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There’s never a shortage of awesome things to do in Philadelphia, but there are some things “youse” just gotta do — especially if you’ve never been to our fair city before.
Whether it’s running like Rocky up those magnificent museum steps, refueling with a cheesesteak (absolutely mandatory), bowing down to the history made at Independence Hall or exploring the iconic Reading Terminal Market, these are the experiences that make Philly so gloriously Philly.
Read on for the 10 most essential experiences to be had in the City of Brotherly Love — and find 10 more amazing Philly experiences right this way.
It doesn’t make a sound, but the Liberty Bell’s message rings loud and clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” This inscription on the cracked but mighty Bell is one reason it became a symbol to abolitionists, suffragists and other freedom-seekers throughout history.
The Bell draws people from around the world to snag a photo in front of it and its dramatic backdrop: Independence Hall.
Know before you go: The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit year-round with no tickets required. Learn more about visiting in our guide to the Liberty Bell.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Since Rocky’s first triumphant on-screen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, the 72 steps have become an international destination — and a Philly rite of passage.
Travelers from around the world embark on their own pilgrimage up the stairs, pumping their fists while cherishing the spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline.
The bronze statue of Rocky at the top makes the perfect spot for a selfie after a triumphant run.
Don’t miss: Stopping by the statue of Joe Frazier at the foot of the steps to see the real-life inspiration for Rocky
Where: Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
The Philly cheesesteak is arguably the city’s most famous food. Indulge in a freshly baked roll filled with chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and your choice of cheese and/or fried onions.
The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich will never end, but for an iconic Philly experience, visit the intersection of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses daily, and do your very own taste test.
Know before you go: Those in the know order with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions.
I’m from Connecticut, but in college, I had friends from Philly who would always talk about how cheesesteaks in Philadelphia were nothing like the ones at chain restaurants or chopped cheeses in New York.
When I moved here, my first true Philadelphia cheesesteak was from Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop in Fishtown, with whiz and onions — so “whiz wit.” And it surpassed my expectations. I started getting them every weekend! (It was so bad …)
I recently tried Angelo’s and Del Rossi’s, and I like theirs a lot, too. But Joe’s steaks are still my favorite — with Cooper Sharp and onions.
Where: Various locations including Jim's South Street, 400 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall is where the nation was founded.
In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution.
Today, the goosebumps-inducing UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours of this bucket-list gem are available year-round.
Know before you go: Free tours of the Hall are available via timed tickets. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in our guide to Independence Hall.
Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of the best-known Philly landmarks — Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture — remains a prized photo op for couples, families and friends eager to show the world how they feel about one another.
Another LOVE statue sits just west of Center City on the University of Pennsylvania campus near 36th and Locust streets.
And because love comes in all languages, Philly also has an AMOR sculpture — a Spanish edition of the LOVE sculpture — on display at nearby Sister Cities Park.
Fun fact: LOVE Park’s official name is actually John F. Kennedy Plaza.
Where: LOVE Park, North 15th & Arch streets, Philadelphia, PA
Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 133-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals.
The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants, including Pennsylvania Dutch vendors and sandwich slingers like the acclaimed DiNic’s, serving up hot roast pork sandwiches that rival the city’s much-lauded cheesesteaks. Retail merchants sell housewares, jewelry, linens and more.
Don’t miss: Let us help you narrow down your choices with our guide to 17 of the best things to eat in Reading Terminal Market.
My Reading Terminal trips usually start with a latte from Old City Coffee and a stop at Beiler’s for a maple bacon donut. It sounds odd — bacon on a donut — but it’s surprisingly tasty. And hard to get! They’re normally sold out by lunchtime.
I also can’t walk into Reading Terminal and not grab a Reuben from Hershel’s East Side Deli. The first time I saw the sandwich, I was mesmerized by how big it was. It’s hard to finish by myself, but it’s perfect for sharing with a friend.
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway — modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris — is arguably Philadelphia’s most artistic mile.
Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute and the Parkway’s crown jewel, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which also oversees the Rodin Museum.
Plus, newly opened Calder Gardens features stunning gardens outdoors and rotating displays of Philadelphia native artist Alexander Calder’s sculptures inside.
Know before you go: Curious about the rest of Philly’s museum scene? Crack open our big guide to Philly’s museums and attractions, or step off the beaten path with these underrated gems.
Where: Various locations including the Rodin Museum, 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Philly restaurants and their talented chefs regularly rack up recognition from the likes of Michelin, the James Beard Foundation and publications like The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler and more. Some of the latest critically acclaimed spots include:
Where: Various locations including Mawn, 764 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Time magazine named Longwood Gardens one of the world’s 100 greatest places, so the 50-minute drive from Philly to Kennett Square means time well spent.
The Chester County mega garden (and its 1,100-plus acres) offers more than two-dozen gardens, including the site’s recent Longwood Reimagined glow-up, 13,000-plus different types of plants, dancing fountains, lush meadows, and winding woodlands.
The horticultural oasis also hosts hundreds of events each year, including new seasonal displays, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and more.
Fun fact: Longwood Gardens also snagged top honors two years in a row on USA Today’s 10Best botanical gardens in the country.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most vibrant spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century.
Visitors and residents alike flock to the waterfront’s exciting attractions and parks, including year-round spots like Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier; seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Liberty Point and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink (with its ever-popular Summerfest and Winterfest); and green spaces like Penn Treaty Park.
Don’t miss: Gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — all along the waterfront
Where: Various locations including Cherry Street Pier, 121 N.Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Looking for even more great things to do in Greater Philadelphia? Of course, you are! And in Greater Philadelphia, there’s so much to explore, discover or rediscover. We’ve got ideas for:
Find more ideas right this way for your next exploration — then book a stay at one of the city’s great hotels.
Contributing Writer
Web Content Manager, Visit Philadelphia
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