Philadelphia, PA

Travel Guide

Cityscape view of Philadelphia showcasing autumn foliage and municipal architecture near a fountain
Philadelphia showing a city and a square or plaza
View of Philadelphia's skyline with trees displaying autumn colors and the historic city hall in the background
Philadelphia featuring a city
Iconic Rocky statue stands proudly outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art surrounded by lush greenery

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)

Boasting a dense downtown area, Center City offers a plethora of restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions like Kimmel Center and Academy of Music. Explore Penn's Landing, Old City, or the medical Mütter Museum, and enjoy convenient transport options.

Center City
Bella Vista which includes street scenes and markets

South Philadelphia

3/5(488 area reviews)

Discover Columbus Commons for shopping, indulge in cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's, and catch a game at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Explore the American Swedish Historical Museum or unwind at revitalized Passyunk Avenue's cafes and bars.

South Philadelphia
Default Image

University City

4.5/5(408 area reviews)

Home to prestigious universities like Penn and Drexel, this vibrant area offers cultural experiences at the Penn Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art. Enjoy shopping at the 40th Street retail corridor and easy access to various transportation options.

University City
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
Fairmount Park showing heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and skyline

West Philadelphia

4/5(329 area reviews)

Home to universities like University of Pennsylvania and Drexel, this area boasts cultural venues such as Mann Music Center and Bushfire Theater. Explore Lancaster Avenue's shops and restaurants, or visit the historic Philadelphia Zoo.

West Philadelphia
Philadelphia showing heritage architecture, a monument and a memorial

Rittenhouse Square

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

Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is ¥13,029 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
¥13,029
¥15,161 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,032 reviews)
We lucked out. Great corner room.
"We got a corner room on the 11th floor with a super high ceiling. It was difficult to get around the bed but the high ceilings and the corner room (both views looked out onto the city) was such a bonus!!!! Thank you Club Quarters! And free nespresso in the room! And in the lobby, free flat and sparkling ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is ¥18,572 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥18,572
¥25,013 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy an outdoor pool, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,783 reviews)
"The rooms were clean. Excellent location close to everything. The staff was amazing to me and my kids. Very patient and attentive. Loved that there was an outside pool as well. First time here and now is my favorite place to stay in Center City."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
The price is ¥17,365 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
¥17,365
¥20,207 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (3,247 reviews)
"Staff provided stellar customer service"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
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
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,179 reviews)
"Nice pool and overall property was nice and clean."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (353 reviews)
"Great location to Penn Presbyterian. Very clean. Friendly & helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (554 reviews)
"This was a perfect size for our family of 6. The loft for our boys, the couch for our girls, and the bedroom for us. Two bathrooms was a must and everything was clean enough. Definitely could use some fresh caulking around the shower. Loved the industrial vibes. The AC made a crazy noise when not ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
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

Things to do

Reviews of Philadelphia

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2997
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
2693
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
795
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
93
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
64
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is the City of Brotherly Love

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

No

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The city was shut down

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Born and raised in Philadelphia i love it. A very historical place.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great and pleasurable!!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

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

Cities near Philadelphia