Location: City Center West
Top Things to do in City Center West
10 Things to do in City Center West That You Shouldn't Miss
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
Restaurants in Philadelphia
1. Urban Outfitters Inc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Christianmom5 - Osceola, United States
Stephanie met my husband and I for a tour of the neighborhood and 9th St. Market. I was impressed first of all that they didn’t cancel the tour, since we were the only ones and I had bought discount tickets. Stephanie was happy to show us around “her neighborhood”. We loved the art and mosaics, a little history, and then the market. We had several samples, carefully arranged, and enjoyed the yummy treats! Good luck to you, Stephanie, as you move to Denver! Thanks for sharing your love of Philly with us!
2. First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia
3. Academy of Music
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Philly Pops.
Reviewed By mschowhound - Sewell, United States
This is such a beautiful venue! Located on Broad Street in the heart of Center City with plenty of parking available in the area. The staff was friendly and helpful. There is an elevator if needed. Comfortable seating and refreshments are available.
4. City Hall Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,387 reviews
Located in the true center of Philadelphia, the City Hall Visitor Center allows visitors to experience one of the City’s most iconic buildings. Our knowledgeable Visitor Services Representatives offer visitor essentials including maps, brochures, souvenirs and trip itineraries. Interior and Tower Tours of this architectural treasure are available.
Reviewed By WuzA-Fergie - Bethlehem, United States
I’ve always admired the architectural beauty of this building, and I’ve wanted to do the “Building Tour” (which includes the Tower tour) for a long time. Our tour guide was Walker, and he was very knowledgeable about the history of the building. He took us outside to see statues, the courtyard, and different historical vantage points of the building. Inside, there are many murals depicting events relevant to the history of Philadelphia, as well as beautiful meeting rooms . It was a gorgeous day to visit the Tower, and the views were spectacular! A word of warning though- the elevator to the top is extremely small, and an only fit 4 people at a time. I’d highly recommend this trip!
5. InterAct Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
6. Masonic Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
"The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania" is an example of elegant architecture. Inside, the lodge is adorned with lovely artwork.
Reviewed By PMahdis
We had run out of things to do and decided to give a tour here a shot. It was 1 hour long. If you expected to be treated like a tourist customer entitled to prod and demand things, maybe this is not the tour for you. I read some of the "terrible" ratings and things like not answering questions about the masons is maybe to be expected otherwise it would not be a secret society. 14 Presidents were Masons. This is an impressive building built by masons for masons. They allow the public in under watch by a tour guide. It is one of the strongest memory forming things I did in Philly.
7. Mutter Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,711 reviews
This museum, located at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, is one of the finest medical history museums in America. The Mütter Museum is a 19th century style cabinet museum displaying medical artifacts such as anatomical specimens and medical instruments. Marvel at the beauty and strangeness of the human body. NOTICE FOR 2017: There will be no elevator access to the Mütter Museum for all of January and February 2017. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, home of The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, will be installing a new elevator from January 1st, 2017. Our new elevator will drastically improve access to our collections and events and visitors will be able to enjoy regular access as of early March, 2017. From January 1st - end of February, anyone unable to navigate stairs will not be able to get into our building. There will not be a ramp. Additionally, due to installation of an exciting new exhibit, access to the gallery currently hosting our Vesalius exhibit will be restricted from mid-January until early March, 2017. More details about this new exhibit will be released shortly. We apologize sincerely for any and all inconvenience that this will inevitably cause, however this vital and important maintenance to our historic building will greatly enhance our visitor experience going forward. Thank you so much for your patience.
Reviewed By kyt2013 - Houston, United States
A visit to the Mutter Museum was recommended by several of my friends, & it was definitely worth the visit. Being in the medical field, I found the exhibits fascinating (it's interesting to think of these exhibits as important to how physicians used to learn in years gone by). The adjoining medicinal plant garden was in bloom when we visited -- very peaceful & beautiful. Because it is a small museum, it can get crowded -- timed entries help with this (i.e., purchasing timed tickets ahead of time). I would also recommend checking the museum's website to ensure that you know that exhibits will include wax models, skeletal specimens, & wet specimens (both normal & pathologic) as these may be disturbing for some.
8. Rittenhouse Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 840 reviews
People-watching is the favorite pastime at this busting park, with loads of benches to accommodate weary pedestrians.
Reviewed By David-KevinB - Washington DC, United States
Planned by William Penn himself, Rittenhouse Square is a fantastic park in the heart of downtown. Surrounded by apartments, hotels, restaurants and shops, the green space is a great respite and more often than not, features a musician or two near its entrances. #rittenhousesquare
9. Rosenbach Museum and Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
The Rosenbach Museum & Library seeks to inspire curiosity, inquiry, and creativity by engaging broad audiences in exhibitions, programs and research based on its remarkable and expanding collections. With an outstanding collection of rare books, manuscripts, furniture, and art, the Rosenbach is a museum and world-renowned research library, set within two historic 1865 townhouses, that reflects an age when great collectors lived among their treasures.
Reviewed By AlecPlotkin - West Chester, United States
Museum was a book lovers heaven. Admission was inexpensive and included a tour and Dracula and Frankenstein exhibit. The tour was of the library of the Rosenbachs which included many rare and interesting books. Handicapped accessible.
10. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
A dazzling museum, as much for its interior design as for its collection.
Reviewed By ArriveWith5 - Philadelphia, United States
Historic art gallery and school steps away from convention center. We were fortunate to see the exhibit ‘FROM THE SCHUYLKILL TO THE HUDSON: LANDSCAPES OF THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC which chronicled influence of Philadelphia art on Hudson school. The permanent collection features mostly American art from 18th- and 19th century and housed in the beautiful Frank Furness’s Historic Landmark Building which combines a range of architectural details with Moorish, Victorian, and Gothic features. One of our favorite exhibits were once that featured art work from recent and past students and faculty of the school. Perfect sized museum for kids as you can spend 2-3 hours and see majority of exhibits. Also, children under 12 can view museum for free.
