10 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love and is a tourist destination that combines history, culture and modernity in a unique way, as it is the site where the fundamental documents of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

Among the most notable activities you can do in Philadelphia are exploring Independence National Historical Park, visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famous for its collection and its iconic staircase that appeared in the Rocky film series, and seeing the Liberty Bell, which has a beautiful backstory that is worth learning about.

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American independence and is popular for its inscription that reads: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof". During your visit, you can admire the bell and learn about its history, which dates back to 1752 when it was used to summon citizens to important meetings, making it a symbol of freedom ever since.

In the adjacent Visitor Centre, you will find interactive exhibits that allow you to delve deeper into the historical context of the bell. You can see original documents and items related to the American Revolution. In addition, you will find guides who will give you informative talks on the cultural and political significance of this object.

The area surrounding the Liberty Bell is also worth exploring. Located near Independence Hall and other historic sites, you can enjoy a stroll through the area while soaking up the patriotic atmosphere. One of the best ways to see this attraction is to book a guided tour of Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture, but it also has a dark side that has fascinated crime enthusiasts. When visiting this city, you can explore its bloody past through stories about notorious crimes and serial killers who have left an indelible mark on its history.

One of the most chilling cases is that of the Body Collector, a criminal who operated in the 19th century and dug up bodies to sell them to medical schools. His story reveals not only a macabre curiosity about human anatomy, but also the social and ethical tensions of the time.

Another infamous case is that of the Frankfurt Slasher, a murderer who terrorised the residents of Philadelphia in the 1980s. This criminal was responsible for a series of brutal murders that left the community in a state of shock. If you choose to book a guided tour of Philadelphia's crime history, you can learn about how these crimes impacted daily life and the perception of safety in the city.

Finally, you will also learn about the story of H.H. Holmes, considered one of the first serial killers in the United States. Although he is more closely associated with Chicago, his connections to Philadelphia are intriguing. Holmes was known for his hotel, which was designed as a death trap during the Chicago World's Fair, but his origins and previous activities link him to this city.

The Museum of the American Revolution is a must-see destination for those interested in the history of the United States and, especially, its struggle for independence. This museum offers an immersive experience through the American Revolution era, allowing you to explore the stories and events that shaped the nation.

The museum focuses primarily on human experiences during the revolution. Through captivating narratives and multimedia presentations, you will meet key figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Abigail Adams.

If you decide to purchase tickets to visit the Museum of the American Revolution, you will also be able to tour the exhibits that are designed to tell not only the military history, but also the daily struggles of the colonists, including their aspirations, fears, and sacrifices. This provides a comprehensive and broad perspective on the events of the American Revolution.

The museum also houses a number of unique artefacts, including weapons, uniforms, and original documents dating back to the Revolutionary era. One of the highlights is the Bunker Hill Flag, a historic flag that symbolises the courage and determination of the patriots. In addition, you will find interactive areas where you can participate in hands-on activities, such as simulating a debate about independence or experiencing what it was like to live in wartime.

Philadelphia is one of the most iconic cities in the United States, but it is not only known for its history and its connection to the American Revolution, but also for its cuisine, as this destination offers a variety of flavours that reflect its diversity and multicultural heritage.

Philadelphia's worldwide recognition in the gastronomic field is due to one authentic product: its famous cheese. Philadelphia cream cheese is an iconic ingredient used in a variety of dishes and for different customs, from spreading on bagels to being the base for delicious desserts such as cheesecake. Its versatility also makes it an essential product in many recipes from all cuisines.

In addition to cream cheese, Philadelphia is popular for its cheesesteak, a sandwich that has achieved legendary status. This delicious dish consists of thinly sliced beef, cooked to perfection and served on soft bread, often with onions and melted cheese. Booking a food tour in Philadelphia will allow you to discover the most authentic aspects of this place through the flavours it offers. Come and enjoy the experience!

If you want to see one of the city's most popular exhibitions, don't miss the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which houses more than 240,000 works on display ranging from antiquity to contemporary art, with a collection that includes pieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso.

One of the highlights of this museum is outside, in the form of the "Rocky Steps", the stairs leading to the main entrance of the building. These stairs became world famous thanks to the 1976 film Rocky, in which the main character, played by Sylvester Stallone, runs up them in a memorable scene.

When visiting the museum, don't miss the opportunity to climb these steps and recreate the most famous scene in the saga. The view from the top is also spectacular, offering a panorama of the city skyline and Fairmount Park. You can get there on your own by public transport or by purchasing tickets for the Philadelphia tourist bus, which includes a stop in the area.

Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's most iconic parks and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the urban atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Rittenhouse district, this park offers a green respite in the middle of the city.

The park is not only a place for tranquillity, but also hosts a series of cultural and community events throughout the year. From outdoor concerts to art fairs and farmers' markets, there is always something happening in Rittenhouse Square. These events are also an excellent opportunity to interact with residents and enjoy the local culture.

Rittenhouse Square is nestled between the two rivers that run through the city, the Schuylkill and the Delaware, so you can easily combine a walk or tour of this park with the experience of booking a dinner cruise in Philadelphia.

As part of your tour of the sites that made the Founding Fathers famous in Philadelphia, you can't miss Independence National Historical Park. Located in the city centre, this park includes important monuments and buildings, such as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787.

Independence Hall is a must-see, as you can see the room where documents that changed the course of history were debated and signed.

In addition, if you want to learn more about the events that led to the independence of the United States, you can combine this visit with a trip to the Betsy Ross House (which I will tell you about below), and you can also buy tickets to visit the National Liberty Museum. In this exhibition, you will find documents that bear witness to the importance of the Founding Fathers in the American Revolution.

The park also has beautiful outdoor spaces where you can relax between excursions and enjoy the historic atmosphere. Strolling along its paths, you can admire memorials and sculptures honouring important figures in American history. The neatly manicured gardens also offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Betsy Ross House is a historic site that pays tribute to one of the most iconic yet forgotten figures in American history. Betsy Ross is known for creating the first flag of the United States, and her home has become a place of interest for anyone who wants to learn more about her life and contributions.

When you visit this restored 18th-century house, you will have the opportunity to explore the environment where Betsy lived and worked, as well as learn about the historical context in which her activities took place. Among the rooms of the house-museum, you will find guides dressed in period costumes who will offer you a detailed view of everyday life in the 18th century.

Likewise, through guided tours, you will learn not only about the history of its famous owner, but also about aspects of the American Revolution and how her work as a seamstress influenced national symbolism. The rooms of the Betsy Ross House are decorated with authentic furniture and objects that recreate the atmosphere of the period, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in history.

In addition to the indoor exhibits, the outdoor garden offers a space where you can take a break after the tour. This garden is designed to represent the types of plants and flowers that might have been present during Betsy's lifetime. If you choose to purchase the Philadelphia Explorer Pass, you can enter this museum for free and skip the queues.

Lancaster County, located in rural Pennsylvania, is famous for being home to one of the largest and most authentic Amish communities in the United States. When you visit this region, you will immerse yourself in a lifestyle that values simplicity, tradition, and self-sufficiency.

From the moment you arrive, you will notice a change in the atmosphere: motor vehicles are replaced by horse-drawn carriages, and houses are adorned with well-kept gardens and agricultural fields. During your visit, you can also take part in guided tours that will take you through Amish farms and craft workshops.

Booking a tour to discover the Amish community of Lancaster County from Philadelphia will also allow you to visit family businesses where you can see artisans working on products such as wooden furniture, pottery and hand-woven baskets, and you will discover that many of these products are made using traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

In addition, gastronomy also plays an important role in the Amish experience. Throughout the tour, you can enjoy home-cooked meals served in family restaurants or even participate in a lunch at an Amish home. Typical dishes include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, and desserts such as fruit pies and homemade cakes. Are you ready to have a different experience on the east coast of the United States?

Eastern State Penitentiary is one of the oldest and most sinister prisons in the United States. Opened in 1829, this prison was innovative in its design and philosophy, promoting the idea of rehabilitation through isolation and reflection. When you visit this historic site , you will enter a world that was once considered the model for prison reform, but which also inspires fear with its Gothic architecture.

During your visit, you can walk through the deserted corridors and empty cells that once housed some of the country's most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Self-guided tours allow you to move at your own pace while listening to stories about life inside the prison through audio devices. In addition, the cells feature interactive exhibits that tell stories about the prisoners.

Aside from its history as a prison, Eastern State Penitentiary has also become a cultural centre that hosts contemporary art exhibitions and special events throughout the year. During certain seasons, the venue is transformed to host Terror Behind the Walls, a Halloween event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

If you decide to purchase the Philadelphia Explorer Pass, which includes the penitentiary among the available attractions, you can save on the cost of admission and also make the most of the skip-the-line benefits.