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Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss in Philadelphia

November 14, 2017 by Heather 6 Comments

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Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

This post contains affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

This past spring, I visited a city that, if I’m being honest, wasn’t at the top of my bucket list. Or even on my radar for that matter. I went for its history expecting this to be the only thing I really liked. So, about that. If I wrote a letter to the city, this is how it would go:

Dear Philadelphia,

I owe you a huge apology.

I. Was. Wrong.

Not about saying you wouldn’t be great for your history. As we all know, you pretty much dominate that category. I was wrong in thinking I wouldn’t enjoy you from any other aspect. That you wouldn’t be scenic or photogenic or have unique finds. And I could not have misjudged a city more if I tried.

Apologetically Yours,

Heather

Philadelphia Resources & Recommendations

  • Ritz Carlton Philadelphia-Conveniently located in the city center (where we stayed)
  • TripAdvisor-Hotel reviews and deals
  • Allianz Travel Insurance-Travel Insurance with affordable plans starting as low as $17
  • CheapOair-Domestic travel deals! Save up to $40 off with Promo Code USA40
  • SuperShuttle-Book your airport shuttle or rides around town

The City of Brotherly Love completely exceeded my expectations and to be honest, downright surprised me. I often think about places I’ve been long after I’ve returned, but I find myself thinking about wanting to return to Philly quite a bit. So, why not start off my excitement with the Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss in Philadelphia!

1. Independence Hall

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

See Independence Hall, the birthplace of America.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Here, the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the Constitution was drafted and signed.

TIPS: Plan ahead as admission is via tour only. Certain times of the year require dated, timed tickets. Tickets are free if you get them in person at the visitor’s center, but you risk unavailability. I recommend reserving yours ahead of time for $1.50 processing fee (per ticket) which is what I did. You can find out all information here.

Independence Hall is open daily (hours vary by season) and located at 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

2. Liberty Bell

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

The Liberty Bell. Arguably, one of the biggest, if not THE biggest reason, people visit Philadelphia.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Admittedly, it was why I came to Philly and it didn’t disappoint.

TIPS: Entrance is free, no ticket needed. Get there EARLY before it opens if you want to 1) get photos without a million people in them and 2) not stand in an enormously long line. For reference, I was there by 8:45am on a Saturday morning and was the first person in line.

Liberty Bell is open daily 9am-7pm and is located on the corner of North 6th Street and Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

3. Betsy Ross House

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Head over to the Betsy Ross House to see where the first American Flag was sewn.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Betsy purportedly sewed the flag at her residence in 1776 although she wasn’t credited in her lifetime.

Betsy Ross House is open daily 10am-5pm and is located at 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

 4. Elfreth’s Alley

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Walk down Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest residential street!

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Dating back to 1702, Elfreth’s Alley is the nation’s oldest continually inhabited street with around 32 very colorful houses!

Elfreth’s Alley is located at 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

You might also like: 5 UNIQUE RESTAURANTS IN PHILADELPHIA

5. Ben Franklin Bridge

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Walk down to the Ben Franklin Bridge. Opened to traffic on July 1, 1926, it crosses the Delaware River connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Camden, New Jersey.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Be sure to see it at night. The lighting is beautiful!

Ben Franklin Bridge is located at the intersection of North Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

6. Reading Terminal Market

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Visit Reading Terminal Market, one of the nation’s oldest and largest farmer’s markets dating back to 1893.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Grab good eats from the market’s many choices. My recommendations are DiNic’s, Beiler’s and Sang Kee.

Reading Terminal Market is open daily 8am-6pm and is located at 51 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107

7. Magic Gardens

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

You have to go to the Magic Gardens.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

It is an eclectic, outdoor collection of art…

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

with maze after maze of color that is quite striking!

TIPS: Purchase tickets online in advance (a week if possible, but definitely a few days prior) as they sell out! Tickets are timed and honored up to an hour past the listed time. You can get ticket information here.

Magic Gardens is open Wed-Mon 11am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays) and located at 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147

8. Wanamaker Organ

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Listen to the Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest, fully functioning pipe organ. Interestingly enough, it is located in the middle of Macy’s above the women’s shoe department. Shop for shoes while waiting for the organ to start? Yes, please! 🙂

TIP: The Organ plays 1-2 times daily. The schedule changes but you can see the most updated schedule here.

The Wanamaker Organ is located at 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107

9. One Liberty Observation Deck

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

You have to go to the top of One Liberty.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

See “Philly from the top” at 883 feet up. The 360-degree views are incredible!

TIP: Purchase the Philadelphia CityPASS and save on admission to the Liberty One Observation Deck plus 3 other attractions!

One Liberty Observation Deck is open Sundays 3:30pm-7pm, Mondays 12pm-8pm, Tues-Fri 10am-8pm and is located in the Shops at Liberty Place at 1650 Market Street #5700, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

10. Eastern State Penitentiary

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

The Eastern State Penitentiary was, at one time, the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Its most famous resident? Al Capone, aka “Scarface”.

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

Although a very interesting and picturesque place, there’s no mistaking its eery atmosphere.

Eastern State Penitentiary is open daily 10am-5pm and is located at 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130

Pin It!

Historical, picturesque, and cultural is how I would describe the City of Brotherly Love. So, what are the top 10 things you can't miss in Philadelphia?

I am so excited to share Philadelphia with you. These are just highlights, but there is so much more to come. There really is a lot going on here even if you aren’t a history buff!

Have you been to Philadelphia? What was your favorite thing to see?

‘Til next time…

Trimm Travels,

Heather
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Categorized: Destinations · Tagged: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States

Leave a Reply - I Love Comments!

  1. Judy Howell says

    November 14, 2017 at 1:59 pm

    Beautiful pipe organ! It would be worth going to Philadelphia just to hear it!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      November 14, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      It would be!

      Reply
  2. Chris says

    November 9, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    I loved the noon tour of City Hall, it’s a fascination building .. I also loved The Art Museum…I’m sad I missed the Magic Gardens.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      November 11, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      Hi Chris-Aw, I hate you missed the Magic Gardens too…maybe plan another trip back to catch them? The whole place is SO interesting! Thanks for reading! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lisa Garcia says

    August 21, 2019 at 8:17 pm

    Make sure to check out the Cherry Street Pier & Spruce Street Harbor Park on your next visit!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      August 23, 2019 at 1:10 pm

      Hi Lisa-Absolutely, I most definitely will. Thanks for the recs and for reading! 🙂

      Reply

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Welcome to Trimm Travels!

Hi! I'm Heather and I like to say I'm a hybrid as I'm a born and bred Southern girl who lived in California for a few years and left part of her heart there! I have a passion for travel, food and photography and I am so excited to share my experiences with all of you! I hope to discover as much of God's creation as possible before I leave it and I would love to have you follow along on my journey! Read More…

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