Travel Guide
Plan your visit around Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Things to do in Philadelphia include landmark national sites, major museums along the Parkway, and lively neighborhood food and arts scenes. The city’s compact layout makes it ideal for multi‑day trips that combine history, art, science centers, and local markets.
Why Visit Philadelphia
Visitors come to Philadelphia for a concentrated mix of foundational U.S. History and world‑class cultural institutions within a single, walkable footprint. Landmark sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell sit near major art collections (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, PAFA) and hands‑on science at The Franklin Institute.
Neighborhoods from University City to the Schuylkill riverfront add student energy, independent dining, and public murals. So you can pair museum‑rich days with local exploration without long intra‑city travel.
Top Things to Do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s compact core brings U.S. Founding sites, museum-rich parkways, and lively neighborhood markets within easy reach—perfect for multi-day cultural and historical exploration.
Independence National Historical Park (Independence Mall / Liberty Bell / Independence Hall)
A national park unit preserving core Revolutionary War and early republic sites: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, and adjacent historic buildings and open mall space.
Visitors can take timed, ranger‑led tours of Independence Hall, view self‑guided exhibits at the Liberty Bell Center, and use the Independence Visitor Center at 6th & Market as a starting point. Timed tickets are required for Independence Hall, security screening is standard, and the park’s official pages list current access rules and closures.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
A major encyclopedic museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway known for broad permanent collections, rotating special exhibitions, and the East Terrace ‘Rocky Steps’ with city views. The building is an architectural landmark useful for both quick outdoor photos and extended gallery visits.
Reserve admission or timed tickets in advance for busy periods and special exhibitions and check the museum site for accessibility and current exhibition details.
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia’s hands‑on science museum featuring interactive galleries, a full‑size Giant Heart, a planetarium, and live demonstrations. The Institute is family‑focused and frequently uses timed tickets for planetarium shows and large temporary exhibitions—purchase in advance for guaranteed entry and review accessibility guidance on the museum’s official pages.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
America’s oldest art school and one of the country’s oldest art museums, PAFA showcases American art in a Frank Furness landmark building. Visitors can tour the distinctive Victorian Gothic architecture and gallery spaces; check PAFA’s visit pages for ticketing, student exhibitions, guided tours, and any temporary closures tied to the school’s schedule.
Official Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) website →
University of Pennsylvania / University City (campus area)
University City centers the University of Pennsylvania campus, public art, and research institutions west of the Schuylkill. Visitors can stroll Locust Walk, see collegiate Gothic and modern architecture, and explore nearby dining corridors and cultural venues.
Many outdoor areas are publicly accessible, but individual buildings and museums may require tickets or follow academic calendars—check Penn’s visitor pages for guided tours and campus maps.
Official University of Pennsylvania / University City (campus area) website →
Philadelphia City Hall and Center City
City Hall, crowned by the William Penn statue, anchors Center City—the city’s compact commercial and cultural core. Visitors can admire the ornate exterior and book tower/observation tours when available; Center City links museums, parks, theaters, and Reading Terminal Market within walkable blocks.
Verify tour availability and any security or event‑related closures before planning interior access.
Eastern State Penitentiary (historic site)
A dramatic historic prison turned public‑history site, Eastern State preserves ruined cellblocks and interprets incarceration history through audio tours, guided educator tours, rotating exhibits, and art installations. Daytime admission typically includes the audio tour; guided tours require time‑specific tickets.
Because the site is a ruin with uneven surfaces, review accessibility and visitor‑safety guidance in advance.
Official Eastern State Penitentiary (historic site) website →
Philadelphia Zoo
Chartered as America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo combines modern habitats, conservation messaging, and family programming across a park‑like campus. Visitors follow paths through exhibit neighborhoods, attend keeper chats and demos, and can book special encounters or VR attractions that may require separate reservations.
Check the zoo’s official pages for ticketing, membership benefits, seasonal hours, and any temporary exhibit closures.
Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation holds a distinctive ensemble‑style collection of Impressionist and modern masters installed to emphasize visual relationships. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum favors close looking and offers self‑guided and docent tours.
Tickets are required and typically sold in advance; consult the Barnes’ visitor pages for tour reservations, accessibility details, and any bag/security policies.
Reading Terminal Market
A historic indoor market in continuous use since 1893, Reading Terminal Market concentrates Pennsylvania Dutch vendors, regional foods, and independent merchants under one roof. Visitors walk aisles to sample local specialties and buy prepared foods, but merchant hours and stall availability vary—check the market’s official pages for merchant maps, hours, and event notices.
Best Time to Visit Philadelphia
The long visitable season runs from late spring through early fall (May–October), when parks, riverfront trails, and outdoor festivals are most pleasant. Late spring and early fall offer milder temperatures and smaller crowds.
Winters are cold with occasional snow but offer easier access to indoor museums and historic sites. For major civic commemorations or exhibitions, confirm specific event dates and any temporary closures with official organizers before booking.
SPECIAL EVENTS IN Philadelphia
TIAA Philadelphia Marathon (Philadelphia Marathon Weekend)
The TIAA Philadelphia Marathon is the centerpiece race of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, attracting runners with a scenic, largely flat course that starts near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and finishes on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Eakins Oval. The weekend includes an expo, companion races, charity entries, and citywide spectator atmosphere, making it a popular fall destination event for visiting runners and families. Travelers value the easy transit access, iconic landmarks on course, and complementary weekend activities in downtown Philadelphia.
- Dates
- November 22, 2026
- Venue
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway (start) / Eakins Oval (finish)
Philadelphia Mummers Parade
A century-old New Year’s Day tradition in Philadelphia, the Mummers Parade is a large-scale street spectacle of elaborate costumes, comic and fancy brigades, and energetic string bands. Travelers value it for its uniquely local culture, live music, colorful pageantry, and strong community presence along Broad Street and around City Hall. Visitors planning attendance should reserve viewing or City Hall seats early, expect large crowds and street closures, and pair the parade with nearby dining and museum experiences in central Philadelphia.
- Dates
- January 1, 2027
- Venue
- Broad Street (steps off at City Hall; judging at Dilworth Plaza; route south to Washington Avenue)
Philadelphia International Auto Show (Philadelphia Auto Show)
The Philadelphia International Auto Show is a long-running, public automotive exhibition produced by the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. It draws hundreds of vehicles from global manufacturers, concept and specialty cars, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly programming—making it a major draw for automotive enthusiasts, shoppers researching new models, and visitors seeking a large indoor attraction in Center City. Travelers value its central convention-center location, easy transit access, and the chance to compare many makes and models in one visit.
- Dates
- January 16, 2027 - January 24, 2027
- Venue
- Pennsylvania Convention Center
PHS Philadelphia Flower Show
The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is an annual, large-scale horticultural exhibition showcasing immersive floral and landscape displays, competitions, vendor marketplaces, and hands-on experiences. It attracts designers, plant collectors, families, and gardeners with artistically themed gardens, expert talks, workshops, and shopping from regional artisans. Travelers may plan visits for its visual spectacle, seasonal plant introductions, and the chance to attend special member previews, evening events, and educational programming that highlight Philadelphia’s horticultural culture and neighborhood initiatives. ([phsonline.org](https://phsonline.org/the-flower-show?gclsrc=aw.ds))
- Dates
- March 12, 2027 - March 21, 2027
- Venue
- Pennsylvania Convention Center
Getting Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s core is compact and highly walkable; Center City, Old City, and the Parkway museum district are easy on foot. SEPTA buses, subway–trolley lines, and Regional Rail connect University City and outlying neighborhoods, while Amtrak and NJ Transit run from 30th Street Station for intercity travel.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) handles flights; taxis, rideshares, and bike‑share fill in last‑mile needs. Driving downtown can be slow and parking limited—combine walking with transit for the most efficient museum and historic‑site visits.
Location
Map of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
The interactive map loads only when you choose to view it.
Plan Your Visit to Philadelphia
Book timed or capacity-limited items in advance: Independence Hall, major museum special exhibitions, and popular guided tours commonly use timed tickets. Check official attraction pages and the Independence Visitor Center for same-day ticket programs, security procedures, and temporary closures.
Use SEPTA’s trip planner to coordinate regional rail and subway connections and allow extra time for security screening and pedestrian crossings around City Hall and the Parkway. Have a nearby indoor backup (market, museum, or café) in case of weather or last-minute closures.
Local Tips for Philadelphia
Plan to explore on foot in Center City, Old City, University City, and along the Schuylkill River Trail. Bring comfortable shoes—cobblestones and uneven sidewalks are common in historic districts—and a refillable water bottle.
Use the Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market) as a first stop for maps and same‑day Independence Hall tickets when issued. Travel off‑peak on transit to avoid crowds at the Liberty Bell and major museums, and check merchant hours at Reading Terminal Market since individual stalls vary.
Live conditions
Current Weather
Updated 2026-11-05 21:00
- Feels like
- 67°F / 20°C
- Today’s high / low
- 73°F / 23°C · 60°F / 16°C
- Humidity
- 92%
- Wind
- ↓ 7 mph
- Precipitation
- 0.06 in
- Chance of rain
- 83%
- Local time
- 2026-11-05 21:10
Safety in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is generally safe for daytime sightseeing but shares the usual urban risks found in U.S. Cities. Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and on transit, secure valuables, and use marked crosswalks—traffic can be heavy near the Parkway and City Hall.
At night, stick to well‑lit, populated streets or take a licensed rideshare/taxi. For emergencies dial 911; consult official city and SEPTA sites for non‑emergency police and transit advisories.
Verify attraction pages for any access changes before visiting.
