Philadelphia, PA

Travel Guide
Liberty Bell Center featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a city
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.

Philadelphia Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is $136 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
$136
per night
Jul 4 - Jul 5
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,745 reviews)
"This was a nice hotel in Philly. Very convenient location to everything. Rooms were somewhat small. Bathroom was very small."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundable
The price is $161 per night from Jun 11 to Jun 12
$161
per night
Jun 11 - Jun 12
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,278 reviews)
Great Overnight escape
"Stayed a sonesta property before and was not disappointed with Rittenhouse Sonesta. The room was cozy and the staff were the best. My boyfriend enjoyed the overnight experience we had and really liked the hotel."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
4 out of 5
220 S 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The price is $139 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
$139
per night
Jun 18 - Jun 19
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,410 reviews)
"Third time stay at The Warwick. It has an ideal location, wonderful staff, and great aesthetic! Highly recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2023

Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia
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.
Sonder The Witherspoon
Sonder The Witherspoon
3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (637 reviews)
Great stay in this excellent appt
"Fantastic appartement- mint condition- squeaky clean. We loved it! We were in a very quiet unit. The appt is a bit light so you might want to bring your eye mask for better sleep."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Sonder The Witherspoon
Sonder The Heid
Sonder The Heid
3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Reading Terminal Market ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (195 reviews)
"Just that the bathroom needed more hooks to hang stuff and the toilet was wobbly- otherwise, perfect!"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Sonder The Heid
Sonder at The Terrace
Sonder at The Terrace
3.5 out of 5
1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Love ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (120 reviews)
Worth the Price
"Recently stayed at the Sonder at The Terrace in Philadelphia and what an amazing experience. The apartment was definitely clean, very spacious and this past Memorial Day weekend 2023, the locals were all out of town and the city didn’t feel crowded. Overall, I will be staying at a Sonder property ..."

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Sonder at The Terrace
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.

Getting around Philadelphia

Explore Philadelphia’s historic center on foot if you can, as there is no better way to discover this charming part of the city. To reach other areas of the city, catch one of the SEPTA buses that follow routes leading through the city center and into neighborhoods further out. Alternatively, see the main sights in one go with an open-top Big Bus tour. Taxis and car rental are also readily available. Visit the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website.Browse Philadelphia rental cars.

Best time to visit

In Philadelphia, temperatures shoot up in the summer, as do room prices, as this is the city’s peak tourist season. Save yourself some money and avoid the heat by visiting in spring or fall, when the weather is much more moderate, though still sunny and warm. One particularly good reason to book your visit for spring is to see the colorful cherry blossoms that brightens up the city each year.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Philadelphia

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2997
" "5 - Excellent 45.1219512195122%
4 - Good
2693
" "4 - Good 40.545016561276725%
3 - Okay
795
" "3 - Okay 11.969286359530262%
2 - Disappointing
93
" "2 - Disappointing 1.4001806684733513%
1 - Terrible
64
" "1 - Terrible 0.9635651912074676%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

This is the City of Brotherly Love

5/5 - Excellent

Jocelyn
Jun 4, 2020

No

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

The city was shut down

5/5 - Excellent

Kimberly
May 24, 2020

Born and raised in Philadelphia i love it. A very historical place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 12, 2020

Great and pleasurable!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Apr 27, 2020

You would think the staff would be more accommodating considering what's going on. Total waste of money and time. Could've went somewhere different and gotten better service

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Philadelphia

Cities near Philadelphia