Philadelphia Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Philadelphia tours and things to do in the birthplace of America: stand before the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall where the nation was founded, run up the "Rocky Steps" at the art museum, feast on authentic Philly cheesesteaks and Reading Terminal Market treats, uncover haunted tales at Eastern State Penitentiary, and take a colonial-history stroll through Old City’s cobbled streets. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Philadelphia by interest
Whatever brings you to Philadelphia — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Philadelphia
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Independence Hall
Nation’s birthplace.
Liberty Bell
Iconic symbol.
City Hall
Skyline landmark.
Rocky Steps
Art museum.
Cheesesteaks
Philly classic.
Reading Terminal
Historic market.
Eastern State
Haunted prison.
Valley Forge
Historic park.
Philadelphia history & culture
- 1Independence Hall
- 2Old City
- 3Museums
- 4Murals
1.5 hr awayAmish Country
Lancaster farms.
45 min awayValley Forge
Historic park.
City awayIndependence Hall
Founding site.
City awayRocky Steps
Art museum.
City awayCheesesteaks
Philly food.
City awayRiver Cruise
Delaware River.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Philadelphia visitor asks before booking.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and blooming — a lovely time to visit.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and lively, with July 4th celebrations.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Crisp and colourful — the best time.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold but festive, with holiday markets.
For July 4th
Independence Day is a huge celebration here.
Best overall
Spring and autumn are ideal.
One day
The history, food and Rocky Steps.
Two days
Add the art, murals and a day trip.
Three days
Add ghosts, cruises and more museums.
For history
Old City and Independence Hall.
For food
Cheesesteaks and the markets.
With kids
The Liberty Bell and river cruise.
On foot
Old City and Center City are best explored on foot.
Hop-on bus
Double-decker buses link the main sights.
Public transit
SEPTA buses and trains serve the wider city.
Car & rideshare
Handy for Amish Country and Valley Forge.
Where to stay
Stay in Old City or Center City near the sights.
US dollar
The USA uses the dollar; cards are widely accepted.
Free Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is free; arrive early to skip queues.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall needs a free timed ticket in peak season.
Try a cheesesteak
Sample a classic Philly cheesesteak on a food tour.
Run the Rocky Steps
Climb the art-museum steps like Rocky for the view.
Day trip out
Set aside a day for Amish Country or Valley Forge.
Spring & autumn
Visit in spring or autumn for the best weather.
Independence Hall
Timed tickets go fast in summer — book ahead.
Food tours
Popular cheesesteak tours fill up — reserve early.
Day trips
Amish Country trips have limited spots — book ahead.
Dinner cruises
River dinner cruises sell out on weekends — reserve early.
Ghost tours
Evening ghost tours book out — reserve ahead.
July 4th
Independence Day weekend is busiest — book everything ahead.
History walk
Around $25–45 for an Old City history walking tour.
Hop-on bus
About $30–50 for a hop-on-hop-off bus pass.
Food tour
Roughly $60–90 for a cheesesteak food tour.
Day trip
Around $80–130 for an Amish Country day trip.
Dinner cruise
About $70–120 for a Delaware River dinner cruise.
How to save
Use a city pass and combine history with a food tour.
Philadelphia through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Blooms & mild.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely.
- Best for
- July 4th.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Warm.
- Best for
- Crisp colour.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
- Best for
- Holiday markets.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.