Things to do in Philadelphia, PA

Founded in 1682 by William Penn, Philadelphia is a bastion of American history. The Declaration of Independence was signed here, along with a document known as the Constitution. Philadelphia even served as the nation's capital for 10 years while D.C. was under construction. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home to the iconic "Rocky stairs") are just a few of the many symbols of Philadelphia's long, rich history scattered throughout the city. Visitors would do well to consider the Philadelphia CityPASS option, which grants them access to most of Philly's major attractions over the course of nine days.

Philadelphia cuisine is a flawless synthesis of Italian and American styles. Though the dining scene in Philly was markedly bleak during and following the World War II era, it experienced what locals think of as a Renaissance in the 1970's, and from this emerged some of America's most iconic foods. Foremost among them: the cheesesteak. Pat's King of Steaks (the alleged birthplace of the cheesteak) and Geno's Steaks are the most legendary cheesesteak joints in the city. Knowing how to order as a visitor is crucial to avoiding local scorn. Never ask for a...  

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Founded in 1682 by William Penn, Philadelphia is a bastion of American history. The Declaration of Independence was signed here, along with a document known as the Constitution. Philadelphia even served as the nation's capital for 10 years while D.C. was under construction. The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home to the iconic "Rocky stairs") are just a few of the many symbols of Philadelphia's long, rich history scattered throughout the city. Visitors would do well to consider the Philadelphia CityPASS option, which grants them access to most of Philly's major attractions over the course of nine days.

Philadelphia cuisine is a flawless synthesis of Italian and American styles. Though the dining scene in Philly was markedly bleak during and following the World War II era, it experienced what locals think of as a Renaissance in the 1970's, and from this emerged some of America's most iconic foods. Foremost among them: the cheesesteak. Pat's King of Steaks (the alleged birthplace of the cheesteak) and Geno's Steaks are the most legendary cheesesteak joints in the city. Knowing how to order as a visitor is crucial to avoiding local scorn. Never ask for a "cheesesteak," simply walk in and decide which cheese you want and whether or not you'd like onions. If you're at Pat's or Geno's, the only correct cheese is the Chese Whiz you grew up with, and your preference for onions, or not, is indicated by stating either "with" or "without. The order should sound something like, "Whiz with." If you want no cheese and no onions, simply say, "Without." Easy enough. 

Philadelphia has more public art than any city in the country; it's free, it's beautiful, and it's everywhere. And if you're looking for public art, don't forget to look up. Several thousand walls are covered in murals, owing largely to the fact that the Mural Arts Program commissioned the large-scale paintings both to beautify the city and discourage graffiti. Center City is your best bet for public statues, though Fairmount Park and the neighboring Laurel Hill Cemetery have their share, as well. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, which features works by the renowned mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, cultivates a distinctly folk-art vibe in a labyrinthine setting. Note that there is a fee to visit the Magic Gardens, though Zagar's works can be seen in countless public spaces throughout Philadelphia.

If baseball is an icon of American culture, then the Philadelphia Phillies are an icon of baseball. Founded in 1883, the Phillies are the oldest team in professional sports. The fact that they've never switched cities or changed names only serves to intensify the devotion of locals. Philly is also home to the Eagles, who play at Lincoln Financial Field (known affectionately as "the Linc" by Philadelphians). Philadelphia is just one of a handful of American cities where all four major sports teams play within its boundaries, so it's no surprise that sports fandom is deeply engrained in the city's culture.

Philadelphia is a set of complicated and, in many ways, very strict liquor laws, which can at times be frustrating. However, the fact that supermarkets and gas stations don't sell alcohol means that bars and pubs are often the best choice for a cold one, and as such, Philly's bar scene is outstanding. Rittenhouse Square, Old City and Manayunk are the most popular neighborhoods for bar hopping, with a strong offering of dive bars and clubs alike. Craft beer culture has a serious grip on Philadelphia, which claims for itself the title of "America's Best Beer-Drinking City." For the tightest concentration of beer bars and restaurants, set out for Northern Liberties, Fishtown and East Passyunk. 

Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia stands abreast with Boston when it comes to discussing the most historically significant US cities. After all, this is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted, revised and signed. Additionally, it was in Philadelphia's Tun Tavern that the very first marines were recruited in 1775, and the city even served a turn as the nation's capital from 1790-1800 while Washington, DC was under construction. It's safe to say that this has been a place of forward thinking since its founding in 1682. After all, William Penn anticipated the tenants of modern urban planning with his earliest layouts for "The City of Brotherly Love," calling for a rectilinear street grid and five prominent public squares. Obviously, he was onto something, as even with today's heavy automobile traffic, Philly has always been easily navigable. Economically, as an early rail, shipping and textile center, Philadelphia's industrial roots run deep and it prospered greatly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the first half of the 20th century saw many large manufacturers pack up and move their operations to the Deep South, ever-resilient Philly rebounded and currently, major...  Read more »

Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia stands abreast with Boston when it comes to discussing the most historically significant US cities. After all, this is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted, revised and signed. Additionally, it was in Philadelphia's Tun Tavern that the very first marines were recruited in 1775, and the city even served a turn as the nation's capital from 1790-1800 while Washington, DC was under construction. It's safe to say that this has been a place of forward thinking since its founding in 1682. After all, William Penn anticipated the tenants of modern urban planning with his earliest layouts for "The City of Brotherly Love," calling for a rectilinear street grid and five prominent public squares. Obviously, he was onto something, as even with today's heavy automobile traffic, Philly has always been easily navigable. Economically, as an early rail, shipping and textile center, Philadelphia's industrial roots run deep and it prospered greatly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Although the first half of the 20th century saw many large manufacturers pack up and move their operations to the Deep South, ever-resilient Philly rebounded and currently, major companies like Comcast, Lincoln Financial and Sunoco make their homes here. Today, if visitors pay close attention as they set out from their hotels, they'll discover that this is a place with multiple personalities. On the one hand, there's the old-fashioned gentility, unequivocally proud of the city's long, storied history. This is what you'll find at Independence Mall and its surrounding blocks, billed as "America's most historic square mile." You'll also find it in the gentrified lanes and historic buildings of Old City and Society Hill, particularly along Elfreth's Alley, said to be the country's oldest residential street. While pretty homes, cobblestone streets and grand halls are nice, there's an edgier brand of hubris as well. You've seen it before – Sylvester Stallone captured it in Rocky. Here, you work hard, and you earn what you get. Nowhere is this more evident than in South Philly, where the public markets bustle every day and those who "work for living" line up at places like Pat's and Geno's for cheese steaks. And when the day's tasks are done, they take their leisure pursuits just as seriously. They play hard and appreciate hard play, and it's somewhat fitting that the home venues for the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers and 76ers are in South Philly. Finally, there's a newer, trendier personality, spurred by a recent influx of 20- and 30-something professionals with keen fashion sense, a taste for innovative cookery and an affinity for cool things to do. Their influence is most apparently felt on the restaurant and nightlife scenes. Once Rittenhouse Square was THE place to go for fine food and hot nightspots; by and large, that's still the case, but it's handy to note that hip little pockets of BYOB restaurants, lounges, dance clubs and music venues have seemingly developed all over the city, from Old City and Northern Liberties to Chestnut Hill and the Graduate Hospital neighborhood.