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16 Top Experiences in Philadelphia, PA

By Amelia Gibson, Posted on 06 Dec, 2022 at 05:18 am

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What to do in Philadelphia, PA

There is no shortage of exciting things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Whether you are a history buff or someone looking for the latest in entertainment attractions, Philadelphia has something for everyone! The City of Philadelphia is located along the Delaware River and is home to approximately 636,000 people. Since Philadelphia is such a populated city, there are a ton of events and locations to get out and explore. As the largest city in Pennsylvania, you can imagine that you won't be running out of things to do any time soon!

Here are some of the best experiences to check out when visiting Philadelphia:

 

Offbeat Museums:

Philadelphia is filled with history and character, making it a unique and interesting city to explore. If you're looking for something different to do, check out some of the city's more offbeat museums. The Mutter Museum is home to a collection of medical oddities, while the Philadelphia Magic Gardens is an outdoor art installation made up of found objects and recycled materials. If you're into history, the National Constitution Center tells the story of the United States Constitution.

 

Self-Guided Mural Tour

Philadelphia has over 1,500 murals spread throughout the city waiting to be discovered. Art enthusiasts can explore these pieces by taking a self-guided Mural Mile tour. You can find a map of the murals online or on one of the free mural tours offered by the city.

 

Colonial History Tour

The Philadelphia History Museum provides many tours for those interested in colonial history.  You can explore the origins of Philadelphia, the Revolutionary War, or the Civil War among other things. Another option is taking a trolley tour that covers all these topics and more. For a more educational experience, you can also visit Colonial Pennsbury Manor and Colonial Germantown Historic District.

 

"Rocky" Run

For those in search of a little motivation, the "Rocky" run is a tradition that takes place every New Year's Day. Participants dress up like Sylvester Stallone's character from Rocky and jog up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to recreate his famous scene from the movie. It's become one of the city's most iconic events and a great way to start the year off on a positive note. Whether you join in or just watch from afar, it's sure to be an amazing experience. So grab your running shoes and get ready for a challenge!

 

Penn Campus Walk

Penn's campus is a treasure trove of art and architecture. From the ivy-covered buildings to the intricate sculptures, there is much to see and explore. A great way to take it all in is by going on a campus walk. You can find maps of the campus online, or download one of the free Penn tour apps. Highlights include the Fisher Fine Arts Library, the ornate Steinberg Hall, and the massive Engineering Quad. There is also a sculpture garden located near College Green, which is worth a visit. So if you're looking for a dose of culture, be sure to check out Penn's campus!

 

Fairmount Historic Homes

If you're interested in history, be sure to check out the Fairmount Park historic homes. These homes were built in the 18th century and offer a glimpse into life during that time period. You can tour the homes yourself or take a guided tour. Either way, it's a fascinating experience and a great way to learn more about Philadelphia's history. So if you're looking for something educational and unique, this is a great option.

 

Storytelling Benches

Philadelphia has many beautiful and interesting beaches. One of the most unique is the Once Upon A Nation Bench. These benches are located throughout the city and are dedicated to telling stories from Philadelphia's past. Each bench has a plaque with a story and a QR code that provides additional information.

If you're interested in learning more about Philadelphia's history, be sure to check out these benches! They're a great way to learn about the city's past, and you can find them all over Philadelphia.

 

East Passyunk Dining

If you're looking for a great dining experience, be sure to check out East Passyunk Avenue. This street is home to some of the best restaurants in Philadelphia. You can find everything from Italian to Thai cuisine, so there is something for everyone.

Be sure to check out some of the following restaurants:

  • Laurel
  • Fond
  • Black & White
  • Noord
  • Philly Style Bagels
  • Perla


East Passyunk is also known for its nightlife scene. The streets are lined with bars and clubs, so there's plenty of entertainment to choose from. So if you're looking for a great evening out, be sure to check out East Passyunk Avenue!

 

Philly Cheesesteak

When in Philadelphia, you simply must try the city's most famous dish - the Philly cheesesteak. This sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese, and is usually served on a roll.

There are many places to try a Philly cheesesteak, but some of the best spots are:

  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Jim's Steaks

So if you're looking for a real Philly experience, be sure to try a cheesesteak!

 

Traveling Beer Garden

The traveling beer garden is the perfect destination for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. This is a pop-up beer garden that travels to different parks throughout Philadelphia. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and sample some of Philly's best beers.

The traveling beer garden will be at Franklin Square Park from July 5th - July 8th, so be sure to check it out!

 

Rittenhouse Row Shopping

Rittenhouse Row is a great place to find stylish clothing and accessories. Some of the best shops in the area include:

  • Anthropologie
  • BHLDN
  • Free People
  • J.Crew
  • Lululemon Athletica


So if you're looking for some new outfit ideas, be sure to check out Rittenhouse Row!

 

Outdoor Summer Concert

To have a good time this summer, attend one of the outdoor concerts happening in Philadelphia. These concerts are a great way to enjoy the weather and listen to some great music.

Some of the best concerts this year include:

  • The War on Drugs on July 21st
  • The Roots on August 11th
  • G-Eazy on September 1st

So if you're looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, be sure to check out one of these concerts!

 

Old City shopping in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Take a stroll down memory lane in quaint brick row houses that now house hip boutiques and old-fashioned candy shops. Spend an afternoon browsing independent stores, specialty shops, and art galleries in Old City. Explore cobblestone streets lined with historic homes and landmarks that offer a unique shopping experience.

The area is a great place to find antique furniture, vintage clothing, jewelry, and more. You can also find home decor from local artists as well as delicious food from local eateries.

 

Fishtown bar hopping Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fishtown is a trendy neighborhood in Philadelphia that is home to a number of bars and clubs. If you're looking for a great night out, be sure to check out some of the bars in Fishtown.

Some of the best bars in the area include:

  • Franklin Hall
  • Fette Sau
  • Johnny Brenda's
  • Kensington Quarters

So if you're looking for a good time, be sure to check out Fishtown!

 

Scrapple tasting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Scrapple is a type of pork sausage that is made with cornmeal and pork trimmings. It is usually served as a breakfast or brunch dish.

If you're looking to try scrapple, be sure to check out one of the following restaurants:

  • Laurel
  • Fond
  • Black & White
  • Noord
  • Philly Style Bagels
  • Perla

Each of these restaurants offers a unique take on the classic dish. So if you're looking for a delicious breakfast, be sure to sample some of Philadelphia's finest scrapple!

 

Brewery tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is known for its craft beer scene and there are many breweries that offer tours and tastings. If you're looking for a fun way to explore the city's beer culture, be sure to check out one of these brewery tours.

Some of the best breweries in Philadelphia include:

  • Yards Brewing Company
  • Saint Benjamin Brewing Company
  • Free Will Brewing Co.
  • Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
  • Tired Hands Brewing Company

So if you're looking to explore Philadelphia's beer scene, be sure to check out one of these brewery tours!


Philadelphia has an astonishing amount to offer, and while we've endeavored to cover a few of the most notable—and interesting—experiences here, we recognize that there are plenty more things to do in Philadelphia. We would encourage you to make a trip down there sometime soon and see what you can find!

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About Author

Amelia Gibson

Amelia Gibson is a 28 years old travel blogger who quit her career in finance for her passion for exploring the planet. She's been traveling for six years now and has traveled across 40 countries. She is working with top brands and sponsors from all around the world. She is extremely talented in photography, a good writer, and a content creator.