These are the best places to travel this summer

Philadelphia

Pocket Philadelphia Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
The landmark reproduction of Robert Indiana's Love sculpture located on John F. Kennedy Plaza in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

© benedek / Getty Images

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Philadelphia

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

Blessed with the glamour and culture of a big city, 'Philly' as it's affectionately known, also delights visitors with its rich history and small-town charm.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Carpenters' Hall, Independence National Historical Park.

    Independence National Historical Park

    Philadelphia

    This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…

  • Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
276721013
america, usa, park, blue, travel, landmark, sky, pennsylvania, vintage, carriage, old, hall, philadelphia, building, american, historic, tower, national, united, states, independence, clock

    Independence Hall

    Philadelphia

    The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…

  • Philadelphia City Hall

    City Hall

    Philadelphia

    Completed in 1901 following 30 years of construction, City Hall takes up a whole block, and at 548ft is the world's tallest structure without a steel…

  • Museum of the American Revolution

    Museum of the American Revolution

    Philadelphia

    This impressive, multimedia-rich museum will have you virtually participating in the American Revolution; interactive dioramas and 3-D experiences take…

  • Rail Park

    Rail Park

    Philadelphia

    The old Reading Viaduct is the location of the first phase of this ambitious project to reuse 3 miles of decommissioned rail lines between Fairmount Park…

  • Benjamin Franklin Museum

    Benjamin Franklin Museum

    Philadelphia

    This underground museum is dedicated to Franklin's storied life as a printer (he started the nation's first newspaper), inventor (Bifocals! Lightning rods…

  • 15-ton Sphinx and its surrounding pillars and gateways at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

    Penn Museum

    Philadelphia

    U Penn's magical museum, the largest of its type in the US, contains archaeological treasures from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Mayan world and more…

  • Exterior of the Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

    Mütter Museum

    Philadelphia

    Maintained by the College of Physicians, this unique, only-in-Philadelphia attraction is a museum dedicated to rare, odd or disturbing medical conditions…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From Independence Hall to Reading Terminal, Philadelphia caters to all tastes. Here are the top things to do in the City of Brotherly Love.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

With sites straight out of Colonial times, fantastic art museums, river views, pro sports and live music, Philadelphia packs it in, across all four seasons.

Read article

Things to Know

Get to know Philadelphia before you go with these tips on health, safety and etiquette.

Read article

Transportation

Philadelphia is an easy city to get around, whether you take public transportation, rent a bike or walk around its neighborhoods.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and a thriving art scene – much of which can be enjoyed for nothing at all.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

Get to know the real Philadelphia through its vibrant neighborhoods, with these top places that are perfect for lovers of beer, food, music and culture.

Read article

Day Trips

Philadelphia is a prime jumping-off point to explore sandy beaches, bucolic farms and wineries and one delicious ice cream trail. 

Read article

Money and Costs

Unlike its Empire State neighbor, Philadelphia offers plenty of ways to visit on a budget. Here are 11 tips to help your dollars go further.

Read article

Traveling with Kids

From hands-on museums to historic sites, there are plenty of fun activities to enjoy with kids in Philadelphia. Here are the best.

Read article

5 Shops

Dive into vintage treasures, local foods and international artworks at Philadelphia's best independent shops.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Philadelphia