The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Housed in its own glass-walled center, the cracked bronze bell draws visitors from around the globe to trace its journey from colonial statehouse fixture to an emblem of abolition and independence. Free timed entry and a walk-through exhibit make it an easy, moving first stop in Philadelphia's historic core.

Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed inside this UNESCO World Heritage brick building, and ranger-led tours bring the founding-era rooms vividly to life. Admission is free but requires a timed ticket, so it pays to reserve ahead during busy months.

One of the largest art museums in the country holds more than 240,000 works spanning Van Gogh, medieval armor and a reconstructed Japanese teahouse. Even non-visitors climb its grand east steps to strike a triumphant pose beside the Rocky statue and take in the skyline view.

More than a hundred vendors pack this bustling indoor market, serving everything from Amish soft pretzels and roast pork sandwiches to fresh produce and international street food. It is the best single place in the city to graze your way through Philadelphia's culinary identity in one visit.

Once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, this crumbling castle-like fortress held Al Capone and pioneered the controversial solitary-confinement model. Self-guided audio tours through its decaying cellblocks are gripping by day, and the site transforms into a legendary haunted attraction each fall.

Stretching along 9th Street, this open-air market has fed Philadelphia for over a century with fresh pasta, cheeses, produce, spices and old-school Italian delis. Wandering its curb-side stalls and family-run shops delivers a taste of the city's deep immigrant roots and enduring food culture.

This cobblestone lane of 18th-century row houses, still lived in today, feels like stepping straight into colonial Philadelphia. Visitors stroll past flower boxes and gas-style lamps, while a small museum house offers a closer look at the everyday lives of early tradespeople.

Dr. Albert Barnes assembled a staggering trove of Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, displayed in his signature salon-style ensembles that pair fine art with ironwork and furniture. The purpose-built Parkway galleries preserve his idiosyncratic arrangements exactly as he intended.

Named for Philadelphia's favorite polymath, this beloved science museum lets visitors walk through a giant two-story model heart, explore space and electricity exhibits, and catch shows in its planetarium. Its interactive, family-friendly galleries make complex science genuinely fun for all ages.

Set inside the grand 1876 Centennial Memorial Hall, this playful museum invites young kids to learn through hands-on exhibits, role-play spaces and a restored antique carousel. It is purpose-built for imaginative, unstructured play, making it a top pick for families with little ones.

Artist Isaiah Zagar covered half a city block with dazzling mosaics of tile, mirror, bottles and bicycle wheels, creating a maze-like indoor-outdoor wonderland. Every corner reveals new detail, making it one of the city's most photographed and singular creative spaces.

Each warm season the Delaware River waterfront fills with colorful LED-lit hammocks, floating gardens, boardwalk games and food-and-drink vendors. It is a laid-back, free-to-enter spot to relax by the water with the Ben Franklin Bridge glowing overhead.

This modern museum immerses visitors in the full story of America's founding through rare artifacts, life-size dioramas and powerful multimedia experiences. Its centerpiece is the tent Washington used as his mobile headquarters, revealed in a dramatic theater presentation.

Officially John F. Kennedy Plaza, this revamped public square is anchored by the bright red LOVE statue that has become one of Philadelphia's most recognizable photo spots. With its fountain, seating and views toward the Parkway, it is a lively gathering place in the heart of the city.