Philadelphia

Travel Guide

Philadelphia showing fall colors, a square or plaza and a fountain
Philadelphia which includes a city and a square or plaza
Philadelphia featuring fall colors, a city and street scenes
Philadelphia featuring a city
Philadelphia Museum of Art showing a statue or sculpture

Philadelphia Travel Guide Video

Almost 40 million visitors come to this Pennsylvania city each year to see important sites of U.S. history and locations made famous by a popular movie franchise.

Philadelphia was founded as the city of “brotherly love” in the late 1600s by William Penn for Quakers seeking a land without religious persecution. Visit this historic city to explore important sites from the early days of the United States as well as modern pop culture.

Independence National Historical Park holds Independence Hall, where John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Nearby, see the recognizable crack and important message of the Liberty Bell: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.”

The Eastern State Penitentiary is an unlikely but very popular tourist stop. Examine the unique solitary prison design and look for the cell where Al Capone was held. Stop at the Reading Terminal Market for fresh foods in the same indoor structure where the market started in 1892. The Franklin Institute offers hands-on science and technology education in 11 permanent galleries, carrying on the learning and discovery approach of famed hometown hero, Benjamin Franklin, scientist and statesman. See more than 1,300 animals at the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo established in the U.S.

The city has many other cultural attractions besides its historical treasures. Put on your gray sweatshirt and jog around Philadelphia and along the Schuylkill River just like Sylvester Stallone did in the film Rocky and its many sequels. Hum Gonna Fly Now as you run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Step inside for art ranging from collections featured in the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 to exceptional modern works in over 200 galleries. The Barnes Foundation has a superb collection of post-impressionist and early modern works.

Head to south Philadelphia to see the Eagles play football. Alternatively watch the game at a neighborhood bar just about anywhere in the city while enjoying a classic Philly cheese steak and a Yuengling beer made in nearby Pottsville or one of the area’s craft breweries.

Where to stay in Philadelphia

Liberty Bell Center which includes a city, a monument and heritage architecture

Center City

4.5/5(137 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Center City. Check out top attractions like Reading Terminal Market and Walnut Street Theatre, and jump on the metro at 11th St Station or 8th St Station to see more of the city.

Center City
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South Philadelphia

Travellers choose South Philadelphia for its great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Snyder Station or Tasker Morris Station and check out top sights like Citizens Bank Park.

South Philadelphia
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University City

4/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers choose University City for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station and check out top sights like Penn Museum.

University City
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North Philadelphia

You might enjoy the historical sites while in North Philadelphia. The Liacouras Center is a notable sight, and you can get around town at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to see more of the city.

North Philadelphia
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West Philadelphia

3/5(1 area review)

Noted for its art galleries and museums, there's plenty to explore in West Philadelphia. Top attractions like Mann Center for the Performing Arts and Please Touch Museum are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lancaster Ave & 49th St Tram Stop or 49th & Girard Ave Stop to see more of the city.

West Philadelphia
Philadelphia featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a statue or sculpture

Rittenhouse Square

While you're in Rittenhouse Square, take in top sights like Walnut Street or Rittenhouse Row, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at 15th-16th & Locust Station or 19th St Station.

Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM379 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM379
RM441 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,027 reviews)
We lucked out. Great corner room.
"We got a corner room on the 11th floor with a super high ceiling. It was difficult to get around the bed but the high ceilings and the corner room (both views looked out onto the city) was such a bonus!!!! Thank you Club Quarters! And free nespresso in the room! And in the lobby, free flat and sparkling ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM539 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM539
RM726 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,780 reviews)
"The rooms were clean. Excellent location close to everything. The staff was amazing to me and my kids. Very patient and attentive. Loved that there was an outside pool as well. First time here and now is my favorite place to stay in Center City."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The price is RM504 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM504
RM587 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (3,243 reviews)
"Staff provided stellar customer service"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,180 reviews)
"Nice pool and overall property was nice and clean."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (354 reviews)
"Great location to Penn Presbyterian. Very clean. Friendly & helpful staff."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (554 reviews)
"This was a perfect size for our family of 6. The loft for our boys, the couch for our girls, and the bedroom for us. Two bathrooms was a must and everything was clean enough. Definitely could use some fresh caulking around the shower. Loved the industrial vibes. The AC made a crazy noise when not ..."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Philadelphia

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
41
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
43
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wear flat shoes so you can walk everywhere its a very historical city you need to walk the streets to see the magnificent buildings. Liberty one is good and the market is very busy giving it a great atmosphere

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

P hiladelphia is good and wekk organised city.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Philly is a great city and a good location to reach out to the coast and into New York by train if you don’t want the hassle of finding accommodation in NY

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great city and very walkable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A very interesting historical city with lots to do on walking tours and Hop on Hop Off buses in abundance. Well worth a visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved historic Philadelphia!