The Ultimate Philadelphia Attractions Guide

Philadelphia is a huge city for tourism and thrives off the millions of visitors who come each year to embrace the City of Brotherly Love. There are a million and one tourism guides to visiting Philly, but what if you have recently moved to the area and want the lowdown on local attractions? This post is for you. Learn more about the sights and places that made Philadelphia famous, so that you in turn can show it all off to your friends when they pop into town.

The Liberty Bell

A perennial symbol of America’s freedom, the Liberty Bell in all its grandeur can be found at Independence National Historic Park, where it’s the star attraction. Huge, copper, and just as cracked as you’ve seen in the history books, it’s a truly awed feeling one gets when they bear witness to this tangible piece of American history. Over two million visitors came to see the Bell last year alone.

Independence Hall

Visible through the stunning glass windows of the structure housing the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where the fabric of American history was woven. Rangers from the National Park lead tours of the Hall, which still contains the desks used by the founding fathers as they drafted the Constitution. Other highlights include the actual inkwell used to sign the Declaration of Independence and George Washington’s “Rising Sun” chair.

Reading Terminal Market

A visit to the oldest farmers’ market in America is a heady experience. A foodie paradise, this indoor market is a great place to visit any time of year… just make sure you come hungry! Countless stalls sell everything from fresh, crisp produce to homemade cheese, and small eateries dish up toothsome sweets and amazing handheld meals. Almost seven million people visited the Market last year, making it the most prominent attraction in Philly. For first-timers, Visit Philadelphia recommends the immense roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s or a plump apple dumpling from the Dutch Eating Place, run by Amish and Mennonite families.

Eastern State Penitentiary

It need not be Halloween season for you to get chills from this condemned prison. Imposing in its 19th-century Gothic style, this prison was one of America’s first to introduce the idea of solitary confinement. Al Capone was just one of the thousands of prisoners who called the penitentiary home over the years. Today, you can wander the prison yourself or join the once-daily guided tour. There are a lot of special exhibitions and events taking place at Eastern State, making the prison worthy of repeat visits. And, of course, you can’t miss the haunted house attraction in October!

SugarHouse Casino

Place your bets, ladies and gentlemen! The SugarHouse Casino, situated on the Delaware River, boasts 1,891 slots, more than 100 table games and a 28-table poker room. This is all on top of no less than seven restaurants and bars, a gorgeous event space, and seven stories of parking spaces – possibly the only place in Philadelphia where you won’t have trouble finding a place to park your car! Almost four million visitors chanced their luck at the casino in 2016, making it a major Philadelphia attraction.

Citizens Bank Park

Even if you aren’t a baseball fan – go Phillies! – you’re bound to end up at the ballpark sooner rather than later. In summertime, the park becomes a massive concert venue, attracting huge names like Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel. The park is open for tours during all times of the year, so you can learn more about the history of the Phillies. And the concessions are nothing to sneeze at. With options like Federal Donuts, Tony Luke’s, Bull’s BBQ and more, you’ll end up too deep in a food coma to care about the score.

Philadelphia Zoo

Another “first in America,” the Philadelphia Zoo is among the city’s most noteworthy attractions. Its latest project, Zoo360, has introduced clear tunnels and habitats for the animals to explore while visitors get to watch in wonder. More than just a home for animals, the zoo also is home to Key Bank Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve and KidZooU, a wildlife academy of dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences. Its animal residents regularly make the local news, and over one million visitors passed through the zoo’s gates last year alone. The Philadelphia Zoo offers joyful wonder for guests of all ages.

Franklin Square

One of Philadelphia’s original five squares laid out in William Penn’s original grand design for Philadelphia, Franklin Square today is an exciting park where families have heaps of opportunities for fun. There’s a Philly-themed miniature golf course, a restored marble fountain, playgrounds and an old-fashioned carousel featuring famous Philly horses. The burger joint on premises is worth the visit all by itself, serving up juicy beef and scrumptious milkshakes.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Home of the famous “Rocky steps” and statue, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. While many people visit just to get some cardio while “Eye of the Tiger” blasts from their phone, you can’t discount the Museum’s vast collection of Renaissance, American, Asian, impressionist and contemporary masterpieces. This is the third-largest art museum in the country, and promises nearly endless amazements.