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Philadelphia

242 attractions · United States of America

Philadelphia
United States of America

Things to do in Philadelphia

242 attractions · United States of America

Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0

Pennsylvania, United States of America · 39.953, -75.163

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia serves as the birthplace of the United States, famously housing the Liberty Bell and serving as the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The city maintains a distinct grid plan designed by William Penn that centers around green spaces like Rittenhouse Square. Visitors can scale the Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps to reenact cinematic history or explore the mosaic-covered walls of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. As a major urban center, it blends dense historic districts with a robust modern cultural scene.

Good to know

  1. 1

    Philadelphia was the first World Heritage City in the United States, designated by the Organization of World Heritage Cities in 2015.

  2. 2

    The city's nickname, the 'City of Brotherly Love,' is derived from the Greek words philos (love) and adelphos (brother).

  3. 3

    It contains the highest concentration of public art in the United States, a legacy of the city's Percent for Art program.

  4. 4

    The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, connecting Philadelphia to New Jersey, was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1926.

  5. 5

    Philadelphia was the only American city to serve as the capital of the United States before the permanent establishment of Washington, D.C.

Plan your visit to Philadelphia

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer the most temperate weather for walking between historic sites.

How many days

3-4 days to sufficiently cover the historic district, major art museums, and local neighborhoods.

Getting around

The city is highly walkable in the center, complemented by the SEPTA transit system including subways, regional rail, and trolleys.

Where to stay

Center City provides the best access to major landmarks, while Old City is ideal for those prioritizing proximity to the historic district.

Budget

Mid-range; while luxury accommodations exist, the city offers a wide variety of affordable dining and free public parks.

Top things to do in Philadelphia

The 242 most popular places in Philadelphia.

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Philadelphia on the map

Top attractions plotted across the city.

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Frequently asked

How many attractions are there in Philadelphia?

Aventuro lists 242 curated attractions in and around Philadelphia, sorted by popularity.

What's the top attraction in Philadelphia?

Reading Terminal Market is the most popular place to visit in Philadelphia right now.

What kind of attractions does Philadelphia have?

The largest category is museums, with 51 places to explore.

Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?

Travellers also explore Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Boston.