The Best Things to do in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of the United States. It is where our Founding Fathers met, discussed, debated and formed a new country. It even served as the nation’s capital until the 1800s. People like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin once strolled these cobblestone streets.
Foodies will be more impressed that the Philadelphia Cheesesteak was invented here and film buffs will be interested in all things Rocky Balboa. Simply put, there is history around every corner of Philadelphia. We spent three days exploring the city of brotherly love. These are the essential things to do in Philadelphia, especially if it your first visit to the city.
The Best Things to do in Philadelphia
I would suggest starting your visit at the Independence Hall Visitor’s Center. You can get a city map, brochures, as well as shop for great souvenirs at the gift store. Kids can get Junior Ranger books at the National Park desk that they will fill in throughout their visit. Once their booklet is completed, they can bring it back to show a Park Ranger. They will be sworn in as junior rangers and get a wooden badge. My kids also loved collecting trading cards at each historical site.
1. The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell predates the Revolution. Between 1753 and 1846, the Bell tolled for many people and different occasions. It rang to mark the signing of the Constitution, as well as the deaths of Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. It has become a symbol of freedom in the United States.
You don’t need a ticket to visit the Liberty Bell and it is free to enter. A line does accumulate because of the security that you have to pass through. It is a quick visit, as people just gather around to snap a picture with it. We spent less than 30 minutes here.
“Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
As you leave The Liberty Bell, take a quick walk through The President’s House Site which explores the contradiction of slavery and freedom. Presidents George Washington and John Adams resided here during their terms, as well as the nine enslaved individuals who served President Washington.
2. Independence Hall
Directly across the street from the Liberty Bell is Independence Hall, which is the only site requiring timed entry tickets for guided tours. From March through December, you need to book tickets in advance. However, in January and February, tickets are not required except during holiday weekends. These tickets help bypass long wait times for tours at Independence Hall.
As soon as you have your dates, you should secure your tickets for Independence Hall. Tickets cost $1 per ticket and may be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Additional “next day” tickets will be released at 5 pm the day before for tours the next day.
There were no tickets available during our visit, so I set an alarm in my phone for 5 pm the night before. I was able to score our tickets that way. We did see a sign stating that tickets were sold out all weekend, so definitely make it a priority to secure your tickets as early as possible. Click here to purchase your tickets for Independence Hall.
We spent about an hour at Independence Hall. It was really incredible to stand in the exact room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Eleven years later, within that very room, delegates at the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government: the United States Constitution.
To put it simply, The United States was formed in this very room. George Washington’s chair still sits with a sun etched in it, as they were so excited for the future they were building.
Side note: My boys were excited to see the location of a famous scene from National Treasure in person. It’s a fun movie to watch before visiting Philadelphia.
3. Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches
Scattered throughout the city are rounded benches marked as Storytelling Benches. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., storytellers are stationed at these benches, ready to share tales with anyone who sits down. The storytellers are engaging and entertaining—our kids absolutely loved it.
Each time the kids listened to a story, they earned a star sticker for their story flag. (You can get a flag at any of the benches). The storytellers also handed out the best city maps, clearly marking all the storytelling bench locations. The kids were determined to visit all 13 benches, knowing that completing the circuit would earn them a free ride on the carousel.
The stories, which are brief and last about five minutes, are completely free—tips aren’t even accepted. The tales are often ones you won’t find in history books.
The Storytelling Benches were a highlight for our family, turning the experience into a fun scavenger hunt that took us all over the city.
4. Visit Betsy Ross’ House
At The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia’s Historic District, visitors can discover the story behind America’s most iconic flag maker.
The kids enjoyed the audio tour that was designed for children. It was also interesting for them to explore the small rooms and narrow staircases of a 1740s home. You can even chat with Betsy Ross herself as she shares insights about her role in the American Revolution and her intriguing life and work.
You don’t need advance tickets to visit the Betsy Ross House. Tickets cost $10 per adult and $8 for children. The tour is self-guided.
5. Stroll down Elfreth’s Alley
With the oldest house dating back to the 1720s, Elfreth’s Alley is known the oldest continuously inhabited street in the United States. Strolling down this typical Colonial Street will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. But be respectful as these houses are still inhabited.
6. Run up the Rocky Steps
You can’t visit Philadelphia without running up the Rocky Steps. My kids haven’t seen the movie, so I showed them the famous clip on YouTube. We took an Uber over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and reenacted the scene. At the top of the stairs, you will be rewarded with a great view of the city.
There is also a nearby Rocky statue that people line up to take photos with. The statue has become a symbol that an underdog can become a champion with hard work and determination.
7. Pig out at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. You can find almost any kind of cuisine in this bustling indoor market. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or hunting for gourmet meals, the market is a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists alike.
8. Snap a selfie at the LOVE Sculpture
It’s only fitting that the LOVE Sculpture resides in the “City of Brotherly Love.” The city was named by its founder, William Penn, who envisioned a city of religious tolerance where no one would be persecuted.
This iconic piece of artwork designed by Robert Indiana once graced a US postal stamp. It is located in John F. Kennedy Plaza, just northwest of City Hall. We walked over to the sculpture from the Reading Terminal Market.
9. Franklin Court Printing Office
Walking through the same tunnel Benjamin Franklin once used daily to get to work was surreal. You can still see the outline of where his house once stood. Although we didn’t visit the small museum on site, we did stumble upon a tucked-away printing press nearby. Watching a demonstration of how newspapers were printed back then was fascinating, and the kids each chose a keepsake made on the press.
10. Toss a penny on Ben Franklin’s Gravesite
Visiting Ben Franklin’s gravesite at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia is a brief but meaningful experience. The simple, flat gravestone marks the final resting place of one of America’s greatest Founding Fathers. Tradition calls for tossing a penny onto the grave for good luck, a nod to Franklin’s famous phrase, “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
While there is an admission fee to enter the gravesite, Franklin’s grave is right along the edge, allowing for a clear view from outside the fence without having to pay.
11. Peep the coin-making process at The US Mint
Visiting the U.S. Mint offers a glimpse into the coin-making process. The self-guided tour lets you watch as coins are produced in real-time, from blank metal discs to the finished product. Along the way, interactive exhibits share the history of U.S. currency and the role the Mint has played since 1792. There are no tickets needed and it is free to enter.
12. Get a bag of cash at the Federal Reserve Bank
We were told to go into the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and ask for a bag of cash, which sounded like a joke. Curiosity got the better of us, so we gave it a try. I was nervous asking a security guard for a bag of money, but to our surprise, he handed each of us a bag containing $100—shredded, of course! While it’s not spendable, it makes for a fun souvenir. I was also relieved not to leave in handcuffs.
13. Day trip to Valley Forge
Less than an hour outside of Philadelphia lies Valley Forge. A visit to Valley Forge immerses you in the history of the American Revolution. The sprawling park, once the winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army, features reconstructed cabins, monuments, and Washington’s original headquarters. While there was never a battle at Valley Forge, disease killed nearly 2,000 people during the encampment.
Start your day at the Visitor’s Center. If you have children with you, ask for a Junior Ranger booklet at the desk. Your kids can work on it as you drive the loop road. I would also recommend purchasing the audio tour that is downloaded to your phone and played over your car speakers.
Visitors have an option to take a bus tour around the circuit or drive your own car. We took our car so that we could go at our own pace. The 10 mile encampment tour will take you along nine historical attractions. The amount of time it will take depends on how long you spend at each stop, but I would plan for three hours.
Our kids especially liked seeing how soldiers lived at Muhlenberg’s Brigade. George Washington’s Headquarters was another highlight.
As first time visitors to the city, we found these attractions to be the best things to do in Philadelphia. If you have small children with you, you may consider stopping at the Smith Memorial Playground to try out the 39 foot wooden slide or experience the largest swing set in North America at the Anna Verna Playground.
The Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk looks like a great place to walk along the river. Edgar Allen Poe fans can tour the historic house he lived in for six years. The house is a bit off the beaten path, and it was closed during the time of our visit.
If you are wondering where to stay in Philadelphia, we had the most amazing experience at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. It sits diagonally across from Independence Hall making it easy to walk to most of the attractions. The hotel itself is stunning, has a roof terrace bar and a free wine hour every afternoon.
We had such a great time in Philadelphia. It’s not an overwhelming city. It is small, walkable and seeping with history. Philly actually reminds me of Boston in that sense. There are so many things to do in Philadelphia, but the attractions on this list were our favorites.
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