Spring is coming, Philly! That means longer, warmer days and a ton of things to see and do around the region.
This season offers new chances to get out of the house, give yourself a break and see why everyone’s been talking about Philly. The pros at Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler and other publications agree: 2021 is the year to visit Philadelphia.
Amid the blooming trees and blossoming flowers of the region’s top parks, find new restaurants, sample your way through events like Dine Latino Restaurant Week and sip thoughtfully crafted beers at new breweries.
Meet up with friends at Citizens Bank Park to cheer on the Phillies, hot dog in one hand, oversized beverage in another. Check out exciting new exhibitions with the family at the Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Zoo, and the stunning transformation of the Philadelphia Art Museum, which unveils the next phase of its Frank Gehry redesign this May.
When you’re out and about this spring, remember to stay safe. Masks are required in all public spaces, and many attractions and events recommend or require advanced tickets. Your best bet: Plan ahead. Read more here.
Read on for the top reasons to get psyched for spring in Philly.
Greater Philadelphia’s top attractions have reopened and offer a wealth of experiences for curious travelers, experienced locals and anyone who’s ready to get out of the house. Current capacity limitations mean you and your buds should book tickets in advance for a unique visitor experience that comes with a chance to spread out and take your time. In addition to symbols of freedom like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, visitors will find an unparalleled art collection at the Barnes Foundation, exquisite floral displays at Longwood Gardens and dining delights at Reading Terminal Market. Coming this spring: the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center in Old City explores the nation’s founding tenets shared in the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and the Bible (opens May 1). Check out our guide to must-see attractions in Greater Philadelphia.
Where: Various locations including Faith & Liberty Discovery Center, 101 N. Independence Mall East
Spring exhibitions in Philly represent the city: colorful, creative and innovative. Add these to your list of things to see when the family comes to visit:
Where: Various locations including The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street
Philly’s parks and trails are calling! It’s the perfect time to safely stretch your legs, unwind or work up a sweat as the city’s green spaces bloom. Our guide to running and biking includes route lengths and recommended starting points for more than 20 scenic trails where you can catch up with friends, including the Schuylkill River Trail, Delaware Canal Towpath and the currently closed-to-vehicles MLK Drive. Find acres of gardens, picnic spots, athletic fields and unbeatable skyline views in our guide to Philly’s top parks — a collection of restful spaces where you can reconnect with family just a heartbeat away from Center City.
Where: Various locations including Rittenhouse Square, 210 West Rittenhouse Square
Root, root, root for the home team — in person! Spring sports are back and ready to welcome fans into their stadiums for cheers, jeers and beers. The Phillies kick off their season with an April 1 home game at Citizens Bank Park and the Philadelphia Union begin their season with two Concacaf Champions League matches, including one at Subaru Park (April 14). Plus, the unstoppable 76ers and Flyers are poised to make the NBA and NHL playoffs, respectively. Check each team’s website for ticketing information and get your foam fingers ready!
Where: Various locations including Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Spring brings a host of new spots to dine and drink, including the highly anticipated opening of Chef Omar Tate’s Honeysuckle supper club and grocery shop; the return of Terrace on Tap at Independence Visitor Center (opens March 26); The Landing Kitchen in Bala Cynwyd from Chef Nick Elmi (now open); and a handful of new craft breweries, including Great Barn Taphouse from Great Barn Brewery in Warrington (April). Plus, regional restaurant weeks mean special menu items and irresistible fixed-price meal deals. Don’t miss Northern Liberties Restaurant Week (April 9-18), King of Prussia Restaurant Week (April 11-15 & 18-22) and Dine Latino Restaurant Week (May 5-9).
Where: Various locations including Terrace on Tap at the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street
Philly has way too much going on this spring to fit into a single day. Luckily, it’s super easy to stay over. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package for incredible perks like free hotel parking and buy-one-get-one-free tickets purchased at the Independence Visitor Center to top Philly attractions — a great way to see many of the awesome spots mentioned above. The can’t-miss deal is available for stays through June 1. Plus, keep an eye out for new hotels opening this spring.
Where: Various locations including Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square, 220 S. 17th Street
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.