Things to Do and See
Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality and highlights. Here are some places to visit:
Center City is a river-to-river rectangle laid out by William Penn in 1682. North-south streets are numbered from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River. East-west streets are named, mostly after trees, with house numbers corresponding to the numbered cross streets.
The center of Philadelphia’s government is the largest and most elaborate City Hall in the country. Great views of the city can be had at the top of City Hall’s tower. Location: Broad & Market Streets. Call for tour information: 215.567.4476.
Located at the foot of City Hall, Dilworth Park is the new home of the LOVE Statue and the Rothman Ice Rink
The nation’s only single-span train shed in existence now has an enormous farmers’ market selling everything from fresh sushi to fresh produce delivered from the Amish country. Location: 12th & Filbert to Arch Street.
The Parkway is home of some of Philadelphia's most popular places to visit including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the fountain at Logan Circle, the Franklin Institute, the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Chinatown
A host of restaurants, grocery stores, native language bookstores, and more cover this area. Visit the “pai lou” Friendship Gate at 10th & Arch Streets or the Chinese Cultural Center at 125 North 10th Street. Location: 8th to 11th Streets on Race Street. Bring an appetite!
At Philadelphia’s historic heart are the center city neighborhoods of Old City and Society Hill, which are bordered east-west by the Delaware River and 6th Street, and north-south by Race Street and Lombard Street. It contains the nation’s oldest residential street as well as many of the city’s art galleries.
America’s most historic square mile is home to landmark buildings including the Liberty Bell Pavilion, Independence Hall, The Second Bank of the U.S., and Carpenters Hall. Come see the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the bell that rang for freedom!
The gem of South Philadelphia and the country’s largest outdoor market. Five blocks of the best vegetables, fruits, pasta, meats, and cheese Philly has to offer. Location: 9th Street between Wharton and Christian Streets.
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, coffee houses and tattoo parlors? South Street is the place where the counterculture shops for black-leather catsuits, and where you can find vintage apparel and other specialty stores. It is easy to get to South Street by taxicab, or by taking the Subway (from University City, take the Blue Line toward "Market/Frankford," and stop at 2nd, 5th, or 8th Streets). Subway tokens cost $2.25 each. Location: South Street from 7th Street to Front Street.
Known as one of the best urban beaches in America, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a Delaware River Waterfront oasis. The beloved summer park offers visitors the chance to relax on colorful hammocks, enjoy Philly-inspired eats on floating barges, cool off with craft brews in the beer garden and play games – bocce, shuffleboard and more – along a waterfront boardwalk.
This recreational path runs along the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia, through Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County. The 30-mile trail is a favorite for bicycle clubs, families, runners and walkers.
- Address: 300 S 25th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
For more information on Philadelphia, call or visit:
Independence Visitors’ Center, 6th and Market St
Phone: 800.537.7676 or 215.965.7676
Or visit the Independence Visitor Center website
You can also find more information at these websites: