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PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 2026 – Visit Philadelphia has announced the finalists for The Liberty Bells, the third-annual awards recognizing the city’s most beloved attractions, businesses and cultural institutions that make Philly, Philly.
Launched in 2024 to coincide with awards season, The Liberty Bells celebrates the region’s most diverse offerings and quintessential vibes, all voted on and chosen by the people who know and love it best. With over 1,300 nominations submitted, this year’s finalists span five nuanced categories, from The History Made Whole Award pou La Best Place to Bring Your Out-of-Town Friends.
Voting is now open at visitphilly.com/libertybells, giving the public the chance to spotlight their favorites and help decide this year’s winners.
”The Liberty Bells remind us that Philadelphians are the city’s best ambassadors,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “These nominations come straight from the people who live, work and play here, and that local pride is our secret weapon. There’s incredible energy across the city right now, and these finalists capture that momentum perfectly.”
This year, in a fresh new tweak, winners will be announced live at Visit Philadelphia’s 30th Anniversary Gala on May 14, 2026—a milestone event celebrating three decades of building Greater Philadelphia’s image, driving visitation and strengthening the region’s economy. Finalists will receive exclusive invitations to attend and be recognized alongside civic and industry leaders.
The Liberty Bells Categories and Finalists
The “NEW-ISH” Attraction That We Now Can’t Imagine Philly Without Award
A new-ish place, experience or cultural moment that surprised us — in the best way. New to Philly post-Y2K.
Most Philly Vibes Per Square Foot
A spot that just feels like Philly — from the people to the attitude to the aesthetic
The History Made Whole Award
A project, place or initiative that adds depth and truth to Philadelphia’s story — by centering voices, stories or communities that are too often left out
- The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania
- Yonn pou nèf
The “How Is This Still a Hidden Gem?” Award
An under-the-radar place you almost don’t want to tell people about … but kind of do
Best Place to Bring Your Out-of-Town Friends
A can’t-miss crowd-pleaser that locals swear by when playing tour guide
How to Vote
Voting for The Liberty Bells is now open. Participants may cast up to one vote in each category per day through April 3, 2026, at visitphilly.com/libertybells. Winners will be announced on May 14, 2026, at Visit Philadelphia’s 30th Anniversary Gala and on Visit Philadelphia’s social media channels.
“The Liberty Bells bring Philadelphians together to celebrate what they love most about the city,” said Eric Cortes, senior director of social media at Visit Philadelphia. “People here are incredibly passionate about sharing their favorite spots—whether on social media or with each other. It’s a fun, engaging way to support those places and spotlight the hidden gems they might want to keep to themselves, but can’t help sharing.”
Konsènan Vizite Philadelphia:
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® se non nou ak misyon nou. Kòm maketing touris ofisyèl rejyon an Ajans, nou bati imaj Greater Philadelphia, nou ankouraje vizit epi nou ranfòse ekonomi an. Sou Greater Sou sit entènèt ofisyèl pou vizitè Philadelphia a, visitphilly.com, vizitè yo ka eksplore bagay pou yo fè, evènman k ap vini, Itinerè tèm ak pake otèl.
Fotografi ak videyo ki atiran, kat entèaktif ak enfòmasyon detaye pou vizitè fè sit la yon Yon zouti efikas pou planifye vwayaj. Vizitè yo ka jwenn tou anpil enspirasyon sou rezo sosyal Visit Philly. Chanèl yo.
Nòt pou Editè yo: Pou foto rezolisyon wo ak B-roll definisyon wo sou Gran Philadelphia, vizite Seksyon Foto ak Videyo visitphilly.com/mediacenter.
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