Things to Do in Philadelphia: Neighborhoods, Food, Museums, and Outdoor Activities.
Sep 8, 2026 / Public Storage
Step into Philadelphia and you’ll quickly see that it’s more than just a history lesson. Sure, this is where America began, but it’s also where creativity thrives today. The skyline glows with new possibilities, the food scene rivals any in the country, and street art transforms old warehouses into open-air galleries. Philly has a heartbeat that’s all its own—bold, soulful, and proudly authentic.
Home to nearly 1.6 million residents, this dynamic city is a crossroads of history, innovation, and creativity. Once the nation’s capital, Philadelphia has evolved into a hub for education, medicine, and culture, anchored by institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. Yet for all its grit and grandeur, the city remains approachable, walkable, welcoming, and full of heart. If you’re here to trace the nation’s founding, sample its world-class food, or explore vibrant neighborhoods, Philadelphia offers experiences that linger long after you leave.
Philadelphia Travel Essentials:
- Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City.
- Explore Reading Terminal Market for local and international food.
- Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and The Franklin Institute along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Walk, run, or bike the Schuylkill River Trail and Kelly Drive.
- Explore South Philly, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, East Passyunk, and Rittenhouse Square for food, shops, and nightlife.
- Use SEPTA, walking, biking, rideshare, or a car based on your itinerary.
- Check official attraction, event, and transit websites for current hours, ticket requirements, and schedules.
Philadelphia Travel at a Glance:
What Are the Best Things to Do in Philadelphia?
The best things to do in Philadelphia include visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, exploring major museums, eating at Reading Terminal Market, walking historic neighborhoods, and spending time in Fairmount Park. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Reading Terminal Market are within walking distance of one another in central Philadelphia.
Plan each day by neighborhood. Pair Old City history with Reading Terminal Market, or combine the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, and Fairmount attractions in one itinerary.
What Historic Sites Should You Visit in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia historic sites include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Museum of the American Revolution. These attractions provide context about the American Revolution, early U.S. government, and Philadelphia’s role as the first national capital.
Start in Independence National Historical Park, then walk through Old City and Society Hill. Independence Hall offers guided and self-guided tour options, with tickets required during many periods.
What Museums Should You Visit in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia museums include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, and Mütter Museum. Choose museums based on your interests and the neighborhood you plan to explore.
Which Philadelphia Neighborhoods Should Visitors Explore?
Philadelphia neighborhoods offer distinct options for history, food, art, local shops, parks, and nightlife. Old City, Center City, Rittenhouse Square, Fishtown, Northern Liberties, South Philly, and Fairmount are practical places to start.
Consider these areas:
- Old City and Society Hill: Historic streets, Independence National Historical Park, waterfront access, and museums
- Center City and Rittenhouse Square: Restaurants, shopping, hotels, parks, and city landmarks
- University City: University campuses, public art, cafés, and international food
- Fishtown: Music venues, breweries, restaurants, and local shops
- Northern Liberties: Restaurants, galleries, outdoor dining, and nightlife
- South Philadelphia: Italian Market, East Passyunk, stadiums, and neighborhood food
- Fairmount: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary, Kelly Drive, and parks
- Manayunk: River access, Main Street shops, cafés, and the canal towpath
What Food Is Philadelphia Known For?
Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, Italian food, food markets, and international dining. Reading Terminal Market, the Italian Market, Chinatown, South Philly, and Fishtown provide a range of local and global food options.
Common Philadelphia food experiences include:
- Cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches
- Soft pretzels and bakery items
- Italian food in South Philadelphia
- Amish-style baked goods at Reading Terminal Market
- Dim sum, noodles, and other Chinatown dining
- Ethiopian, Indian, and other international food in West Philadelphia
- Restaurants, breweries, and cafés in Fishtown and Northern Liberties
Plan food stops around your route. Visit Reading Terminal Market after touring Old City, or pair an East Passyunk walk with South Philadelphia restaurants.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia outdoor activities include walking, biking, paddling, park visits, waterfront paths, and neighborhood exploration. Fairmount Park, the Schuylkill River Trail, Kelly Drive, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Wissahickon Valley Park provide common starting points.
Popular outdoor activities include:
- Walking or biking the Schuylkill River Trail
- Visiting Fairmount Park and Boathouse Row
- Walking or running along Kelly Drive
- Visiting Spruce Street Harbor Park during seasonal operations
- Exploring the Delaware River waterfront
- Hiking in Wissahickon Valley Park
- Biking or walking through neighborhood corridors and public parks
Bring water, comfortable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers. Check trail conditions, park rules, and seasonal schedules before visiting.
What Sports and Entertainment Can You Find in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia offers professional sports, concerts, theater, music venues, festivals, and arts programming. Sports venues in South Philadelphia host football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and major touring events.
Review ticket availability, transit options, and parking information before attending events.
How Should You Get Around Philadelphia?
Philadelphia visitors can use SEPTA, walking, biking, rideshare, or a car to get around the city. Old City, Center City, Rittenhouse Square, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and parts of South Philadelphia are walkable when you plan activities nearby.
Use public transit or rideshare for destinations farther apart, including Manayunk, Wissahickon Valley Park, and stadium events. Parking can be limited in central neighborhoods, so check options before driving.
Plan Your Philadelphia Visit or Move.
Explore Philadelphia by grouping historic sites, museums, restaurants, parks, and neighborhood stops into a clear daily route. Public Storage can help you put away permitted, clean, dry household items while you organize a move or settle into a Philadelphia home.
Start with history. Keep exploring.
Philadelphia Travel FAQs
What Are the Best Things to Do in Philadelphia?
Popular Philadelphia activities include visiting Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Fairmount Park. Visitors can also explore Old City, South Philly, Fishtown, and the Schuylkill River Trail.
What Historic Sites Should You Visit in Philadelphia?
Visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Congress Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Museum of the American Revolution. These sites are concentrated in and around Old City.
What Food Is Philadelphia Known For?
Philadelphia is known for cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels, Italian food, food markets, and international dining. Reading Terminal Market, Chinatown, South Philadelphia, and Fishtown offer varied food options.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Do in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia offers walking, biking, riverfront paths, park visits, and hiking. Fairmount Park, Kelly Drive, the Schuylkill River Trail, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Wissahickon Valley Park are common outdoor destinations.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Philadelphia?
You can walk or use SEPTA, biking, and rideshare services for many central Philadelphia destinations. A car can help with trips outside Center City, but parking is often limited in busy neighborhoods.
