Philadelphia, PA

Best time to visit Philadelphia

• Summer (July to August): One of the best times to visit Philadelphia. Celebrate the Fourth of July where U.S. independence began at the Wawa Welcome America festival. Expect hot weather and some crowds.
• Fall (September to November): Harvest festivals, Oktoberfests, fall leaves and football.
• Winter (December to March): Outdoor skating, festive markets and holiday light shows. Prepare for cold weather and occasional snow. Winter’s end brings gorgeous colors and scents at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
• Spring (April to June): Early spring is a quieter time to visit Philadelphia, with cherry blossoms decorating the Morris Arboretum & Gardens.

How many days to spend in Philadelphia

Allow at least two to three days for a Philadelphia vacation. Spend days at historic sites and museums and evenings at rooftop restaurants or performing arts venues. With an extra day, travel northwest over rolling hills to Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington spent the winter of 1777 while British soldiers occupied Philadelphia.

The vibe of Philadelphia

From history to music to sports, the Philly vibe centers on independence and passion. Philadelphia’s architecture reveals a blend of history and modernity, with 1770s buildings representing the solemnity and intensity of the revolutionary Founding Fathers, while today’s skyscrapers declare Philadelphia’s place as a major U.S. metropolis. Music icons like Questlove and The Roots developed their jazzy, hip-hop style in Philly; they return every June to host the Roots Picnic festival, a nod to their early days as street performers. If you doubt present-day Philadelphia’s passion, start a conversation with locals, who’ll likely engage in fervent defense of their favorite cheesesteak restaurants or sports teams.

What is Philadelphia famous for?

Philadelphia is known for the iconic Rocky movies, Philly cheesesteaks, fantastic cultural destinations and exciting professional sports. You might recognize the Philadelphia Museum of Art from its appearance in Rocky, but don’t just pose on the steps: go inside for stunning global art collections. Spend a day or more at the complex, which includes the nearby Rodin Museum in a beautiful beaux arts building. All across town, you’ll find hundreds of spots for cheesesteaks, the city’s iconic sandwich, which originated as an alternative to hot dogs. Professional sports venues are clustered in the city’s south, with the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Flyers (NHL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA) and Union (MLS) offering thrilling action and frequently vying for top positions in their leagues.

Events in Philadelphia

Events in Philadelphia start with a flourish on January 1, when thousands don ornate costumes to march in the annual Mummers Parade. In March, the whole town turns green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a celebration that’s united the city’s Irish community for over 250 years. You’ll find other colorful parades for the Lunar New Year (January or February) and Pride Month (June). Philly has two celebrated movie events: the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (May-July) and the Philadelphia Film Festival (October). In November, join the Philadelphia Marathon or cheer on the thousands of runners.

Food in Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s iconic food is the Philly cheesesteak, a delicious concoction of thin-sliced beef, gooey cheese and optional onions on a long, soft roll. Visit Philadelphia’s original Pat’s King of Steaks, where the dish was invented in 1930, or sample Dalessandro’s Steaks in the north and variations across the city to find your favorite. Buy a “water ice” for a refreshing Italian frozen dessert. If you’re after a classier dining experience, international fine-dining restaurants showcase the city’s rich culinary diversity, many with rooftop views or live music. Philly’s diverse coffee shops serve all kinds of brews, from Vietnamese coffees to matcha lattes and espresso martinis.

Nightlife in Philadelphia

You’ll find numerous options for nightlife and entertainment when you travel to Philadelphia. Music venues range from soft jazz lounges to thumping EDM dance clubs. Get formal with an evening of theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, followed by elegant drinks at one of Philly’s rooftop bars. Take your pick from rustic craft beer hot spots and swanky cocktail lounges atop high-end hotels. The city’s eclectic selection of theater productions encompasses everything from Hamilton and other Broadway favorites to drag shows and murder mysteries. If you’re a sports fan, watch the Philadelphia Eagles play a nighttime football game at Lincoln Financial Field.

Shopping in Philadelphia

Shopping is a big part of Philadelphia tourism. Shop and eat your way through Reading Terminal Market, with fresh produce, baked goods, Pennsylvania Dutch specialties, gifts … and, of course, cheesesteaks. Chinatown has a diverse selection of Asian specialty foods, Korean beauty supplies and Japanese kawaii (cute) gifts. Did you know clothing and shoe sales in Philly are tax-free? For more high-end shopping in Philadelphia, walk along Rittenhouse Square and Liberty Place to find malls and department stores. Head to Germantown and South Street for vintage boutiques or to South Philly’s sports arenas to pick up team merchandise.