This leisurely walking tour explores the Most Walkable City in America
A walking tour through Old City is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of benedek / iStock Via Getty Images
Once again, our readers voted Philadelphia the Most Walkable City to Visit in America, and I couldn’t be more excited. Some of my favorite childhood memories are taking the train with my dad into the city, walking around, exploring, and looking for fun things to do in Philadelphia. Thirty years later, I still love visiting this city.
These are 10 of the best things to do in Philadelphia, but don’t just take my word for it. Each place on this list is a recent USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award winner. If desired, follow the list in order, walking from spot to spot, but I recommend breaking it up over two to three days so you have enough time to explore the museums.
Reading Terminal Market
Eating at Reading Terminal Market is one of the most delicious things to do in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of Gab Bonghi
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, unique gift ideas, or a few groceries to get you through your visit, the Reading Terminal Market is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. Consistently voted one of the best public markets in the country, this historic public market has been around since 1893. It offers a combination of food stalls, specialty shops, butchers, produce, and more.
While you’re there, stop at Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, one of our readers’ picks for the Best Cookie Shop. You’ll find a variety of cookie flavors, which pair really well with ice cream from fellow market vendor Bassetts.
United States Mint
A visit to the U.S. Mint is one of the best free things to do in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of United States Mint
Voted among the best free attractions in the 2024 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the United States Mint offers free, self-guided tours that allow visitors to observe and learn about coin production. Tours typically last 45 minutes and are offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
While touring the facility, look for the Tiffany mosaics, highlighting ancient Rome’s coining process.
Museum of the American Revolution
The American Revolution comes to life at this world-class museum — Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution, one of the nation’s best history museums, combines immersive exhibits with a vast collection of artifacts to fulfill its mission to “uncover and share compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.” Thoughtfully curated to provide experiences for visitors of all ages, this is one of the top things to do in Philadelphia.
PS: Don’t miss “Washington’s War Tent,” a film that shares the fascinating story of how George Washington’s original sleeping and office tent found a permanent home in the museum’s collection. The film culminates with a tent reveal.
Independence National Historical Park
A visit to Independence National Historical Park is one of the best free things to do in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of Independence National Historical Park
Often voted among the best free attractions in the country by USA TODAY 10Best readers, Independence National Historical Park covers more than 51 acres in Philadelphia’s Old City and includes the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall (the site of the first meeting of the Continental Congress), Declaration House, and more.
My favorite places in the park are Franklin Court and the Benjamin Franklin Museum. I love walking down the cobblestone path between the printing press and the post office, imagining Ben Franklin walking in the same spot 250 years ago.
History lovers could easily spend multiple days exploring Old City while others may speed through in an afternoon. If you want to take the Independence Hall tour (which I recommend), book a ticket ahead of time. If you don’t want to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell, you can walk up along the left side of the building and view it through a window. I especially enjoy walking by here at night when it’s all lit up and empty.
While you are at the Liberty Bell, don’t miss the “President’s House Site,” an outdoor exhibit by the entrance that presents the paradox between slavery and freedom in the new nation.
Kiddo Restaurant
Philadelphia’s Kiddo Restaurant was named a 10 Best New Restaurant — Photo courtesy of Neal Santos
Dedicated to offering a vegetable-forward organic experience with local, seasonal produce, Philadelphia’s Kiddo Restaurant was named a Best New Restaurant in our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Open for brunch, happy hour, and dinner, the restaurant serves dishes like goat cheese fritters with blueberry jam, tomatoes with charred corn and a strawberry vinaigrette, and pepper-crusted duck breast with fresh and pickled cherries. Note: The menu changes based on the availability of local ingredients.
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Street Art
Exploring street art is one of the best free things to do in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
Not only is Philadelphia known as the “mural capital of the world,” it’s also a top destination for various types of street art and has consistently been named one of the 10 best U.S. cities for street art. As you walk around, you’ll stumble upon many interesting murals, but also keep your eyes peeled for mosaics, yarn bombs, wheat pastes, sculptures, and more.
If you want to learn more about Philly’s street art scene, I highly recommend checking out the work of Conrad Benner, also known as Streets Dept. I’ve been following him on Instagram for years and find his content incredibly informative. Another great resource is Mural Arts Philadelphia, where guided and self-guided tours are available.
Monk’s Cafe
Monk’s is a great spot for beer lovers to visit in Philadelphia — Photo courtesy of Eddy Marenco
Our readers picked Monk’s Cafe as one of the best beer bars in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. Known for its mussels and extensive beer selection, this Belgian bar offers over 200 bottles and 25 beers on tap, plus burgers, pommes frites, cheese plates, and more. Monk’s is a great stop for any beer lover looking for things to do in Philadelphia.
The Boozy Mutt
Stopping at The Boozy Mutt is one of the most unique and fun things to do in Philadephia — Photo courtesy of West Chester Views
Calling all dog lovers! The Boozy Mutt has excellent food and drink options, but it’s also Pennsylvania’s first indoor-outdoor off-leash dog bar (and placed third in our 2024 Best Dog Bar Readers’ Choice Award). The best part? You don’t need a dog to go here, so this is the place if you need a pup fix while on vacation.
Note: The Boozy Mutt is only open to kids on Thursdays.
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The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute brings history to life — Photo courtesy of The Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute is my all-time favorite museum, and I’m not alone: It’s consistently voted one of the 10 best science museums. While focused on creating a hands-on experience for children, the museum is truly for all ages and one of the top things to do in Philadelphia.
The Franklin Institute shows visitors how science and technology dominate our everyday lives, from sports and space to weather and anatomy. Visitors can enjoy live science demonstrations, walk through a giant beating heart, and travel to space in the Planetarium.
During your visit, be sure to check out “Wondrous Space,” one of The Franklin Institute’s newest exhibits and one of the best new attractions in the country. This multi-sensory exhibit allows visitors to explore gravity, asteroids, space travel, and more.
