Your guide to Philadelphia
Philadelphia highlights
American heritage
Philadelphia’s historic monuments are the city’s biggest draw, and the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are just two of its most notable sites. The best way to see them and dive into the nation’s history is to visit Independence National Historical Park. You’ll find museums, churches and cemeteries here too, many of which offer free admission.
Sporting life
Philadelphians are united by their love of sports, whether they’re cheering for the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers or Flyers. Murals downtown celebrate big wins and famous players. Time your flights and hotels to Philadelphia to catch a live game at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Or watch the action unfold at one of the city’s many sports bars.
Cultural diversity
Philadelphia is a patchwork of neighbourhoods that reflect the city’s rich immigrant cultures. Walk through the Chinatown Friendship Gate to discover Asian eateries, and visit the Italian Market’s stalls and gourmet shops. With Latin American culture in El Centro de Oro and the city’s best pierogi in Little Richmond, a trip to Philadelphia means a tour around the world.
Philadelphia: Know before you go
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT) |
| High season | June - August |
| Low season | January - February |
Find the best time to go to Philadelphia
Weather in Philadelphia
March – May: Philly’s spring weather is unpredictable. It can snow in March and April, or it can be warm and sunny for days at a time. Pack layers.
June – August: Summers are hot and humid with occasional heat waves. Average highs reach 30°C. Expect late afternoon thunderstorms, even on sunny days.
September – November: By late September, the weather is full of warm, dry days and crisp nights. This is the best time to see the autumn foliage along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
December – February: Winter weather is cold and snowy. Savour the season with ice skating at Dilworth Park, or duck inside a museum to warm up.
Events in Philadelphia
Mummers Parade (January): Ring in the new year with costumed groups marching through the streets. Slapstick humour, dancing and musical numbers entertain the crowds.
Philadelphia Flower Show (March): Enjoy colourful blooms at one of the country’s largest flower shows. Every year, a new theme inspires designers to create incredible floral displays at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
Dad Vail Regatta (May): Crowds gather along the banks of the Cooper River to cheer on rowers from over 100 North American colleges and universities at this annual race.
Wawa Welcome America Festival (June to July): Celebrate American independence from Juneteenth (19 June) to the Fourth of July. The festivities include concerts, parades and an epic fireworks display.
The best neighbourhoods in Philadelphia
Old City
The Old City invites you to step back in time with its cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings. Walk in the Founding Fathers’ steps through Independence National Historical Park and enjoy views of Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Cherry Street Pier. With galleries, bars and shopping along Second and Third streets, it’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Philadelphia for first-time visitors.
Good for: Historic monuments, museums, boutique shopping
Fishtown
Once home to the city’s fishing industry, Fishtown is now the place to find some of Philadelphia’s best art, food and craft beer. Murals and vintage shops line its streets and the Crane Arts Building’s galleries always have something new to see. When you need a rest from exploring, find a bench in Penn Treaty Park overlooking the Delaware River.
Good for: Craft beer, street art, vintage shops
University City
Don’t let the name fool you — there’s far more to this neighbourhood than lecture halls and student bars. Home to the University of Pennsylvania campus, the Penn Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art, University City is one of the best areas to stay in Philadelphia for art, culture and skyline views from Penn Park.
Good for: Museums, art galleries, city views
Things to do in Philadelphia
Places to eat
Philadelphia’s dining scene regularly tops nationwide ‘best of’ lists, offering everything from Michelin-starred eats to world-class street food. Expect long queues outside Pat’s King of Steaks, the birthplace of the iconic Philly cheesesteak. And if you’re hungry for bites in a historic setting, don’t miss the locally owned food stalls at Reading Terminal Market, dating back to 1893.
Take in the culture
You could spend your entire visit to Philly exploring just its museums. But if time is limited, make the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Museum of the American Revolution top priorities. The Barnes Foundation is great for art lovers too. Discover a quirkier side of the city at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, the largest work by mosaic artist Isaiah Zaga.
Free things to do
You’ll find free admission to many of the Independence National Historical Park’s monuments and plenty of public art around the city. Download the Mural Mile Maps for self-guided walking tours of the street art. If you’re a film fanatic, race up the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps to pose with the statue of Rocky Balboa.
Shopping
Chestnut Hill and Germantown’s cobblestone streets offer a picturesque day of shopping in independent, family-owned boutiques. Baltimore Avenue is a great spot to pick up vintage furniture and records. Prefer to shop for your favourite brands? The King of Prussia Mall is one of the largest in the country.
Nightlife
You’ll always find a party atmosphere on South Street, known as the ‘Hippest Street in Town’ for its quirky bars. And if you’re after the city’s best breweries, look no further than Fishtown. Feel like splurging? Rittenhouse Square’s elegant cocktail lounges and rooftop bars offer a taste of the Philly highlife.
Beaches
Philadelphia’s closest beaches line the Jersey Shore, just over an hour away by car. Sea Isle offers great conditions for swimming, kayaking and kitesurfing. If you’re looking to catch some waves, Ocean City is a prime surf spot. Many of the Jersey Shore’s beaches have an admission fee but The Wildwoods is free, just under a two-hour drive away.
Get ready for Philadelphia
Budget
With cute neighbourhoods to wander and loads of free attractions to visit, experiencing Philadelphia on a budget is half the fun. Try an iconic Philly cheesesteak for as little as ten US dollars ($). Or dine at an inexpensive restaurant for around $19. Grab a beer for about $6. Yuengling, brewed in nearby Pottsville, is a local favourite.
Day trips from Philadelphia
Along the Delaware River, charming New Hope boasts some of the region’s best antique shopping. Go apple picking, or catch a show at the famous Bucks County Playhouse, where stars like John Lithgow and Liza Minelli have performed. Food lovers can enjoy Amish treats in Lancaster or visit the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square.
Getting around Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most walkable cities in the US thanks to its simple grid layout. It also has a great transit system of trains, trolleys, subways and buses. A convenient way to see the city’s top sites is the seasonal Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop. You can buy daily passes online or at visitor centres.
