Location: Philadelphia
Top Things to do in Philadelphia
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA)
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. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
2. Liberty Bell Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,738 reviews
Though it can no longer be rung, the bell remains a lasting American symbol of freedom.
Reviewed By Southjp - London, United Kingdom
A must do!!! Visit very emotional and educational about the iconic symbol of American independence, set in the ruins of the colonial house.
3. Reading Terminal Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,685 reviews
Featuring over 80 concessions, this historic market has something for even the most eclectic of tastebuds.
Reviewed By normanandmarilyn - Caldicot, United Kingdom
This amazing market was all indoors and had every type of food offering you could possibly think of There was tables and chairs to sit at after you had chosen your wonderful food offering which went from Vegan to Chinese and from Pizza to Healthy
4. Independence Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,956 reviews
Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in this historic building.
Reviewed By jdc8mbc
This is a must-see attraction which requires a timed entry ticket which should be reserved way in advance, especially during holidays, spring break, and summer. We went in October and could not get tickets for our first-choice date, so we re-juggled our planned itinerary around the date for which we could get tickets to Independence Hall. It seems to us the first place to visit in Philadelphia is Independence Hall for people interested in American history. (If you're an art aficionado, then the Barnes would be the first stop in Philly.) The park ranger provided an informative overview and history of Independence Hall, after which we were allowed to roam and explore the Independence Square buildings. To get or pick-up reserved tickets, go to the modern Independence Visitor Center which across the street from the entrance to Independence Hall.
5. Christ Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 956 reviews
This church's congregation has included Ben Franklin, George Washington and Betsy Ross.
Reviewed By antoinettel389
Where else can you visit one building and find history about religion, politics, social events, presidents, founding fathers, Betsy Ross, the Penn family, see a letter written by George Washington, see the tallest building in the colonies for 56 years, the 600 year old baptisimal font used to baptise William Penn, sit in The Presidents Pew .....and much, much more. All the church historians are knowledgeable and friendly. They are always willing to take time to answer questions. As a tour guide in Historic Philadelphia for the past 20 years I have the opportunity to vist with our guest from throughout the world and for many it is the highlight of their tour. They most often mention the passion of the guides which brings the church history alive. A trip to Historic Philadelphia is incomplete without a visit to Christ Church.
6. Rodin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,443 reviews
With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters - including "The Thinker" - the distinguished collection housed in the Rodin Museum represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career. Located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the elegant Beaux-Arts–style building and garden offer an absorbing experience and the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris.
Reviewed By mininani - Madrid, Spain
A small museum plenty of beatiful sculptures, most from Rodin, in a very nice house sourrounded by a nice garden. The entrance fee is "pay what you wish" all the days, and it's on the way to the Museum of Art.
7. Independence Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,415 reviews
The Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center of Greater Philadelphia, primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park, and exclusive location to pick up free, timed tickets to tour Independence Hall. Our multilingual staff are fluent in twelve languages to help all visitors. Tickets for 100+ local tours, attractions, museums, are available for purchase. Free services and amenities offered here include: official Welcome Film of Philadelphia; maps and brochures; WiFi access; and public restrooms.
Reviewed By Larry10803 - Pelham, United States
Huge, very clean and well air conditioned Visitor Center next to Independence Mall. Great starting point for any visit, lots of brochures and info available. There are souvenir and snack shops within the building, as well as very clean bathrooms.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Please Touch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
Hands-on museum where adults and children can learn and explore together. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free.
Reviewed By pookala - Philadelphia, United States
Our family’s 3 year old toddler spent a fully engaged 4 hours at The Please Touch Museum. Her first stop was the large water play area, followed by the Alice in Wonderland play space. We took a break for lunch & I have to say the cafe and its operation were run really well. Staff in the cafe were very kind and helpful. Different dining areas are available & she was enchanted by the Teddy Bears Picnic murals in our room. Also props to Maintenance for keeping the mayhem of families eating under control. Tables were cleaned, floors swept etc. After lunch, more playtime. We did two carousel rides ($3 for one ride, $5 for unlimited), went to the transportation area, the supermarket, the hospital, a building section and a restaurant. The only dud was perhaps the shoe store. Finished with some more time back in the water zone. One of the nice things about Please Touch is it’s housed in a beautiful old building & even though it was an obviously very crowded time (week between Xmas & New Years) you didn’t feel overwhelmed by other guests.
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