Philadelphia

Travel Guide

Philadelphia which includes fall colors, a square or plaza and a city
Philadelphia featuring a city and a square or plaza
Philadelphia showing street scenes, a city and fall colors
Philadelphia featuring a city
Philadelphia Museum of Art featuring a statue or sculpture

Philadelphia Travel Guide Video

Almost 40 million visitors come to this Pennsylvania city each year to see important sites of U.S. history and locations made famous by a popular movie franchise.

Philadelphia was founded as the city of “brotherly love” in the late 1600s by William Penn for Quakers seeking a land without religious persecution. Visit this historic city to explore important sites from the early days of the United States as well as modern pop culture.

Independence National Historical Park holds Independence Hall, where John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin and other founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Nearby, see the recognizable crack and important message of the Liberty Bell: “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.”

The Eastern State Penitentiary is an unlikely but very popular tourist stop. Examine the unique solitary prison design and look for the cell where Al Capone was held. Stop at the Reading Terminal Market for fresh foods in the same indoor structure where the market started in 1892. The Franklin Institute offers hands-on science and technology education in 11 permanent galleries, carrying on the learning and discovery approach of famed hometown hero, Benjamin Franklin, scientist and statesman. See more than 1,300 animals at the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo established in the U.S.

The city has many other cultural attractions besides its historical treasures. Put on your gray sweatshirt and jog around Philadelphia and along the Schuylkill River just like Sylvester Stallone did in the film Rocky and its many sequels. Hum Gonna Fly Now as you run up the 72 steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Step inside for art ranging from collections featured in the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 to exceptional modern works in over 200 galleries. The Barnes Foundation has a superb collection of post-impressionist and early modern works.

Head to south Philadelphia to see the Eagles play football. Alternatively watch the game at a neighborhood bar just about anywhere in the city while enjoying a classic Philly cheese steak and a Yuengling beer made in nearby Pottsville or one of the area’s craft breweries.

Where to stay in Philadelphia

Liberty Bell Center featuring a city, heritage architecture and a monument

Center City

4/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Center City. Check out top attractions like Philadelphia Museum of Art and Reading Terminal Market, and jump on the metro at 11th St Station or 8th St Station to see more of the city.

Center City
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South Philadelphia

Travelers choose South Philadelphia for its live music. Hop aboard the metro at Snyder Station or Tasker Morris Station and check out top sights like Citizens Bank Park.

South Philadelphia
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University City

Spend some time visiting places like Penn Museum while getting to know University City, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Penn Medicine Station or 33rd St Station to see more of the area.

University City
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North Philadelphia

North Philadelphia is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to explore sights like The Liacouras Center.

North Philadelphia
Independence National Historical Park showing interior views

Old City

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Old City. Top attractions like Betsy Ross House and Independence Mall are major draws, and you can catch the metro at 2nd St. Station or 5th St. Station to see more of the city.

Old City
Philadelphia featuring a monument, heritage architecture and a memorial

Rittenhouse Square

While you're in Rittenhouse Square, take in top sights like Walnut Street or Rittenhouse Row, and hop on the metro to see more the city at 15th-16th & Locust Station or 19th St Station.

Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is P5,978 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,978
P6,957 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,044 reviews)
"I always enjoy my stay at the Rittenhouse Square Club Quarters. The rooms are clean and charming. The staff is courteous and helpful. There are multiple restaurants within walking distance."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport

4 out of 5
4509 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,778 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,778
P7,887 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (3,421 reviews)
"Overall good but sink drain not working, tub drain super slow"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport
Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing

4 out of 5
201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
The price is P8,728 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P8,728
P10,157 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,294 reviews)
"This hotel is great but there were small flaws in the cleanliness of our hotel room. The housekeeper missed the old laundry Wash cloths & glassware with new laundry when cleaning the room. But overall the staff were extremely friendly and the restaurant food was excellent I highly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay

3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,224 reviews)
Nice
"Room was nice. Bed was comfortable. Pool was closed by 6:30."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites

4211 Suites

4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Philadelphia ...
9/10 Wonderful! (392 reviews)
"Honestly the price was great. Then you see the room. I was so amaze it had everything in it."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City

3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and in-room washers/dryers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,730 reviews)
"Really nice apartment and nice area to be in"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Witherspoon Apartments Center City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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