Philadelphia is a great place to visit, no matter the time of year. So if you’re heading there for business or pleasure, you should be sure to hit some, if not all, of the following locations. Here is a list of some of the top things to do in Philadelphia to make your trip planning even easier.
The Franklin Institute
Dating back to 1824, The Franklin Institute is a museum dedicated to science and technology. Kids will be in awe at the giant walk-through model of a heart, which has been a museum staple since the 1950s. The Institute is also home to the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Be sure to also visit the Fels Planetarium and the IMAX dome theater while you are there!
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is a museum that helps people understand the United States Constitution. Exhibits feature the history of the Constitution and how it has been interpreted over the years. In the Signers’ Hall exhibit, visitors can wander between forty two realistic statues of the signers of the Constitution.
Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo is known for its ability to breed animals that have been difficult to breed in captivity. The Zoo offers close-up and personal views of several of the world’s most endangered animals in the Rare Animal Conservation Center. Make sure you watch out for the freely roaming peacocks as you tour the zoo!
Adventure Aquarium
This aquarium is home to nearly eight thousand animals and over two million gallons of water tanks. At Adventure Aquarium, visitors can see many species of nautical life, including: penguins, sea turtles, hippopotamuses, and sharks. Visitors can also feed sting rays by hand! The Adventure Aquarium is technically in Camden, New Jersey, but it’s just across the river from Philadelphia so you should take the time to head over and see it.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Having one of the largest collections of natural history specimens in the United States, visitors will not want to miss The Academy of Natural Sciences. Here, you can learn about dinosaurs and see full skeletal mounts of the reptiles. The Academy also features 37 dioramas depicting North American wildlife.
Phila Trolly Works Tour & The Big Bus Co
This tour is perfect for seeing several of Philadelphia’s landmarks in one day! Open-top tours allow visitors to fully experience the incredible city views without the hassle of driving. Experienced tour guides ensure that you learn random and interesting tidbits about the history of the city.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Designed to resemble a castle, the prison is a unique building that was designed to evoke fear and deter would-be criminals. Al Capone once called a cell home in this prison. Visitors can tour cellblocks, solitary confinement cells, death row and even Capone’s former cell.
Please Touch Museum
Known as one of the best children’s museums in the nation, Please Touch Museum is perfect for those with young ones. This Museum lets children learn through play as they explore exhibits on urban life, flying, cars and rivers.
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a well-loved American landmark. Known for its crack, it hung in the steeple of Independence Hall. This bell has served as the symbol of many causes such as the abolition of slavery, an icon of the Cold War, and of course, American independence.
As you can see, visiting Philadelphia can be a great cultural experience if you know where to go and what to do. It’s best to plan your trip out ahead of time so you can make sure to make the most of your time in the amazing city.