Things to see in Philadelphia!

Rich in history and culture and recognized as the birthplace of liberty, Philadelphia is a basket of cultural, culinary, artistic, shopping and ethnic jewels. Here are the top ten things you must see when you visit Philadelphia:

  • Visit the Independence Visitor Center, which is located on the corner of 6 th and Market Streets to step into a time capsule back into the days of American Independence. Explore the orientation exhibits, watch the 28 minute film Independence and browse through the informative touch screen computer kiosks. You can obtain a free timed ticket to visit Independence Hall from there as well as get a ticket to tour the National Constitution Center. It is a great place for education and entertainment.

  • The Liberty Bell – a must see attraction to be admired. Standing as the symbol of freedom, enjoy a tour to hear the story of how it all came about.

  • Visit the Philadelphia Zoo for the ultimate family experience! Prices range from $10.95 to $16.95 depending on seasons; you can discover the exotic and local animals as well as enjoy balloon rides, swan boat rides and a Victorian-style train.

  • Pop into the USA’s oldest art museum – the Philadelphia Art Museum, located at 26 th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Open Tuesdays to Sundays, the museum features a world class collection of international and local art with pieces from Asia, Impressionists and more.

  • Visit another of America’s historical attractions – the Reading Terminal Market, the nation’s oldest market. Open from Mondays to Saturdays, you can enjoy a bevy of fresh food and delectable cuisine. Opened in 1892, the area still carries a traditional charm.

  • Go to a classic American baseball game to cheer the Philadelphia Phillies on! Indulge in cola and hot dogs with the family to get into good spirits.

  • Visit Sesame Place, a theme park based on the award winning show, Sesame Street. It is the perfect place to take your children where they can enjoy their furry friends, fun rides, yummy food, shows, play areas and new friends.

  • Take a bite of heaven in the form of Philadelphia’s native treat – the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Sandwich. Can be found in local eateries, the sandwich is a concoction of greasy fresh beef, cheese, butter, onions and peppers.

  • Take a stroll through the Longwood Gardens. Set in the heart of Brandywine Valley, it features 1050 acres of gardens, meadows, woodlands and fountains. It also offers educational programs and is renowned for generating horticultural experts.

  • Enjoy some delectable ice creams, sorbets and gelatos at one of the city’s artisans for a cooling experience. After a hard day of exploring and discovering the ins and outs of Philadelphia, visit Capogiro Gelato Artisans, for a yummy treat that everybody will enjoy!

    • Tons of historical sites, gardens, and museums are exactly what you will find when you visit Philadelphia.


    Museums


    Academy of Natural Sciences Museum - Founded in 1812, this is the oldest continuously operating scientific research exhibit in the Western Hemisphere, featuring plenty of dinosaurs sure to delight fans of all ages. Mon - Fri, 10am - 4:30pm. Weekends and holidays, 10am-5pm. (215) 299-1000
    Afro-American Historical Cultural Museum - This museum houses one of the most significant collections of African-American history and culture in Pennsylvania. Tues - Sat, 10am - 5pm. Sun, noon - 5pm. (215) 574-0380

    Atwater Kent Museum - While you're learning about your heritage at the Balch Institute (across the street) and your country's heritage at Independence Hall (around the corner), stop in the Atwater Kent Museum and learn about Philadelphia's history. The original home of the Franklin Institute tells the story of what the people here have been doing besides writing a Constitution and listening to local acts like Will Smith, Boys II Men, and Bill Cosby. Includes a collection of exhibits originally at the Centennial Exhibition in Fairmount Park. (215) 922-3031

    Brandywine River Museum - The Wyeth family has lived in Chadds Ford since the last century. Take a twenty minute drive south to view a magnificent collection of the work of Andrew Wyeth, his son Jamie, his father, the illustrator N.C. Wyeth, and others connected to this unusually talented family.(610) 388-2700.

    Glencairn Museum - its mission is to educate visitors about the history of religion, using art and artifacts from a variety of cultures and time periods. Religious life through the ages is presented by means of a remarkable collection that illustrates religions as varied as ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman, Medieval Christian, Islamic, Asian, and Native American. Bryn Athyn, PA

    Independence Seaport Museum - Take a stroll under a 3-story replica of the Ben Franklin Bridge as you enter Home Port: Philadelphia, an exciting interactive exhibit that explores the events and people that shaped one of America's most historic urban port. Open daily 10am - 5pm. (215) 925-5439

    Rosenbach Museum and Library - The Rosenbach brothers collected books and supported the authors. Which is why the original manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses is now on display . The Rosenbach brothers collected books and supported the authors, which is why the museum now houses the original manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses (and is the host for the annual Bloomsday events on June 16), rare letters (like a collection of letters written by Greta Garbo to Mercedes de Acosta), first editions and ancient maps, and the archives of Maurice Sendak. Tues-Sun, 11am-4pm. Closed Mondays, National Holidays (215) 732-1600

    Historical Sites

    A walking tour of Independence National Historical Park - Even if you're not a history buff, we predict a few quivers. Start at the Visitor Center and follow the red-brick road past a dozen stirring sites, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

    Barnes Foundation - A few minutes away is one of the best collections of art in the world. Accessible by car or bus. The collection is only open to the public on weekends, so plan ahead. Accessible by car, train, or bus. Fri-Sun 9:30am-5pm. Advanced reservations required for all visitors. (610) 667-0290

    First Union Science Park - The Franklin Institute Science Museum and Please Touch Museum have joined forces to create the First Union Science Park, and interactive outdoor park for parents and children. (215) 963-0667