As the best places to visit in Philadelphia, PA underscore, the city’s streets are richly steeped in American history, and it truly comes alive in the many attractions in the town’s cultural showcase, from Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed to Ben Franklin’s home to the Liberty Bell. But it’s also worth noting that the metropolis further boasts a top-notch collection of world-class museums and one of the absolute best public markets in the country to boot. Hunting for the best places to visit in Philadelphia, PA? Here are 10 top spots to check out the next time you’re in the City of Brotherly Love.
| Name | Location | Description |
| Independence Hall | 520 Chestnut St | Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Tickets are free, but reservations are required except in January and February. |
| Liberty Bell Center | 6th and Market Sts | Let freedom ring while you learn about the State House bell, now more commonly known as the Liberty Bell. Explore not just what made it important to the founding of the United States, but also how it was used by abolitionists and women’s suffragettes. Best of all, admission is free. |
| Ben Franklin Museum and Franklin Court | Franklin Courtyard, from Market or Chestnut Sts, between 3rd and Fourth Sts | Learn about the life of one of our most famous founding fathers through the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Interactive exhibits, artifacts and more tell Franklin’s life story and his work. Then check out the nearby Franklin Court and Franklin Court Printing Office, which would have been very similar to Franklin’s own printing press. |
| Reading Terminal Market | 51 N 12th St | Nosh on pancakes made by Amish women. Pick up a box of handmade chocolates. Grab some table linens to take home. Or, if you’re a foodie, take a tour of the market on Wednesdays or Saturdays and learn not just about this amazing place, but also discover the history of Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies and more. |
| Philadelphia Museum of Art and Rocky Steps | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | “Gonna Fly Now!” Yep. You, too, can run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and pump your fist just like Rocky Balboa. Besides the great views of the city on offer there, check out the art in the museum’s magnificent collection. |
| Rodin Museum | 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | This fantastic museum boasts the largest collection of Rodin’s works outside of Paris. Restored in 2012, the gorgeous space allows visitors to explore the full career of this amazing sculptor with more than 140 works. |
| Please Touch Museum | 4231 Ave of the Republic | As its name directly implies, kids are supposed to touch things here and play with them. This hands-on museum boasts more than 25,000 toys, and children can meet such “celebrities” as Chewbacca or the Berenstain Bears as well. |
| Betsy Ross House | 239 Arch St | Learn just how Betsy Ross sewed the very first Stars and Stripes. In the house where she actually designed and put together the first American flag, her life story is told through interactive and immersive exhibits. |
| Eastern State Penitentiary | 2124 Fairmont Ave. | Once the most expensive prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary is more haunting and historic. But you can still tour the old cellblocks and see where Al Capone was imprisoned. |
| National Museum of American Jewish History | 101 S. Independence Hall E | Trace American Jewish history back to Colonial times, then see how it has evolved and grown through interactive and lively yet thoughtful exhibits. It’s one museum that will truly wow you. |
Cheat Sheet
Walking around the city is a great way to get a history lesson. Here are several of the best places to visit in Philadelphia, PA when the mood for adventure strikes:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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