The 8 things to do in Philadelphia

Are you traveling to the United States, Pennsylvania? This is our top 8 things to do in Philadelphia!

City located in the northeast of the United States between New York and Washington DC , Philadelphia – also called Philly - is the fifth city and the sixth largest city, with 1.52 million inhabitants respectively and 5.96 million souls throughout the metropolitan area. Philadelphia is a major economic, cultural, historical and artistic centre United States . The city was founded in 1682 and was a home of the philosophers of the Lights, also a capital of the country before Washington DC became.

What to do in Philadelphia? Between historic buildings, museums, party places to go out, parks and green spaces where to stroll, you will not miss activities by visiting Philadelphia. To guide you in your travel preparation in the U.S., you have a list – non-exhaustive – of things to do: a top 8 of the must-sees to visit Philadelphia.

1. Visit Old City

What to do in Philadelphia? The old town, which bears witness to a relatively recent but nevertheless rich history. The neighbourhood, built on the western shores of the Delaware River, is full of historic buildings to visit. First, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the American Jewish History Museum, the American Revolution Museum. Not far, the Historical Gardens of the 18th century are a must to visit Philadelphia.

2. One Liberty Observation Deck

We don't have to visit Philadelphia without climbing up One Liberty Observation Deck , a skyscraper rises to 269 meters high, to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view – up to the 57th floor – on the city. Your tickets will have a validity of 48 hours, which allows you to admire the city from day to night. This skyscraper also named " Philly from the Top » opened on November 28, 2015 and offers its visitors a 360° view of the city.

3. See Liberty Bell

Symbol of American Independence, the Liberty Bell means the “bell of freedom”: it would have sounded the proclamation of the Independence on 4 July 1776 Philadelphia. The name of the two craftsmen who tried to repair it – in vain – and the slogan: " You will proclaim freedom throughout the country for all its inhabitants . »

4. Reading Terminal Market

Want to make small shopping by visiting Philadelphia? At the Reading Terminal Market, located between downtown and Chinatown, you can find absolutely everything you need about the region’s specialties. There are the productions of the Amish from their farms. If this community attracts your curiosity, know that you can opt for one day discovered in Amish village leaving Philadelphia (available from April to October only).

5. The Historical National Park of Independence

Located in the city centre, the Historic National Park of Independence houses several sites of the American Revolution, including Independence Hall (listed on the World Heritage List of Humanity in 1979), Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center, Carpenters’ Hall, Christ Church, City Tavern and Congress Hall. The museum set is located in a vast green space – the historic gardens of the 18th century – which will guarantee beautiful relaxing walks in the heart of the city.

6. See USS New-Jersey

Amateurs of the history of the United States, World War II? Commanded in 1939 and launched on December 7, 1942 – one year, day to day, after the attack Pearl Harbor by the Japanese -, the USS New Jersey (BB-62), nicknamed Big J or Black Dragon, is a bucket of the American Navy that has served in many combat operations during the Second World War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Lebanese Civil War, and during its deployment in the Persian Gulf. Rehabilitated in a museum-ship in 2001, it rediscovers what American Navy soldiers experienced when they were on mission.

7. Eastern State Penitentiary

Come back on the farmland for another must-see site to visit Philadelphia, although not reluctant first: the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison built in 1829. This prison building is characterized by the fact that it welcomed The Mafia gangster Al Capone – the very famous sponsor of the organized crime of Chicago, having made fortune during Prohibition – for 10 months in 1929. During his detention, he arranged his cell in a luxurious way with carpet and antique furniture. Closed in 1971, the prison is now a museum for an overview of the conditions of detention in the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States.

8. Visit Fishtown

What to do in Philadelphia? Go north of the city centre to discover a popular area of the city: Fishtown. The former industrial and workers’ quarter of Philadelphia is mainly inhabited by descendants of Irish, German and Polish Catholics of the working class. Between the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century, many German settlers held ancient fishery factories, hence the name of the neighborhood. We can imagine reviving the era of the industrial revolution where the working class was a powerful bastion of social struggles in the United States. Today, the neighbourhood is one of the most pleasant areas, where there are many bars, cafes and coffeeshops, restaurants and many mural paintings.

9. How to get to Philadelphia?

The best way to get to visit Philadelphia is the plane. Many flights take place from France, don’t hesitate to take a look at our partner site Ulysses to find a flight at the best price. Philadelphia International Airport when it is located 10 kilometres southwest of the city centre. Shuttles carry out regular connections between the airport and the hotel of travellers in about twenty minutes.

By train we can reach Philadelphia from New York (one hour drive): thanks to the Amtrak trains and SEPTA commuter trains (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority).

Finally, by bus: the company Greyhound is the main bus company in the country. It can be used to visit Philadelphia, the city with the third largest bus station in the country.

Where to stay in Philadelphia?

Want to find a decent or cheap accommodation to stay and visit Philadelphia? Philly has several places to stay according to your interests. Attention, several neighborhoods in the city are rather counter-indicated in terms of housing because they are deemed to be malfame. The Old City, Center City and Chinatown neighbourhoods will be recommended. On the other hand, it will be rather expensive: between 50 and 80 US$ per night in the centre of Philadelphia, between 70 and 200 US$ per night for an apartment, between 25 and 30 US$ for a dorm bed if you have a tight budget to visit Philadelphia. To find a reasonable price accommodation, you can take a look at this Compare hotels .