Why Philadelphia is On Travel Pros' Must-Visit Lists for 2021

The Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom not just for revolutionists, but for suffragettes, abolitionists, immigrants and so many others. And it’s just one of many iconic Philadelphia sites that belong on anyone’s must-visit list. Independence National Historical Park houses not only the hallowed structures of the nation’s founding like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall but also new attractions exploring diverse perspectives — like the new-in-2021 Faith & Liberty Museum. Beyond the mall, the hits keep on coming: the Rocky Steps and Statue resonates with the underdogs, the Betsy Ross House tells the story of powerful women and the Reading Terminal Market comforts everyone with food and products that are both local and global. These sites are essential for first-time visitors and a beautiful reminder for locals to never stop exploring.

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show makes history in 2021 with its first-ever outdoor event when it arrives in FDR Park in June. It’s one of dozens of major festivals poised to return in 2021 — some with time-honored traditions and others with brand-new experiences. Also on tap for this year: the twice-annual Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Wawa Welcome America’s weeklong July 4th celebration and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta this fall.

The City of Neighborhoods consistently ranks among the nation’s most walkable cities, making it easy to create your own adventures in dynamic, diverse pockets across Philadelphia. Discover tacos, pho, fresh cheeses and more at the street-side vendors in the Italian Market; spot hidden murals, pop into vintage shops and stroll along the Delaware River in Fishtown; and pause for a selfie under the Friendship Gate between eats in Chinatown. Climb the Fountain Steps in Manayunk en route to the Schuylkill River towpath; and save room for the Puerto Rican, Colombian and other Latin foods in El Centro de Oro. The rich culture of Philadelphia’s communities runs deep and our hidden gems are easily mined.

Those diverse neighborhoods mentioned above? They’re the hubs of community festivals and events that bring people together every year for cultural celebrations that always include delicious food and live music. The summer-long PECO Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing typically plays host to the Philadelphia Irish Festival, Concilio’s Hispanic Festival and the Islamic Heritage Festival, to name a few. Philadelphia also celebrates Odunde each June with one of the largest African American street festivals in the country; and Hispanic Heritage Month every fall.

Run, walk, hike, bike and get on the water in Philadelphia and the Countryside. National Park sites, state parks and even micro parks offer fresh air and a chance to stretch the legs, as well as ample space to spread out. From the massive trail systems of Fairmount Park — at 2,050 acres, it’s more than double the size of Central Park — and Wissahickon Valley Park to the delightful riverside enclaves of the seasonal Spruce Street Harbor Park and Race Street Pier to regional attractions like Longwood Gardens and Valley Forge National Historical Park, residents and visitors enjoy relaxing, exercising and playing in these public spaces that honor founder William Penn’s vision for a “greene countrie town.”

Activate your tastebuds and embrace new experiences at some of the best bars and restaurants in the country. Philadelphia’s food and beverage scene is recognized annually by the James Beard Awards (“the Oscars of the food world), racking up awards and nominations since the 1980s in categories like Best Chef; Best New Restaurant; and Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional. Among the buzziest: Kalaya Thai Kitchen (2020 nominee, Best New Restaurant), Wayne staple Teresa’s Next Door (2018 semifinalist, Outstanding Bar Program) and Zahav, with multiple honors since 2009, including two wins for Outstanding Chef.

Craft beer isn’t just part of the history of Philadelphia — it’s a way of life. With more than 1,000 varieties at 90-plus craft breweries in the Greater Philadelphia region, it’s no wonder Frommer’s called it one of the world’s best beer cities. Oh, and Philly has racked up more than 40 combined medals in the last decade at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, two of the industry’s most highly regarded competitions. Use our Craft Beer Trail of Greater Philadelphia to find your next beer discovery (bonus: you can sort by location and by UNTAPPD ratings!) and take a deeper dive into the local beer scene with Visit Philadelphia’s craft beer video series.

Posh penthouses with personal dining rooms, on-trend lofts that feel like home (only better), exclusive elevators, spectacular skyline views, marble baths, invisible concierges and plush bathrobes are part and parcel of Philadelphia’s most luxurious overnight experiences. These exceptional rooms feel like an extension of home — without the pesky chores — and are more accessible in Philadelphia than many other cosmopolitan destinations, especially right now when room rates are set to encourage overnight stays. Pets are welcome at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia’s Presidential Suite, where a gigantic Fuji soaking tub overlooks the city. The 2,137-square-foot Presidential Suite at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center is larger than most Philly rowhomes, leaving plenty of space to spread out with the family. And the long term accommodations at ROOST Midtown Philadelphia Apartment Hotel include access to a dog walker and a bike-share program. For more great hotel deals, book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package.

Get ready to engage in some serious retail therapy. Independent businesses thrive in Greater Philadelphia along neighborhood commercial corridors and charming Countryside main streets. Support local business owners specializing in womenswear and menswear, and check out the boutiques, bookstores, salons and more run by Black and Brown owners — the group hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Best of all: There’s no sales tax in Philadelphia on most wearable goods.

Booked more than 175,000 times in its 20-year history, the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package comes with everything you need to kickstart a Philadelphia exploration, including overnight accommodations, free hotel parking and awesome seasonal perks (read: book this package for an easy escape). Plus, get buy-one-get-one attraction tickets at the Independence Visitor Center to the Academy of Natural Sciences, Adventure Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia, the Mütter Museum, the Philadelphia Zoo and 15 additional attractions. Book your stay at one of more than 40 participating hotels to redeem your perks and start your much-needed getaway in Philly.