Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Philadelphia

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Philadelphia

Philadelphia was founded by representatives of the Quaker Christian movement on the site of an old Swedish settlement. In the early years of the city’s existence, immigrants from various European countries came here. In 100 years the city became one of the largest North American colonies.

Philadelphia is known to the whole world due to the fact that here in 1776 the independence of the United States of America was proclaimed. The main sights are connected with this grandiose event: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, National Constitution Centre. The entire history of the city is imbued with the spirit of freedom, democracy and civil society.

Also in Philadelphia there are museums and galleries, which exhibit valuable works of art. Their rich collections attract a considerable number of tourists every year.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Philadelphia

Independence Hall

 0/5

The Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Today, the building is part of the historic park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The structure was built in 1753, designed by E. Woolley and E. Hamilton in the Gregorian style. After the reconstruction in 1820, Independence Hall acquired the features of classicism, but in 1950 it was returned to its historical appearance.

Liberty Bell

 4.6/5

21075 reviews

One of the main symbols of the struggle for freedom. In 1776, the bell rang to summon the citizens of Philadelphia for the announcement of the Declaration of Independence. The total weight of the bell is about 950 kg, its diameter is 3.7 metres. Since 1976, it has been placed in a specially built pavilion (previously the bell was located in one of the halls of Independence Hall). The bell is struck 13 times each year on Independence Day, 4 July.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Philadelphia City Hall

 4.6/5

1226 reviews

The Town Hall was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to a design by D. MacArthur Jr. in the architectural style of the Second Empire. It was planned that this building would be the largest in the world, but while still under construction it was surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. The Town Hall is crowned with an 11 metre high statue of the city’s founder W. Penn. The structure is listed as a National Historic Landmark in the United States.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Eastern State Penitentiary

 4.7/5

1848 reviews

The prison existed from 1829 to 1969. Many famous criminals were held there. Until 1993 the prison buildings stood in disrepair, in 1994 a museum was opened on the territory, which is now visited by several tens of thousands of people a year. In 1929 the famous gangster Al Capone was imprisoned here. Tourists can see his cell, elegantly furnished with wooden furniture.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

 4.6/5

4530 reviews

The romantic name “Magic Gardens” is given to an unusual house located on a city street. Its walls are completely covered with pieces of tile and glass, and the courtyard is a bizarre labyrinth with staircases, grottoes and terraces. The avant-garde artist I. Zagar, who lived in Latin America for a long time, had a hand in creating this amazing place.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Philadelphia Museum of Art

 4.8/5

19776 reviews

The gallery was founded in 1876. Its opening was timed to coincide with the World’s Fair, which coincided with the centenary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1928, the museum has been housed in a monumental classical building on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Its collection contains more than 200,000 works of art from different continents. The museum has research laboratories and a library.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:45 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Franklin Institute

 4.6/5

12614 reviews

The politician and leader of the War of Independence in the USA B. Franklin was also a good inventor. It was his works that formed the basis of the museum collection of the Franklin Institute. Also here are presented inventions of scientists of XVIII – XX centuries and innovative technologies of the present day. The museum has a planetarium and a Dinosaur Hall, which will be especially interesting for visitors with children.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Barnes Foundation

 4.7/5

3642 reviews

The Foundation is a museum and art school. It was founded in 1922 by collector and inventor A. C. Barnes in the Philadelphia suburb of Merion. K. Barnes in the Philadelphia suburb of Merion. In the 1990s, the foundation was moved to the centre of the city as the original location proved unsuccessful. The museum exhibits a collection of French paintings from the 19th to 20th centuries, including works by Matisse, Cézanne, and Renoir. There are also ancient artefacts and decorative arts from the Americas and Europe.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Rodin Museum

 4.6/5

1488 reviews

The museum’s collection is dedicated to the work of the French sculptor O. Rodin, who made an invaluable contribution to world art. In addition to the master’s works, the gallery exhibits engravings, letters and books. The idea to found the museum belonged to the philanthropist J. Mastbaum, who collected works by Rodin and wanted to donate his collection to the city. Unfortunately, he never lived to see it open in 1929.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

 4.6/5

5447 reviews

A natural science museum dedicated to medical pathologies, located at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In addition to biological exhibits (preserved organs and tissues), it displays antique equipment and wax models. The collection was created for scientific purposes, but then it turned into a museum open to everyone.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Penn Museum

 4.7/5

2284 reviews

The museum’s collection consists of exhibits that were found during archaeological expeditions in the early 20th century. Scientists visited Africa, Mesopotamia, Latin America and East Asia, from where they brought back many interesting artefacts: mummies, Indian cult objects, musical instruments, antique coins and other antiquities. In total, there were about 400 such expeditions.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kimmel Cultural Campus

 4.8/5

3828 reviews

Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, where the local symphony orchestra performs. The building was constructed in 2001 according to the project of American architect R. Vignoli. The centre consists of two halls: the first seats 2.5 thousand spectators, the second 650. The main architectural element of the building is an impressive glass dome made up of several dozens of interconnected arches.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

 4.6/5

357 reviews

The Academy was founded in 1805 to promote and support the artistic arts by a group of Pennsylvania patrons and painters. In 1810, painting classes became operational, and in 1811 the museum organised its first exhibition. Toward the end of the 19th century, the academy moved into a two-storey mansion built in luxurious Victorian style. Today, this educational institution is considered one of the best in the field of art.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

University of Pennsylvania

 4.5/5

1532 reviews

The university was founded in the mid-18th century as a charitable school before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Its first head was Benjamin Franklin himself. The names of many political figures who played an important role in the history of the United States are associated with this educational institution. Some faculties and laboratories of the university are located in picturesque Gothic and Victorian buildings.

Open time

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

 4.8/5

1608 reviews

The church was built in 1846 on the model of the Lombard Church of St Charles in Rome. The building has distinctly classical features: a row of Corinthian columns on the central façade, a triangular pediment and a round central dome. The interior decoration is luxurious and varied: the ceiling is mosaic, the dome over the altar is made of Italian marble, and the pews are made of walnut.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Masonic Temple

 4.8/5

902 reviews

The headquarters and principal temple of the Grand Lodge of Masons of Pennsylvania, which receives thousands of visitors annually. Meetings of the order are regularly held here. The building was constructed in 1873, designed by H. D. Norman in the Neo-Renaissance style. The unusual architecture and rich interior make the Masonic Temple one of the most picturesque in Pennsylvania. Moreover, it is a National Historic Landmark.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Christ Church

 4.6/5

414 reviews

The church was built in the 18th century in the Gregorian style, modelled on London churches. Back in the colonial era it became an important spiritual centre of the state, as it was often visited by prominent political figures: D. Washington, B. Franklin, T. Jefferson, as well as 15 patriots and revolutionaries who later signed the Declaration of Independence of the United States. B. Franklin’s grave is located in the church cemetery.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

National Constitution Center

 4.6/5

2487 reviews

A museum dedicated entirely to the American Constitution. Its collection consists of photographs, texts and presentations about the history of this document and its importance to the entire nation. The museum halls are imbued with a spirit of patriotism that is easily picked up even by foreign tourists. After viewing the collection, it becomes clear why Americans are instilled with active citizenship from childhood.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Betsy Ross House

 4.5/5

3297 reviews

It is believed that Betsy Ross was the author of the American flag (its first version, where 13 stars symbolising the states are arranged in a circle). Although many historians doubt that it was Betsy who came up with the design of the flag, no one officially refutes this version. In one of the town houses near the historical park there is a museum named after this woman. Her grave is located in the yard under a large elm tree.

Open time

Elfreth's Alley Museum

 4.6/5

4040 reviews

One of the oldest streets in the United States, which was built up between 1728 and 1836. It is also home to the old railway station. Each building is unique in its own way, all together they create the atmosphere of the past centuries and send the tourist back in time: to the colonial era, the first years of independence, as well as the difficult period of the Great Depression. Elfreth’s Alley is a National Historic Landmark.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Amtrak Philadelphia Train Station

 4.5/5

1454 reviews

The largest and busiest station in Pennsylvania, which receives dozens of trains from different US cities every day. The architecture of the building has some features of classical style, but in general the building looks grandiose and quite laconic. The station was erected in the 1930s. It became the last railway station that was designed in such a monumental manner.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Reading Terminal Market

 4.7/5

41005 reviews

A large indoor market where you can buy a variety of farm produce and prepared foods. There is also a large selection of seafood and delicacies produced by the Amish religious community. The market was once the site of a train station, so you can not only enjoy a delicious lunch, but also admire the historic interiors. Even if shopping isn’t on the agenda, the market is a pleasure to wander around.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Citizens Bank Park

 4.7/5

18232 reviews

Baseball stadium where the Philadelphia Phillies team plays. The arena was built to replace the old Veterans Stadium, which closed in 2004. The stands at Citizens Bank Park hold about 44,000 spectators. Next to the stadium there are sports grounds for American football, basketball and baseball. A large parking space and convenient access roads are organised for visitors.

Open time

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania

 4.8/5

2275 reviews

A park covering an area of 92 acres with exotic and rare plants. It is divided into four zones: rose garden, Japanese garden, English garden and swan lake. The landscape design of the park is created in Victorian style. Morris Arboretum is perfect for quiet walks with family or friends. To enjoy the beauty of nature, you should allocate a few hours to visit the park.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Philadelphia Zoo

 4.5/5

19933 reviews

The city zoo is considered to be the oldest in the USA – it was created in the early 19th century. Its territory is home to dozens of animal species from all over the world: pandas, polar bears, polar lions and other rare specimens. In total, more than 2000 animals live here. The animals are placed in spacious enclosures, thanks to which they feel quite free. The zoo has a comfortable infrastructure for visitors.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed