Philadelphia is the most populous city in Pennsylvania and the fifth-most populous city in the country with a population of 1.5 million people. The city is also the economic and cultural anchor of the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, which is home to 6.1 million people and ranks as the fourth-largest in the United States.
The first thing you should do upon arrival in Philadelphia is to check into your hotel and then head out to explore the city. If you haven’t had the chance to look up accommodation, you will find something for every taste and budget, from cozy hostels to grand luxury hotels, like The Mansion on Delaware Avenue. But no matter where you stay, you will be able to reach the main attractions easily, as most of them are located in the historic center of Philadelphia, within the Independence National Historical Park.
If you are about to visit the wonderful Philadelphia and found yourself diving into research about all the different attractions, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed. After all, Philadelphia is one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in America.
So, how can you narrow down your choices and make sure you have a memorable trip? Here are some priceless tips on how to make the most of your trip to Philadelphia, followed by a list of the most interesting spots in town:
- Do your research: take some time to read up on Philadelphia’s history and culture. This will give you a better sense of what the city has to offer and help you decide which attractions are most interesting to you.
- Make a list: Once you have an idea of what you want to see, make a list of the top attractions you don’t want to miss. This will help you stay organized and make the most of your time in Philadelphia.
- Get a map: A good map will be your best friend during your trip. Pick up a map of the city, and use it to plan your days. This will help you make sure you hit all the highlights, and avoid getting lost!
- Book a professional Philadelphia Limo Service: If you’re in Philly for a very special getaway – why not get a limo? An experienced local chauffeur will take all the hassle out of getting around Philadelphia. He will know all the best routes and can help you make the most of your time in the city, while you take in the sights in comfort.
- Have fun: Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Philadelphia is a great city with plenty to offer. Relax, and enjoy your trip!
Now, getting back to 1. and 2., we have created a list of the most interesting things you can do while you’re in town. Keep scrolling for it:
Visit the Philadelphia Zoo – The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and is home to a variety of animals.
Explore Fairmount Park – This sprawling park is one of the largest urban parks in the country and offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Take a tour of the historic district – The historic district is a great place to learn about the city’s rich history. There are a variety of tours available that will take you to some of the most popular historical sites.
Check out this video to get a glimpse of the historic district:
Visit the Please Touch Museum – This children’s museum is a great place for families to spend a day. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits that will keep kids entertained for hours.
Eat out – Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, but there are plenty of other delicious local cuisine options to try. Be sure to sample some of the city’s signature dishes while you’re in town. Some of the most appreciated eateries are Reading Terminal Market, Di Bruno Brothers, and cheesesteak shops on South Street.
Shop local – Philly is home to a variety of unique shops. Be sure to browse the shelves at some of the city’s best-loved stores, such as Elfreth’s Alley, Pennsylvania General Store, and Franklin Fountain.
Visit a local attraction – When planning a trip to Philadelphia, it is important to consider what attractions will be of interest. There are many different Philly attractions available to tourists, and narrowing down the choices can be tough. To help make the decision process easier, here are some of the top Philly attractions that should not be missed:
Independence Hall – This historic building is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. Today, it is a museum that is open to the public for tours.
The Liberty Bell – The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of American freedom. It is located in Independence National Historical Park, just steps away from Independence Hall.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art – One of the largest museums in the United States, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Philadelphia Museum of Art. Photo by Andrew Adams on Unsplash.comThe Barnes Foundation – The Barnes Foundation is an art museum that houses an impressive collection of post-impressionist and early modern paintings.
Eastern State Penitentiary – This former prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It offers tours that provide insight into the prison’s history and its role in the American justice system.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, planning ahead is the key to a stress-free experience. It will save you time and energy to be able to relax and fully enjoy your trip.
So, find plane tickets ahead of time, so that you can be sure to get the best deal. You’ll also have some time to prepare all the papers and other requirements if you’re coming from another country.
Then, book a room in a nice hotel. That way, you can be sure to have a comfortable place to stay. You can even find some great deals if you book in advance.
And finally, get your Philly itinerary ready! Oh, and don’t forget: when in doubt, ask your chauffeur for suggestions. He will be more than happy to help you make the most of your time in the city.
Have a great trip!
Karen works for a big hedge fund, she’s awesome with numbers and loves what she does, but above all – she loves traveling. Whenever she’s on the road, she tries to get into the gritty tiny details of every location she explores.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram