Benjamin Franklin Parkway Tours

Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring heritage architecture, a fountain and a city
Benjamin Franklin Parkway showing street scenes, a fountain and a city
Benjamin Franklin Parkway showing signage and a statue or sculpture as well as a small group of people
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Benjamin Franklin Parkway showing a statue or sculpture


The inspiring steps from the Rocky movie and a stunning fountain decorate the ends of the Champs Elysées of Pennsylvania, near the city’s top museums.

Lined by all types of museums and institutes, Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a wide and majestic boulevard running through the heart of Philadelphia. The avenue was designed and constructed in 1918 and runs for about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers). Leafy parks provide a clean space for kids to play, while monuments allow you to relax and reflect on the city’s rich history. Visit Benjamin Franklin Parkway to see some of Philadelphia’s best attractions as you meander between the trees that line this momentous street.

Arrive in spacious Logan Square and meet friends near the fountain. Sit on its ledge and watch the jets make pretty patterns in this circular water feature. Patches of grass extend from the fountain, providing pleasant picnic spots. Gaze along the wide, open boulevard and spot the grandiose structure of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the distance.

Study the figures of Hamlet and a jester in the Shakespeare Memorial from the 1920s and start walking north along the tree-lined sides of the avenue.

Pick up a book at the Parkway Central Library and inspect the sculptures in the Rodin Museum, outside which sits a cast of the artist’s famous work, The Thinker. Impressionist and early modernist works are exhibited in the adjacent Barnes Foundation.

The northern end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway offers a range of recreational activities, from the Paine’s Park skating area and baseball diamonds to a large fountain and the famous Rocky Steps that the fictional boxer trains on. The steps lead to the resplendent Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Find Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the center of Philadelphia. Ride a bus to one of the stops on the streets surrounding the main avenue or travel by train to the Suburban Station. Nearby metro stops include Race Vine and 30th Street.

While you’re in this part of the city, visit neighboring sights such as One Liberty Observation Deck, Coxe Park and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

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Best Lodging Options Near Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
The Windsor Suites

The Windsor Suites

4 out of 5
1700 Ben Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA
The Windsor Suites
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

3.5 out of 5
31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

4 out of 5
1201 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

4.5 out of 5
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Bellevue Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Bellevue Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

4.5 out of 5
200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Bellevue Hotel, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
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.

Things to do near Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia offers a vibrant array of activities including biking, attending festivals, and exploring art. Visitors can enjoy theater experiences and weekend getaways, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and entertainment. The Parkway is a cultural hub where you can immerse yourself in the city's rich history and dynamic art scene.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience near Benjamin Franklin Parkway, visit Rittenhouse Row, only 0.8 miles away, offering a mix of business and family-friendly vibes. Additionally, check out Reading Terminal Market, 1 mile away, for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Cherry Hill Mall is 8 miles away, with great entertainment options.

Recreation

Fairmount Park offers a peaceful retreat with scenic trails, perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking amid nature. Just a short distance away, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts provides enriching cultural experiences with live music. Francisville Playground is ideal for family fun, featuring outdoor activities for all ages.

Adventure

The Schuylkill River Trail offers a scenic hiking experience, perfect for nature lovers, located 0.4 miles from Benjamin Franklin Parkway. For water sports enthusiasts, Boathouse Row, situated 0.9 miles away, provides thrilling outdoor activities. Don't miss Go Vertical, a climbing venue 2 miles away, for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at Walnut Street Theatre, where culture and romance intertwine, just 1 mile away. For thrills, visit Lucky Strike Lanes, an arcadeAdventureZone filled with adventure vibes, located 0.9 miles from the Parkway. Don't miss the Miller Theater for more entertainment and family fun, also 1 mile away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Visiting Benjamin Franklin Parkway offers a blend of modern and historic attractions, including colleges, civic buildings, and museums. It's perfect for travelers seeking cultural experiences, family activities, and a vibrant city atmosphere. Don't miss iconic sites like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and nearby landmarks that showcase the rich history and artistic flair of Philadelphia.

  • Rittenhouse Square: A vibrant urban oasis, Rittenhouse Square is a beautifully landscaped park surrounded by lively cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. It's a perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the local culture in a relaxed setting.
  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: This expansive venue hosts a variety of events and conferences. With its modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s a hub for business professionals and a significant contributor to the city's economy.
  • University of Pennsylvania: As one of the oldest universities in the United States, this historic campus boasts stunning architecture and a rich academic tradition. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful gardens and inspiring atmosphere, reflecting the city's vibrant energy.

Best time to go to Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The best time to visit Benjamin Franklin Parkway is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Benjamin Franklin Parkway

To save money on your trip to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, consider visiting from January to March for lower hotel rates, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly accommodations. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, take advantage of free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Benjamin Franklin Parkway are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Benjamin Franklin Parkway is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Benjamin Franklin Parkway is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool gives you the flexibility to choose your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results from the lowest to highest prices, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay on Benjamin Franklin Parkway with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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