Philadelphia
America's first UNESCO World Heritage City — where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787) were signed. Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Liberty Bell are all within walking distance. The cheesesteak was invented here, and Philadelphians are passionate about all of it.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Philadelphia
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- 1.57M
- Timezone
- New York
- Dial
- +1
- Emergency
- 911
America's first UNESCO World Heritage City (2015)
Birthplace of American democracy — Declaration of Independence signed here (1776)
Population ~1.57 million; 6th largest US city
SEPTA subway, trolley, and bus network covers the city
Home of the famous cheesesteak — Pat's vs. Geno's debate since 1930s
Currency: USD; language: English
Top Sights
Independence Hall
📌UNESCO-listed building where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and US Constitution (1787) were signed. The most important building in American democracy, still standing exactly as the Founders knew it.
Liberty Bell
📌The iconic cracked bell that once rang to summon lawmakers — now a global symbol of freedom. The crack appeared in the 1840s and grew when they tried to repair it. Free admission at the Liberty Bell Center.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
📌World-class collection of 240,000 objects spanning 2,000 years. The "Rocky Steps" outside are as famous as the art inside — run them to the theme if you must.
Reading Terminal Market
📌Historic 1893 indoor market with over 80 vendors: Pennsylvania Dutch Amish baked goods, DiNic's roast pork sandwiches, fresh produce, and everything in between — the best food hall in the American Northeast.
Eastern State Penitentiary
📌Hauntingly beautiful 1829 Gothic prison where Al Capone was once held. Now a museum and art space; its crumbling cellblocks are among the most atmospheric spaces in any American city.
South Street & Fishtown
📌Philadelphia's creative heartbeat: eclectic South Street with the Magic Gardens mosaic installation, and Fishtown's exploding restaurant/bar scene that's become a national dining destination.
Off the Beaten Path
DiNic's Roast Pork
Reading Terminal Market institution serving the sandwich locals actually eat — roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone beats the tourist cheesesteak
Cash only; arrive before noon to beat the line
Magic Gardens
Isaiah Zagar's extraordinary mosaic labyrinth covering an entire city block on South Street — 3,000 sq ft of embedded bicycle wheels, mirrors, and folk art
Ticket required for interior; exterior always visible
The Barnes Foundation
World's greatest collection of Renoir and Cézanne — 181 Renoirs alone — displayed in the idiosyncratic arrangement Dr. Barnes himself designed
Book tickets online; they sell out on weekends
Yards Brewing Company
Flagship Philly craft brewery in Northern Liberties with a biergarten and Ales of the Revolution series brewed to colonial-era recipes
Try Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Four distinct seasons. Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are the sweet spots for walking the historic district.
Spring
Mar–May50–68°F
10–20°C
Cherry blossoms in April; mild temperatures; occasional rain
Summer
Jun–Aug82–95°F
28–35°C
Hot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms; park fountains help
Fall
Sep–Nov50–72°F
10–22°C
Best season; crisp and clear; foliage in Wissahickon
Winter
Dec–Feb32–41°F
0–5°C
Cold; occasional snow; holiday markets and fewer crowds
Best Time to Visit
April–May (spring) and September–October (fall) are ideal for walking the historic district. Summer is hot and humid but busy with events. Winter is cold but the holiday markets are charming.
Spring (Apr–May)
Crowds: ModerateMild temperatures, cherry blossoms, uncrowded historic sites
Pros
- + Ideal walking weather
- + Cherry blossoms in April
- + Fewer tourists than summer
Cons
- − Occasional rain
- − Some days still chilly
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Crowds: HighHot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms; peak tourist season
Pros
- + Long days
- + Outdoor events and festivals
- + Lively neighborhoods
Cons
- − Very hot and humid (28–35°C)
- − Crowds at major sites
Fall (Sep–Oct)
Crowds: ModerateCrisp and clear; foliage in Wissahickon; best overall season
Pros
- + Perfect weather
- + Fall foliage
- + Phillies playoff season
Cons
- − Hotel prices spike during Eagles home games
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Crowds: LowCold with occasional snow; holiday markets in December
Pros
- + Holiday markets
- + Fewer crowds
- + Lower hotel prices
Cons
- − Cold weather (0–5°C)
- − Short days
🎉 Festivals & Events
Mummers Parade
JanuaryIconic New Year's Day tradition with elaborate string bands and costume brigades
Philly Beer Week
June10-day craft beer festival across 100+ venues citywide
Made in America Festival
SeptemberJay-Z's music festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — major headliners
Safety Breakdown
Moderate
out of 100
Philadelphia has significant neighborhood variation. The historic district, Rittenhouse Square, and Fishtown are generally safe tourist zones. North Philadelphia and Kensington have serious crime issues — avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
Things to Know
- •Kensington Avenue is a no-go for tourists — the epicenter of the opioid crisis
- •Stick to well-lit streets in Center City after midnight
- •SEPTA is generally safe during the day; avoid late-night subway travel alone
- •Keep valuables out of sight; car break-ins occur in tourist parking areas
- •Emergency: 911; Philadelphia Police non-emergency: 215-686-8686
Emergency Numbers
Emergency
911
Philadelphia Police (non-emergency)
215-686-8686
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$80–130
Hostel in Old City, cheesesteak, SEPTA day pass, free historic sites
mid-range
$150–250
Hotel in Center City, Reading Terminal lunch, PMA or Barnes admission, Uber
luxury
$300+
Boutique hotel, tasting menu at Vernick or Zahav, private historic tour
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodCheesesteak at Pat's or Geno's | $13–15 | $13–15 |
| TransitSEPTA day pass | $11 | $11 |
| AttractionsEastern State Penitentiary | $19 | $19 |
| AttractionsPhiladelphia Museum of Art | $30 | $30 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and most Old City sites are free
- •Philadelphia Museum of Art is free Sunday 10am–1pm
- •SEPTA day pass ($11) covers unlimited subway and bus rides
- •Philadelphia is significantly cheaper than NYC for hotels and dining
US Dollar
Code: USD
Domestic currency — no exchange needed. Cards accepted universally. Contactless payments widely supported. ATMs available everywhere.
Payment Methods
Cards accepted universally; contactless payments widely supported; ATMs available everywhere
Tipping Guide
18–22% — standard expectation; POS often pre-selects 20%
$1–2 per drink — cash tip appreciated even with card payment
15–20% — pre-populated in app; adjust as desired
$2–3 per bag — cash directly to porter
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Philadelphia International Airport(PHL)
9 milesSEPTA Airport Line direct to Center City ($8, 25 min)
✈️ Search flights to PHL🚆 Rail Stations
30th Street Station
Amtrak hub connecting to NYC (1.5 hr), DC (2 hr), and Boston (5 hr)
🚌 Bus Terminals
Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus serve major Northeast cities; very cheap NYC-Philly routes ($10–30)
Getting Around
Philadelphia has an extensive SEPTA transit network covering the city by subway, trolley, and bus. Center City is very walkable.
SEPTA Subway
$2.50/rideMarket-Frankford Line (El) and Broad Street Line cover the main corridors; $2.50 single ride or day pass
Best for: Getting across the city quickly
SEPTA Trolley
$2.50/rideSurface trolleys in West Philadelphia and along key routes
Best for: West Philadelphia neighborhoods
On Foot
FreeCenter City and Old City are very walkable; most historic sites within 20 min on foot
Best for: Historic district sightseeing
Indego Bike Share
$4/30 minDocked e-bikes throughout the city; $4 for 30-min ride
Best for: Short hops between neighborhoods
Uber / Lyft
$8–20Widely available; parking is expensive downtown
Best for: Late night or luggage trips
🚶 Walkability
Very walkable in Center City and Old City; most historic sites within 20 minutes on foot
Travel Connections
New York City
Amtrak northeast regional, 1.5 hr; frequent service
Washington DC
Amtrak 2 hr; Acela 1.5 hr; must-do day/overnight trip
Brandywine Valley
Wyeth country, Longwood Gardens, Winterthur estate
Atlantic City
Boardwalk, casinos, beach — easy Jersey Shore day trip
Entry Requirements
As a US city, entry follows US federal immigration rules. ESTA for Visa Waiver Program countries (90 days, $21 fee, apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Others require a B-1/B-2 tourist visa from the US Embassy.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VWP countries (EU, UK, Australia, etc.) | Visa-free | 90 days | ESTA required — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov; $21 fee; approve within 72 hr |
| Non-VWP countries | Yes | 6 months (typical) | B-2 tourist visa required; apply through US Embassy in your country; interview required |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •ESTA countries must apply online before travel — not on arrival
- •Must be valid for duration of stay; ESTA countries need machine-readable passport
- •CBP may ask for proof of onward travel
Shopping
Best Philly buys: vintage clothing on South Street, Amish goods at Reading Terminal, local art on Fabric Row, and bookshops around Penn campus.
Reading Terminal Market
Food MarketAmish whoopie pies, Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzels, Beiler's donuts, and artisan cheeses
Known for: Amish goods, DiNic's roast pork, fresh produce
South Street
Street ShoppingVintage clothing, records, and quirky specialty shops in a walkable strip
Known for: Vintage clothing, records, eclectic shops
Rittenhouse Row
Upscale ShoppingWalnut St boutiques, national brands, and independent shops
Known for: Boutique fashion, fine dining, bookstores
Jinxed
Antique & VintageBeloved local antique and vintage furniture shop with multiple locations
Known for: Mid-century furniture, vintage décor
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Pennsylvania Dutch soft pretzels and whoopie pies
- •Rocky-themed memorabilia
- •Philly sports team gear (Eagles, Phillies)
- •Local craft beer from Yards or other Philly breweries
Language & Phrases
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Jawn | Everything and anything — that thing | jawn |
| Hoagie | A submarine sandwich (never call it a "sub" here) | HOH-gee |
| Wit or witout | Cheesesteak with or without fried onions — you must decide | wit / wi-owt |
| Iggles | The Philadelphia Eagles (NFL team) — sacred in this city | IG-ulz |
| Wooder | Water — the classic Philly accent marker | WOOD-er |
| Yo, how're ya? | Standard Philly greeting; "Fine, how're you?" is the expected reply | yo, hower-ya |
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