The Liberty Bell, located in Philadelphia, is an iconic symbol of American independence. It was once used to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and alert citizens about public meetings. /n Today, the Liberty Bell is recognized worldwide as a symbol of freedom. Despite the crack that has rendered it silent, the bell continues to inspire with its message of liberty. A visit to the Liberty Bell includes a look at exhibits that delve into its history and significance, and the opportunity to take a close look at the bell itself.

The Liberty Bell is a historic symbol of American independence.

Independence Hall, located in Philadelphia, is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. /n The building itself is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture, and the interior is filled with historical artifacts. Visitors can tour the Assembly Room, where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775, and where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.

Independence Hall is where both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted.

One of the largest art museums in the world

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, is among the largest art museums in the United States. It houses a collection of more than 240,000 objects spanning over 2,000 years. /n The museum's collection includes European and American paintings, prints, drawings, and decorative arts. Visitors can also explore the museum's extensive collection of Asian art, medieval and Renaissance art, and American art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest art museums in the United States.

A multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania with a mix of rolling countryside, residential neighborhoods, and urban areas.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, and is a favorite among locals for walking, running, and biking. /n The trail is over 60 miles long and follows the course of the Schuylkill River. It passes through a variety of landscapes, including urban areas, residential neighborhoods, and natural areas. The trail is well-maintained and offers a variety of amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and parking.

The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Zoo, located in Philadelphia, is America's first zoo and is home to more than 1,300 animals. It offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. /n The zoo features a variety of exhibits, including the African Plains, Big Cat Falls, and the Children's Zoo. Visitors can also enjoy a ride on the zoo's carousel or train, and participate in daily animal feedings and demonstrations.

The Philadelphia Zoo is America's first zoo and is home to more than 1,300 animals.

One of the five original squares in the city

Franklin Square, located in Philadelphia, is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn. It features a mini golf course, a carousel, and a playground. /n The park is a popular spot for picnics, and also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including holiday celebrations and food festivals. The park's centerpiece is the Franklin Square Fountain, which was built in 1838 and is one of the oldest surviving fountains in the United States.

Franklin Square is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn.

A pop-up park in the Penn's Landing Marina. It offers food stalls, beer gardens, and a variety of recreational activities. The park is well-known for its colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and beautiful lights.

Spruce Street Harbor Park, located in Philadelphia, is a seasonal park that offers a variety of activities. It features a boardwalk, a beer garden, and a range of food stalls. /n The park is known for its colorful hammocks, which are hung between trees and offer a relaxing spot to enjoy the park's atmosphere. The park also features a variety of games, including bocce and shuffleboard, and hosts a variety of events throughout the summer months.

Spruce Street Harbor Park is a seasonal park that offers a variety of activities.

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As the birthplace of American democracy, Philly offers iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, home to the famous "Rocky Steps". Explore the bustling Reading Terminal Market for diverse food offerings or savor a classic Philly cheesesteak. Wander through charming neighborhoods like Old City and Rittenhouse Square, showcasing the city's architectural beauty. Enjoy the lively nightlife in Northern Liberties or take a stroll along the scenic Schuylkill River. For families, the Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum offer interactive fun. Philadelphia combines the charm of a small town with the excitement of a big city, making it a must-visit destination.

Liberty Bell

Independence Hall

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Schuylkill River Trail

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Liberty Bell. This historic symbol of American independence is a must-see. Next, head to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.

Enjoy a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak for lunch. These are available at various eateries around the city, offering a true taste of Philly.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This world-renowned museum houses thousands of works from all around the world and is perfect for families.

For dinner, try some local seafood dishes. Philadelphia is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, served at various restaurants throughout the city.

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Schuylkill River Trail. This scenic trail offers beautiful views of the city and is a great way to unwind after a busy day.

Exploring Historic Philadelphia

Philadelphia Zoo

Franklin Square

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Begin your second day with a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo. Home to over 1,300 animals, this zoo is a favorite among families.

For lunch, try some of Philadelphia's famous pretzels. These are available at various bakeries and street vendors throughout the city.

Spend the afternoon at Franklin Square, one of the city's original five squares. It features a beautiful fountain, a carousel, and a mini golf course.

Enjoy a family dinner at one of the city's many Italian restaurants. Philadelphia has a rich Italian heritage, and this is reflected in its cuisine.

End your trip with a visit to Spruce Street Harbor Park. This urban beach features a boardwalk, games, and hammocks, making it a fun and relaxing way to spend the evening.

Family Fun in Philadelphia

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November; note: the 50 united states cover six time zones

UTC-5

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a network of buses, trains, and trolleys throughout the city and surrounding areas. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around Philadelphia.

This bus service runs a loop through Philadelphia's most popular tourist destinations. It's a great option for sightseeing.

Services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Philadelphia. They can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Philadelphia is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes and trails. The city's bike share program, Indego, has stations throughout the city.

Philadelphia is a walkable city, especially in areas like Center City and Old City. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of each other.

While driving is an option, it can be difficult due to traffic and limited parking. If you do choose to drive, be aware of parking regulations to avoid tickets.

Taxis are readily available throughout the city. They can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked in advance.

The RiverLink Ferry offers scenic trips across the Delaware River, connecting Philadelphia's Penn's Landing with the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey.

Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is a major Amtrak hub, providing rail service to destinations throughout the region and across the country.

A sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll, a must-try food when visiting Philadelphia.

Philly Cheesesteak

A type of baked bread product made from dough most commonly shaped into a twisted knot, a popular snack in Philadelphia.

Soft Pretzel

A mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal and wheat flour, often spiced with sage, thyme, and others. A traditional dish in Philadelphia.

Scrapple

A sandwich filled with thinly sliced roast pork, often served with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone, a local favorite in Philadelphia.

Roast Pork Sandwich

A sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit or other natural or artificial food flavorings, similar to sorbet, a summer favorite in Philadelphia.

Water Ice

A type of pizza created in the early 20th century by Italian-Americans in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Tomato Pie

A type of turnover filled with various Italian cheeses and cold cuts or vegetables. The dough used is either Italian bread dough or pizza dough. A popular food in Philadelphia.

Stromboli

A sushi roll that typically includes raw or smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. It is named after Philadelphia cream cheese.

Philadelphia Sushi Roll

A thick stew of beef tripe, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The dish was traditionally a staple of family meals in the winter in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Pepper Pot

A molasses pie or cake that was developed by the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 1880s. A traditional dessert in Philadelphia.

Shoofly Pie

A traditional amber lager from America's oldest brewery located in Pennsylvania, a must-try for beer lovers visiting Philadelphia.

Yuengling Lager

A popular drink special in Philadelphia that includes a shot of whiskey and a beer, typically a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Citywide Special

New Year's Day

New Year's Day (substitute)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day (substitute)

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

One of the world's great horticultural displays, Longwood Gardens consists of 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, and meadows.

Longwood Gardens

The site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

A private Ivy League research university with a picturesque campus that is worth exploring.

Princeton University

Known for its casinos, boardwalk, and beaches. It is also the home to the Miss America pageant.

Atlantic City

The site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War. The park protects and interprets the landscape of the 1863 battle.

Gettysburg National Military Park

A family theme park situated in Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States, about 15 miles east of Harrisburg, and 95 miles west of Philadelphia.

Hershey Park

Experience the Amish lifestyle and culture. Enjoy beautiful farmland views, visit an Amish farm or shop for handmade goods.

Amish Country

The most populous city in the United States, known for its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center, and for its history as a gateway for immigration to the United States.

New York City

Famous for its Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, and its historic neighborhoods.

Baltimore

The capital of the United States and home to iconic landmarks and monuments like the U.S. Capitol, White House, and National Mall.

Washington D.C.

Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park

Commodore John Barry statue and the Independence Hall

Philadelphia is known as the 'City of Brotherly Love'.

The city is the largest in Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populous U.S. city.

Philadelphia has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.

The summer months (June-August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 85°F (29°C).

Winter (December-February) can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below 32°F (0°C), and snowfall is common.

The city is known for its rich history and played a crucial role in the American Revolution.

Philadelphia is a diverse city with a mix of cultures, which is reflected in its food, music, and festivals.

The city is famous for its cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies.

Public transportation is widely available and includes buses, trolleys, and the subway.

Philadelphia is a walkable city with many neighborhoods to explore on foot.

Tipping is customary in Philadelphia, with 15-20% being the standard for restaurants.

Sales tax in Philadelphia is 8%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state sales tax of 6%.

Philadelphia is home to several professional sports teams including the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA).

The city has a vibrant arts scene, with many galleries, theaters, and music venues.

Philadelphia is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University.

The city has a strong commitment to green initiatives and has many parks and green spaces.

Philadelphia is located near other major cities, including New York City and Washington D.C., making it a good base for exploring the East Coast.

The city has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Philadelphia is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET), and observes daylight saving time.

The city is served by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which offers flights to destinations around the world.

January is the coldest month in Philadelphia, with snowfall common, so pack warm clothing.

February is still quite cold with occasional snow, but the days start to get a bit longer.

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to rise, but still expect some chilly days.

April is a pleasant month with more sunshine and warmer temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.

May brings beautiful spring weather, with plenty of sunny days and mild temperatures.

June marks the beginning of summer, with long, warm days and plenty of outdoor events.

July is the hottest month in Philadelphia, so be prepared for high temperatures and humidity.

August is still quite hot, but you can cool off at one of the city's many pools or parks.

September sees the start of fall, with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage.

October is a great time to visit for comfortable temperatures and vibrant fall colors.

November is a bit colder, but still a good time to visit for Thanksgiving celebrations.

December is chilly with shorter days, but the city is beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly. 

Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Philadelphia, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C). However, it can be quite rainy, so don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching up to 85°F (29°C). It's a great time for outdoor activities, but be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.

Fall (September to November) is another lovely time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 75°F (7°C to 24°C). The city is particularly beautiful as the leaves change color. However, similar to spring, it can be a bit rainy, so pack accordingly.

Winter (December to February) can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to around 25°F (-4°C) and occasionally snowfall. If you're planning to visit during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat.

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're prepared for the weather conditions. Enjoy your visit to the City of Brotherly Love!

Cookie consent

2-Day Local Family Adventure: Philadelphia Sightseeing & Outdoors

About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania