Location: City Center East
Top Things to do in City Center East
Things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Traveler Resources
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. Balch Institute of Ethnic Studies of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The guiding words as well as principles of the Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies are simple: diversity and tolerance. Exhibits focus on persons and accomplishments spanning many cultures.
2. Athenaeum of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
A non-profit library and historic site furnished with fine and decorative arts from the first half of the 19th century. Free exhibitions.
3. 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.
4. Science History Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives. We preserve and interpret the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices in California and Europe, the Institute houses an archive and a library for historians and researchers, a fellowship program for visiting scholars from around the globe, a community of researchers who examine historical and contemporary issues, an acclaimed museum that is free and open to the public, and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Reviewed By larryderm - Philadelphia, United States
An excellent museum that tells in a succinct and beautiful fashion the development of science and chemistry so that the non-scientist will understand the progress that has been made through chemistry.
5. Library Company of Philadelphia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
The Library Company of Philadelphia is an independent research library specializing in American history and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Open to the public free of charge, the Library Company houses an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art. Founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin, the Library Company is America's oldest cultural institution and served as the Library of Congress from the Revolutionary War to 1800. The Library Company was the largest public library in America until the Civil War. The mission of the Library Company is to preserve, interpret, make available, and augment the valuable materials in our care. We serve a diverse constituency throughout Philadelphia and internationally, offering comprehensive reader services, an internationally renowned fellowship program, online catalogs, and regular exhibitions and public programs.
Reviewed By CyndyandByron - Bridgeton, United States
We attended the opening of the Ghost River exhibit. The Library Company invited Native American guests who were consultants for the book. Mingling with the members allowed for a greater understanding of the good, the bad, and the ugly of colonization depicted in the book. We also got to see several old books and documents, The card catalog actually till exits for researchers who are big users of this location. The Elliott Bible, the first Bible transcribed in a Native American language, was available for viewing. A light appetizer and beverage spread was provided for the guests in the well maintained meeting rooms.
6. Civil War Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3 reviews
Temporarily Closed to Public; Museum is moving to new location.
7. Pennsylvania Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 305 reviews
This $522 million convention center has 440,000 square feet of exhibit space. Its draw, however, is more than its function; elegant on the outside and, in the inside, marvelously adorned with works by 52 artists, a flying design of steel and aluminum tubes spanning 70,000 square feet, a façade of the old Reading Railroad terminal and a 37 foot rotating electric guitar.
Reviewed By jschroyer1464 - Waynesboro, United States
Big place. Had 4 enormous gyms inside. We stayed right across the street, walked over then walked to Panera for lunch.
8. Library Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
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