Philadelphia has always been a popular destination for Americans, especially families, who want to see and learn more about the early history of the United States. It’s a fascinating place with so much to do that you could easily fill a week with activities, from visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, to eating your way around Reading Terminal Market, and trying all of the exciting restaurants and breweries.
Enhance your trip with this one-stop travel guide to Philadelphia, featuring all the best hotels, neighborhoods, things to do, and places to eat and drink in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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What to Do in Philadelphia
Tourists in Philadelphia often start their exploration at Independence National Historic Park in Center City, where the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Constitution Hall are all concentrated. You can view the Constitution and Declaration of Independence in Constitution Hall and take a walk through the many Revolution-era buildings that have been restored and preserved.
In Philadelphia many of the main sights are within walking distance of the city center. You can visit the masterpieces of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the steps of which were made famous by Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. Then head over to JKF Plaza to see the famous LOVE statue.
Nearby is Reading Terminal Market where you can try a famous Roast Pork sandwich and find all kinds of delicious specialties to taste.
Don’t forget to head over to Passyunk Avenue to try an original Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich at Pat’s and Gino’s.
Plan ahead, book some of the tours that we mention in the guide below:
- Small-Group Historical Walking Tour of Colonial Philadelphia – book here
- Philadelphia Pub Crawl – book here
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
You’ll want to decide where to stay based on what you want to do in the city, but it’s a pretty safe bet to stay somewhere in Center City. It’s very easy to walk around the main attractions, the historical buildings, and the best shopping areas from that location.
Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in Philadelphia. You can use any of the links you wish to see reviews, prices, or to book your hotel (they are affiliate links from which we receive a small commission):
- Hotel Palomar ⇒ Read reviews | Check prices
- Sofitel Philadelphia ⇒ Read reviews | Check prices
- Hotel Monaco ⇒ Read reviews | Check prices
Travel Guide to Philadelphia
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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited 70+ countries.
Hey Laura, this is a great idea with the PDF to download! I remember Philadelphia from my trip 10 years ago, but I would go again and use your guide this time! 😀 Happy Travels
Well you won’t be disappointed. Philly has only gotten better over the years!
Sweet infographics! It’s a great tool to download on my iPhone and be able to consult on the fly!
Absolutely, Amelie. There are lots of others under Destinations!
Another great guide! I’d love to visit during the food and wine festival.
This is so handy! Great for a fast overview 🙂 and @Natasha, I’d love to visit during the food and wine festival as well.
Food & Wine Festivals are my favorite! Why not combine the two, right?!
We have a 6 hours in Philly tomorrow on our way back to Germany. Would we be able to realistically hit any of these spots and still make it back to the airport in time for our flight? I wouldn’t mind a classic Philly Cheese Steak!!!
I hope you did get out of the airport and see some stuff. It’s definitely doable to get around the city with a 3-4 hour layover.
I alway leave for a cheesesteak!!! No airplane food for me when Philly is layover LOL
Yeah, no way, Niki. I agree. Not when a cheesesteak is a possibility.
Thanks for sharing a great infographic about Philadelphia – I have not visited yet but it is definitely on my list. I don’t know what a cheese steak is but I will definitely have to find out!
Oh Anne, you’re really missing out! Cheese steak is one of the best sandwiches ever made.
cool looking design, infographics are powerfull. I want to see the rocky statue lol
This is perfect! Great way to summarize everything you need to know when travelling to Philly! We are thinking of exploring Pennsylvania this year so we’ll definitely be saving this!
That would be a fun trip, Carolann! Pennsylvania has a ton to offer.
It’s always good to know where I can find craft beer haha 😉 I don’t think Philadelphia is coming onto my travel path soon, but I’ll keep a copy of the pdf handy in case I do go for that US road trip!
Philadelphia is a bit off the path for visitors to the U.S., understandably. But just in case!
I love all the suggestions of the places to eat. I’ve only been to Philly twice but each time I’ve had incredible food. There’s some really diverse flavors there.
Yeah, I really think the food is improving every day in Philadelphia. It’s fantastic.
Salivating at the thought of that Philly Cheese Steak.
This is SOOOO cool! Love how you made it! Went to Philly a few years ago for a weekend with my sister and we loved every minute of our short trip!
Oh, I love the graphic. It is such a good overview and sometimes not many words are needed….Btw: Sofitel is always a good idea:)