Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania, is one of the most amazing cities in the United States. Located on the banks of the Delaware River, it is a perfect city to get to know on foot, where you will be able to visit the most interesting places to see in Philadelphia in a short time. Philadelphia is home to some of the most important symbols of the history of the United States, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution took place. It is also located just a few hours’ drive from Manhattan, making it the perfect destination to complete your trip to New York.
It is Pennsylvania’s most visited city and one of the few places in the United States that combines history, modernity, art, and flavour. To find out more about the origins of the United States and its original capital, read on.
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Things to see in Philadelphia
Market Street
Market Street is Philadelphia’s liveliest street, lined with bars and restaurants. It’s also home to some interesting stops such as Elfreth’s Alley, or the First U.S. Post Office, located just behind the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
Elfreth’s Alley, the street to see in Philadelphia
This street is one of the most important things to see in the city of Philadelphia, as it is the oldest street in the United States. The alley is a National Historic Landmark, and dates back to 1702. Elfreth’s Alley is a beautiful little 100-metre-long street with colourful historic buildings and landscaped spaces to enjoy the surroundings. This small alley, located in the most historic part of the city, has kept its original appearance and charm intact.
Betsy Ross House
Another of Philadelphia’s must-see attractions is the Betsy Ross House. This is a house-turned-museum where the woman who sewed the first American flag lived. This house-museum is located in the heart of the city’s historic centre, just a few minutes’ walk from Independence Hall. Without a doubt, it is an essential stop to see in Philadelphia for its historical and symbolic value.
Independence Hall and Old City Hall
Independence Hall is the most characteristic place to see in Philadelphia, and also one of the most symbolic places for Americans. Also, Independence Hall was where in 1776, the Declaration of Independence from the British Empire and later the United States Constitution was signed.
Located in this same enclave, we find the Old City Hall, another of the most important stops to see in Philadelphia. The Old City Hall is the building where the Supreme Court used to meet until the capital of the United States was moved to Washington.
Liberty Bell
One of the most important symbols to see in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell, the Liberty Bell. It is an icon of independence and the abolition of slavery in the country, as it is the bell that rang to call for the reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Reading Terminal Market, a must-see market in Philadelphia
Opened in 1892, Reading Terminal Market is the most popular and authentic market to see in Philadelphia. It’s a huge place to sample local food such as the popular Philly cheesesteak, or the delicious handmade Amish desserts. It is one of the most gigantic Food Courts in the United States. Although it started out as a market, today the traditional stalls are a minority of the restaurants and food stalls, which share seating areas and communal tables where you can sample the dishes that caught your eye.
Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall is undoubtedly one of the must-see buildings in Philadelphia. Construction began in 1871, and with a height of 167 metres, including the statue of the city’s founder William Penn at the top, it was to be the tallest building in the world. From 1901 to 1908 it did manage to be the tallest habitable building on the planet, and although it no longer holds that title, it retains its importance and beauty.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Benjamin Franklyn Parkway is a grand avenue that runs from City Hall to the Museum of Art and is adorned with flags from all over the world. This is one of the main arteries of the city where you will find beautiful buildings, monuments, parks and some of the most recommended attractions to see in Philadelphia, such as the Love Park where you will find the LOVE sculpture, ideal for a photo for your instagram, the Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute and Rodin Museum, and the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and Paul.
Franklin Institute
Visiting this museum and its exhibitions is not a must in the city, but it is worth a visit as a monument. It’s worth entering the main hall, which is free of charge, to see a fantastic statue of Benjamin Franklin under a huge dome that changes colour from time to time with light projections.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Another iconic must-see in this city is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This is one of the most cinematic places to see in Philadelphia because of its famous staircase, where you can feel like Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. This staircase was the setting for one of the most memorable scenes in this legendary film and has since become one of the most visited points of interest in the city. In addition, on one side of the building, you will find a sculpture of Rocky in honour of the film that made this place so famous.
One Liberty Observation Deck
This is the highest observation deck in Philadelphia where you can see the city from above. This is one of the latest observatories to open its doors in the United States and offers 360º views from the 57th floor of the skyscraper where it is located. It is located on Market Street and is one of the stops worth seeing in Philadelphia.
South Street
South Street is one of Philadelphia’s most multicultural streets. Sounds and flavours from all over the world mingle here. Whether you want to listen to live music, sample food from every continent, discover alternative art galleries, watch indie films or simply be amazed by the diverse mix of passers-by, walking down South Street is a must-do in Philadelphia.
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Things to see in and around Philadelphia
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Visiting Spruce Street Harbor Park is the most popular thing to do in Philadelphia during the summer evenings. Once a major industrial port, this park built on old docks along the Delaware River is one of the most fun places to visit in the city.
With coloured lights, hammocks, board games, arcades, numerous food stalls and beautiful views of the river and the Franklin Bridge. Another attraction is that it’s within walking distance of downtown.
Fairmount Park
In 1876, more than 10 million people flocked to Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park for the nation’s Centennial Exposition and today, the expanse remains a haven from the bustling city, keeping tranquil natural landscapes accessible to all residents and visitors.
With more than 2,000 hectares of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing boardwalks and shady woodlands, Fairmount Park maintains a wealth of natural landscapes in the east and west sections of the park, divided by the Schuylkill River. Fairmount Park has stunning examples of public art scattered throughout the grounds, including sculptures by masters such as Cyrus E. Dallin, Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Randolph Rogers.
Landmarks such as the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, the historic Strawberry Mansion and the Fairmount Waterworks offer an opportunity to appreciate history amidst a verdant setting.
Lancaster and Amish County
Amish County is located around the city of Lancaster, an hour and a half from Philadelphia. It is the second largest Amish congregation in the United States and is often referred to as Dutch Country, as the main language they use is German due to their origins. It’s a traditional village, where you can experience a different way of life. Everything is done by hand, disconnected from the modern world and any kind of technology.
You will be struck by the carts they use as a means of transport and you will be able to see the fields where they grow their food. It is a different but very interesting visit that you can see in Philadelphia.
What to see in Philadelphia in a day?
Philadelphia is an easy city where everything important is concentrated in space. You will be able to enjoy the best of this city without staying too long, although Philadelphia invites you to linger. With a day in the city, discover:
- Stroll down Market Street and get to know Philadelphia’s first street, Elfreth’s Alley.
- A five minute walk will take you to Independence Hall and Old City Hall.
- A 1-minute walk will take you to the Liberty Bell.
- Then visit the Betsy Ross House
- Reading Terminal Market for a Philly Cheesesteak
- Also within a few minutes walk, you’ll find Philadelphia City Hall within walking distance.
- Stroll along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and finish with a visit to the Franklin Institute.
- To end the day you can climb One Liberty Observation Deck for the ultimate postcard view of the city, or if you’re a big Rocky fan, head to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
What to see in Philadelphia in two days?
With two days in the city of Philadelphia, you can choose to stay in the city and visit everything in more detail as well as adding other points of interest to see in Philadelphia. You could check out some of the parks such as Fairmount Park, or Spruce Street Harbor Park. Alternatively, take a trip to Lancaster to see Amish County.
Day 1:
- Stroll down Market Street and see Philadelphia’s first street, Elfreth’s Alley.
- A five minute walk will take you to Independence Hall and Old City Hall.
- A 1 minute walk will take you to the Liberty Bell.
- Then visit the Betsy Ross House
- Reading Terminal Market for a Philly Cheesesteak
- Also within a few minutes walk, you’ll find Philadelphia City Hall within walking distance.
- Stroll along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and finish with a visit to the Franklin Institute.
Day 2, option 1:
- One Liberty Observation Deck in search of the best postcard view of the city.
- Art Museum, steps and Rocky statue.
- South Street, Philadelphia’s most bohemian street.
- Fairmount Park for a breath of fresh air and a stroll through its amazing spaces.
- Finish the day with the ambience of Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Day 2, option 2:
- Excursion to Lancaster for a taste of Amish County
Frequently Asked Questions
The shortest distance between New York and Philadelphia is 151.70 km, with a travel time of approximately 1h 56min.
How many days should I spend in Philadelphia?
Two days is the perfect time to discover the most important and representative sights of Philadelphia.
What to eat in Philadelphia?
Cheesesteak is the city’s signature dish. It’s a sandwich of beef, sautéed onions and cheese.
Where to eat in Philadelphia?
You’ll find the Philly Cheesesteak in many places and at Reading Terminal Market, the place to sample the local food.
How to get around Philadelphia?
You can get around by underground or bus. The fare is about $2.25.
How much does it cost to go up to One Liberty Observation Deck?
Taking the lift up to the 57th floor of the skyscraper costs $14 (€12).
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