Top Things To Do & See In Philly

Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture, with plenty of must-visit destinations for both tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s iconic landmarks or sampling its famous cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Philly. Here are some of the top must-do’s and must-visit places to check out on your next trip to Philadelphia.

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Visit the Liberty Bell

Photo by Linda Crouse on Pixabay

No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to the iconic Liberty Bell. This symbol of American independence is a must-see for history buffs and anyone who wants to get a glimpse of one of the most important artifacts in American history.

The Liberty Bell was originally used to announce meetings of the Pennsylvania Assembly in the State House (now known as Independence Hall). It became famous as a symbol of American freedom after it was rung to announce the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. The bell is most well-known for its distinctive crack, which occurred sometime in the early 19th century and has since become an important part of the bell’s story.

Visitors to the Liberty Bell can view the bell up close and learn about its history and significance through a variety of exhibits and interpretive panels. The bell is displayed in a glass pavilion, which also includes exhibits on the history of the bell and its impact on American history. Visiting the Liberty Bell is free and open to the public, but tickets are required during peak tourist season to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visitor experience.

Take A Stroll Through Philly Reading Terminal Market 

Photo by Olivia Colacicco on Unsplash

If you’re looking for some of the best food in Philly, look no further than Reading Terminal Market. This historic indoor market is a foodie’s paradise, with over 80 vendors offering everything from Philly cheesesteaks to artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

Climb The Steps Of The Philadelphia Museum Of Art

Photo by Catherine Kerr on Unsplash

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a world-renowned art museum located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The museum was founded in 1876, and its collection includes over 240,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

The museum’s collection includes works from a wide range of artistic movements and time periods, from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. Some of the most notable works in the museum’s collection include Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” Marcel Duchamp’s “Étant donnés,” and Claes Oldenburg’s “Clothespin.”

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also famous for its iconic “Rocky Steps,” which were featured in the movie “Rocky” and have become a popular tourist attraction in their own right. Visitors can climb the steps to reach the museum’s main entrance and take in the panoramic views of Philadelphia from the top.

Night At The Museum

A little local secret, is that the Philadelphia Art Museum will stay open later on Friday evenings, to allow a less-crowded experience. Also, your ticket can be used the following day (Saturday) as well if you missed something and want to head back! You can grab some snacks and drinks in the cafe, and wander the museum with a little more peace and quiet than during the day.

Visit Independence Hall

Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz on Unsplash

Another must-see for history buffs, Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. Visitors to Independence Hall can take guided tours of the building, which include visits to the Assembly Room, the courtroom where the Supreme Court met from 1791 to 1800, and the Long Gallery, which served as a reception area for the delegates of the Continental Congress. The building also houses several original artifacts from the founding of the United States, including the inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and the chair used by George Washington during the Constitutional Convention.

Explore Philly Fairmount Park

Photo by WikimediaImages on Pixabay

Fairmount Park is a large urban park located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With over 2,000 acres of land, it is one of the largest urban parks in the country and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

The park is home to a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. There are also numerous picnic areas and playgrounds for families to enjoy. One of the park’s main attractions is the Philadelphia Zoo, which is located on its grounds and is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world.

In addition to its recreational offerings, Fairmount Park is also home to many historic landmarks and cultural institutions. The park is home to numerous historic mansions, including the Belmont Mansion, which was once the home of American financier William Peters.

Fairmount Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations. The park’s location along the Schuylkill River also makes it a popular spot for outdoor events, such as regattas and dragon boat races.

Feel The Love At Love Park

Photo by Daniel ODonnell on Unsplash

Love Park, also known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a public park located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park is named after the famous “LOVE” sculpture that was installed there in 1976 by artist Robert Indiana. The sculpture has since become an iconic symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction.

Love Park is situated in the city’s downtown area and is surrounded by some of Philadelphia’s most famous landmarks, including City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The park features a large open plaza with plenty of seating areas, a fountain, and a green lawn for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Rock Climbing In Wissahickon Valley Park

Photo by Sallie Michalsky on Unsplash

Now lets get a bit of adventure in at Wissahickon Valley Park for some rock climbing and more. Wissahickon Valley Park is a large urban park located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that spans over 1,800 acres. The park is known for its scenic beauty, with wooded areas, meadows, and the Wissahickon Creek running through it, making it a popular destination for hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Wissahickon Valley Park is also home to a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including bouldering and rope climbs. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is done without ropes or harnesses on boulders or smaller rock formations. The park features numerous boulder fields that are popular among boulderers of all skill levels.

For those interested in rope climbs, Wissahickon Valley Park also has several locations that offer opportunities for top-rope climbing and traditional climbing. Top-rope climbing involves climbing a rock face with a rope that is anchored to the top of the climb, while traditional climbing involves placing protective gear such as cams and nuts in the rock face as you climb.

It is important to note that climbing and bouldering are not permitted in all areas of the park and that climbers should always check with the park authorities to ensure that they are in a designated climbing area. Climbers should also take proper safety precautions and use appropriate gear, such as helmets, harnesses, and ropes, to ensure their safety.

Go See The Philadelphia Eagles Play

Photo by Casey Murphy on Unsplash

If you’re a sports fan, going to an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field is a must-do activity in Philadelphia. The Eagles are one of the city’s most beloved sports teams, and the atmosphere at their games is electric.

Attending an Eagles game will give you a chance to experience the passion and energy of Philadelphia’s sports culture firsthand. You’ll be surrounded by die-hard Eagles fans dressed in green and white, cheering on their team with all their might.

In addition to the thrilling on-field action, attending an Eagles game will also give you a chance to sample some of Philadelphia’s famous tailgate culture. Fans gather in parking lots around the stadium before the game to cook food, drink beer, and hang out with friends and fellow fans.

Try The Best Philly Cheesesteak

Photo by Niramay Kachhadiya on Unsplash

Finally, when it comes to the best Philly cheesesteaks in town, there’s a lot of debate among locals. But one restaurant that consistently gets rave reviews is Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks. Their famous Philly cheesesteaks, which are made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and onions, all served on a fresh hoagie roll. Campo’s also offers a variety of other sandwiches, including roast pork and chicken cutlet sandwiches, as well as salads, soups, and sides.

The restaurant has been a Philly staple since it was founded in 1947 by Pasquale Campo, an Italian immigrant who brought his family’s recipes with him to America. Today, the restaurant is still family-owned and operated, and they pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients and providing excellent customer service.

Campo’s has been recognized by various publications and television shows as one of the best places to get a Philly cheesesteak in the city, and they have also been featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and “Man v. Food”. In addition to their Market Street location, Campo’s also has a location at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, where fans can enjoy their famous cheesesteaks while watching the game. Now vegans and vegetarians, not to worry because HipCityVeg features a variety of plant-based options, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides and of course their famous Philly Cheesesteak.

In addition to their food offerings, HipCityVeg also offers a range of beverages, including organic juices, smoothies, and shakes. They also have a selection of desserts, such as their vegan cupcakes and cookies.

One of the unique features of HipCityVeg is their commitment to sustainability. They use compostable packaging, energy-efficient equipment, and strive to minimize waste in their operations. They also partner with local organizations and charities to support environmental and animal welfare causes.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to explore a new city, Philadelphia has something for everyone. So, next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to add these must-do’s and must-visit places to your itinerary. And don’t forget to grab a cheesesteak at Campo’s or HipCityVeg while you’re at it! Find all this and more on the Tripio app. Download the Tripio app right now and start creating your very own custom vacation. Tripio will put together your very own custom itinerary and custom top 10 list within seconds. Travel has never been so easy. Adventure is out there! Tripio is your own personal travel guide and expert right in the palm of your hand.

Interested in more of the United States, check out: Your Guide To A Wild Weekend In Las Vegas

-Olivia, Tripio Guru