The warmer season is approaching. And this is the time we start planning our summer vacation. Is Philadelphia on your list of destinations? Then we have a list of the top 10 sights in Philadelphia that you can visit. So, read on to make sure you have a great trip!
The United States of America is the dream destination of many to spend their holidays. The country is full of a lot of amazing tourist attractions. And Philadelphia is one of them.
Situated in the state of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is the fifth-largest city in the USA. However, the city is surprisingly very intimate. And it is one of the things that tourists love the most about this city. Not to mention the absolutely delicious Philly Cheesesteak! So, if you are a food lover, you can’t afford to miss this place.
Are you going to Philadelphia on vacation? Well, it’s a great place to hang out with your friends! Or even if you are visiting it for some other purpose, you must explore this city. Many also come here on educational tours.
But what to do and where to go in Philadelphia, you ask?
That’s exactly what we are going to answer in this article. So read to find out about the best sites of Philadelphia.
What are the Top 10 Sights to Visit in Philadelphia?
#1 Independence Hall
The Independence Hall is an important American historical site in the city of Philadelphia. This is because, on 4th July 1776, it was where the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress. And then again 11 years later, the Continental Congress met here again to write the United States Constitution. Since it is such an important part of history, it is worth visiting it. There is no entry fee. However, there are is a limit to the number of seats.
#2 Liberty Bell Pavilion
Not far from Independence Hall, there is Liberty Bell Pavilion. It is also a very important part of American political history. The Bell marks the symbol of freedom and independence in the United States. Here, you will get to learn many interesting facts about the Liberty Bell and how it was adopted as the symbol of freedom by abolitionists, suffragists, etc. And another great thing about the Liberty Bell Pavilion is that it’s free to visit.
#3 Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is the home to Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. You can say it’s America’s most historic square mile. A lot of famous and important historical events of the country took place here. The area also has Independence Mall, National Museum of American Jewish History, Ben Franklin Museum, and so on. Hence, this place in Philadelphia is a great place to learn about American history.
#4 Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art is another great place to visit in the city. It is one of the American museums with largest collections of painting and other artworks. From medieval to renaissance, baroque, and so, you can find a wide variety of artworks here. The museum also features the artworks of very famous artists like Van Gogh, Manet, Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and many more. Therefore, this place is a ‘must-visit’ for art-lovers. It also has the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ that has been featured in many movies.
#5 The LOVE Park
The LOVE Park the City of Brotherly Love has the famous “LOVE” sculpture made by Robert Indiana. It is situated in the John F. Kennedy Plaza which is better known as LOVE Park. This is one of the great sights to visit in Philadelphia. In 2018, the park was redesigned with new green areas and a high-tech water feature. At the same time, the sculpture was also restored and repainted. This is a really nice area to have a walk around and fill you with the essence of Philadelphia.
#6 Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary is another great historic site to visit in the city. What makes it special is that it was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. It was also famous for its strict discipline. You can say that it was truly the world’s first “penitentiary.” It was designed to inspire penitence in the hearts of convicts. But now, it is just a grand piece of architecture standing in ruins. Visitors can now tour the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row here.
#7 The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute was founded in the honour of first American scientist Benjamin Franklin. It is America’s one of the oldest and primer centers of science education. The institute dedicates itself to public education. By offering new and exciting access to science and technology, it creates passion for science. Franklin Institute is a great place for parents and kids to visit together. The exhibitions here are truly totally worth exploring.
#8 Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo is one of its kind. It provides the visitors with Zoo360 experience that is a system of trails passing through treetops, crossing over pathways & connecting habitats. Following these trails allows animals like big cats, majestic primates & meerkats to travel across the zoo and explore it. America’s first zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals including gorillas, giraffes, hippos, polar bears, white rhino, zebras, red pandas, Amur tigers & more. Here, you can discover some of the rarest and endangered breeds. Hence, this place is worth discovering on your trip to Philadelphia.
#9 Reading Terminal Market
Another in the list of best sights to visit in Philadelphia is the Reading Terminal Market. It is not only one of the oldest public markets in America but also the largest. It is in a National Historic Landmark building in 1893. From locally grown to exotic, you can get different types of products here. Meats, poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections—you can get all the types of food items here. Cookbooks, table linens, kitchenware, and freshly cut flowers—it has everything your kitchen and dining area would need. Not to mention the amazing variety of restaurants in the Reading Terminal Market where you can have a memorable meal.
#10 Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
The mosaicked visionary art environment of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is another ‘must-visit’ site of the city. Its gallery and community arts center preserves Isaiah Zagar’s unique mosaic art environment and his public murals. The mosaic sculpture garden spans half a block on the famous South Street. So, make sure to visit the ever-changing indoor galleries of PMG!
Final Word
Philadelphia has a number of amazing and important historical sites that you can visit during your trip to the city. After that, you can explore the beautiful artworks at its art museum and mosaic garden. And what is it that food can’t make better!? So, make sure to stop by the Reading Terminal Market. This way, you will be able to get the best out of this destination.