15 FUN & EXCITING Things to do in Philadelphia

Looking for the best things to do in Philadelphia? You’ve come to the right place!

Philadelphia – aka Philly – is one of the most famous cities in the United States, and we had a ton of fun here on our most recent trip! 

Obviously, history is a big draw for travelers, but there’s also tons of art, culture, and food to enjoy on tours in Philadelphia. And it’s not just about Philly cheesesteaks either, although we ate our fair share of them, and can say they are pretty great.

All in all, we were super impressed by how much there was to do in the City of Brotherly Love, which is why we’ve put together this guide containing the best things to do in Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia at a Glance

Philly is an iconic city to explore on your own, but a few local tips can make your trip even smoother. After several visits, we found these things especially helpful!

Important Tip: Use public transport and make history/food the focal point. 

Use the hop-on-hop-off buses for transport when not on foot: these buses are super affordable and bring you to all the major sites in Philly. 

Pack comfy shoes for walking: The city is super walkable, so you’ll be doing a lot of it, especially with all the walking tours we recommend. Having good shoes is a must! 

Focus your activities around history and food: Philadelphia does two things at an outstanding level: highlighting history and delivering up some of the most hearty culinary creations you can imagine. Centering your trip around food and history is just a given!

How I would spend 3 days in Philadelphia

Three days in Philly is a perfect amount of time to soak in this historic city. We packed our itinerary with incredible food, history tours, and classic activities to make this a well-rounded adventure. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, here’s how we’d recommend spending three days in Philadelphia! 

🏛️ Day 1: Philadelphia’s History & Iconic Sights
Start with breakfast at Cafe La Maude, then join a history tour to see the Liberty Bell and explore Independence Hall before touring the Museum of the American Revolution and Elfreth’s Alley. In the evening, grab a meal at Parc and finish with a classic Philly cheesesteak.

🎨 Day 2: Philly’s Art, Food & Ghost Stories
Start with breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, then tour City Hall and visit Love Park before joining this Flavors of Philly food tour at Reading Terminal Market. After exploring Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, grab a light bite at Independence Beer Garden and enjoy a relaxed evening.

🥨 Day 3: Rocky Steps, Italian Food & Philly History
First, enjoy breakfast at Sabrina’s Cafe, then visit the Rocky Steps and Statue before exploring Fairmount Park. Spend the afternoon on an Italian Market food tour, wander through Old City, and finish your trip with a spooky ghost tour.

Want a more in-depth look at 3 days in Philly? Check out our detailed 3-day itinerary here!

Things to do in Philadelphia

1. Explore the Old City

Walking through Philadelphia’s Old City is one of the best ways to experience the city’s history, and this walking tour makes it a lot more fun than wandering around on your own. Your guide keeps things interesting with a mix of stories and humor, so it never feels like you’re sitting through a lecture.

You’ll walk the same streets where many of the country’s Founding Fathers once stood while seeing famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, Carpenter’s Hall, and the Second Bank of the United States. At each stop, you’ll hear the stories that bring these places to life and learn how Philadelphia played such a big role in the American Revolution.

The tour wraps up at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. It’s one thing to read about these places, but it’s such a cool experience to stand there in person and imagine the history unfolding. 

If you want a fun introduction to Philadelphia without spending hours researching everything yourself, this tour is an easy way to see the city’s biggest highlights and actually remember what you learned. The commentary from the guide is super engaging and really helps to bring history to life! This tour is especially great if it’s your first time in Philly.

2. Go on a food tour at Reading Terminal Market

Philadelphia is a foodie’s dream, and trust us when we say that there’s so much more to the city’s food scene than just cheesesteaks! We wanted to eat as much great food as possible in Philadelphia, so we booked this Flavors of Philly food tour. 

We’ve done food tours all over the world, and this was one of the best ones we’ve EVER done, anywhere. We were so impressed and had so much delicious food! 

Our guide led us through all the best “locals-only” food joints that we honestly would’ve passed if we were on our own. In five different stops, we tried Philly cheesesteaks with Cheese Whiz, tomato pie, fresh soft pretzels, cheese fries, and sweet treats from the famous Reading Terminal Market. It felt more like eating lunch with a local than taking a typical food tour.

Along the way, our guide shared stories about how these iconic foods became part of Philadelphia’s culture. The best part is that the stops are family-owned restaurants, neighborhood bakeries, and other local favorites; we truly felt like we got the inside scoop on the food scene. We also walked past landmarks like City Hall and learned a little about the city’s history as an added bonus to the tour. 

By the end of the tour, we had found some great places to come back to later and left with a much better feel for Philadelphia. If you want the best of local food while getting to know Philly, this is the best way to do it!

3. Go on a ghosty night tour

Philadelphia is known for being a historic city, and some of that history is very dark and grizzly. There are tons of ghost stories surrounding the city, so if you’re looking for the best way to experience the lore, this adult night tour covers it all!

Instead of hearing the usual stories about the Founding Fathers, you’ll get a peek into the city’s darker history through tales of hauntings, pirate ghost ships, public executions, vampires, and some of Philadelphia’s more scandalous past. The tour was developed by a local university professor, so it’s full of extra insights you wouldn’t normally encounter. 

As you walk through the historic streets, you’ll get to see many of the city’s landmarks lit up at night, which gives the whole tour a completely different feel than visiting during the day. It also adds to the overall creepy vibes! You’ll get to visit Walnut Street Prison and pass by places less highlighted on other tours, like the Library Company of Philadelphia and the City Tavern Restaurant, each with their own share of haunting stories. 

Beyond the ghost stories and brothel gossip, there is a surprising amount of history woven in—flawed founding fathers included. It’s definitely not for kids, but for adults looking for something offbeat and memorable. It’s one of the best night tours in the city! By the end, you’ll see Philadelphia in a whole new light and have some ghost stories to take home. 

4. Go on a history tour to see the Liberty Bell and other landmarks

The Liberty Bell is a must-see, even if you only have one day in Philly. It’s a famous symbol of not just the city of Philadelphia but the United States as a whole. The BEST way to see the Liberty Bell is on a history tour, like this one we did!

Walking through Old City, we followed our guide to some of the most important landmarks while learning the stories behind them. One of the biggest highlights was seeing the Liberty Bell in person. It’s smaller than you might think, but standing in front of it feels like a big moment because of what it represents. We learned about how the bell became a symbol of freedom and independence, as well as the famous crack that has made it one of the most recognizable pieces of American history.

We also got to pass by Independence Hall, the President’s House, Congress Hall, and the First Bank of the United States, along with so many others! Our guide was so well-versed in the Revolution and the founders that it felt like we were being guided by someone who actually experienced it! 

What we enjoyed most was that the tour didn’t just focus on dates and facts. It helped connect the landmarks to the people and moments behind them. We absolutely loved this tour! With over 3,000 reviews, it’s one of the most popular history tours in Philly.

5. Climb the Rocky Steps & explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Head over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and channel your inner underdog as you jog (or walk—no judgment) up the iconic steps made famous by Sylvester Stallone. At the top, you can pause for a classic photo with the city skyline behind you, then head back down to snap another with the Rocky statue, located just to the right of the base of the stairs.

Once you’ve had your moment of movie glory, head inside the museum to wander through its impressive collection. The museum is open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours on Friday until 8:45 pm. Admission is around $30 USD for adults, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring the galleries. 

There’s so much to see, with everything from European masterpieces and American art to modern exhibits and impressive sculptures. It’s easy to lose track of time wandering through the galleries, even if you’re not someone who visits art museums very often.

After some time in the museum, you can explore the surrounding Fairmount Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It has trails that wind along the Schuylkill River, making it a peaceful, scenic spot for a stroll. 

6. Visit the Museum of the American Revolution 

There are a ton of museums to explore in Philly, but the Museum of the American Revolution is truly hard to beat. If you’ve only got time to visit one, this is the museum we would recommend most!

You’ll get to stroll through the story of the insurrection against British rule, which ultimately resulted in American independence. We loved the option of adding an audio guide to the experience. It was so immersive and fascinating! Each exhibit is thoughtfully put together and usually paired with short films to explain. You’ll experience everything from life-size replicas of prominent characters of the revolution to climbing onto a replica privateer ship to imagine war at sea. 

The museum is massive, but our favorite was the entire upstairs section telling the story of the American Revolution through artifacts like weapons, personal letters and diaries, and works of art. We found it really interesting to learn more about how and why the revolution started, and you even get to see George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters tent and his list of grievances against the King of England. 

Since it is self-guided, you get plenty of time to wander each exhibit. Your admission is good for two days, so you can even come back if you run out of time between other tours! We found that you need at least two hours to do the museum properly, but you could easily spend longer here, especially if you’re a big history fan. 

Related Read: Not sure where to stay for your trip? We break down the best areas in our Philadelphia Hotel Guide, including our favorite hotel in Center City!

7. Go on a vintage car sightseeing tour

Seeing Philadelphia on this vintage car tour is a fun way to explore the city without spending the day on your feet. Instead of walking from one landmark to the next, you can sit back, enjoy the ride, and let your local guide take care of the driving while sharing stories about the places you pass.

First off, the vintage cars are so cool! Brightly colored, they make a statement when traveling through the city. The tour itself covers many of Philadelphia’s biggest highlights, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You’ll also pass significant neighborhoods like Chinatown and historic Elfreth’s Alley. 

Since you’ll be close to your guide the entire tour, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions without them getting drowned out by a big bus tour of people. It feels a little more personal and a lot more memorable than a typical crowded tour. You’ll also have plenty of time to stop for photos along the way, and having the classic car as a background prop really sets the tone for a fun snapshot. 

One of the best parts is being able to cover so much ground in just a couple of hours. You get a great overview of all the major landmarks while learning interesting facts and local stories. It’s such a unique way to explore in style and turn heads as you learn more about the City of Brotherly Love. 

8. See Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on an art tour

The city of Philadelphia is famous for its murals and street art. Most businesses are actually required to paint a mural of some sort! It can be a little overwhelming to find them all on your own; that’s why we recommend joining this street art tour! It will take you to the best neighborhoods and tell you the stories behind Philly’s most vibrant and creative murals. 

We met up with our guide and small group at the Theatre of the Living Arts before heading out to the neighborhoods of Queen Village and Bella Vista. Our guide allowed us plenty of time to take it all in while explaining the stories behind each piece. You can tell how much heart lies within these colorful displays. It’s so impressive! 

Each neighborhood has so much charm too; you’ll get to see all the trendy shops and cafes, pretty gardens, and historic row houses. It’s truly a glimpse into the soul of Philly. As we wandered, we took note of places we wanted to come back to later, so it’s also a great tour if you want to find some local gems. 

Our favorite part of the tour was seeing the Magic Gardens. It’s a super enchanting masterpiece of a space made up of colorful tiles, glass, and paint. It’s hard to believe it used to be an abandoned lot! 

We loved getting to see the art of Philly on this tour; it’s such a special experience. 

9. Find your favorite Philly Cheesesteak

Trying a Philly cheesesteak is basically a requirement when you visit Philadelphia, but choosing where to go can be the hardest part. Every local has a favorite, and each shop has its own style, so it’s worth trying at least one while you’re in town.

For tradition, head to John’s Roast Pork. Despite the name, it’s known for one of the city’s best cheesesteaks. The steak is sliced fresh, the rolls are excellent, and the simple menu lets the quality of the ingredients speak for itself.

If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and the true novelty of the classic Philly cheesesteak, go to Pat’s King of Steaks, or Geno’s just across the street. They’re both open 24 hours and have plenty of history in their cheesesteak rivalry. It can be fun to compare the two if your stomach allows! 

For the biggest menu, Cleavers is a great choice. Along with the classic version, you’ll find creative cheesesteaks, chicken options, loaded fries, and different toppings if you want to try something beyond the traditional sandwich. 

No matter where you go, make sure you’re hungry!

10. Wander the Italian Market

The Italian Market has been around since the 19th century, but it’s another Philly landmark that was made famous by the Rocky movies! For the most in-depth experience, take this tour of the Italian Market, led by a local chef! 

As you’re led through the market, you’ll pass family-owned shops, produce stands, bakeries, cheese counters, and specialty stores that have been serving the neighborhood for generations. It feels like stepping into a part of Philadelphia that never lost its character.

Along the way, you’ll get to try various staples like a roast pork sandwich from Paesano’s and a barbacoa taco from one of South Philly’s most popular Mexican restaurants. You’ll also stop at Di Bruno Bros. to sample artisan cheeses before finishing with a fresh cannoli from Isgro Pastries, one of the city’s favorite bakeries.

One of our favorite stops was Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House. It’s the perfect place to take a break with a strong cup of coffee and a few handmade chocolates. Don’t skip the chocolate-covered bacon; we promise it’s delicious!

You’ll get to stroll past colorful produce stands, old-school butcher shops, and specialty markets filled with imported Italian goods. Meeting some of the people who have kept the market going for generations and hearing their stories about how this neighborhood has changed over the years is a special experience. 

By the end of the tour, you’ll have tasted some of Philadelphia’s best local food while getting an authentic feel for one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. 

11. Ride on a hop-on hop-off bus

One of the things we love about Philly is how walkable it is. Saying that, if you want to see and do everything the city has to offer, you’re going to need some kind of transport – especially if you’re only here for a few days! That’s when the hop-on hop-off buses come in handy. 

The buses are by far the cheapest and easiest way to get around. They have a super comprehensive route and take you to a ton of different landmarks, including Reading Terminal Market, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, Love Park, and Chinatown. 

With up to 25 stops, it’s one of the best ways to see Philly without sticking to a rigid schedule. We actually had a lot of fun riding around on the top deck! It gave us a chance to rest our feet while still taking in the city, and the live commentary pointed out little details and landmarks we probably would have missed otherwise. Plus, being able to hop off and explore whenever we wanted made getting around feel like part of the experience rather than just transportation.

Buses run between 9:30 am and 5 pm, and you can book a 1, 2, or 3-day ticket online depending on how long you’re in the city. If you’re planning a 3-day Philadelphia itinerary, it can be a good way to cover transport between multiple spots. You also get a route map, and there’s an additional free shuttle to hotels in the city center.

12. Visit the Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary is one of those places that’s both fascinating and a little eerie. Opened in 1829, it was one of the world’s first true penitentiaries and introduced a revolutionary approach to incarceration that focused on solitary confinement and rehabilitation. 

Massive stone walls and old towers are waiting to greet you from the entrance. Once you step through the gates, you can explore the abandoned cellblocks, walk past rows of crumbling prison cells, and get a glimpse of what life was like for inmates more than 100 years ago.

One of the biggest highlights is seeing Al Capone’s restored prison cell, which stands in sharp contrast to the small, bare cells that housed most prisoners. As you make your way through the prison, you’ll also learn about its unusual design and its influence on prisons around the country.

You can take a guided tour with chances to ask questions or a self-guided audio tour. We recommend buying tickets in advance online since it’s a super popular activity in Philly! Tickets for adults are just $21 USD, and it’s open for daily tours from 10 am to 5 pm. 

13. Take a dinner cruise on the Delaware River

Looking for a different way to spend an evening in Philadelphia? This dinner cruise on the Delaware River is a fun way to combine great views, good food, and a relaxing night on the water. After boarding at Penn’s Landing, you can head out to the open-air deck or settle inside one of the climate-controlled dining rooms with large windows as the skyline begins to light up.

Once you’re cruising, it’s time to dig into the buffet. You’ll find a variety of freshly prepared salads, main dishes, sides, and desserts, so there’s something for just about everyone.

After dinner, the evening is really what you make of it. You can grab a cocktail from the onboard bar, step outside for a walk on the observation deck, and take in the views as the boat passes some of Philadelphia’s waterfront landmarks. If you’re in the mood for something more upbeat, there’s a DJ that keeps the dance floor going with a mix of popular songs throughout the cruise.

One of the best parts of the experience is seeing the city from the river. The skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and waterfront all look different after dark. Being out on the water gives you a whole new perspective. 

This tour is a great option for an easy night out after exploring without having to do much but climb aboard and enjoy! 

14. Spend some time at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spending some time at Spruce Street Harbor Park is a great option if you want to relax and enjoy the waterfront in Philadelphia. Located along the Delaware River, this seasonal park has a laid-back atmosphere with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and plenty of spots to sit and take in the views.

The park is filled with activities like giant boardwalk games, light displays, and live music all summer long. They also have swan boats and chili boats to rent if you want to get out on the water! 

We recommend coming here in the early evening to grab some food and drinks from one of the vendors and just people-watch from a hammock. The lights strung above the park give it a pretty atmosphere in the evening, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

It’s a great place to visit as a group and have a chance to wind down from a busy sightseeing day. 

15. Join a trolley (drinking!) tour 

If you’re looking for a sightseeing tour that’s a little more laid-back, this BYOB trolley tour is a fun way to explore Philadelphia. You can bring your favorite beer or wine, hop aboard, and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the ride. It’s a nice change from walking everywhere, especially if you’ve already spent a day exploring on foot.

As you tour around the city, you’ll see some of Philly’s most famous sights, including Betsy Ross House, the Chinatown Friendship Gate, City Hall, Eastern State Penitentiary (where Al Capone was briefly held), and the famous Rocky Statue. You’ll get off to snap some photos along the way, and your guides will tell you stories that really bring these historic places to life. It’s an open-air trolley, so you’ll also have plenty of opportunities for pass-by photos! 

Since it’s a drinking trolley tour, it really sets the tone for a good time. The mood is loose and fun with music and jokes, all while learning the ins and outs of the city around you. Your guide’s narration is full of funny tidbits you just don’t get from more formal tours. It’s a great option if you’re visiting as a group, as a couple, or even as a solo traveler looking to make friends.

This is a stress-free way to really delve into the surroundings of Philly by covering a ton of ground in a short amount of time. Cheers!  

Related Read: To make the most of your time in Philly, follow our detailed 3-day itinerary that has everything you need to know!

Where to Stay in Philadelphia, USA

Philadelphia is a big city, and deciding where to stay can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve narrowed it down to our top choices for each budget range. So keep reading to find the best accommodations for you!

The Rittenhouse Hotel – $$$

The Rittenhouse Hotel is a centrally located, award-winning accommodation. It has that old-school Philadelphia feel with modern amenities. They offer a gym, an indoor heated pool, a sun terrace, and a fabulous restaurant. You can also enjoy British tea and cocktails in their tea room, which is connected to a gorgeous garden.

Prices range from $350 – $1,000 USD depending on the type of room and your dates. You can check prices and availability online here.

Element Philadelphia Downtown – $$

The Element Philadelphia Downtown is just a block from City Hall. It has a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a shared lounge, and free bikes. The place has modern, well-equipped rooms, friendly staff, and a decent continental breakfast. Request a room higher up for an awesome city view.

This place is a great value for money, with prices starting as low as $160 USD when you book in advance.

Apple Hostels of Philadelphia – $

Apple Hostels of Philadelphia is my favorite budget accommodation in Philadelphia. It’s located in the Old City, within walking distance of the Liberty Bell and Center City. This hostel has it all, including a shared kitchen, laundry, pool table, foosball, Xbox, computers/iPads, guitars, and a TV area. You won’t have any trouble socializing, and they even offer free drinks and dinner sometimes. It’s clean, comfortable, and has a great vibe.

Shared rooms start at $34 USD, and private rooms begin at $85 USD. You can book your stay on Booking.com or through Hostelworld.

Related Read: Need help choosing a hotel? See our Where to Stay in Philadelphia guide for our favorite neighborhoods and recommended hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Whew, that’s quite the list of all the best things to do in Philadelphia! We loved the charm and history of this city that was around every corner and probably most of all … the food. But that should be no surprise! If you’re going to eat Philly cheesesteak, there’s no better place than Philly right?!

If you’re traveling to other cities in the United States, check out our other USA blogs. Or if you’re off to explore north of the border, we’ve lived and traveled across Canada, so we have lots of info to share!

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