Philadelphia is the first World Heritage city in the US and has a lot to offer, no matter your interests. The city is brimming with culture and things to do, whether you prefer bustling nightlife, museums and history, or fine dining. If you’re planning a weekend break or a short stay in Philadelphia, you’ll have plenty of options. Here are the top ten reasons for you to make Philly your next holiday destination.
World-Renowned Museums
Philadelphia is home to loads of interesting museums for all absorption. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is where you’ll find some of the city’s most culturally significant buildings rich with history. Among them is the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, as well as the Franklin Institute and Barnes Foundation Museum. Rodin Museum is another site that’s well worth the visit, featuring the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making this the most artistic mile in the city. Here you’ll be able to view world-class collections from thousands of artists and enjoy the latest exhibitions. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing some of the best art in the country.
Real Casinos
Philadelphia is home to some of the biggest and most popular casinos in the US. The city might not have the reputation of Las Vegas, but you can still enjoy a first-class gambling experience with loads of slots and table games. There are some excellent casinos to choose from, including Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, Parx Casino, and Rivers Casino Philadelphia. All of Philly’s casinos offer a range of games as well as dining and bars to enjoy an exciting night out.
In case you are new to casino games, here’s a Betway bonus code for Pennsylvania, so you can get started before heading to the poker table. Playing online is also legal in Philadelphia, meaning you can enjoy all the fun of the casino without leaving your hotel.
Philly Cheesesteaks
The Philly cheesesteak is one of the most famous types of fast food in the city, and you’ll find it available almost everywhere you go in Philadelphia. Traditionally made from thinly sliced beefsteak inside a long bread roll and covered in melted cheese, the cheesesteak is a local delicacy that everyone should try at least once.
If you’re vegan or avoiding meat or dairy for dietary reasons, you can also find plant-based Philly cheesesteaks that offer you the same experience just without any animal products. Loads of places around Philadelphia now offer vegan cheesesteaks, so you can still enjoy this traditional fast food dish during your stay.
Walkable City Layout
Philadelphia has been ranked as one of the top five most walkable cities in the US. The city is almost entirely walkable, making it perfect for anyone visiting and hoping to take in as much of Philadelphia as possible. Philadelphia was designed with grid-style streets, making it very easy to navigate, and there are bike-sharing schemes available too.
Aside from walking through the city centre and visiting the Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum, you can walk through much of South Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square, and more than 10,000 acres of public green space. The old city is perfectly designed to be walked, and you can find guided tours that take you around Philadelphia to make sure you see everything there is to see.
Reading Terminal Market
This indoor farmers market has been around since 1892, offering hundreds of stalls with fresh produce, casual dining options, meat, seafood, cheese, and much more. Set below a disused railroad terminal, the market is an attraction for locals and tourists alike, and it’s a perfect place to check out when you visit Philadelphia.
Aside from the stalls, the Reading terminal market provides open seating where you can enjoy loads of interesting food from dozens of different restaurants. There are also retail merchants selling just about everything you can think of, perfect for stocking up on gifts for when you get back from your holiday. An added bonus to shopping in Philadelphia is that all clothing and shoes are tax-free.
World Famous Tourist Attractions
When you visit Philadelphia, you’ll no doubt want to check out some of the most interesting attractions that it has to offer. Aside from some of the most well-known major institutions, there are plenty of other interesting things to see. One of the most popular is the Liberty Bell, which is found outside Independence Hall. The bell is cracked but the inscription “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” can still be read.
Outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you can also find the steps that were made famous by Rocky. Since the movie hit the screens in 1976, the 72 steps have become a major tourist attraction, and there’s also a huge bronze statue of the legendary movie character triumphantly raising his fists.
Famously known as the City of Brotherly Love, you should make sure you pay a visit to the John F Kennedy Plaza, also known as the Brotherly Love park, where you’ll find the giant LOVE sculpture. There are also other LOVE sculptures throughout Philly, including one just west of Center City on the University of Philadelphia campus. These make great photo opportunities with your partner as a fun keepsake of your trip.
The Longwood Gardens
While it’s not within the city of Philadelphia itself, the Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square are only a short drive away. It’s well worth the trip if you’re interested in plants and nature, with a huge range of interesting botanical specimens on display. In total, there are more than 1,000 acres of grounds containing over 11,000 different plant species.
If you do visit, try to book for a time when there’s a special event on. The gardens host loads of events throughout the year, offering everything from live music concerts and illuminated fountain performances to educational events and much more.
To experience some nature within Philadelphia itself, you can also head to Fairmount Park, which offers walking trails, gardens, sports fields, and a reservoir. The park also contains the Schuylkill river and features several waterfalls alongside 2,000 acres of the natural landscape.
Critically Acclaimed Restaurants
Philadelphia is home to a vast array of cultures which makes this city a perfect place if you enjoy eating out. From fine dining to fast food, the city is packed full of exciting restaurants and eateries that you can enjoy. The Wall Street Journal recently described Philadelphia as a booming cultural and culinary destination, citing the abundance of high-quality restaurants on offer throughout the city.
There’s a huge diversity of options when it comes to eating out in Philly, with all types of different cuisines as well as a lot of variety in price and formality. Whether you’re looking for a trendy new vegetarian restaurant, a classic fine dining experience at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant, or a quick bite at a pop-up fast food eatery, Philadelphia has it all.
The Birthplace of the Declaration of Independence
Philadelphia is home to one of the most important landmarks across the whole of the US. Independence Hall is where the founding fathers signed the declaration of independence, an incredibly historical event that’s celebrated each year on the Fourth of July. This historic site is free to visit, and you can take a guided tour of the site year-round. There’s a lot to see in terms of American history.
The Independence Hall museum is located within the Independence National Historical Park, which is worth spending time in too. You can make a day out of visiting the area and taking in the historical sights. This is also where you’ll find the Liberty Bell, which you should definitely check out if you make a trip to visit Philly.
An Exciting Waterfront
When visiting Philadelphia, you should make sure you fit the waterfront into your itinerary. Here you’ll be able to enjoy views of the city skyline across the Delaware River. In recent years, the waterfront has undergone a lot of changes, with top attractions, an observation deck, events, and spots to enjoy yourself.
Lots of Possibilities
Philadelphia is a fascinating place to visit, with loads of history and plenty to do. If you’re looking for more ideas for your bucket list trip, you can find plenty more information online. From seeing the historic city hall to visiting the boathouse row, the possibilities are endless when you visit Philly.