A Local’s Guide to What to Do in Philadelphia

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Philadelphia has it all–rich history, outstanding food, world-class museums, and outdoor spaces that make you want to relax and stay a while. That’s part of what we love about this place we call home. You can visit multiples times and still find something new.

While it’s impossible to cover it all, we are highlighting spots not to miss in this guide of things to do in Philadelphia. We’ve focused on what makes Philly unique from its colonial history to its busy waterfront and artistic offerings. These are things we recommend to friends, places we take family when they come to visit, and sites where we love to go.

This guide is divided into three sections to cover the attractions Philly is most known for as well as other places worth visiting and our excellent food scene. They are:

  • Main sites to visit
  • More attractions we love
  • Eating and drinking

Because this is only one article on a whole site dedicated to the Philadelphia metro area, we have more in-depth articles on many of these topics. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Comment below, and we’ll do our best to help.

Let’s get into it!

Click the map icons for specific addresses.

Main sites to visit

This section is a combination of sites. It includes the locations that Philadelphia is most associated with–important historical sites–as well as several other places we consider must sees.

Tour Independence Hall

Two-story brick building with a clock tower and cupola.
Independence Hall in Old City

Visiting Independence Hall is undoubtedly one of the top things to do here. Walking through the building where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were adopted feels like the founding fathers just left. In fact, you’ll find one of George Washington’s chairs still in a prominent place.

The building itself is impressive, but the 20-minute guided tour is what brings everything to life. We’ve taken it multiple times and always learn something new. There are plenty of historical artifacts, and the Parks Service rangers can answer just about any question about the site. Tickets are just $1 and can be booked in advance. In busy periods, make sure to leave plenty of time for the security screening before the tour. Through the secure area, we also recommend visiting Congress Hall where the U.S. Congress met while Philly was the capital of the US.

If you want to know more about visiting, you can read our dedicated article here.

See the Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell with Independence Hall visible through the window.
The bell and its famous crack

Year-round, people line up to see this cracked symbol of liberty in its building adjacent to Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell museum has temporary exhibits with topics related to liberty–but not necessarily about the bell itself–like Civil Rights and women gaining the right to vote. If you want the express tour, make a beeline straight to the back of the building for the main attraction. While we think it’s worth seeing once, it is only a bell. So, if you don’t want to wait in line or go through security, head to the south side of the building where the bell is visible 24/7 and is lit at night.

There are other National Park sites to see in Old City, all of which are free to visit. They include:

  • Carpenters’ Hall — Home of the First Continental Congress where delegates like Patrick Henry voted to take a stand against the King of England. It’s a cool building and worth a few minutes if you’re a history nerd like us.
  • Second Bank of the United States — Now a portrait gallery, the bank houses more than 100 works by famed artist Charles Willson Peale. It’s probably best reserved for true art lovers or a day when the weather drives you inside.

Wander Elfreth’s Alley

Home with green door, shutters, and a wreath covered with the colonial American flag.
One of the historic doors of Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is one of the most colorful places around. Even though it’s only one block long, we always find ourselves wandering up and down multiple times looking at its brightly painted doors. There are often seasonal decorations, too, so the look of the street changes a bit throughout the year (Halloween and Christmas are really impressive).

The oldest residential street in the US, Elfreth’s Alley is still an active neighborhood. When you visit, stop by the museum that occupies 124-126. It’s been restored to its Colonial-era appearance and tells the history of the street and the tradesmen who lived here when it was first built. Even if you only have one day in Philadelphia, Elfreth’s Alley should be a brief stop.

Take a photo in LOVE Park

City square with a red LOVE statue in the center.
LOVE Park on a spring day

LOVE Park is a symbol of the city and worth a visit, especially if you’re in search of the afternoon food trucks that stop here in spring and summer.

Throughout the year, there are markets, pop-ups, and special events, including the city Christmas market. In the summer, water jets provide a place for people to cool off, and there are often lots of chairs and tables to make eating lunch or just hanging out a welcoming experience.

Sample your way through Reading Terminal Market

People walking by sign for "Reading Terminal Market."
Reading Terminal Market is a Center City attraction

We debated whether to put Reading Terminal Market in the “eating and drinking” section of this list, but it truly is one of the main places worth visiting in Philadelphia, so it’s here among the main sites. While tourists go to the market daily, it is definitely not a tourist trap, and locals love it.

Opened in 1893, Reading Terminal is the home of over 100 vendors who feed Philly every day. They offer cuisine from all over the world, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, flowers, and produce. Our favorite spots are Miller’s Twist for their buttery pretzels, Kismet Bialys for their onion-topped pastry, and Termini Brothers Bakery for pretty much everything. Lots of people also love Hershel’s for pastrami, so you might as well (I’m just not a huge lover of Jewish deli food). Truthfully, the list of vendors worth visiting is extensive.

Weekends and afternoons at the market are usually pretty hectic, so time your visit for a weekend morning to avoid the crowds. Otherwise, it’s best to have a destination or two in mind, consult the map beforehand, and bring your patience along for the trip.

Visit the Museum of the American Revolution

People looking at panels in a museum with a fake tree in the foreground.
Exhibit on slavery and liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution

Whether you’re really into history or have no idea what “taxation without representation” means, the Museum of the American Revolution is the place to go. The exhibits start from the very beginning by explaining why the colonies had a problem with English rule and continue through the war and ultimately to the challenges of trying to govern a new country. Along the way, thousands of artifacts, weapons, and documents help make the historic events engaging.

One thing we found really interesting is that the exhibits include points of view that are often overlooked. We were particularly surprised to see the voices of Native and Black Americans as well as women and others who weren’t considered to be among the “all people” who were created equal in The Declaration of Independence. After you visit the main galleries, head to the dedicated theater that houses the most magnificent artifact in the museum—George Washington’s original headquarters tent.

An average visit to the museum is around 2 hours, but there are lots of activities for kids and plenty of details for history lovers, so you could spend much longer if you want to go deep into the stories.

See the art at Barnes Foundation

Paintings hanging in an art gallery with yellow walls.
Main gallery at the Barnes

Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, and Seurat are just a few of the artists whose works grace the walls at the Barnes Foundation. The masterpieces among the collection are displayed in a way I can only describe as eclectic (maybe even quirky).

Groupings were dictated by the original collector, Dr. Albert C. Barnes, who made unusual “ensembles.” The groups are likely to position a Matisse painting next to a piece of Pennsylvania German furniture, a 14th-century French chicken sculpture, and a spatula, for instance. It’s fascinating to see and never fails to surprise us as we walk through (we’ve visited three times, including once at the original location, Dr. Barnes’ home in Merion).

It’s worth prioritizing a visit to the Garden Restaurant for lunch or brunch when you visit the museum. The tuna and watermelon crudo and grilled chicken salad BLT are particularly good. And, if you have more time to kill, the Rodin Museum is just a 3-minute walk. Admission there is donation based.

See Christ Church and its Burial Ground

Two headstones in a burial ground and a small colonial American flag.
Notables buried at Christ Church Burial Ground

If walls could talk, the ones at Christ Church would surely have a lot to say. The church, which was founded in 1695, welcomed presidents and signers of the Declaration of Independence.

At the church building, which is located at 2nd and Church, you’ll see the pews where the Penn family, Betsy Ross, and many other significant figures sat, along with some historical items. The interior is plain, but the educators who provide information inside seem to know everything possible about the church’s history and the people who worshiped here. We haven’t taken the guided tour, but I’m sure it would be more informative than the self-guided visit we did.

One of the main draws of Christ Church is its burial ground which is located (slightly confusingly) a couple of blocks away from the main church building at 5th and Arch. The burial ground is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War figures and early leaders, including Philip Syng Physick, the father of modern surgery, and Benjamin Rush, the father of American psychiatry. It is also the site of Benjamin Franklin’s grave.

If you’re interested in history, it’s worth the $5 to enter and peruse the headstones (dignitaries are well-marked). If your interest is more limited, I would suggest walking around the church grounds to get a feel for the place and to see who is buried right outside its walls. Then, pass by the burial ground where you can see Franklin’s grave through a cut out in the northwest wall.

Walk through mosaics at Magic Gardens

Walls and walkway covered in multi-colored mosaics.
The mosaics of Magic Gardens

Located on South Street, Magic Gardens is a one-of-a-kind experience. We’ve loved it since the first time we visited years before we moved here.

Artist Isaiah Zagar has created an environment decorated with fantastical mosaics and reclaimed items that combine to create one of the coolest places to visit in the city. Whether it’s broken plates, glass bottles, or bicycle spokes, every artwork features something unexpected. The gardens have tunnels, attention getting walls, and tons of details in an open-air environment. Often, the interior features works of guest artists.

Once you’ve finished at Magic Gardens, take a walk around the streets of South Philly where you’re sure to see other remarkable Zagar creations. They’re unmistakable.

Relax in Rittenhouse Square Park

People relaxing in a city park surrounded by high-rise buildings.
People relaxing in Rittenhouse Square Park

Fun fact: Rittenhouse Square was one of the five original squares created by William Penn in the 17th century. Today, the lush park is surrounded by luxury apartments, shops, and restaurants. Its year-round outdoor farmers market on Tuesdays and Saturdays plus many special events such as the Rittenhouse Square Spring Festival are highlights. Take a little time to enjoy the neighborhood while you’re in the area or grab an outside seat at French bistro Parc and enjoy the people-watching.

Rocky statue and steps

The Rocky statue in late fall

Unpopular opinion: I don’t get the popularity of the Rocky statue and the “Rocky steps,” which belong to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But not everything is for everyone. Nevertheless, a photo with the statue and a run up the steps remain high on the list for many visitors.

If you’re visiting in high season or most weekends year-round, expect a line at the statue (and be really careful crossing the street!). There is always plenty of room to run up the steps. At the base of the steps, there is a visitor’s center where you can find information about lots of locations around the city and Rocky t-shirts and memorabilia. At the top, you’ll find one of the best art museums in the country, which is absolutely worth a visit for art lovers.

More attractions we love

Sometimes you want to go beyond a city’s most obvious attractions. If you want to get to know Philadelphia more deeply, these are some more places we love.

Explore Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Bridge across a pond surrounded by trees and plants.
Part of the stunning Shofuso Japanese Garden

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is an oasis in Fairmount Park. Walking through the traditional-style Japanese house is an interesting look at the set up and aesthetic of homes in Japan. (You’ll need to remove your shoes to go inside.) But what we love most is the outside–the garden, koi pond, and 75-year-old weeping cherry tree are some of the prettiest things to see in Philadelphia.

Shofuso is enormously popular during cherry blossom season because of the blooming trees on the property and right outside its walls. They host a festival featuring food, dancers, and celebrations of Japanese culture.

See the street art of the Mural Arts program

Mural of trees and flowers in an Impressionist style.
Garden of Delight mural in Center City by artist David Guinn

Few things make me happier than the fact that Philadelphia is full of street art. There are places in downtown where it feels like there is a mural nearly every other block. That’s because we have the nation’s largest public arts program—Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Mural Arts has created over 3000 murals, and they add dozens more public art projects each year. Themes include history, local celebrities, the celebration of marginalized communities, and generally kick-ass art that make the whole city a canvas. Check out their tours to dig into the city’s street art culture.

Sink into a hammock at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Chairs, tables, and people on colorful floating platforms.
A beautiful afternoon at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and lots of food options make Spruce Street Harbor Park one of our favorite places to go in Philly in the spring and summer. In the Marina at Penn’s Landing, the park has floating gardens and nets that let you hang out above the Delaware River. There are great views plus markets, music, or movies nearly every weekend–check the calendar before you go. At night, thousands of LED lights provide vibrant splashes among the trees, making for a perfect date night.

While you’re enjoying the scenery and events, add some crab fries, local craft brews, and water ice for the makings for a fabulous time. We visit often in season and highly recommend it for a great day by the water.

Explore Eastern State Penitentiary

Red barber chair in the ruins of a concrete prison cell.
Barber’s chair at Eastern State

Eastern State Penitentiary was the king of prisons. It housed thousands of inmates in its 140-year history, and the site, which is now a preserved ruin, was the model for hundreds of prisons across the globe.

The background is important to know for historical context, but we find how the institution appears now to be the most interesting thing. After closing, Eastern State went 20 years without maintenance, so its walls crumbled and concrete fractured. Some cell blocks are open to the elements, and plants have crept in.

The penitentiary is a museum but was kept in its ruined state. Exhibits and an audio tour tell the history of the building, the controversies around incarceration, and the stories of many former prisoners. It’s a fascinating place to explore and is particularly interesting if you enjoy photography because of the dilapidated state of much of the structure.

Walk through the monuments at Laurel Hill Cemetery

Tomb with a sculpture of a woman opening the lid to let the spirit out.
Elaborate monuments at Laurel Hill

It might seem odd to put visiting a cemetery on a list of what to do in Philadelphia, but Laurel Hill is an uncommon cemetery. From its opening nearly two centuries ago, it was designed as a scenic spot overlooking the Schuylkill River where visitors could enjoy the surroundings.

There are thousands of monuments to peruse. If you don’t know where to start, take one of the special expert-led tours of the grounds. You’ll see graves and monuments for city leaders, pioneers across industries and social movements, and even a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Did we mention there is even a headstone for Adrian Balboa, Rocky’s wife? Laurel Hill is a must see.

Tour the Edgar Allan Poe House

Large drawing of a man writing at a desk displayed in a house museum.
Poe’s writing room

Author Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia for six years, but this rowhome in Northern Liberties is the only one of his residences that still stands. Part of the National Historical Park, it’s free to visit.

Even though the Poe House is unfurnished, there is lots of information about how the author, his wife, and his mother-in-law likely used it when they lived here and about Poe’s prolific career. Illustrations throughout the house make it easier to envision what the house would have looked like, but you do need a little imagination to put the pieces together. If you’re a lover of street art, don’t miss the Poe mural just outside. (As of January 2025, the house is undergoing renovation and is scheduled to reopen in the spring.)

Stop by Cira Green

Skyline of Philadelphia.
The city view from Cira Green

We’ve never encountered a space quite like Cira Green. Spending an afternoon at this rooftop park lets you get outdoors right in the middle of the city. The sprawling space offers skyline views 12 stories above University City. It feels like you’re practically at eye-level with some of the tallest buildings around.

During much of the year, the park hosts special events, often projecting movies and sports on its massive screen (we watched the Kentucky Derby here once). The fast casual menu at Sunset Social is decent for hanging out at the park–it includes salads, sandwiches, cocktails, and other drinks. We also sometimes enjoy grabbing takeout from Walnut Street Cafe to bring up to the roof.

Tour the Penn Museum

Marble sphinx displayed in a museum.
The Penn Museum’s grand sphinx

As you wander the galleries of the Penn Museum, you’ll see objects that trace the history of humanity beginning from the earliest cities. There is everything from the largest Egyptian Sphinx in the Western hemisphere to a bull-shaped lyre made of gold and lapis from Ancient Mesopotamia (I have a small obsession with this one). One of the most outstanding pieces is a headdress made of gold leaves and lapis from Ur (present-day Iraq) that’s around 4500 years old.

The collections are fascinating and many are interactive and encourage visitors to imagine themselves within the cultural context of the exhibits. In a move we haven’t seen in many other museums, the displays address the problematic ways that certain artifacts were acquired and ask visitors to consider that as they learn about the objects.

See a show at the Mann Center

People in lawn chairs at the Mann Center, a music venue in Philly.
A unique way to see a movie: lawn seats and an orchestra

What’s nicer than picnicking on the lawn while watching a great show? The Mann Center for the Performing Arts–our favorite venue in the warmer months–lets you do just that in their general admission area. If you want a dedicated spot, there are covered assigned seats, too.

The Mann hosts concerts from artists of every genre from Bob Dylan to Jill Scott and radio shows like NPR’s quiz show Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me. Plus, it is the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, which has traditional performances as well as special events like playing the live musical score alongside popular movies.

Some helpful information based on our visits:

  • Parking is free but limited and on uneven ground
  • For easier access to an event, consider taking the Mann Loop bus, which has 7 different stops in Center City
  • There are concessions at the top and bottom of the hill, so don’t get stuck in long lines at the bottom
  • If you want to use a chair on the lawn, you need to rent one from the venue. Definitely reserve ahead of time for convenience and to save $5 compared to renting it day of.

Get hands-on at the Franklin Institute

White marble statue of Benjamin Franklin in a rotunda.
Benjamin Franklin at the museum that bears his name

Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, The Franklin Institute is packed with hands-on science exhibits and learning opportunities. From the mechanics of playing sports and flying airplanes to its iconic crawl-through heart, most of the permanent exhibits are educational and geared for kids. You’ll also find artifacts related to Benjamin Franklin himself, including part of a 270-year-old lightning rod he designed.

Most of the content that appeals to adults comes in the special exhibits. We’ve seen Body Worlds, a wildly popular Harry Potter exhibit, and the history of Disney here. Their quarterly Science After Hours events, which includes cocktails and entertainment, are also big draws.

Visit the Mummers Museum

Mummers, who dress in unique, colorful costumes and entertain the city during their famous New Year’s Day parade, are the keepers of one of Philadelphia’s most storied traditions. The Mummers Museum explains the roots of the celebration and even lets you dress up as a Mummer. To be clear, the museum is low-tech and can feel a little deserted at off-peak times, but there are few places that help you understand the heart of Philly better.

Explore Otherworld

Mythical creature illuminated in black light.
One of Otherworld’s creatures

Otherworld is a playground for the imagination. This fanciful place occupies over 50 rooms filled with interactive elements and creatures from a different universe. A bit like the famous Meow Wolf attractions, the entire space is packed with unexpected sights and visual tricks like a giant monster whose mouth you enter and bright cow udders to pull on.

There is no clear path through the creative maze, which we found a little confusing, and staff members stationed throughout may be helpful (or not). As you make your way through, keep an eye out for secret passageways and clues to unlock more information.

There isn’t any food at Otherworld, so if you need a snack before or after your visit, head to Asad’s Hot Chicken nearby like we did. Don’t be dissuaded by the location in a gas station parking lot—the sandwiches are delicious.

Enjoy Cherry Street Pier

View of Ben Franklin Bridge from inside Cherry Street Pier.
The views at Cherry Street Pier

Cherry Street Pier is a repurposed pier that houses artists’ workshops, hosts special events, and offers killer views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. It’s fun to come here to watch the artists at work and attend the pop-up events and markets. There are craft workshops, art classes, and other ways to engage your creative side.

Concessions are limited in the winter, but the summer brings Mexican food, ice cream, and a bar that converts the open-air space to an awesome beer garden. If you’re visiting the sites of Old City, this is a unique spot for a lunch break or drink.

See the gardens at Morris Arboretum

Landscaped garden with trees, flowers, and a fountain.
The Maloney Garden at Morris Arboretum

Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania is an expansive garden in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Thousands of native, rare, and majestic plants fill the grounds, so a visit here makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the countryside. There are manicured gardens, sculpture gardens, and the unique Out on a Limb exhibit that takes visitors 50 feet up into the treetops without climbing.

The arboretum offers natural beauty year-round, but it’s particularly glorious for cherry blossoms in the spring and fall leaves, when you’ll also see scarecrows around the grounds. In the winter, the Holiday Garden Railway is a popular attraction that regularly sells out. We’re members of the arboretum, so it’s always on our list of recommendations when people are looking to explore beyond downtown.

See Graffiti Pier

Concrete structure covered with graffiti and a spray painted portrait of a man.
Edgar Allan Poe in spray paint at Graffiti Pier

An abandoned pier along the Delaware River has been transformed into an informal urban art gallery at Graffiti Pier. Depending on when you visit, you might find artists at work, people perusing the murals, or bands filming music videos. Or maybe all three—it’s just that kind of place. The pier is on private property, so visiting here is trespassing, but efforts to keep people out are half-hearted at best.

Learn the history of Mother Bethel AME

Statue of a man outside a church.
Statue of Rev. Richard Allen outside the church he founded

Mother Bethel AME Church is the mother church of the first Black denomination in America. An important part of Black history in the city, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad and welcomed abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and Lucretia Mott. Visit to see its beautiful stained-glass windows and the tomb and artifacts related to Rev. Richard Allen, the church’s founding minister. Tours of the church are available Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 3pm by appointment.

Wander through The Woodlands

Bright fall foliage over gravestones in a cemetery.
Fall foliage at The Woodlands Cemetery

The historic Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion is an incredible property that is part park and part cemetery. Its hundreds of trees and plants that date from the earliest days of America sit alongside and 18th-century mansion and the graves and monuments of over 32,000 souls.

The Woodlands is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, but we particularly enjoy visiting in the fall because it’s one of the best places to see fall foliage in Philadelphia. The organization that runs the property doesn’t want it to be just a static historic site, so they have worked to make it a vital community hub. That means there are often fun things happening–check their events calendar for their regular markets and craft fairs, and happy hours. We especially love their Music in the Mansion events that invite local performers into the historic home’s ballroom.

Enjoy FDR Park

Two women having a picnic beside a lake with a boathouse in the distance.
People picnicking by the lake in FDR Park

FDR Park is a great place for almost anything you want to do outdoors. There are walking paths and picnic and recreation areas as well as a skate park and ball fields. We love it most as the place that hosts the Southeast Asian Market on weekends from April through October. Over 70 vendors sell food and items from Cambodia, Vietnam, and beyond.

The food is incredible, and the atmosphere makes it a must-visit. Walk by the stalls to see all the vendors at work and to take in all the colors and smells. Then walk through again to try some of the top items. We love the stirfrys, beef skewers, and lemongrass cheesesteaks, but everything is worth sampling.

Enjoy the Christmas season

Hand holding a blue mug labeled "Christmas Village" with blurry Christmas lights in the background.
Mulled wine at the Christmas Village

The holidays are an incredible time to visit. Each year between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve, the Christmas Village pops up in LOVE Park with merchants and decorations designed to make Center City feel like a German Christmas market. You’ll find even more artisan vendors at the locally-focused Made in Philadelphia Market, which is adjacent to the popular ice skating rink. In South Philly, Miracle on 13th Street is one of the most fun things to see at Christmas. Every year, the residents in the 1600 block of South 13th Street transform this block into a festival of lights, decorations, and all things holiday kitsch.

This is just a small sampling of the highlights in December. If you’re looking for more, we have a whole article that will help you make the most of your time at Christmas.

Eating and drinking

Other than the Eagles, I don’t think there’s much that Philadelphians are more passionate about than their food. Here are some of our favorites.

Try a classic Philly food

Sandwich cut in half on a plate with potato chips.
The Schmitter from 100-year-old McNally’s tavern

Most people visiting Philadelphia know that we’re known for cheesesteaks and Tastykakes, but have you heard of the other Philadelphia classics? Here are a few to check out:

  • DiNic’s Roast Pork sandwich–oven-roasted pork shoulder layered with provolone cheese and sautéed broccoli rabe
  • Fried chicken and donuts from Federal Donuts
  • Tomato pie–no, it’s not pizza and is served at room temperature. Sarcone’s and Liberty Kitchen are good places to try it.
  • Schmitter from McNally’s tavern–stacks of roast beef, grilled salami, cheese, tomato, and onion piled high on a Kaiser roll. Enjoy one at the 100-year-old tavern in Chestnut Hill or at Lincoln Financial Field during an Eagles game.
  • Water ice — a sorbetto-like cold treat. Try John’s for the classics or D’Emilio’s for a wider variety of flavors (their soft serve is also excellent).

Go on a rooftop bar crawl

Hand holding a cocktail in front of a skyline view.
The Assembly rooftop has one of the city’s best views

Everyone loves a good rooftop bar. Fortunately, Philly has an extensive selection when it comes to places to have a drink with a view.

We love Assembly for an upscale vibe on the roof of the Logan Hotel overlooking Logan Circle. It’s beautiful in the summer and has an après ski or other winter theme in the colder months. The Continental Midtown, which has an indoor/outdoor bar that’s open year-round, has been a staple for decades—try the cheesesteak eggrolls and the Astronaut cocktail made with Tang. The Stratus Rooftop Lounge at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is also a winner along with El Techo, which has a transparent retractable roof.

If you’re looking for an unparalleled view of the city skyline alongside good food and drinks, Bok Bar is our pick every time. This unusual space is at the top of the former Bok Vocational High School, which retains many of the features you’d expect like lockers and a gymnasium, which makes it even more fun to explore. We go as often as possible during their season, which is usually April through October.

Try a scoop at Franklin Fountain

Hand holding an ice cream cone in front of a sign for The Franklin Fountain.
Franklin Fountain ice cream on a summer day

A stop at Franklin Fountain is a must, no matter the season. On summer weekends, the line can stretch around the block. In the winter, the crowds let up a little, but they keep people coming through the door with seasonal ice cream and soda flavors.

Franklin Fountain ice cream comes in over 2 dozen flavors, many of which have an historic or local tie, such as their apple butter ice cream that includes local apples and apple butter from a Pennsylvania company founded in 1892. We’re big fans of everything here but particularly love their root beer float. Prices are high, but we think it’s worth it for an occasional treat.

Stop by a local distillery

Two cocktails and a menu on a table in front of a mural showing a bottle of Bluecoat gin.
Cocktails at Philadelphia Distilling

There are lots of fun craft distilleries to visit. Check out two of our favorites—Philadelphia Distilling’s modern tasting room in Fishtown or Manatawny Still Works newest location nearby. In Olde Kensington, you’ll find Stateside, a popular vodka distillery, or you can pull up a stool at New Liberty Distillery nearby. Four Humours Distilling also makes excellent cocktails, and they frequently have weekend food trucks.

Get outside at Parks on Tap

People at an outdoor beer garden.
Parks on Tap mobile beer garden

In the warmer months, Parks on Tap is a traveling beer garden that visits different parks to introduce residents and visitors to the beautiful outdoor spaces around the city. Each pop-up event has food and drinks in a relaxed, family- and pet-friendly environment. In a state with strict liquor laws, Parks on Tap is a unique opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and snack in an outside space. Check out their schedule to see where they are.

Sip your way through craft breweries

Flight of beer glasses on a table in front of a mural of wheat labeled "Evil Genius."
A flight in the Evil Genius beer garden

Philadelphia has been called one of the best beer cities in the world. There are dozens of craft breweries to choose from, including some of the top ones in the country like Yards and Evil Genius. Try one of the signature pizzas and a beer at Dock Street South, cozy up with a house brew at Bar Hygge, or grab a sidewalk table at Brewery ARS to enjoy an imperial stout.

1 thought on “A Local’s Guide to What to Do in Philadelphia”

  1. Why are The National Constitution Center, the Art museum & The Franklin Institute not included?
    The. Constitution Center is a true gem!

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