10 Best Places to Visit in Philadelphia – A Local’s Guide
Introduction
Hey there, fellow travelers! My name is Emily and I’m a proud Philadelphian. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my top 10 favorite places to visit in Philadelphia. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun time, Philly has something for everyone. So, let’s get started!
Top 10 Places to Visit in Philadelphia
- The Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Reading Terminal Market
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- The Franklin Institute
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- One Liberty Observation Deck
- The Barnes Foundation
- South Street
These 10 places are a must-visit if you’re in Philadelphia. Each of them offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Liberty Bell
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without visiting the iconic Liberty Bell. This symbol of American independence is housed in a glass pavilion on Independence Mall. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
My personal experience visiting the Liberty Bell was truly awe-inspiring. As I stood in front of this historic artifact, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my country’s history.
Insider tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, try visiting the Liberty Bell early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Independence Hall
Located just steps away from the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of this iconic building.
My visit to Independence Hall was a truly unforgettable experience. As I stood in the room where the founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the history that had taken place there.
Insider tip: Make sure to book your tour in advance, as tickets can sell out quickly.
Reading Terminal Market
If you’re a foodie like me, then you won’t want to miss a trip to Reading Terminal Market. This indoor market is home to over 80 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses.
My personal favorite vendor is DiNic’s Roast Pork, which serves up some of the best sandwiches in the city. Be sure to try their famous roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.
Insider tip: Visit Reading Terminal Market during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country, with over 240,000 works of art in its collection. Be sure to run up the iconic Rocky Steps and take a photo with the statue of Rocky Balboa at the bottom.
My personal favorite exhibit at the museum is the collection of Impressionist paintings, which includes works by Monet, Degas, and Renoir.
Insider tip: The museum offers a pay what you wish admission policy on the first Sunday of every month.
The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is a science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays. Be sure to check out the giant heart exhibit and the planetarium show.
My personal favorite exhibit at the museum is the Your Brain exhibit, which explores the inner workings of the human brain. It’s a fascinating and educational experience.
Insider tip: The museum is often crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. Be sure to check out the Big Cat Falls exhibit and the Zoo360 animal exploration trail.
My personal favorite animal at the zoo is the red panda. They’re just so cute!
Insider tip: The zoo can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison that is now open for tours. It’s a fascinating look into the history of the American prison system.
My personal experience touring the prison was both eerie and educational. The audio tour is narrated by Steve Buscemi and is a must-listen.
Insider tip: The prison can get crowded, so try to visit during off-peak hours.
One Liberty Observation Deck
The One Liberty Observation Deck offers stunning views of the city from 57 floors up. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the city.
My personal experience at the observation deck was breathtaking. The panoramic views of the city are truly spectacular.
Insider tip: Visit the observation deck at sunset for the best views.
The Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is a museum that houses one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The museum is home to works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse, among others.
My personal favorite painting at the museum is The Joy of Life by Henri Matisse. It’s a beautiful and vibrant work of art.
Insider tip: The museum is closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
South Street
South Street is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Be sure to check out the Magic Gardens, a mosaic art installation that covers an entire city block.
My personal favorite restaurant on South Street is Jim’s Steaks, which serves up some of the best Philly cheesesteaks in the city.
Insider tip: South Street can get crowded on weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Philadelphia?
A: The best time to visit Philadelphia is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Q: What is the best way to get around Philadelphia?
A: The best way to get around Philadelphia is on foot or by using public transportation. The city is easy to navigate and most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Q: What is the food like in Philadelphia?
A: Philadelphia is known for its cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies. But the city also has a thriving food scene that offers a variety of cuisines, from Italian to Vietnamese.