Philadelphia PA is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Philadelphia PA experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Philadelphia PA you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Philadelphia PA
Independence National Historical Park
- Address: Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (22041)
- Phone: +1 215-965-2305
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia PA
Philadelphia Zoo
- Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (18685)
- Phone: +1 215-243-1100
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PMFriday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PMSunday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Reviews:
We enjoyed our visit to the zoo immensely! It was a gorgeous day to enjoy the animals, the sunshine, and the beautifully landscaped pathways. We were disappointed that we couldn’t see some of our favorites like the penguins and flamingos (due to avian flu precautions). We especially enjoyed the family of gorillas. 🙂 If you plan to visit more than once in a year, I highly recommend investing in a membership!By Jennifer L (6 months ago)We came here during the Memorial Day weekend 2021. This was our first time here. It was raining on the way here and for a short period time after arriving but it eventually stopped and we were able to enjoy the Zoo. Parking was pretty easy and was just a short walk to the main gate. Once through the main gate there is an inside exhibit, we hung out in there for while because they had a few new baby animals and it was neat to see how they act with their mothers. A few exhibits was closed at this time but nothing that would stop you from having a good time! They have so many animals to see and enjoy! One of my favorites were the 3 giraffes, which was amazing to see because most Zoos I been to either have 1,2 or none at all. Be prepared because it is a lot of walking so bring your best walking/running shoes. Can’t forget the beer! Beer was good and cold! However, this Zoo is kind of pricey because you have to pay for parking and admission, which is unheard of. All of the Zoos I have been to you either paid for admission and parking was free or you paid for parking and admission was free. I still recommend visiting the Philadelphia Zoo. You will have a great time!By Jonathan Kehring (10 months ago)A pretty good place to see animals from around the world. We were able to see most animals, except the otters and the birds were not out. I believe the birds were in protection due to the bird flu. Completely understandable. The layout is traditional zoo- large oval with a few different paths. We ended up going on a weekday, it was not too busy which was lovely for seeing the animals. We were able to do all of it in 2 hours, although we were moving at a pretty good pace due to time. I would say you could spend several additional hours here watching the animals and reading all the information. The exhibits appeared to be very clean, and there were multiple places to either get food or vending machines available for drinks /food. The day we went it was very warm, we were thankful that a lot of the zoo is shaded.
We ended up purchasing our tickets ahead of time, just to save time. I think if you go during the week you do not have to do this as it’s not as busy, and you can purchase them at the door. However, to guarantee it may be a good idea to do it ahead of time. You can also purchase your parking pass online as well if you plan on parking in one of the lots.
The kids loved that the zoo had a gift store as well, and for the most part it was pretty reasonably priced for a zoo.
On a side note, we learned when we went, that this is the oldest zoo in the nation which is really cool!
By J. Garty (3 months ago)My family and I visit the Zoo at least once a year. Every year we get to see all of the animals. But this years was different. Majority of the animals were moved in door due to a suspected avian influenza. Therefore, we didn’t get to see much of the animals. We went on Wednesday exactly 9:20am, 10 minutes before the zoo could open. We bought our tickets a day prior including parking. Because we went early there was no long line. We rented a stroller. The girl there was were helpful and she made sure to wipe the stroller. Sucks I couldn’t remember her name. Overall we had a pleasant time. And the weather was beautiful.By Fudia Bangura (5 months ago)Great day trip with the kiddos, mine were excited to see animals but that’s where I gave it a 3 star because many animals were missing, the big cats weren’t active, primates also were just laying around, the reptiles became a cool game of can you spot it. What I was disappointed at was everything cost extra, train ride for kids, carousel, food, water, feeding animals, etc. also the zoo keepers didn’t seem excited or thrilled to talk about the animals or get the kids involved with fun facts. Definitely a lot of room for improvement but I believe it’s still a nice day out!By Soilymar Centeno (4 months ago)
Liberty Bell
- Address: 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (18650)
- Phone: +1 215-965-2305
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
So much history is tucked away in this historic town. Visitors can feel the fabric of American society being woven as they navigate through the relics of time. Paid tickets into the independence hall and the liberty bell not required after 5pm.By Albert Obi (2 months ago)It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to the Liberty Bell, certainly prior to 2003 when they built the new building. The new exhibit was stunning – the layout was easy to follow, there was so much to read and learn, and they had a good mix of audio/visual to plain reading. Such an important part of our nation’s history!By Ashlina Chin (5 months ago)The Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom, but do you know why? This exhibit will walk you through its history. Go at your own pace. If you want to read and watch everything, it will take about 45 min. I recommend the video right before the Liberty Bell, super informative. Also talk to the staff they are friendly and knowledgeable! One fact: this bell is the second, the first had to be melted down and recast many years ago.By Phil Luthman (5 months ago)We arrived to view the Liberty Bell around 3 PM. There was a parking garage just 3 blocks away which was convenient. The line was relatively short, about 20 people deep. The location had some great facts, and it was awesome to see the Liberty Bell!!By Andrew Sternke (4 months ago)Great little Museum that happens to be a national park. I found the exhibits to be fairly enlightening I had no idea there was so much history around the actual Liberty bell. The museum was free to get into and there were people there to ask questions if you need it. Not much to the museum so don’t expect a lot.By Dallas (4 months ago)
Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (17181)
- Phone: +1 215-763-8100
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 8:45 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
This was a fantastic museum with ongoing great exhibitions. I loved ‘Matisse in the 1930s’ and ‘Macho men’ exhibitions so much. Its permanent collections are huge. I couldn’t even see half of it even though I’ve went this museums 2 days in a row ad spent 6 hours each day.
I love impressionism so this place was like heaven. This museum also has great American Art collection which made me surprised.
There was huge collection of glass art so if you love glass art this place is must go.
Overall, this museum was one of the greatest museum in the US I’ve ever been to and I am planning to go back soon so I could see all of its collection.
Admission ticket is awesome because you could use 2 days in a row with paying only 1 ticket and you could go to Rodin museum for free as long as you shows the ticket from Philadelphia Museum of Art. What an awesome deal for visitors!
By AMY MUNNS (a week ago)The view of this building as you look down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from Love Park invites you to walk toward it. The walk is about 35 minutes and so with it. Very pleasant tree lined sidewalks lead the way, with lots of interesting parks, monuments and buildings to see along the way. The view back at downtown Philly from the top of the museum steps is spectacular. It is also super entertaining to watch people running up the stairs to the top to recreate the scene from Rocky for a photo op, ?. The museum buildings themselves are works of art, with beautiful sculptures around the buildings. Lines are not too long to get in. Definitely check it out if you’re in town.By John Webber (a month ago)Visited on Friday. There are some free parking spots behind park (Azalea Garden) of the museum. They could be somewhat limited on weekend. I would recommend visiting the museum on weekdays if time permits. Friendly and accommodating staff. There is a decent collection of art work and historical pieces of variety. Good for a two-plus-hour visit.By Henri C. (6 months ago)The museum is free of admission on Fridays after 5 pm till close. This is the best time to visit with the spectacular sunset view from the west room!!
The exhibitions incorporate their representing cultures into art which makes it unique. My family really enjoy this experience.
There are plenty of off-street parking spaces in addition to a few paid parking lots. More entertainment including big wheel, Merry-go-round, music, booths on the open lawn in front of the museum for family with children.By Bianca Chang (4 months ago)I visited this place during my visit to Philly. It was a Sunday, so the entry was free. They suggest to donate, which I absolutely recommend. This is one of the famous art museum cum galleries in the US. They have enormous collection of wonderful artworks and artefacts. We spent 4 hours and hardly could finish everything. They have separate sections of European art, American/ indigenous, Hispanic, Indian/ Asian, contemporary, etc. if you don’t have much time, select beforehand what you would like to see. On top of their regular display, they often have various limited exhibitions and show. The building itself is very famous for the film Rocky. However, if you are an art lover, this place is yours. You can spend several days if you have interest. It’s a must visit place if you are around.By Debisree Ray (4 months ago)
Love Park
- Address: Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (12991)
- Phone: +1 215-686-1776
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
The Love Park In Philadelphia, also known as the John F. Kennedy Plaza, has two iconic signs — the Love installation and the I ❤️ Philly. What I love is a visitor can pose next to one of these signs and the photo will come out nicely. The signs do much of the work. There is a Love Park Fountain which is refreshing for kids during the warm months. The best pictures are on a summer day even if overcast and the colors will come out vibrant. I went in the summer and late fall. The late fall photos struggle with the reds. More grass and seating areas would enhance this park. Maybe have an artistic competition where people can submit designs for benches. Trees would be good to take on some of the heat, but would block the views of the lovely buildings. Maybe put a cluster of trees off to the side where visitors can go for respite. It’s a hot park in warm months with the heat bouncing off the cement and stone.By Kelly Cambridgeport (4 months ago)I was out walking around the city and came to love Park. This is my first time here. It’s a nice space with plenty of seating for people to hang out and watch the fountains and listen to the water. There a lot of people that are traversing it and lots of people just sitting around relaxing doing various things.
It’s in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown with cars and sirens all the time.
I really like the water fountains. It would be a nice relaxing place minus all of the vehicle traffic.By Flash P (6 months ago)A simple must visit park in Philadelphia. Has the icon LOVE icon that’s Philadelphia is known for. Park is always lively from people just hanging out, kids playing in the water, and various small events. It’s nice to visit whether during the day or evening. It was still crowded around 11p and felt safe with the crowds. Great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of downtown Philadelphia.By LeWayne Ballard (4 months ago)It’s a beautiful park. We went at night and it was a beautiful backdrop. It wasn’t crowded. We took some great pictures. The I ❤️ Philly sign is there. We walked there from our hotel. We felt safe even at night. Great place for the family for an outing or a date night. There’s also a LOVE sign there that makes for great picturesBy Otrice Ellis Gibson (3 months ago)A really beautiful gem in the middle of the city. This park is full of fountains, art installations such as the I ❤️ Philly sign and the famous Love sculpture – both make for great photo ops.A lot of Philly folks experiencing homelessness seem to call this home during the daylight hours, occupying seating by the fountain, using the fountain to get clean, and blasting music under the trees that line the park. This did not detract too much from the beauty and enjoyment of the green spaces and the sculptures.
By Kitty Modell-Rosen (5 months ago)
The Franklin Institute
- Address: 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (12243)
Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
- Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (10079)
Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Address: 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (7431)
Rittenhouse Square
- Address: 210 W Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6142)
Please Touch Museum
- Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (5060)
Franklin Square
- Address: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (4086)
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
- Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (4036)
Elfreth’s Alley Museum
- Address: 126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (3769)
Museum of the American Revolution
- Address: 101 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3095)
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
- Address: 100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1981)
Eastern State Penitentiary
- Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (1688)
Although Philadelphia PA is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 15 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
A very good place with lot of memories packed in the park. There is always something happening in and around the area. Parking is available near by area , paid parking. We went to the park after the bell and visitor center is closed to enjoy the very large lawn space. It is mesmerizing to watch the independence mall from the park lawn and it is wonderfully large park area. Kids can enjoy lawn and it is too within the urban area. Security should not be an issue due to importance of the area. Nighttime lights on different mall area is very good to watch and for photography. May not be suitable for family after 9 pm due to we felt the smell of green stuff. All in all a must visit place if you are around the area.
Great time learning about our founding fathers and the various locations in the park. Met Bishop Richard Allen inside the welcome center and he provided us with a great history lesson, too. Would love to come back for more!
Great place to visit. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are awesome visits. You cam really feel the history all around. Make sure to plan your visit in advance and get Hall tickets beforehand.
A must visit for every traveler. Plan to spend at least the entire day here, there is A TON of things to see and do. With regards to visiting Independence Hall, I strongly suggest you book your time slot in advance. There is a Wawa very close bu, you’ll need the beverage and snack.
I would highly recommend this to be seen by every American at least once. But the tour itself seemed very flatline. For the how important this square is to American history the tour guides didn’t seem to convey this. They take into two rooms. A court room and the assembly room. After the reserved tour. I would recommend experiencing the great essentials building and the capital building as well. I will provide their own reviews.