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.

The Rocky Steps, located at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are a cultural icon, made famous by the 'Rocky' film series. They offer a challenging workout and a fantastic view of the city's skyline.

The Rocky Steps, situated at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, have become a cultural phenomenon thanks to their prominent role in the 'Rocky' film series. In the films, the steps are used as a training site by the character Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone. Today, they attract thousands of visitors each year, many of whom reenact the famous scene by running up the steps and raising their arms in victory at the top. /n The steps offer more than just a cinematic experience, however. They also provide a challenging workout and a stunning view of Philadelphia's skyline. From the top, visitors can see City Hall, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and Eakins Oval. The steps are also a popular spot for local residents, who use them for exercise and as a meeting place. Despite their fame, the Rocky Steps remain a free and accessible attraction, making them a must-visit for anyone in Philadelphia.

The Rocky Steps are a popular tourist attraction in Philadelphia, known for their role in the 'Rocky' films.

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 oldest centers of science education and development in the U.S., the Franklin Institute is an interactive museum dedicated to science education and research. It features a planetarium, IMAX theater, and exhibits on everything from space and flight to electricity and the human brain.

The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States. Named after the American scientist and statesman, Benjamin Franklin, it is renowned for its interactive and innovative exhibits that cover a wide range of scientific topics. The museum's exhibits include the Giant Heart, the Train Factory, the SportsZone, and the Franklin Air Show. /n The Franklin Institute is also home to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial, a colossal statue of the scientist. The museum's architecture is a blend of Beaux-Arts and Greek Revival styles, making it a notable architectural landmark in Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute offers a unique blend of science education, history, and architecture, making it a must-visit for anyone visiting Philadelphia.

The Franklin Institute is a renowned science museum and a center for science education.

One of America's largest and oldest public markets

Reading Terminal Market is a historic public market located in downtown Philadelphia. The market has been a staple of the city since 1893 and offers a wide variety of food and shopping options. /n Visitors can find everything from fresh produce and meats to gourmet cheeses and artisan breads. The market is also home to a number of restaurants and food stalls, offering a range of cuisines from around the world. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, need to pick up some groceries, or want to explore the local food scene, Reading Terminal Market is a must-visit.

Reading Terminal Market is a historic public market offering a variety of food and shopping options.

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.

The Barnes Foundation is an art collection and educational institution promoting the appreciation of art and horticulture. Originally in Merion, the art collection moved in 2012 to a new building on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

The Barnes Foundation is a renowned art collection and educational institution that promotes the appreciation of art and horticulture. Founded by Albert C. Barnes in 1922, the foundation is home to one of the world's greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. /n In addition to its art collection, the Barnes Foundation also offers a variety of educational programs and special exhibitions. The foundation's campus in Philadelphia features a state-of-the-art building designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, a 12,000-square-foot special exhibition gallery, a 150-seat auditorium, a shop, a café, and a school. The campus is also home to a beautiful arboretum with more than 12,000 different types of plants.

An art collection and educational institution promoting the appreciation of art and horticulture.

Houses the largest collection of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside Paris

The Rodin Museum, located in Philadelphia, is a world-class museum dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It houses the largest collection of Rodin's works outside of Paris, including his most famous piece, 'The Thinker'. The museum itself is a work of art, designed by French architect Paul Cret and French landscape architect Jacques Gréber. /n The museum offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Rodin's world. The collection includes over 140 bronze, marble, and plaster sculptures, as well as drawings, prints, letters, and books. The museum also offers educational programs and special exhibitions. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the Rodin Museum offers a unique and enriching experience.

The Rodin Museum is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

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.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Rocky Steps

Liberty Bell

Independence Hall

Start your day with a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the U.S. Don't forget to run up the iconic Rocky Steps and take a picture with the Rocky statue.

Enjoy a classic Philly cheesesteak for lunch at one of the city's famous sandwich shops.

After lunch, take a stroll through the historic Old City district, where you'll see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed.

Have dinner at a trendy restaurant in the vibrant Northern Liberties neighborhood.

End your day with a night out in the lively Rittenhouse Square area, known for its bustling nightlife scene.

Exploring Art and History

Franklin Institute

Reading Terminal Market

Philadelphia Zoo

Begin your second day with a visit to the Franklin Institute, a science museum with interactive exhibits.

Grab lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, a historic food market with a wide variety of cuisines.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo in the U.S.

Dine at a restaurant in the trendy Fishtown neighborhood, known for its food scene.

Experience Philadelphia's music scene with a live show at one of the city's many concert venues.

Science, Food, and Music

Barnes Foundation

Rodin Museum

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Start your final day with a visit to the Barnes Foundation, home to an extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces.

Have lunch at a restaurant in the charming Chestnut Hill neighborhood.

Spend the afternoon at the Rodin Museum, which houses the largest collection of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside Paris.

Enjoy your final dinner in Philadelphia at a restaurant in the stylish Washington Square West neighborhood.

End your trip with a visit to Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal pop-up park with a beer garden, food stalls, and hammocks.

Impressionist Art and Relaxation

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.

Commodore John Barry statue and the Independence Hall

Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park

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!

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3-Day Philadelphia Itinerary: Local Sightseeing and Nightlife with Friends

About Philadelphia, Pennsylvania