Explore the Best of Philadelphia

1. Independence National Historical Park
1. Start at the city’s official welcome center Independence Visitor Center, in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic square-mile. Multilingual visitor services representatives are available to assist with any trip-planning needs, including on-site ticketing for more than 100 tours and attractions. Stop in for free amenities, including regional maps and brochures, historical films, cell phone charging stations, and Wi-Fi access. Must-sees include Independence Hall, the building where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Tickets for a viewing can be purchased ahead of time for only $1. Or tour Congress Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.
2.  The Liberty Bell
1. The Liberty Bell is the symbol of Philadelphia’s historic past, on display in the Liberty Bell Center. Tickets are not required, and access is available daily on a first-come, first-served basis. A walk through the museum provides the history of the famous bell and an up close look.
3. Carpenters’ Hall
1. Carpenters’ Hall was the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, and later a temporary field hospital during the Revolutionary War. Step back into the past with a free tour of this building.

Outdoors

1. Philadelphia’s Original Squares
1. William Penn’s original city plan for Philadelphia included five public squares. Today you can visit Philadelphia’s picturesque squares including, Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, Franklin Square, and Logan Square. The fifth square is home to City Hall, known as Dilworth Park. Walk to the center courtyard of City Hall to see a map of all five squares and then enjoy Dilworth Park’s refreshments and seasonal activities.
2. Fairmount Park
1. Bike or hike in Fairmount Park on more than 270 miles of recreational trails. The expansive park system provides endless outdoor opportunities to escape into nature. The park connects with the greenways of the Schuylkill Banks, which features a 2,000-foot-long pathway that hovers over the Schuylkill River for walking, running, or bicycling.
3. Smith Memorial Playground
1. Within Fairmount Park, you can find one of the oldest playgrounds in America—with one of the biggest wooden slides. Smith Memorial Playground is over 100 years old and features a giant playhouse, over 50 pieces of unique play equipment, and the historic Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide.
4. Bartram’s Garden
1. Bartram’s Garden, America’s first botanical garden, spans over 45 acres along the Schuylkill River. This off-the-beaten-path gem includes trails, historical buildings, educational programming, and a boat launch.

Arts and Culture Activities

1. Self-Guided Public Art Tour
1. Enjoy self-guided tours of Philadelphia’s exceptional collection of public art with digital maps offered by Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Association for Public Art. With thousands of murals and treasured sculptures throughout the city, these self-guided experiences are a great way to discover Philadelphia’s walkable communities.
2. Curtis Institute of Music
1. The renowned Curtis Institute of Music offers free admission to their student recital series. Enjoy concerts by some of the most talented young musicians in the world in a historical and inspiring setting.
3. The Rocky Steps & Parkway Art Museums
1. Follow in the steps of Rocky Balboa with a morning jog up the Rocky Steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. And don’t forget to take your photo with Rocky’s statue once you’ve cooled down. The museum has a “pay what you wish” offer on the first Sunday of every month and each Friday after 5 p.m. The Barnes Foundation, a short walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also offers free admission on the first Sunday of the month. 

Science Attractions

1. Science History Institute
1. The Science History Institute offers free admission and has an outstanding collection of chemistry-related objects, artwork, photographs, and books,. Its exhibitions illustrate the impact chemistry and chemistry engineering have had on the modern world.
2. Wagner Free Institute of Science
1. Founded in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science provides free public education in science. The National Historic Landmark building houses more than 100,000 natural history specimens including fossils, shells, minerals, and mounted animal skeletons.
3. Pennsylvania Hospital
1. Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation’s first hospital, was founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond. Take a free tour of the historic Pine Building with stops at a 13,000-volume library and the first surgical amphitheater in the country. Guests can also stroll through the beautiful herb gardens and grounds outside.