Philadelphia PennsylvaniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO

Eastern State Penitentiary offers visitors an interactive self-guided audio tour through a historical prison facility, including a glimpse into Al Capone's cell. This well-preserved institution features varied art installations amidst authentic cell blocks, creating a haunting yet educational atmosphere that showcases early American prison reform.

Reading Terminal Market presents an eclectic mix of food stalls offering everything from Amish baked goods to international cuisine. Visitors can explore the vibrant selection of desserts and fresh produce in this bustling indoor market that has been a Philadelphia institution since 1893.

The Liberty Bell stands as an iconic symbol of American independence, housed in its own dedicated center within Independence National Historical Park. Visitors can admire the famous crack and learn about the bell's journey from functional object to beloved national treasure through interactive exhibits and knowledgeable guides.

Independence Hall welcomes visitors to the very room where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers guided tours through its hallowed chambers, allowing guests to stand where the Founding Fathers shaped the nation.

The Rocky Steps and Statue offer visitors a chance to recreate the famous training montage from the beloved film series. Tourists can pose with the bronze Rocky Balboa statue at the bottom before running up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a triumphant view of the city skyline.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses an impressive collection spanning 2,000 years of artistic achievement across diverse cultures and mediums. Visitors can explore galleries featuring Renaissance masterpieces, Asian treasures, modern works, and the nearby Rodin Museum, which contains the largest collection of the sculptor's works outside France.

Fairmount Park encompasses 9,000 acres of green space housing some of Philadelphia's most beloved attractions including the Philadelphia Zoo, Boathouse Row, and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Visitors can enjoy landscaped gardens, walking trails, historic mansions, and recreational activities throughout this vast urban park system that serves as the city's green lungs.

The Philadelphia Zoo, America's first true zoological garden, delights visitors with innovative animal habitats and conservation programs across its 42-acre Victorian garden-like setting. Guests can observe more than 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered, while exploring unique features like Zoo360, an animal trail system that allows animals to travel throughout the zoo.

The Mutter Museum showcases an eccentric collection of medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and antique equipment that highlights the fascinating history of medicine. Visitors can view extraordinary exhibits including a sliver of Albert Einstein's brain, a cast of the conjoined Chang and Eng Bunker, and the Chevalier Jackson Collection of 2,374 swallowed objects removed from patients.

The Franklin Institute engages visitors with hands-on exhibits exploring physics, astronomy, technology, and the human body in one of America's oldest and most respected science museums. Guests can walk through a giant human heart, experience the Fels Planetarium, and enjoy rotating special exhibitions that make complex scientific principles accessible and entertaining for all ages.

Shofuso Japanese House transports visitors to traditional Japan with its meticulously crafted 17th-century-style house and stunning garden landscape. Guests can admire the ceremonial tea house, stroll through peaceful gardens with cherry blossoms in spring, and feed colorful koi in the serene pond that reflects the elegant architecture.

Sister Cities Park offers a delightful urban oasis featuring playful water attractions including ten geysers honoring Philadelphia's sister cities and a multi-level pool with push-button water jets. Families can enjoy the Children's Discovery Garden, a boat pond, and a stream inspired by Wissahickon Valley Park, with the convenience of on-site cafes and clean restrooms.

Boathouse Row dazzles visitors with its picturesque line of Victorian boathouses along the Schuylkill River, beautifully illuminated with outline lighting at night. These historic structures house prestigious rowing clubs dating back to the 19th century, offering a glimpse into Philadelphia's long-standing rowing tradition while providing one of the city's most photographed and romantic vistas.

Smith Memorial Playground delights young visitors with its 100-year-old giant wooden slide and 6.5 acres of outdoor play space designed specifically for children. Families with toddlers and preschoolers can explore the mansion's three floors of indoor activities and the expansive outdoor playground featuring age-appropriate equipment in a beautiful setting within East Fairmount Park.

The Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside of Paris, including a bronze cast of his masterpiece "The Thinker" prominently displayed in the outdoor garden. Visitors can admire over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters in this elegant Beaux-Arts building and its formal French garden, experiencing the emotional power and revolutionary artistic approach that made Rodin the father of modern sculpture.