Philadelphia, PA

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

Philadelphia Travel Guide Video

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.

Where to stay in Philadelphia

Liberty Bell Center featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a city

Center City

4.5/5(6,262 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Center City. Check out top attractions like Rittenhouse Square and Philadelphia Museum of Art, and jump on the metro at 11th St Station or 8th St Station to see more of the city.

Center City
Bella Vista which includes street scenes and markets

South Philadelphia

3/5(488 area reviews)

Travelers choose South Philadelphia for its live music. Hop aboard the metro at Snyder Station or Tasker Morris Station and check out top sights like Wells Fargo Center.

South Philadelphia
Fairmount Park which includes skyline, a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture

West Philadelphia

4/5(329 area reviews)

Noted for its art galleries and museums, there's plenty to explore in West Philadelphia. Top attractions like Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mann Center for the Performing Arts are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Lancaster Ave & 49th St Tram Stop or 49th & Girard Ave Stop to see more of the city.

West Philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary featuring interior views

North Philadelphia

4/5(66 area reviews)

North Philadelphia is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to explore sights like The Liacouras Center.

North Philadelphia
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University City

4.5/5(408 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Penn Museum while getting to know University City, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station to see more of the area.

University City
Philadelphia showing heritage architecture, a monument and a memorial

Rittenhouse Square

While you're in Rittenhouse Square, take in top sights like Rittenhouse Square or Walnut Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 15th-16th & Locust Station or 19th St Station.

Rittenhouse Square
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The price is NT$4,324 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
NT$4,324
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,270 reviews)
"This has become our favorite place to stay in ph"

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is NT$4,447 per night from Mar 30 to Mar 31
NT$4,447
per night
Mar 30 - Mar 31
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,426 reviews)
A gem of a hotel in Philly
"While there was no view, our room had two skylights which was wonderful. The property was extremely clean and the staff was delightfully helpful and efficient. The location was great. While there is no onsite restaurant, there are lots of very good restaurants close by."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
4.5 out of 5
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundable
The price is NT$4,582 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$4,582
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,576 reviews)
"Our stay was great. The hotel is undergoing renos, but the room was priced according and we were given a high floor. All employees were so nice and professional. Our room was lovely, elegant and quiet. We received vouchers for free drinks and $20 worth of food (for any inconvenience) which was appreciated. ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
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.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln Financial ...
8/10 Very Good! (145 reviews)
Parking
"Good, super good overall but just I was kind like. Why you have to pay to park there if you are already renting a room… the parking wasn’t included"

Reviewed on 2024/3/28

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
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 concierge services, a flat-screen TV, and digital TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (953 reviews)
"Only downside was the very noisy area late at night, but they do supply earplugs with a sign about it. The room itself was great, and is a convenient location as well."

Reviewed on 2024/3/26

Sonder The Witherspoon
Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
4 out of 5
699 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
"Clean, safe and friendly atmosphere."

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
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.

Popular places to visit

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

Verified traveler
Jun 4, 2020

No

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 1, 2020

The city was shut down

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
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

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