7 Best Places to Go in Philadelphia

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Sviat Oleksiv
April 8, 2022

Philadelphia has a rich history. This city was formerly home to the Renaissance man Benjamin Franklin. Here at Independence Hall, the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. And in the past, Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Today's Philadelphia is home to prominent museums, lively nightlife, beloved sports teams, and a thriving culinary scene. The city is regarded as the City of Brotherly Love. And it is famous for three things: American history, Rocky, and cheesesteaks!

Purchasing a Philadelphia Pass just down the street from the famous Liberty Bell grants you access to over 30 city attractions. The Independence National Historical Park, which has numerous renowned landmarks, is a must-see for history buffs. The park contains Independence Hall, the cracked Liberty Bell, and the actual United States Constitution, which is housed in Constitution Hall.

The Please Touch Children's Museum, the Adventure Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are among the numerous intriguing attractions for families. Finish the day with a Philly cheesesteak from Pat's or Geno's, two competing purveyors located in South Philadelphia.

1. Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Museum of Art is located at the west end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It holds one of America's largest art collections and is one of the top Philadelphia attractions. The museum's front stairs were featured in all of the "Rocky" movies, and from the top of these steps, you can see all the way down Benjamin Franklin Parkway to City Hall's distinctive tower.

The museum holds various works from the Western world dating back to the first century CE and from Asia dating back to the third millennium BCE. Modern art collections include pieces by Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Salvador Dali and American modernists, including works by Jasper Johns and Sol LeWitt showcasing current art. Textile and fashion galleries, American colonial furniture galleries, and an outdoor sculpture garden are other exhibits. The museum holds around 25 special exhibitions every year, including traveling and touring shows.

2. Independence National Historical Park

Independence National Historical Park is located in Philadelphia and is a national treasure and one of America's most historic places.

The park's main feature is Independence Hall. Independence Hall is the historic location where the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. Visitors explore the famous building, which includes the famous Assembly Room, where George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, the design for the American flag was decided, and both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

The Liberty Bell is regarded as one of the most important symbols of America's battle for freedom at the close of the 18th century. It is on display across from Independence Hall. You may view the Bell for free and learn about the history of the crack and its inner workings.

3. Eastern State Penitentiary

The Eastern State Penitentiary is an uncanny mix of old and new, with industrial watchtowers hovering above stone structures that resemble a medieval fortress rather than a jail. Many people who come to take a guided tour of this huge edifice are enthralled by this old Philadelphia jail.

The myths and legends surrounding this gigantic complex are as amazing as the structure itself, which has remained virtually untouched since it closed in 1971. There are audio and guide-led tours available and hands-on interactive excursions for a more in-depth examination. You may explore the artwork that now graces the building's walls, look forward to hands-on activities, and dig into the historical background of the location with experiences like viewing Al Capone's cell.

General Admission tickets are $15.

4. Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo is located at the intersection of 34th Street and Girard Avenue. The Philadelphia Zoo is notable for being the first zoo in the United States, housing a diverse range of animals on 42 acres in their natural habitats. It is home to over 1,300 species, many of which are rare or endangered.

The African Plains environment, which seems like a safari, is one of the most popular sites to visit at the zoo. It is home to majestic giraffes and fearless white rhinoceroses.

Another famous destination is Big Cat Falls. African lions, Amur tigers, leopards, pumas, and other huge felines may be found in this lovely area.

KidZooU, an educational children's zoo that offers hands-on displays and up-close interactions with the zoo's gentler residents, such as sheep, goats, and other farm animals, is available for younger visitors.

5. Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum is located between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Free Library of Philadelphia. The museum is dedicated to displaying the works of Auguste Rodin.

The Merdon Gate, a replica facade of the late 17th-century gate at Chateau d'Issy in France, serves as a backdrop for "The Thinker." Two more of Rodin's masterpieces stand inside the gate: Adam and The Shade.

The museum's interior is magnificent. It's so enormous that it feels more like a Rodin monument than a museum of his art. It is, nevertheless, a museum with almost 140 works of Rodin's magnificent sculptures.

6. Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is located in Philadelphia and is a must-see sight. The 80,000-square-foot market, located at the intersection of 12th and Arch Streets in downtown Philadelphia, is housed in a former railway shed at the Reading Terminal. You may find nearly anything at the market - fresh vegetables, meat, baked products, seafood, flowers, apparel, crafts, and much more. The market is open every day and is a popular attraction for both residents and visitors.

The market's vendors serve delicious cuisine, including local staples like the Philadelphia Cheese Steak and seasonal delicacies, vegan meals, and multicultural fare. During your stay, stop by the market for a bite to eat or to browse for souvenirs.

7. Barnes Foundation

Albert Barnes established the Barnes Foundation in 1992 to promote and encourage a love of the fine arts and gardening. The 93,000-square-foot, two-story structure, one of the Parkway Museum District's primary anchors, has a textured grey-and-gold Ramon limestone facade and a glass canopy that illuminates at night.

The Foundation has two public campuses: one on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which has a world-renowned art collection, and another in the Merion neighborhood of Merion, which includes the Arboretum and the Foundation's archives. The Barnes Arboretum comprises about 2,000 trees and woody plant species/varieties.

The museum, which is set on four and a half acres of manicured grounds, has environmental elements such as a green roof and permeable surfaces that allow for rain and greywater re-use.