Have you ever thought about visiting Philly for your vacation? As the city is packed with stunning and breathtaking attractions all around, it is a place you just gotta visit at least twice in your life. And if you already have paid a visit and think you have already seen everything, you might’ve to rethink that because the attractions of this city are completely endless. Even after visiting the city a couple of times, there are some beauties I’ve couldn’t witness. In this article, I’m going to write about the must-visit places to see in Philadelphia for you and to make your vacation hassle-free.
Rocky Statue & Rocky Steps in Philadelphia, PA
Two of the most popular spots in the whole of Pennsylvania are the Rocky Statue Philly and the Rocky Steps, you just can’t miss them no matter what. If you are a fan of the movie then you will definitely love this top attraction as the bronze statue was made for the movie Rocky 3.
I loved running up the Rocky Steps and oh it brought back a lot of memories and became among my top fun things to do in Philadelphia and I’m sure it will be for you too as you run up those you may witness and cherish the stunning view of the city skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
| Location | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130 |
| Entry/Photo Fee | Free |
Philadelphia’s Independence Hall
Known as the birthplace of the United States, Independence Hall is the place where the nation initiated. I feel so lucky to have visited this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the core of Independence National Historical Park and visiting this spot will always be one of my favorite things to do in the city of Philadelphia as the museum displays iconic interiors and exquisite artifacts.
The Independence Hall tour in Philadelphia is ticketed and you may have to take the ticket in advance as I reserved it online and had a rush-free experience. The rest of the details will be:
| Location | 520 Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets |
| Working Hours | 9am to 5pm |
| Ticketing | Visit this website |
Liberty Bell in Philly
This monument is without a doubt one of the must-visit historical sites to see in Philadelphia as it represents freedom and “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof” the rally cry for ending slavery.
When I visited Liberty Bell, I learnt about how it traveled across the country in the late 1800s to remind Americans how they fought together for their own freedom. Also, during 1915 the bell had traveled throughout the whole of Pennsylvania to symbolize women’s voting rights.
| Location | 526 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Ticketing | Liberty Bell tour in Philadelphia is free of cost |
Philadelphia City Hall
An architectural marvel in the city of Philadelphia and it is America’s largest municipal building which offers some jaw-dropping views all around. As I strolled around the interiors and the courtyard tours of City Hall Philadelphia, I was given some insights and anecdotes about the building’s history from the tour guides.
Inside the building I had eyes set upon the sculptures intended by Alexander Milne Calder and the majestic 700 rooms present all around. The 360-degree view of the city is right in front of you from the observation deck at the end is a top Philadelphia attractions.
| Location | 1400 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
| Philadelphia City Hall Hours | Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to 4 pm |
| Ticketing | Book in advance from this website |
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
I paid a visit to the prime sculptural garden of Philly created by Isaiah Zagar, even when he didn’t own the space, he worked with a group of artists to build. With the help of community support and public outcry the garden was transformed as an art gallery and today the garden displays the history of Philadelphia- South Street Renaissance.
| Location | 1020 South Street, PA 19147 |
| Philadelphia’s Magic Garden Tickets | $12 to $15 |
Ben Franklin Bridge Philly
Offering the stunning views of the city skyline and the Delaware river, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia designed by Paul Philippe Cret soars over the river and combines with the sky and was named after Ben Franklin in 1956. I had the opportunity to cycle across the bridge easily from Philly to New Jersey as the bridge connects Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Camden and NJ.
Philadelphia Zoo
Among my personal list of unique things to do in Philadelphia is visiting this amazing zoo which is the first in America in a 42 acre Victorian garden. We took the animal travel and exploration train system and zoo360 to view around the whole zoo that has almost 1300 endangered species.
In addition to all this, we were able to witness over 500 plant species in this historic architectural zoo.
| Location | 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Philadelphia Zoo Tickets Price | $19 to $28 |
| Philadelphia Zoo Hours | 9:30 am to 5pm |
Philadelphia Love Sign
A love sculpture in the city of both brotherly and sisterly love and also a renowned artwork by Robert Indiana in John F Kennedy plaza. Taking a snap in front of that artwork was among my bucket lists which I was finally able to complete. This sign which was once removed in 1978 yet was restored fully in 2018 and became one of the iconic places in Philly.
| Location | John F. Kennedy Plaza, 15th Street and JFK Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
Christ Church in Philadelphia
Founded as the first parish church of England in PA in the year 1695, Christ Church is a Georgian architectural marvel of Philly with interiors just as impressive as the exteriors. I took part in guided tours and learned more about the history of the church during the American Revolution. Moreover, the church is known to be the tallest building in America till 1856.
| Location | 20 N. American Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Opening Hours | 11 am to 5pm
Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays |
Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia
Took a self guided tour through the house of the legendary Betsy Ross known to be first person to sew the American flag, and had the opportunity to witness the place where she sewed the flag and the flag of the Continental Army.
Moreover, there were so many artifacts throughout the house including audio guides for the children.
| Location | 239 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Opening Hours | 10am to 5pm |
Epilogue
Philadelphia, the city of many wonders and names, has always been a prime tourist destination for travel enthusiasts. Offering a range of architectural marvels, the city is packed with attractions, and became one of the most renowned spots for romantic and family vacations. The rich history and vibrant culture of Philly makes it stand out more than any other destination out there.
Now, get ready to pack your bags and head straight to Philadelphia and experience the unique charm of the regions.
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