Top 5 things to do in Philly (and how to do them right)
We’ve rounded them up and given you some insiders’-only intel so that you can spend most of your time relaxing and less of it waiting in line.
Welcome to Philadelphia!
We hope you'll take a look at the rest of our Visitors Guide, where you can find great places to eat, drink, dance, shop and otherwise live it up. We think our city has a lot to offer that is off the beaten path but we know there are some tried-and-true tourist attractions that all first-time Philadelphians must experience. Here, we've rounded them up and given you some insiders'-only intel so that you can spend most of your time relaxing and less of it waiting in line.
1. Run the Rocky Steps
Rocky Balboa is our city's most famous son and every year thousands of visitors lace up their Nikes and recreate the famous scene from his first film.
Where to do it: The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Only locals know: Early mornings and late nights are the best time to do the famed Rocky run because the area is less crowded. (Looking for more Rocky-related exercise? The Rocky 50k recreates his run throughout the entire city.)
Robert Indiana's iconic statue isn't the only piece of public art in Philadelphia—we highly recommend signing up for a tour with the city's Mural Arts Program to peep some of Philadelphia's coolest outdoor artworks—but it's certainly the most famous. Tourists line up to have photos taken with the statue in what is affectionately known as Love Park.
Where to do it: JFK Plaza
Only locals know: If you want to skip the crowds, avoid the area during the uber-hectic lunchtime hours when food trucks pack the park.
In a city brimming with historical artifacts, none is more popular than the Liberty Bell. It's almost always crowded.
Where to do it: Independence National Historical Park
Only locals know: Don't try to touch the Liberty Bell. The guards get really mad about it.
Reading Terminal Market is perfect for group dining. The giant food court offers plenty of options for everyone from your pickiest eater to your most adventurous omnivore. You can also check off all the required Philadelphia eating—soft pretzels, cheesesteaks, whoopie pies—in one big bite. (Though, we recommend several smaller bites.)
Where to do it: 12th and Arch streets
Only locals know: Donuts might not seem like the highlight of a Philly food haven, but Beiler's are worth the calories. Also if you want to avoid the lines, DO NOT go during peak lunch hours (11 a.m. -1:30 p.m.).
5. Picnic in Rittenhouse Square
As one of the city's original parks, Rittenhouse Square offers more Philly flavor than any cheesesteak shop. On a sunny day, you can find street performers, sunbathers and some of the city's most well-known socialites milling around the Square. Grab noshes from one of the many nearby eateries and watch the city's hustlers and bustlers make their moves.
Where to do it: 19th and Walnut streets
Only locals know: The Barnes and Noble across the street has one of the only clean and free bathrooms in Center City.