Originally dubbed “The City of Brotherly Love” and more recently “The City that Loves You Back,” historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the East Coast of the United States.
Steeped in early American history yet family-friendly enough to be enjoyed by all ages, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. In addition to its colonial attractions, the city is home to excellent museums, arts and music venues, sports teams, national parks, and much more.
When to Visit Philadelphia
Because of its location, Philadelphia experiences all four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. This can mean extreme temperatures at certain times of the year. For example, July and August can get quite toasty, but they remain the most popular months for tourists, particularly families traveling with children.
If you’re considering visiting during winter break, be prepared to bundle up. While the winters are milder compared to cities further north, there’s still the potential for snow and frigid weather.
By far, the best time to visit Philadelphia is in the spring or fall. During these seasons, the city is alive with color, and the temperature is perfect for walking—something you’ll do a lot of during your tour of this beautiful city. Some attractions may have shorter hours during these seasons, but with a little advance planning, you can adjust accordingly.
The Historic Area
Ask most travelers why they’ve come to Philadelphia, and they’ll likely cite the city’s rich history and its connection to the birth of the United States. Philadelphia is often referred to as “The Cradle of Liberty,” and you’ll experience goosebumps as you stand where the American forefathers stood centuries ago, making decisions that would shape the future of the nation.
If you’ve come for the history, start with Independence National Historic Park. Overseen by the U.S. National Park Service, this area includes several sites connected to the American Revolution and the birth of America. Begin your tour at the Independence Visitors Center, where you can grab brochures, use the restrooms, and pick up your free tickets for a tour of Independence Hall.
At Independence Hall, you’ll see the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776; where the design for the flag was agreed upon in 1777; where the Articles of Confederation were adopted in 1781; and where the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787.
Head across the street to view the famous Liberty Bell (no ticket necessary), an international symbol of freedom. Learn about the bell and how it got its famous crack.
Just a block away is the National Constitution Center, one of Philadelphia’s newest attractions. It helps visitors understand not only the history of the U.S. Constitution but also its relevance in today’s society. Kids, in particular, will enjoy the interactive exhibits here.
Ever wondered how coins are made? Head across the street to the U.S. Mint, one of only a few Mints in the United States. A free self-guided tour with narration explains the process of minting coins and provides insight into the history of certain commonly used coins. Both children and adults will be fascinated by the machines that produce these shiny treasures! (Tip: Cameras are not allowed inside the Mint, and no lockers are provided. Leave your camera elsewhere if you want to tour.)
Other notable historic attractions include Christ Church, an Episcopal house of worship where many early Philadelphians, including George and Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris, and Francis Hopkinson, attended services. The burial ground contains the graves of Franklin and his wife, among other famous colonial figures.
Also, make sure to stop at Franklin Court for more insight into the life of the eccentric Benjamin Franklin, and take a walk down Elfreth’s Alley, a national historic landmark and the oldest residential street in the nation! Across from Elfreth’s Alley is the Betsy Ross House, where the famous seamstress created the first American flag.
Museums
Philadelphia boasts a number of museums that could take days to explore, but several are absolute must-sees.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and best of its kind in the country. Founded in 1876, the museum’s permanent collection includes more than 225,000 pieces of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to armor, pottery, tapestries, and furniture. Since the 1970s, the museum has also been known for its role in the “Rocky” movies. In the first installment of the series, Rocky runs up the famous Art Museum steps. A statue of the movie character now sits outside the museum.
For families traveling with children, a visit to the Franklin Institute Science Museum is a must. Originally founded by Franklin in 1824, the current museum opened in 1934. Kids will enjoy a wealth of hands-on exhibits, including a walk-through heart, a real steam locomotive, airplanes, a lightning exhibit, and much more. The Franklin Institute also features special traveling exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a great Planetarium.
Other Philadelphia museums worth visiting include The African-American Museum, the Independence Seaport Museum, the Philadelphia History Museum (also known as the Atwater-Kent Museum), the macabre Mutter Museum (check out the strange medical anomalies here!), Norman Rockwell Museum, Rodin Museum, and The National Museum of American Jewish History.
Other Interesting Sites
If you’re visiting Philadelphia during a warmer time of the year, take a day to explore the amazing Philadelphia Zoo. The oldest zoo in the country, it opened in 1874 with just over 800 animals. Today, more than 1,600 furry, slimy, and winged residents call the zoo home, and over 1 million visitors enter its gates each year.
Philadelphia is also home to two nationally renowned musical venues. Opened in 1857, the Academy of Music is the oldest grand opera house in the nation still used for its original purpose. Visitors can enjoy performances by the Philadelphia Opera Company, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Philly Pops Orchestra. The Academy also hosts a series called Broadway at the Academy, presenting a full season of great Broadway musicals.
The Kimmel Center, the newest addition to Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene, opened in 2001 and cost $235 million to build! This concert venue, which occupies an entire city block, is home to the famed Philadelphia Orchestra and also hosts a variety of music, dance, and theatrical events.
Philadelphia is also home to two brand-new ballparks. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise, and the city’s MLB team, the Phillies, play at the new Citizens Bank Park. Sports fans will love both venues!
