When you’re done, explore the historic cemetery, which includes the resting places of several signers of the Declaration of Independence.