Philadelphia is the most sought-after destination in Pennsylvania replete with interesting tourist sites. It has no dearth of outdoor spaces such as historical buildings, parks, museums and many other tourist places. After being declared as an independent nation in 1776, Philadelphia has transformed into the most attractive nation with several tourist spots. Let’s take a look at the top tourist attractions of Philadelphia. Are you an explorer from Philadelphia? Book flights to India from usa at a low price.
Independence National Park
This federally protected historical district is one of the most recommended things to do in Philadelphia on weekends. It has gained popularity as the place for the preservation of the rich history of the United States. It witnessed many historical moments of the United States including the declaration of independence and constitution creation. Benjamin Franklin Museum, a part of the park has a collection of many exhibits detailing the life of the founding father of the United States. Independence Mall, often referred to as ‘America’s most historic square mile’ is another attraction in the park. The Independence National Park has other tourist spaces; Declaration House, Congress Hall, First Bank of the United States, Free Quaker Meeting House among others. Forgetting to visit any one spot of these is just an incomplete tour to the Independence National Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19106, US.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Liberty Bell
Previously known as the Old State House Bell and State House Bell, The Liberty Bell is the symbol of the independence of the United States. The bell was taken on a tour all over the nation in the late 1800s and remained in the current location after the completion of its tour in the early 1900s. It was adopted by abolitionists as the symbol of freedom and accepted throughout the country. The bell got hairline cracks before but the catastrophic crack came on it when it was rung on George Washington’s birthday in 1846, and did not ring since then. This is among the worth visiting tourist sites in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Location: 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, US.
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Independence Hall
The historic place where the Continental Congress signed the declaration of independence to the United States in 1776, it is said to be the birthplace of the United States. The constitution framework was drafted after 11 years by Continental Congress in 1787. Today, the independence hall is the main attraction in Independence National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated across from the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall is a must-visit site in Independence National Park.
Location: 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, US.
Entry fee: No entry fee, but timed tickets are available.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Located in Fairmount Park, at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has a vast collection of various art forms, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, drawings, armor, impressions, decorative artworks, etc. from the origin of European, Asian and American. There are nearly 0.24 million objects, spanning 2,000 years including the modern era, Impressionist times, the Renaissance, the medieval times, and the ancient age. The museum has annexes like the Rodin Museum, Georgian home of 18th century, historic Mount Pleasant, etc. Owing to its unique collection of exhibits, the museum is among the top tourist sites to visit in downtown Philadelphia.
Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, US.
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm (Thursday – Monday)
Entry fee: Adults – $ 25, Members – Free.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
LOVE Park (J.F. Kennedy Plaza)
The eminent landmark and one of the most liked tourist sites of the city of brotherly love is none other than LOVE, artwork by Robert Indiana. The unique sculpture in J.F. Kennedy Plaza brought the park the name ‘Love Park’. Originally installed in 1976, this lovely sculpture was removed partially in 1978 and restored in 2018. Taking a picture in front of this sculpture situated across the Street from is loved by residents as well as tourists. There is another prominent sculpture ‘AMOR’, installed by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Association for Public Art as a mark for the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia and the United States. ‘Amor’ gives the meaning of ‘Love’ in both Latin and Spanish. The sculpture was shifted to ‘Sister Cities Park’ and permanently installed there.
Location: Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US.
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM (Monday – Tuesday)
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Please Touch Museum
Situated in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, the Please Touch Museum is for children. The two floors of the museum display several interactive exhibits. Kids can have lots of fun, and can also learn new things here while playing. There is also a century-old carousel in the museum. The Please touch museum is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia with family.
Location: Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, US.
Timings: 9 AM – 4.30 PM (Thursday – Monday), 9 AM – 7 PM (Wednesdays), closed on Tuesdays.
Entry fee: $ 22 per person.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Barnes Foundation
Originally from Merion, the Barnes Foundation, an art collection and educational institution was moved to a building in Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, in 2012. It has the largest collection of artworks in the world comprising post-Impressionist paintings, French Impressionist paintings; the famous Renoir’s 181 paintings, and Cezanne’s paintings. The art museum also houses the artworks of renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Matisse, Degas, Modigliani, Rousseau among others.
Location: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130, US.
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM (Thursday – Monday)
Entry fee: $ 25 for adults, free for kids under 12 years.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Philadelphia Zoo
Renowned for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation activities, the Philadelphia Zoo is among must-visit places in Philadelphia. It has a spacious area called Big Cat Falls, where the big cats from across the world reside and roam freely amid trees and waterfalls. Another habitat is the African Habitat where you can see hippos, giraffes, and the most interesting white rhinoceros. The zoo also includes other habitats – Carnivore Kingdom, Bear Country, Monkey Junction, small mammal house, an aviary, an amphibian and reptile house. There is a rare animal conservation center hosting the most endangered species. You can learn how humans cause harm to other residents of the earth and how to rescue the animals from going extinct.
Location: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, US.
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Friday – Sunday).
Entry fee: $ 16 for adults and children above 2 years.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Famously called ESP, the penitentiary once served as American prison in Philadelphia. Settled between two avenues; Corinthian Avenue and North 22nd Street in Fairmount Avenue, it had fulfilled its duty from 1829 to late 1971. At the time of its construction, it was the most expensive building in the United States. The famous prison held many notorious bank robbers like Slick Willie Sutton and criminals including Al Capone. The prison was a place to reform the prisoners rather than punish them but, today it became popular as the most haunted place in America. Don’t skip the prison in your trip to tourist sites in Philadelphia.
Location: 2027 Fairmount Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, US.
Timings: 10 am – 5 pm (Wednesday – Sunday)
Entry fee: Adults – $ 17, Children – $ 13, Senior Citizens – $ 15.
Safety measures: Everyone must wear masks regardless of vaccination.