Top 11 Attractions in Philadelphia

With a rich history as one of America's oldest cities, Philadelphia is an incredible destination for history buffs and those in search of historical sites. However, no one can claim that Philadelphia is living in the past: with an incredible art scene, some of the nation's best restaurants, plus lush parks and classical architecture, Philly is a great place for visitors of all ages to explore in any season.

From museums to parks, historical monuments and beautiful side streets that you can't miss, this guide will show you 11 of the top attractions in Philadelphia, allowing you to easily find what looks most appealing to your type of trip.

Wikimedia Commons / National Park Service / CC BY 2.0

Independence National Historical Park is one of Philadelphia top attractions and it’s one of America’s most historic and preserved areas still standing today.

This park features some of the most important sites of America’s Revolutionary War and visitors can explore historical sites such as:

Even without diving deeper into the importance of these attractions, the area itself is full of grand beauty and charm, making it an exceptional place for visitors of all ages.

If you do wish to learn more about its history, there are a number of walking and segway tours available with professional guides who can give you exciting facts and stories about each attraction.

Wikimedia Commons / Toniklemm / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Philadelphia City Hall is America’s largest and most historically significant city hall in operation today. For nearly a century it was also the tallest building in the city, until modern skyscrapers dominated the skyline.

Today, you can walk around and admire the gorgeous architecture, or take a tour inside during limited hours. Make sure to reach the peak of the tower, which is the city’s largest open-air viewpoint, for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Wikimedia Commons / ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0

Philadelphia’s Old City Hall originally housed the first US Supreme Court until 1800. It soon became the official city hall, only to be replaced by the larger and more intricately designed city hall that’s still in use today.

This is an essential stop for history buffs as it’s a beautiful and historic building, making it a great place to visit either for a quick photo or as part of a longer tour of the area.

Getty Images / John Cardasis

Fairmount Park is the city's largest park and one of the largest in the country and it's one of the best attractions in Philadelphia for travelers of all ages.

With over 2,000 acres to explore, you have endless biking paths and walking trails to explore alongside lush trees plus the Schuylkill River and East Park reservoir.

Along with its natural beauty, the park also features a number of historical mansions, gardens and activities like:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Philadelphia Zoo

• Please Touch Museum

• Boathouse Row

• Reading Terminal Market

• 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA

• Limited parking

Reading Terminal Market is one of America's oldest food vendor complexes and it's been one of the best attractions in Philadelphia since opening in the 1860s. Explore local vendors and try a number of authentic Pennsylvanian foods along with stores selling handmade crafts and gifts.

Wikimedia Commons / ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0

Penn’s Landing is an essential landmark for history buffs as it was where William Penn arrived to settle the Pennsylvania colony in 1682.

Today, it’s also a leading departure and arrival zone for cruises and ships. It’s also a wonderful place to simply relax and enjoy the views of the Delaware River and in some seasons, you’ll find unique decorations and festivities making it a worthwhile stop for any visitor.

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The Philadelphia skyline lights up beautifully at night and a dinner sunset cruise is the perfect way to soak up the amazing views.

Enjoy dinner, live music and unforgettable views with a ride along the Delaware River. With onboard entertainment like dancing and games, you can have an eventful evening combined with great meals and sights to take your trip to the next level.

Wikimedia Commons / Beyond My Ken / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is one of the city’s most iconic churches and it’s been inspiring visitors since opening in 1864.

While the church is still operational, you are welcome to explore on your own or take a guided tour to help you dive into the history of this architectural and spiritual landmark.

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Rocky Balboa is an iconic American movie character and you can visit the steps he famously trained on in the first film, right outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Along with the steps themselves, you’ll also find a Rocky Statue that was used in Rocky III on full display. This statue was gifted to the city by Sylvester Stallone and it can be a fun photo opportunity for those interested in the film and Philly’s iconic arts and culture.

Wikimedia Commons / Famartin / CC BY-SA 4.0

The Philadelphia Zoo was America’s very first zoo park and it remains one of the best in the country today.

With over 1,300 animal exhibits, ranging from penguins to tigers and a number of rare creatures, the Philadelphia Zoo is a great place for families with kids and people of all ages to explore and enjoy a natural break from the bustling city life.

Wikimedia Commons / Smallbones / Public Domain

Love Park, or John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a tiny but calming space that offers benches and a small assortment of trees. While the park itself is rather small and unassuming, the main attraction is Robert Indiana’s famous pop art LOVE sculpture, which has endlessly inspired other artists since 1970.

Take a photo next to the iconic sculpture and enjoy the lovely central fountain that also lights up at night. Along with park benches, there are also public bathrooms making this an ideal resting point when exploring the city on foot.

Wikimedia Commons / Rhonda McCloughan / CC BY-SA 4.0

Elfreth’s Alley is one of America’s oldest streets and you can wander endlessly along its charming brick buildings and beautifully decorated homes.

Since 1702, this street has been thriving with cultural and economic activity. While it’s mainly a residential area today, it’s also home to a number of fairs, tours and other seasonal events making it one of Philadelphia top things to do when visiting.

Stop by for some great photo opportunities or join a tour to get a deeper dive into the street's history and charm.

Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Philadelphia today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.