With a rich history dating back to William Penn’s founding in 1682, Philadelphia is a must-see destination for anyone visiting North America. This City of Brotherly Love*, birthplace of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, is revered by many Americans as the birthplace of their country.
With its charming, tree-lined streets, this lovely city is the ideal place to watch the seasons change as summer gives way to fall. Aside from the especially vibrant foliage at this time of year, there is plenty to see in this cosmopolitan city, with options for foodies, art lovers, and historians alike. Before you go exploring, leave your excess luggage at a luggage storage facility like Use bounce so you can walk around the city as soon as you arrive.
Check out our list of the top five things to do in Philadelphia.
Independence National Historical Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were written and signed. The park represents the ideals of America’s Founding Fathers, representing freedom and democracy.
The Liberty Bell, formerly known as the Old State House Bell, stands opposite Independence Hall. This cracked bell, which represents American independence, may be silent, but its message is clear: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, known for its iconic steps made famous by the scene in “Rocky,” is one of the country’s finest art museums. The extensive collection of works includes antiquities from all over the world as well as contemporary art.
Visitors from all over the world jog up the stairs, pumping their fists at the top, to recreate their Rocky Balboa moment. This must-see museum should be on everyone’s list, with stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at the summit and a bronze Rocky statue to greet you when you return.
Reading Terminal Market
The 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market, which has survived two world wars and the Great Depression, is one of the city’s gourmet hotspots, catering to office workers, tourists, and locals alike. Diners can enjoy meals from a wide range of restaurants from around the world, including Thai, Mexican, Greek, and Indian, thanks to its indoor seating. Take advantage of the opportunity to try the city’s most famous sandwich, the Philadelphia cheesesteak, while browsing housewares, crafts, and jeweler.
Eastern State Penitentiary
This castle-like former prison is only a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is one of the city’s most interesting excursions. The Eastern State Penitentiary, which closed in the early 1970s, is home to Al Capone’s prison cell, with its creepy Gothic-style architecture. Visitors can now tour the facilities while viewing some of the site-specific artists’ contemporary art installations.
Barnes Foundation
Despite its small size, many consider the Barnes Foundation to be a world-class museum. Its permanent collection includes paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse, as well as an impressive collection of French masterpieces ranging from impressionist to early modernist.
The Barnes Foundation is a beautifully designed, contemporary space that also displays American paintings, Native American decorative arts, and African sculpture.
With all of these sights to see, there will be plenty to do and see in Philadelphia!