What to do and see in Pennsylvania, United States: The Best Government Buildings

August 10, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Washington County Courthouse, Independence Hall, City Hall Visitor Center, Pennsylvania State Capitol, Old City Hall, Westmoreland County Courthouse, United States Mint, United States Custom House, Northumberland County Courthouse, National Archives at Philadelphia.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania

1. Washington County Courthouse

1 S Main St, Washington, PA 15301-6813 +1 724-228-6700 http://www.washingtoncourts.us/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Washington County Courthouse

2. Independence Hall

Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215-965-2305 http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/independencehall.htm
Excellent
64%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 8,956 reviews

Independence Hall

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.

3. City Hall Visitor Center

1 Penn Square Room 121, Philadelphia, PA 19107 +1 267-514-4757 http://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/CityHall
Excellent
54%
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7%
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4.5 based on 1,387 reviews

City Hall Visitor Center

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!

4. Pennsylvania State Capitol

Third Street ird Street d Street Street reet et, Harrisburg, PA 17101 +1 800-868-7672 http://www.pacapitol.com
Excellent
77%
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4.5 based on 940 reviews

Pennsylvania State Capitol

Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was “the handsomest building I ever saw”. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.

Reviewed By Davidcarmytraveler - Coventry, United States

This is second PA Capitol as the first one was destroyed. This one took 4 years to build and is much the other brand building from the gilded age. 23 carat gold covers a lot and the mosaic tiles that make up the floor are true art. The senate and house chambers are beautiful and make sure to see the Governor’s Reception room for a pictorial story of William Penn. The inside and outside are simply beautiful and truly a historic landmark and priceless work of art. The stained glass, French marble, chandeliers, and art work are worth the free tour for sure. Make sure to visit the welcome center for some interactive fun for the kiddos.

5. Old City Hall

Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19106 +1 215-597-8974 http://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/oldcityhall.htm
Excellent
43%
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4.5 based on 96 reviews

Old City Hall

Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States

Old City Hall is located on Fifth and Chestnut, right inside Independence National Historic Park and once served as Philadelphia's first City Hall. Admission is free and there are rangers available to answer questions. There was a guided tour, but we did not have the time available to do it. It is built in a style that is very similar to Congress Hall.

6. Westmoreland County Courthouse

2 N Main St, Greensburg, PA 15601-2405
Excellent
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4.5 based on 26 reviews

Westmoreland County Courthouse

Reviewed By pastordorich - Trafford, United States

Very beautiful arcitecture, however you are not permitted to take photographs. Its worth visiting. Also as you enter, be prepared to empty your pockets for the security people.

7. United States Mint

151 N Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106-1819 +1 215-408-0230 http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?action=philadelphia
Excellent
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4.0 based on 1,133 reviews

United States Mint

As close to the proverbial money-tree as you'll get. The U.S. Mint turns out 1.5 million coins per hour, and you can see how they do it.

Reviewed By deborahn562 - Philadelphia, United States

I brought my guests from England for a tour. They had no idea that the mint would be so interesting. The self guilding tour of the mint floor is great - you can set your own pace. We went near the end of the day and it was not crowded at all. The mezzanine exhibit space had many iteresting object to view.

8. United States Custom House

200 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2912 http://www.gsa.gov/portal/ext/html/site/hb/category/25431/actionParameter/exploreByBuilding/buildingId/399
Excellent
14%
Good
71%
Satisfactory
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4.0 based on 7 reviews

United States Custom House

9. Northumberland County Courthouse

201 Market St, Sunbury, PA 17801-3406 +1 570-988-4167 http://www.northumberlandco.org/
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3.5 based on 4 reviews

Northumberland County Courthouse

10. National Archives at Philadelphia

900 Market St Rm 1350, Philadelphia, PA 19107-4235 +1 215-597-3000
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

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