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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. 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 in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. Cheesy? Definitely. Fun? Absolutely!
To finish off the experience, head back down to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III. Then, venture inside one of the country’s most magnificent art museums. We promise it won’t disappoint.
Where: Rocky Statue and Rocky Steps outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. So put your diet on hold for the day, and indulge in a freshly baked roll filled with chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and your choice of cheese and/or fried onions. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions.
The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich won’t ever 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.
Looking for vegan options — or other out-of-the-box twists on the Philly classic? Philly’s got you covered with plenty of alternative cheesesteak options. (Pro tip: Make time to try all of Philly’s iconic foods, including roast pork sandwiches, hoagies, pretzels and water ice.)
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.
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
The City of Brotherly Love is filled with love — literally. One of the best-known landmarks is LOVE itself, the Robert Indiana sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza (or LOVE Park, as it’s affectionately called by most). It’s a prized photo op for couples, families and friends eager to show the world how they feel about one another.
The sculpture was restored and repainted in 2018, and the park was entirely redesigned to add more green areas and a high-tech water feature. A small visitor center kiosk was added in 2021. 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 in Philadelphia, there’s an AMOR sculpture — a Spanish edition of the LOVE sculpture — on display at Sister Cities Park, a six-minute walk from LOVE Park.
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.
Let us help you narrow down your choices with our guide to 15 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
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile for good reason.
Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute (featuring brand-new core exhibits), The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Parkway’s crown jewel, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Another super-popular attraction, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary, is just a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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
There’s no way around it: Philly’s dining scene is special. Philly restaurants and their talented chefs regularly make ”best of” lists from The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler and more. Some of the latest critically acclaimed spots:
Find more about Philly’s award-winning eateries here. Looking for even more cuisine cred? Read up on all of Philly’s James Beard-honored restaurants of the last five years.
Where: Various locations including Mawn, 764 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
It’s not in Philadelphia proper, but the horticultural legend that is Longwood Gardens is well worth the 50-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia to Kennett Square — and it’s been revamped with new buildings and gardens as part of its Longwood Reimagined experience.
The Chester County mega garden (and its 1,100-plus acres) is filled with more than two-dozen gardens (indoor and outdoor), 10,000 different types of plants, dancing fountains, lush meadows, and winding woodlands. The colorful oasis also hosts hundreds of events each year, including new seasonal displays, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater.
Spectacular, epic, brilliant, breathtaking — all of these adjectives adequately describe the attraction, which was recently named one of the world’s 100 greatest places according to Time magazine and USA Today’s best botanical garden in America for 2025.
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.
The waterfront’s popularity is thanks to its exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier, as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Liberty Point and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink (with its ever-popular Summerfest and Winterfest) — as well as a number of diverse and well-attended events throughout the year.
Those gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — don’t hurt, either.
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 is 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.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.
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