Philadelphia is the birthplace of American democracy and the city of brotherly love — and it wears both proudly: the Liberty Bell, a grand museum-lined parkway, the Rocky steps and the best food markets in the country. This guide gathers the best of Philly, with the places and tours our readers love most.
Where America began: Old City and Independence
Start at Independence National Historical Park, where the Declaration was debated and signed. The Revolution and the Founders tour walks you through it with a guide, the Philadelphia History Tour covers the birthplace of America in 2.5 hours, and the Old City historic walking tour strings together 10+ top sites.
The Parkway and Fairmount Park
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is Philadelphia’s grandest boulevard, a museum mile ending at the Art Museum steps. Beyond it spreads Fairmount Park, the city’s green giant, and along the river glow the lights of Boathouse Row, the postcard view of Philadelphia.
Downtown icons: LOVE Park and City Hall
Snap the famous red letters at LOVE Park, look up at Philadelphia City Hall — the grandest building in town, crowned by William Penn — and ride or stroll the Schuylkill River Trail, the city’s favorite way to move.
Food: Italian Market and Reading Terminal
Philly eats gloriously: the Italian Market food tour serves five tasty bites through America’s oldest outdoor market, the chef-led Italian Market tour tastes the best of South Philadelphia, and the Center City food tour eats its way through Reading Terminal Market.
Rocky, murals and street art
Run the steps like the champ on the private Rocky Balboa driving tour — or the Yo! Rocky tour — then dive into the world’s largest outdoor art gallery on the murals and street art tour.
Day trips: Valley Forge and Amish Country
The Valley Forge driving tour spends half a day where the Revolution wintered, and the Amish Country day trip trades the city for horse buggies and homemade everything in Lancaster County.
Planning your days? Our Philadelphia itineraries — from one perfect day to five — map out Old City, the Parkway and the day trips hour by hour. And subscribe to the Happy City News newsletter for Philadelphia’s best events, every week.
