Top Things to Do in Philadelphia

A simple fact about Philadelphia is that it a lively city that offers more of an experience rather than just a location. Located at the south-eastern edges of the state of Pennsylvania, this is a city where the urban culture blends with small-town charm. Philadelphia is also a city with deep roots in the formation of the United States of America and its constitution. On the travel front, there are so many things to do in Philadelphia that it is the perfect destination for all kinds of travellers.

On one hand, there’s the unique culture and rich history of the city that add to its character while on the other, there is a range of fun things to do in Philadelphia that make it a preferred travel destination. If you are planning a visit, here is a list of the most exciting things to do in Philadelphia to help you plan your trip: -

1. Visit the Liberty Bell

Visiting the Liberty Bell is one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia. It is considered to be the most prominent symbol of freedom throughout the world and was commissioned in the year 1752 by the Philadelphia Provincial Assembly to summon lawmakers to legislative assemblies and to inform the citizens of the same. The bell has since been a symbol of freedom and liberty in the USA.

One of the prime attractions in Philadelphia, the bell has played an important symbolic role in the history of the United States of America. Although the bell was not rung during the Congress’s vote for independence on the 4^th of July 1776, it was rung 4 days later at the reading of the Declaration of Independence of America.

The crack in the Liberty Bell is a feature that provides the bell with a history. The distinct crack is believed to have been created after it was rung for the death of Chief Justice John Marshal in 1835. Today, the bell is located at the Liberty Bell Centre, which is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia. The bell is proudly displayed as a symbol of Freedom, Liberty, and American Patriotism.

2. Visit the Rocky Statue

“Nobody owe nobody nothing” – these were the words of the legendary character Rocky Balboa played by the well-known Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone. However, you do owe it to yourself to visit the ‘Rocky’ statue if you’re in Philadelphia. The ‘Rocky’ statue is located towards the bottom right of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is one of the most popular points of interest in Philadelphia and one of the coolest things to see in Philadelphia. A bronze statue of Rocky Balboa was placed on the top of the stairs in the Rocky films and due to the media popularity, the authorities had the statue placed at the bottom of the stairs at the City Art Museum in 2006.

The stairs of the Museum have been featured in the Rocky franchise and gained fame in popular media. In fact, re-enacting the scene where Sylvester Stallone is training on those very stairs is considered as one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia. The statue is quite popular among tourists and almost every visitor to the City Art Museum opts for a photo with the bronze statue of the fictional boxer who is loved by everybody – Rocky Balboa.

3. Tour the Independence Hall

The Independence Hall is one of Philadelphia’s most important points of interests due to its integral role in the process of acquiring freedom for the United States of America. The Independence Hall is where both the American Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of America were created. The Independence Hall marks an event etched in history when 56 brave men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House in direct defiance of the British Crown, making it one of the most prominent attractions in Philadelphia. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can take guided tours of this Philadelphia tourist attraction.

One of the best things to do in Philadelphia includes checking out the various artefacts here. These artefacts are of great importance to American history, such as George Washington’s “Rising Sun” chair, arranged as it was during the Constitutional Conventions. The West Wing of the Independence Hall also holds the inkstand which was used in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The same wing also holds one of the most important documents of the 19^th century, the Constitution of the United States of America; Definitely among the best things to see in Philadelphia.

4. Visit the ‘Love’ Sculpture

The ‘Love’ sculpture in Philadelphia was famously created by Robert Indiana and first placed in the John F. Kennedy Plaza in the year 1976 and has spent most of its years here. The sculpture, a visit to which is among the popular things to do in Philadelphia, is a symbol of love and has been part of popular culture and media very often. Owing to the popularity of the sculpture, the Plaza is commonly known as the ‘Love Park’. The plaza where the sculpture is placed serves as a grand entrance for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the statue attracts plenty of tourists.

Originally placed in the park to commemorate the United States Bicentennial in 1976, the Love sculpture was removed after a brief period of 2 years. Due to the popularity of sculpture, the Philadelphia Art Commission purchased it and placed it right where it stands today. Clicking pictures with it is one of the most fun things to do in Philadelphia for couples.

5. Eat at the Reading Terminal Market

Another top thing to do in Philadelphia is visiting the Reading Terminal Market, which is the oldest farmer’s market in the United States, having first started operations in 1893. The market today is included in most Philadelphia city tours and packages for foodies and people looking to experience genuine American foods.

There is a wide variety of food options available at the Reading Terminal Market, right from simple and delicious soul foods to exotic and rather exciting food options from Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. This market is also a great place for tourists to have their chance at tasting the authentic Philly Cheesesteaks, which are a rage all over the United States.

The food runs in this market are unique experiences with some shops offering comfortable seating arrangements where one can enjoy the delicacies and have some great conversations. Strolling around the market, stopping by for exotic foods, buying handmade American quilts, and enjoying a slow-paced tour of the place is among the most fun things to do in Philadelphia for couples.

6. Explore the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Often referred to as America’s most artistic mile, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a rather interesting place to visit in Philadelphia. Some of the city’s and even the country’s most important institutions are located on this avenue, including the likes of the Barnes Foundation, Franklin Institute, Rodin Museum, and the most popular of them all, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Designed with inspiration from the Champs Elysees in Paris, the parkway is a delight to visit. The entrance to the park is at the John F. Kennedy Plaza, which is also colloquially known as the Love Park.

The Parkway offers an insight into the ocean of culture and history America holds here in Philadelphia. The institutions on the parkway offer unique experiences, which include an American history lesson at the Independence Hall, the largest collection of vivid impressionist and post-impressionist art outside of France, and a collection of a variety of sculptures from the famed artist, Auguste Rodin. Visiting the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is one of the most interesting things to do around Philadelphia and is definitely worth the time spent there.

Being a blend of rich culture, vivid art, and exotic cuisines, a visit to Philadelphia is an experience that lingers long after your trip. The city has plenty to offer when it comes to interesting places; and whatever your interest may be, you will have a plethora of things to do in and around Philadelphia!