Photo: Dave Z, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our 10 Best Things To Do In Philadelphia, PA article takes a look at one of the most exciting and historic cities in the United States. Along with my home city of New York City as well as Boston and Washington D.C. the city of brotherly love is one of my favorite cities to visit . I have been there many times, and I always have a great time staying in Philadelphia.
# 10 – Gino’s Philly Steaks
As most people know, Philadelphia is the home of the great Cheesesteak sandwich. Every restaurant, marketplace, food cart and more sells them. However, ask anyone who has ever been to Philadelphia to recommend where to find the best cheesesteaks and nine times of ten they will either mention Pat’s or Geno’s. The two legendary cheesesteak restaurants compete against each other at a busy intersection in South Philadelphia located at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. We have been to both of these famous restaurants and compared their cheesesteak sandwiches. Both restaurants make amazing cheesesteak sandwiches that are as fresh as you have ever tasted. They are definitely better than other cheesesteak sandwiches we have tried throughout the city of Philadelphia. If we had to choose one, we would go with Pats. Nonetheless, you can’t go wrong with either one If your in Philadelphia. This is a must stop!
# 9 – Rocky Run
While running a marathon is not for most people, walking a 5k is possible or just going with someone who is running. The annual Rocky Run that is usually held in late fall every year in the city of Philadelphia. It is a wonderful experience for all. The run starts out at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by the Rocky Statue. The run features the soundtrack to all those great Rocky Movies There is no music more inspiring to run to. Sign up for the run and receive a great high quality tee shirt and a bag of other goodies. You can check out the registration info at the link below.
# 8 – Walk The Streets Of Philadelphia
Sometimes when visiting a city like Philadelphia, people should realize that one of the greatest points of interest is the city itself. The neighborhoods in Philadelphia change dramatically from street to street so its best to always explore during the day time with at least one other person or a group of people and to research the areas you intend to explore before heading out to walk.. Nonetheless, a walk though Philadelphia can be an awesome experience. Some of the architecture in the buildings date back to the early 1700s. It’s at times breathtaking what you will find just walking around the city. From great restaurants to mom and pop shops to street vendors, the streets of Philadelphia are alive and wonderous. The video below offers a great virtual tour of what we are talking about.
# 7 – Independence Hall
While this Best 10 Things to Do In Philadelphia article has looked at some of the more common basic experiences in Philadelphia, we cant ignore the fabulous historic sites found in one of the greatest cites in the United States. That start’s with Independence Hall. Is there no more important places than the site where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed? You can find yourself at the site where this country’s most important documents were signed at Chestnut Street in the city of Philadelphia, between 5th and 6th Streets.
# 6 – Eastern State Penitentiary
This is quite a different place than Independence Hall. The Eastern State Penitentiary is the jail where one of the most famous criminals in US History was held in the name of Al Capone. There is a distinct creepiness’ to this Penitentiary that you will feel while touring the jail cells and isolation rooms. The doorways to the rooms and the rooms themselves were so small, it feel very medieval. If that’s your kind of thing, than you don’t want to miss the chances to explore this famous Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
# 5 – Franklin Institute of Science
At the halfway point on on 10 Best Things To Do in Philadelphia article we present one of the great science museums and institutes in the nation. On a par with the great Boston Science Museum, the Franklin Institute of Science is an extraordinary museum filled with fun interactive exhibits for the entire family.
Franklin Institute of Science Website
# 4 – Liberty Bell
One cannot plan a trip to Philadelphia without seeing the Liberty Bell. The Liberty Bell is housed in a very small area called Liberty Bell Hall. It is directly across from the legendary Independence Hall. There are tours you can take where a staff member will detail in entertaining fashion the history of The Liberty Bell Or, you can just walk around freely if that’s what you would prefer. You may be surprised at how large the Liberty Bell is. It’s a breathtaking experience.
# 3 – Philadelphia Museum Of Art
As we begin to wind down our 10 Best Things To Do In Philadelphia list we turn to one of the most famous places In Philly. Forty five years ago Sylvester Stallone ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum Of Art as the character Rocky in his legendary 1976 film Rocky. The museum instantly became famous because of that scene. Visiting those steps alone is worth the visit. However, the Philadelphia Museum Of Art is one of the most spectacular Art Museums in the U.S and is not to be missed.
Philadelphia Museum Of Art Website
# 2 – Reading Terminal Market
We are big fans of city markets in these top 10 lists. It’s where you can find all sorts of foods and beverages that define the culture of a city. The Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest food markets we have ever encountered. There are hundreds of merchants in the market offering tastes of all cultures. Its is simply mesmerizing to walk through this market. Check out the video below for a close up look at this fantastic food bonanza. Click on the link to get a listing of everything there is at the market.
Reading Terminal Market Website
# 1 – National Constitution Center
We close out our 10 Best Things To Do In Philadelphia, PA article with our favorite place to visit in Philadelphia. The National Constitution Center is a glorious museum center that celebrates the United States Constriction and the history of the United States. There is an performance shown in the round that details the story behind the U.S. Constriction. It will leave you breathless and teary eyed. There are many interactive exabits in which you can preform your own speech or broadcast and act like a Presidents. This is such a wonderful place for fans of history.
