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21 BEST Things to do in Philadelphia in Summer

21 BEST Things to do in Philadelphia in Summer

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Summer is our favorite time of year to visit Philadelphia. There’s always a ton of fun things going on here during the warmer months, so if you’re planning a trip this summer, then we’ve got you covered! 

We love visiting Philly. It’s such a fun city to be a tourist in, and we’ve visited a few summers in a row to check out what’s on offer in the City of Brotherly Love. So if you’re looking to beat the heat or just want to take advantage of the bustling summer season, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best things to do in Philadelphia in summer! 

Things to do in Philadelphia in the Summer

1. Go on a food tour!

Bailey-and-Daniel-take-a-selfie-with-their-fresh-pretzels-during-a-food-tour-in-Philadelphia-USA through get your guide
On a delicious food tour in Philadelphia
Bailey bites into a doughnut during our food tour in Philadelphia
Yum!

We love eating while traveling – this is one of the best ways to dive into the local culture! Philly is a foodie city, with lots of mom-and-pop shops, locally-owned restaurants, and unique dishes. So kick off your summer vacay by going on a food tour in Philadelphia to try the best of the best! 

We’ve been on a lot of food tours throughout our travels, but this Flavors of Philly food tour was one of the best! The food was delicious and we were very impressed by our guide’s knowledge of the dishes and the history of Reading Terminal Market. It made the experience all the better and made this one of the top food tours we’ve taken worldwide.

The food in Philly is pretty niche, so we tried the classic fare even beyond Philly cheesesteaks. They are famous for tomato pie, pretzels, cheese wiz fries, and unique desserts. I wouldn’t call this a health-conscious food tour, but it sure was tasty!

This tour is $65 USD and includes all the food you’ll taste (which is a lot) and your wonderful guide. We thought this tour was well worth the money because we got a totally new understanding of Philly, and ate some amazing food. 

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

Hop on hop off bus in Philadelphia
Hop on hop off bus in Philadelphia

We love walking around cities to explore, and Philly is an incredibly walkable city. However, in the summer heat and Philadelphia’s notorious humidity – sometimes it’s too hot to walk! That’s where the hop-on, hop-off bus comes in handy. You get the freedom of exploring on your own with the convenience of transportation and organized stops!

Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are quite popular in Philadelphia. I like using them because they are an affordable way to get around the city and you can move at your own pace. But you still get the perks of a tour, like onboard commentary and pre-planned stops, so you don’t have to do all the research beforehand.

This hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you to those can’t-miss sights in the city, many of which are included in this blog! See Love Park, the Rocky Steps, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, and more. It makes getting around the city super easy.

The buses operate from 9:30 am to 5 pm, so you can use the full day to explore. They offer 1, 2, or 3-day tickets, depending on how much time you have in Philly. If you’re planning a 3-day Philadelphia itinerary, this is a really easy transportation option, that way you don’t have to figure out the train system or take expensive taxis. 

Tickets are well priced – $36 USD for a 1-day ticket, $55 USD for a 2-day ticket, and $74 USD for 3 days. They include a route map so you can plan your stops, and if you need a shuttle from your hotel to the city center, they offer that too!

3. Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park red chair
Exploring the waterfront during the day!
Spruce Street Harbor Park lights
The lights at night!

Spruce Street Harbor Park is easily one of the best areas to be in during the summer. It’s only open from mid-May through late September and it’s full of summertime fun and sits right on the Delaware River

The park feels like a tropical escape from the urban landscape. You’ll find boardwalks connecting tons of restaurants and food trucks, serving up that amazing Philly cuisine I was talking about earlier. Try tacos, dumplings, breakfast any time of the day, and my favorite part – the beer garden! Enjoy a pint of locally brewed craft beer while playing arcade games along the boardwalk. 

There are shade-covered lounges with hammocks and live music and a fantastic event calendar so you can always find something entertaining going on. To make the ambiance even more summery, the park is covered in thousands of LED lights strung up in trees. When the sun goes down, it turns into a magical riverside party spot. This is one of the most famous aspects of Spruce Street Harbor Park, and I must say, I swooned!

Check their event schedule here before you go, I’m sure you’ll find some fun events going on. If you happen to visit the park on a Saturday, stop by the local market and pick up some locally-made goodies to remember your summer in Philly!

4. See the Liberty Bell

Bailey poses with the liberty bell in philadelphia on a klook tour
The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia!
Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, USA
Such a historic bell!

A trip to Philadelphia isn’t complete without a few history-related stops, and one of my favorites is the Liberty Bell. No matter the time of year or the number of days you have in the city, this is an essential stop – even if you’re on a quick 1-day Philadelphia itinerary!

The Liberty Bell represents more than Philadelphia, it’s actually a national landmark. I found it fascinating that while it’s such an important artifact, no one really knows how the crack got there. It was made in 1751 and became famous when the Declaration of Independence was publicly read, and bells were rung all throughout the city. The Liberty Bell was one of them! 

It was used for nearly 100 years until the crack grew too large. It was retired on President’s Day in 1846 after its final show! But, the bell wasn’t done as a symbol of freedom. It became known as the “Liberty Bell” when it was used as an abolitionist symbol in the anti-slavery movement. 

Today, the bell hangs in the Liberty Bell Center and is free to visit. You don’t have to make a booking in advance but expect a long line to get in. It is one of the most famous sights in America after all. 

However, we saw the Liberty Bell on this Philadelphia history tour, which went way deeper into the history than just reading the informational boards. We also got to visit other historic sights, such as the President’s House (the original White House) and Congress Hall (Congress’ original headquarters when Philadelphia was the capital of the USA). 

Ultimately, we loved having our expert guide tell us the history of the Liberty Bell and other sights. He was so impressive it made history come to life! This tour is well priced at $29 USD and only lasts for 2 hours, so you can easily fit it into your busy summer itinerary. 

There are a lot of history tours in Philadelphia, but we think this one is the best.

5. Night ghost/adult tour

Our guide of our Dark Side of Philly tour talks to our tour group
This was a fun tour!
A statue at Washington Square at night on a tour in Philadelphia
Learn about the dark side of Philly!

Philadelphia is full of history, and not all of it is good! There are actually quite a few dark and shady tales that haunt Philly’s streets. No wonder this after-dark ghost tour is so popular – check out the 3,000+ 5-star reviews here!

We loved this tour because it was so different than your average sightseeing tour. It’s essentially a walking tour of the city, and you’ll visit a lot of historic stops along the way. But instead of reading out of a textbook, the guides are entertaining and animated, painting a vivid picture of Philly’s original red light district, execution sites, and haunted buildings. They even wove tales about vampires, pirates, and ghosts … I’m still not convinced it was all true but it was certainly fun!

This tour is adult-only as they cover some of the lewd and gruesome stories of the past. Our guide had an outrageous sense of humor, so she did a good job keeping it light and funny. We loved learning about Philly’s dark past! If you’re still on the fence about this tour, read our review of this Dark Philly Adult Night Tour

And while you can do this tour any time of year, we thought the summer was best because the weather was perfect when the sun went down! You can book this 2-hour tour for $38 USD. 

6. Explore the Old City

Old historic building in the Old City of Philadelphia, USA
Carpenters Hall!
A statue in the Old City of Philadelphia, USA
The area is filled with history!

If you enjoy old architecture, historic buildings, and museums, you’ll love strolling through the Old City on a sunny day! This was the original downtown of Philly, where you’ll find Betsy Ross House (where the first American flag was made), the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. You’ll even find Benjamin Franklin’s grave!

While you can certainly wander around on your own, I think you’d be missing out on a lot of information. I recommend stopping by the Independence Visitor Center to get a map and information about the Old City before you go. Or, you can take this self-guided audio tour, which lets you explore at your own pace and have a personal tour guide in your ears. It takes about 1-2 hours and is $15 USD, which isn’t bad for a personal tour. 

My top recommendation is to take this guided walking tour of the Old City so you can ask questions and go more in-depth with the information. This is one of the highest-rated tours in the Old City, so you know it’s worthwhile! The tour passes by Elfreth’s Alley, Carpenters’ Hall, Ben Franklin Post Office, and other significant buildings. It’s a quick but jam-packed 1.5-hour tour for $43.50. 

7. See Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Bailey walks through Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, USA
Bailey walks through Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
A statue at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in Philadelphia, USA
So cool!

The Philadelphia Magic Gardens are pretty impressive to see any time of year, but I think they are even more magical in the summer! 

This isn’t your average garden, it’s actually an open-air art gallery on South Street. It was formerly a run-down part of town, but local artists came together to rejuvenate the area with gardens, art, and its famous mosaic patterns. 

It’s pretty quirky, and the artists pay homage to the area’s past by using recycled materials in the design. Isaiah Zager dreamt up these gardens and made them come to life using old bottles, broken kitchen tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, and whatever materials he could find to make these stunning mosaics. It’s a real-life representation of “what’s one man’s trash is another’s treasure”. 

We spent about 20 minutes here and think it’s an essential stop to see the local side of Philly. Wandering around on a sunny day was so charming, and I loved seeing the artist’s vision come to life. 

Entrance to the Magic Gardens is $15 USD and you should book tickets before you go – or else you’ll likely have to wait! They have organized time slots that you can enter, every 30 minutes from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets are available one month prior, but they are usually available the day of!

If you’re keen on discovering more of South Philly’s thriving art scene, I recommend going on this art tour of Philadelphia! Your guide will take you by the iconic murals in Queen Village and Bella Vista – some of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Then it finishes at the Magic Gardens! This tour is 2 hours long and $42 USD, and I think it’s a fantastic way to experience the city if you love local art. 

8. Outdoor Movies

Sunset Social movies outside in Philadelphia USA
Outdoor movies are the best! Photo credit: Sunset Social

For me, nothing says “summer” like an outdoor cinema! 

We loved catching a movie at Sunset Social, which is a rooftop garden where they screen movies for free at 7 pm on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. They play family-friendly classics like Harry Potter and Back to the Future, so it’s suitable for all ages. The event is always free but there are burgers, hot dogs, and cocktails available to purchase on-site in case you get hungry! 

Meanwhile, Movies @ The Mann is arguably even cooler. They screen classic movies, but a live orchestra plays the score! The Mann is a big outdoor arts center and they usually only do two performances each summer, since this is quite an undertaking to put on, but the experience is so cool that it’s definitely worth checking out if the dates coincide with your trip to Philly. If they do, be quick to snag your tickets, because they tend to sell out fast. 

Related Read: Traveling on a budget? Check out our blog about the top free and cheap things to do in Philadelphia here!

9. Rocky steps and statue

Bailey poses like Rocky at the top of the Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rocky!
Bailey and Daniel pose for a photo with he Rocky Statue in Philadelphia
A classic!

While you might not want to spend your summer day inside an art museum, you should still stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the famous front entrance steps. You’ll recognize them from the Rocky movies (if not be sure to watch it before you go!) and running up the steps like the great boxer himself is one of the most iconic Philly activities. Of course, you have to punch the air when you reach the top for the finishing touch!

The steps are free to visit and you can take a photo with the Rocky Statue at the bottom! Trust me, you won’t be the only one doing this. This is a pretty quick stop, depending on how fast you can run stairs, but we had a lot of fun reenacting the movie!

If you’re a real film buff, you’ll love this private TV and movie tour around Philly. Your guide will take you to film locations, such as the Rocky Steps, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Sixth Sense, and Cold Case. It’s a unique way to see the city, and so fun to see the film locations in real life. This walking tour is 2 hours long and costs $70 USD.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

10. Elfreth’s Alley and Museum

Bailey walks through Elfreth's Alley and Museum in Philadelphia, USA
Bailey walks through Elfreth’s Alley 
A cute door at Elfreth's Alley and Museum in Philadelphia, USA
So cute!

Perhaps one of the best ways to spend a summer’s day in Philadelphia is strolling through Elfreth’s Alley. This is one of America’s oldest residential neighborhoods dating back to 1703, and it has some serious old-time charm. I loved walking down the brick and cobblestone alley, and I was surprised to learn that most houses are still private residences!

There is a charming museum in building #126. The Elfreth’s Alley Museum tells the story of centuries of people who have lived on this street, most of which were laborers, artisans, and working-class people. The residential community is still quite tight, even though the alley brings in about 250,000 visitors annually!

Elfreth’s Alley is a public road, so you can visit it anytime you’d like. The museum is open from mid-April to the end of October on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The exact hours vary but it’s around midday until 4 pm, so be sure to visit the alley during those opening hours to check it out. Tickets are only $3 USD and you can purchase them at the museum.

11. Visit the local breweries

Tasting paddle at Iron Hill Brewery in Philadelphia
So much beer to try!
Daniel and Bailey enjoy drinks at Iron Hill Brewery in Philadelphia, USA
Cheers!

Exploring a city’s craft beer scene is one of our favorite summer activities. What’s better than cooling off on a hot day than with a pint of an IPA, pale ale, or lager? Philly’s craft beer scene is thriving, starting in 1985 when Dock Street Brewery opened. Interestingly, this was the first craft brewery to open since Prohibition (which ended in 1933)!

Craft Hall was a cool brewery to explore, and great for families or a group of friends. There’s a pirate ship playground for kiddos, arcade machines, board games, shuffleboard, and a pool table. Plus lots of beers on tap, so you could easily spend an afternoon enjoying this place.

Yards Brewing Company on Spring Garden Street is one of Philadelphia’s most popular breweries. It’s been around since 1994 and has made a name for itself with a lovely beer garden and tasty brews. They also are powered by green energy, so we loved supporting this business. 

But the best brewery we found was Iron Hill Brewery! The location isn’t the best, right in the city center, but the beer blew us away. They have some unique spins on IPAs, a lot of them were very fruity and perfect for the summer season – try the Cherry Bomb if it’s still on tap! They also have yummy food like Mexican street corn, pretzels, and a spin on the Philly cheesesteak. 

If you’re a true beer enthusiast, explore Philly’s beer scene on this guided brewery tour! We were impressed at our guide’s knowledge and very generous tasting sizes – we got to try a lot of amazing craft beer! We got to go behind the scenes at one of the breweries and learn the beer-making process, visit three breweries, try lots of beer, and have snacks along the way. It was a good deal at $105 USD and a great way to spend the afternoon. 

12. Explore Fairmount Park 

Fairmount Park Philadelphia USA
Fairmount Park is such a fun place to explore

Set along the banks of the Schuylkill River, Fairmount Park is actually one of the biggest urban parks in the United States. It’s actually 10 times bigger than Central Park in New York City! 

So yeah, it’s pretty huge, and summer is the perfect time to explore. There are several different historic, colonial-era mansions in the park that you can go and check out. The largest is Strawberry Mansion, and from Thursday to Sunday there are walk-in tours of the home available for $8 USD per person. 

We also loved strolling through the park’s traditional Japanese garden, and there are some nice, shady walking trails that are perfect for a hot summer’s day! The Boxer’s Trail and Trolley Trail both offer plenty of shade.

Fairmount Park is also home to the Philadelphia Zoo (the first zoo in the US) which welcomes more than a million visitors per year. We also highly recommend packing a picnic and enjoying it on the West Fairmount Park knoll, because we loved the views of Philly’s skyline from here, and it’s just the perfect thing to do on a summer’s day.

13. Go to a cultural festival

The Roots Picnic

Roots Picnic Philadelphia The Roots playing USA
The Roots playing at their Roots Picnic event! Photo credit: Roots Picnic

The Roots Picnic is one of the biggest events on Philly’s musical calendar. It was founded by hip-hop group The Roots, and it celebrates the city’s musical and cultural heritage. It’s been going on since 2008 and some pretty big names usually perform, like Mary J. Blige, Lil Wayne, and Pharrell. 

The festival usually takes place on the first weekend of June, at the Mann in Fairmount Park. Single-day tickets start from $150 USD per person, and I think that this would be a really fun way to enjoy the summer in Philadelphia! If you’re going to be in town during this time, I recommend buying your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out!

2nd St Festival

The 2nd St Festival was started in 2008 by a group of local business owners in the Northern Liberties area, with the idea of bringing people together and celebrating the area’s heritage. Since then, it has grown into one of Philadelphia’s biggest and best summer events. On the first Sunday of August, 2nd Street is closed off between Girard Ave and Spring Garden Street, and it’s one big party, with tons of food vendors, dancing, and two music stages. 

Things kick off at midday and go on until around 10 pm, so there’s plenty of time to eat, shop, and party in between. We loved the atmosphere at this festival, although a word to the wise, don’t try to drive here. The street is closed off and parking around is super limited, so we strongly suggest that you walk or take the metro. 

Philly Chinese Lantern Festival

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at night USA
This is such a cool thing to come do at night! Photo credit: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

The Philly Chinese Lantern Festival usually lasts from late June until the end of August, so it’s one of the easiest cultural festivals to catch during the summer. In fact, I’d say it’s a summertime must-see because the lanterns here are absolutely magical. There are thousands of lanterns, including over 30 oversized installations modeled after dragons, traditional pagodas, beehives, and more. And as if all that weren’t enough, there’s an illuminated fountain show every half an hour, a cocktail garden, and tons of vendors selling unique handmade goods.

The festival takes place in Franklin Square and begins at 6 pm each night. It’s a ticketed event, costing between $25 and $28 USD, depending on which day of the week you go. It’s cheaper to go from Monday to Wednesday, and there will be fewer crowds, so I’d recommend doing this if you can. 

Old City Eats Block Party

The Old City Eats Block Party truly is our kind of festival! This one’s also on 2nd Street, but this time between Market and Chestnut Streets, and it’s a celebration of Philly’s best food and drink-related businesses. Basically, it’s a smorgasbord of global cuisine and cocktails in the Old City, usually on the third Thursday of June. If you happen to be in Philadelphia then, be sure to get yourself here between 5 and 9 pm, because this event is too delicious to miss! 

14. Visit the famous Love Park

Bailey poses for a photo with the Love Park sign at Love Park in Philadelphia
Bailey poses for a photo with the Love Park sign at Love Park in Philadelphia

Love Park is one of the most iconic parks in the city. Not only is it a perfect summer activity, but it’s also a fantastic free thing to do in Philly! Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love, hence the name. The park has a large Love sign with the slanted “O” that has become Philly’s signature!

You can make this a quick photo stop, or spend some time strolling around the park. It’s next to City Hall, which is another typical stop while exploring Philly, so you can easily get here. Taking a picture with the Love sign is essential – pics or it didn’t happen!

There are often events held in Love Park, so you might see some food trucks and pop-up events while you’re there! You can even get married on Wednesdays for free – they mean it when they call it Love Park!

15. Go on an art tour

A large street mural in Philadelphia, USA
The murals are huge!
Street art in Philadelphia, USA
So stunning!

I briefly talked about Philadelphia’s thriving art scene earlier, but it’s so significant in the community that it deserves its own spot on this list. There are tons of murals, street art, and hidden gems around the city, most businesses are actually required to paint a mural of sorts on their exterior. 

Murals and street art became so prevalent in 1984. The city launched the Mural Arts Philadelphia program, which was created as an anti-graffiti initiative. It encouraged graffiti artists to use their skills to create public art pieces instead, which I think is pretty neat.

There are over 4,000 murals in Philly, and while you won’t be able to see thousands of murals during your stay, you can see a lot of them on this street art tour. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the murals, their significance, and the city. You’ll have two hours to explore the city and see it from an entirely new perspective. 

The tour is $49 USD and includes entry to the Magic Gardens, as we mentioned earlier! So you can see the best sights of the city and dive into Philly’s vibrant art culture in one easy tour.

Related Read: If you love guided tours, we put together the top tours in Philadelphia so you can experience all the highlights of the city.

16. Walk Schuylkill Banks

Bailey walks Schuylkill Banks in Philadelphia
Bailey walks Schuylkill Banks in Philadelphia
bailey enjoys the views of the river along Schuylkill Banks in Philadelphia
It’s a beautiful place to walk!

The Schuylkill River runs right through Philadelphia, you’ll find yourself near it many times! There’s a great boardwalk that follows the river, making for yet another lovely way to explore the city in the summer and it’s free! My favorite type of activity!

The boardwalk is 0.4 miles (610 meters) and perfect for walking, cycling, or running (if you’re one of those crazy people who like to exercise on vacation!). The trail goes from South Street to Locust Street and crosses the river. 

This gives some of the best views of Philadelphia’s skyline, and you can learn a lot as you go. Informational boards are lining the walkway telling you about the local environment and the history of the river area. Locals and visitors love coming here, it’s estimated about 19,000 people use the boardwalk every week! 

You’ll need about 1 hour to complete the boardwalk. While the trail is short and flat, we took it as a leisure stroll to take in the skyline views. 

17. Join a trolley (drinking!) tour

Founding Footsteps Trolly in Philadelphia
Photo credit: Founding Footsteps

Take your sightseeing to the next level on a boozy trolley tour! Philly has historic trolleys that are typically used for sightseeing, but they also offer this BYOB trolly tour so you can drink and learn about the city’s history all in one go!

These tours are known to be super fun, not only because of the drinking but because the guides bring the history to life. They build a lively and sometimes rambunctious atmosphere and make learning history a lot of fun. 

The tour takes you by iconic Philly sights, such as the Besty Ross House, City Hall, the Rocky Statue, and Eastern State Penitentiary, where Al Capone was once held. The guide’s commentary takes these sights to the next level, and you can end it with a big ol’ cheers to the City of Brotherly Love.

You can book this 2-hour tour for $49 USD. This tour is definitely well loved with over 500 5-star reviews (check them out here!). 

18. See live music at the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival

We love jazz music, so for us, there’s nothing better during the summer than checking out the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival. It normally takes place on the third Saturday in July, from 12 until 7 pm, and showcases some of West Philadelphia’s best homegrown musical talent! 

In addition to all of the jazz music, local vendors sell handmade goods and yummy local eats. This is also a very family-friendly event, and there’s plenty of entertainment for kids here. We always enjoy this event because it’s a real local favorite, rather than being super touristy. Plus, we have seen some super-talented jazz musicians here, which is always a blast. 

19. Catch a Phillies baseball game

Philadelphia Phillies play USA
Phillies win! Photo credit: Philadelphia Phillies

How funny is it that Philadelphia’s baseball team is called “the Phillies?”

The team was founded in 1883, so it’s one of the oldest teams in America. Even if you’re not much of a baseball fan, going to a game is a must while you’re in the US, and where better to do it than the country’s birthplace? Plus, all of the hot dogs, popcorn, and beer make it a lot more fun. 

The Phillies play at Citizens Bank Park, and the season runs all summer long, so be sure to check the schedule and see if you can get tickets while you’re in town. We’ve found tickets for as little as $9 USD on Stubhub, but of course, you’ll have to pay a bit more if you want to be close to the action. To be honest, though, we mostly go for the atmosphere and all-American experience, so we don’t mind being further away! 

20. Enjoy dinner and drinks on a rooftop

Assembly Rooftop Lounge Philadelphia USA
One of the best rooftop bars in the city! Photo credit: Assembly Rooftop Lounge

Summertime is perfect for al-fresco dining, and it’s even better with a drink in your hand and a killer view! So after a hot day of exploring Philly, we love to kick back with dinner and drinks on one of the city’s fantastic rooftops. 

If we’re feeling particularly fancy, we go to the Assembly Rooftop Lounge on top of the Logan Hotel. We love the views of Benjamin Franklin Parkway from up here, and they’ve got delicious flatbreads and cheese boards, as well as cocktails that almost look too good to drink. 

We also love the rooftop deck at Azie Media, an Asian fusion and sushi restaurant. It’s only open during the summer and they set it up so nicely, with lots of fairy lights and stylish decor, so we recommend taking advantage of the summer reason and coming here for some sake or a cocktail. The signature Azie Blue cocktail is particularly refreshing on a warm summer night! 

And for something more relaxed, we never tire of Bok Bar. It’s a beer terrace on the roof of an old high school, and we love trying out all the best local beers here. If you love beer as much as we do, this place is a must during the summer! 

21. Celebrate the 4th of July in America’s birthplace

Fireworks on 4th of July in Philadelphia USA
Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating the 4th of July in America is truly a bucket list activity, and it can be so much fun! And since Philadelphia is quite literally the birthplace of the United States, there’s really no better place to party like it’s 1776! 

The celebrations actually go on a little longer in Philadelphia than they do in other parts of the USA. It’s a great time to be in the city. There’s a two-week series of events put on by Wawa Welcome America, from 19th June until the 4th of July.

During this time, visitors can visit the African American Museum and Science History Institute for free on certain days, and Wawa also hosts block parties in various neighborhoods, as well as a children’s concert – aka “Kidchella”. You can see all the events here, there’s a lot!

Then, on the 4th of July itself, the whole city goes wild. There’s the legendary Salute to Independence Day Parade, which is replete with floats, dancing, and historical reenactments. We think that attending this spectacle is a must if you’re in the city on the 4th – it’s a bit like America’s version of Carnival! The parade begins at 11 am and slowly makes its way down Market Street towards Broad Street. 

And at night, in true American style, there is a huge concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway! Ne-Yo, Ke$ha, and Pitbull have all performed at this concert, and it’s free. Partying on the 4th of July at rooftop bars or on boat trips can get expensive, but you actually don’t need to spend a penny to enjoy this awesome free show in one of America’s most historic cities. I would go every year if I could! 

Check the official Visit Philly page here for up-to-date information and details on the 4th of July festivities!

Where to Stay in Philadelphia, USA

Element Philadelphia Downtown room with a view
Photo credit: Element Philadelphia Downtown

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.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey at the top of the City Hall Tower in Philadelphia, USA
Thanks for reading!

Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Philadelphia! The city comes alive when the sun comes out, and there are heaps of fun things to do. We last visited Philly in the summertime and had so much fun exploring historic sights, outdoor festivals, or simply strolling through the park. It’s hard not to love the City of Brotherly Love!

Thanks for reading our blog! If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out our other blogs about the USA. We’ve traveled to the top cities in the country and have put together even more resources to help you plan your next adventure. Here are a few other blogs to check out!

21 BEST Things to do in New York City in Summer – Events, Festivals, and More!

8 BEST Philadelphia by Night Tours + Our Top Choice

The BEST 3 Days in Washington, DC: A 3-Day Itinerary