Things To Do and Restaurants To Enjoy

Independence Hall

The park represents the founding ideals of the nation, and preserves national and international symbols of freedom and democracy, including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were both debated and signed inside Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spruce Street Harbor Park makes for cool, Summertime memories, with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, beautiful trees adorned in technicolored lights, local craft beers, and delicious food from some of Philadelphia’s most popular restaurants. Whether you want to chill with friends under the illuminated trees or enjoy the fresh breeze out on the floating barges, Spruce Street Harbor Par has is all.

The Franklin Institute

As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a top-five tourist destination in the City of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is one of the leading science centers in the country, and serves as both a prominent educational and cultural resource, and as an anchor of the local economy. At The Franklin Institute, we help people understand science and technology in ways that empower them to make decisions about critical issues that affect their lives. We also participate in and advocate for the free exchange of evidence-based, peer-reviewed scientific research and ideas. The Institute is proud to welcome all who are curious, and to continue Benjamin Franklin’s legacy of lifelong learning, as we have done for 193 years

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a leading natural history museum dedicated to understanding the natural world and inspiring everyone to care for it.

Blue Cross RiverRink

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is one of the Philadelphia Waterfront's favorite Summertime traditions featuring outdoor roller skating, boardwalk games and rides, mini-golf, and great food and drinks, all with soaring views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge. Summerfest is the perfect place for a family outing, a school trip, or a meet-up with friends.

Reading Terminal Market

One of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed since 1893 in a National Historic Landmark building, the Market offers an incredible selection of locally grown & exotic produce, locally sourced meats and poultry, plus the finest seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and confections. You’ll find everything you need to create a memorable meal, from cookbooks, to table linens, to kitchenware, to fresh cut flowers, and more. Plus the widest variety of restaurants under one roof.

Italian Market 9th Street

America's Oldest & Continuously Operating Outdoor Market is located in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista & Passyunk Square communities. We are a collection of nearly 200 individual businesses situated ​between ​2 Public Parks & 2 beautiful Churches. Our Market spans over 20 city blocks including 8th, 9th & 10th Streets ​from Fitzwater Street at the north thru Wharton Street at the south. We are the Home to generations-old family businesses as well as many new, ethnic family businesses eager to share their traditions.

Big Bus Tours

Allow Philadelphia's Premier Sightseeing Tour Company to show you the sights and tell you the tales of a city that forged a nation, cheered for Rocky, invented the soft pretzel, and is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall! Whether you enjoy one of our daily Hop On/Hop Off tours, a Philly by Night tour, a walking tour of Historic Old City, or a majestic horse drawn carriage tour, our highly trained staff will enlighten and entertain you with historical tales, cultural highlights, and engaging stories of the city's past, present, and future. To maximize your sightseeing experience, choose a 2 Day or 3 Day Hop On/Hop Off Pass, a combination tour, or a specialty tour.

Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.

Eastern State Penitentiary

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Its vaulted, sky-lit cells once held many of America's most notorious lawbreakers, including "Slick Willie" Sutton and "Scarface" Al Capone.

Philadelphia Zoo

Adventure Aquarium

The Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

America's finest museum of medical history, the Mütter Museum displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments in a nineteenth-century "cabinet museum" setting. The goal of the Museum is to help visitors understand the mysteries and beauty of the human body and appreciate the history of diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum is a children's museum located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The museum focuses on teaching children through interactive exhibits and special events, mostly aimed at children seven years old and younger.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a non-profit organization, folk art environment, and gallery space on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To date, it is the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens spans three city lots, and includes indoor galleries and a large outdoor labyrinth.

Chinatown

Beyond the colorful Chinatown Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch streets lies Philly’s vibrant Asian enclave, originally settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants. On any given day or night, Chinatown pulses with sensory pleasures, including fantastic food and an abundance of activities. Visitors can look forward to acclaimed chefs serving steaming platters of hand-stretched noodles seasonal street festivals the locally guided tours and more. Stretching from Arch Street to Vine Street, and from 11th street to 8th Street, the neighborhood is packed end-to-end with restaurants and stores that represent Hong Kong, Cantonese, Fujianese, Northern Sichuan and Taiwanese cultures, with a sprinkling of Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Burmese, Vietnamese and American hipster thrown in for good measure.

Sesame Place

The only theme parks in the nation based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street. Whirling rides, splashy slides, exciting shows & parades and your favorite furry friends!

Independence Beer Garden

Philadelphia's Schulson Collective, Independence Beer Garden, is an expansive 20,000 square-foot, all-American beer garden overlooking the Liberty Bell and Independence National Historic Park. Independence Beer Garden's decor' features reclaimed timber, distressed metals, tivoli lights, and games creating intimate moments throughout the sprawling space. A menu of American favorites will go well with the 40 taps of regional and domestic craft beers offered.

Yards Brewing Company

Yards has been brewing Philly's beer since 1994. We’ve grown from a garage-sized operation in Manayunk all the way up to our current location at 500 Spring Garden Street in Northern Liberties. And we couldn't have done it without your support through the years. Our beers always have and always will be brewed, bottled, kegged, and canned for the hard working people of Philadelphia and beyond.

Philadelphia Distilling

Philadelphia Distilling, the first craft distillery in Pennsylvania since prohibition, was founded in 2005 to create compelling spirits geared for the American palette. At Philadelphia Distilling, our distilling team combines craftsmanship, science and skill to create a unique portfolio of premium spirits that rely on the agricultural integrity of authentically sourced grains and botanicals and the finest heritage equipment. Hand-hammered copper pot stills from the fifth-generation Forsyth family and wooden fermentation vessels from Hall-Woodford, an iconic Philadelphia-based family business, are key points of difference for us—both in their construction value as well as the integrity of the spirits they help us to produce. We continue our batch-by-batch process, creating spirits that celebrate big, bold flavor.

Xfinity Live! Philadelphia

Located in the heart of the sports complex, standing in the former site of the Spectrum, XFINITY Live! is 80,000 square feet dedicated to dining and entertainment. Featuring a massive 24-foot LED video wall outside in the XFINITY On Demand Theater and a positively enormous 32-foot Sony LED screen inside at the NBC Sports Arena, XFINITY Live! is the go-to place to watch the game of the day.

Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia

Rivers Casino Philadelphia

John's Roast Pork

Outright best sandwich in America! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfmVDnU7ayw

Jim's South St.

Highly rated cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia. Don't be a sucker and go "wit whiz". American or provolone, please!

The Bourse Food Hall

The Bourse is a modern food hall that's breathing new life into a beacon of Philadelphia history and culture.

Zahav (2019 James Beard Restaurant of the Year)

Reserve as soon as possible! If you get there earlier enough there is also dining service at the bar with no reservation required. LAMB SHOULDER FROM HEAVEN. Zahav brings the flavors of Israel's cultural crossroads to Philadelphia. While Israeli Cuisine is in a constant state of evolution, the cooking at Zahav comes from a deep well of Israeli hospitality. Every meal begins with Laffa bread baked in the taboon, served alongside hummus and salatim; mezze; skewers cooked over charcoal; the Pomegranate Lamb Shoulder; and award-winning desserts. Guests can enjoy a cold Lemonanna, a cocktail, or a bottle of boutique Israeli wine. We welcome reservations for indoor dining, Tuesday - Saturday nights. Reservations open on the 1st of the month at 11am, for the entire following month.

Stogie Joe's Tavern (pizza, sandwiches & other pub grub items served in a bustling tavern setting)

Located in Philadelphia, Stogie Joe's Tavern is the happening restaurant where the locals go to dine, drink, and socialize. Our menu features dishes assembled from the freshest ingredients, sure to bring bold and inspiring flavor into your life. Join us today. *We are a cash only establishment.* ATM on premises

Harper's Garden (large outdoor area)

Harper's Garden is a contemporary bar and restaurant tucked away in Rittenhouse Square. Our rotating menu focuses on simple, seasonal dishes using local ingredients and unique signature cocktails. The open-air veranda shades guests in our vibrant garden, offering a unique escape from the bustle of the city.

Ralph's Italian Restaurant (the oldest Italian restaurant in the country!)

Ralph's is owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generation of the Dispigno/Rubino family, insuring that you will receive the same great food and high quality service that has been a Ralph's tradition for over 100 years!

Ristorante Pesto (classic old-school Italian BYO)

Giovanni and Concetta Varallo are honored to welcome you to RISTORANTE PESTO. Our meals are prepared in the finest Authentic Italian Tradition, using only the freshest, highest quality ingredients available. Chef Giovanni Varallo’s and Chef Maria Varallo-Facenda’s care, dedication and attention to detail transform every dish into a work of art. We hope your stay with us is a “Dining Experience.”

Talula's Garden (farm-to-table)

Driven by local ingredients prepared in unbreakable harmony with the season, Talula’s Garden is a celebration of cooking the way it ought to be. A partnership with award-winning restaurateur Aimee Olexy, a true farm-to-table ethos inspires Talula’s unforgettable approach to food, interpretations of traditional Mid-Atlantic cuisine with a light and modern touch. The indoor-outdoor space exudes a cozy, upbeat vibe, with attention to detail that extends from the gorgeous patio to the cheese bar, home to "Maítre Fromager" Olexy’s standout program. Lush plants and vegetation throughout remind guests that the land is the source of all things wholesome and delicious.

Amada (Spanish tapas)

Amada is Chef Garces’ iconic first restaurant. Since opening in 2005, the gorgeous rustic-chic restaurant and bar has embraced the rich traditions of Spanish cuisine. Amada’s capacious dining room features a six-seat chef’s counter overlooking the open kitchen, a comfortable second dining room and lounge area, an intimate private event space and a spacious bar area reminiscent of a typical Spanish bodega, complete with hanging jamòns.

Burrata (Italian BYO with fresh homemade pastas)

Burrata Philly is a locally-owned Italian BYOB located in the Passyunk Area of Philly. A neighborhood favorite serving dinner dishes with fresh daily home-made pasta, seafood, vegetarian options, nightly specials, desserts and more! Come see what everyone is raving about and make a reservation today.

Green Eggs Café

Green Eggs Café is a brunch-style restaurant that takes pride in serving the highest quality fare, while maintaining an eco-conscious philosophy.

Marathon Grill (American casual)

Bistro Romano (romantic Italian)

Bistro Romano, an Italian restaurant situated in an 18th century granary in historic Society Hill features innovative Italian cuisine, candlelit dining, surrounded by stone walls and old world charm. The popular neighborhood mainstay has been providing quality cuisine and exceptional service for 33 years. The menu combines local sourcing, the freshest ingredients along with Chef’s keen focus on maintaining guests favorites while offering an upscale dining experience sure to please. One of the few restaurants that features Caesar salad prepared tableside, our award winning salad is a must for both taste and the experience; all pastas are house-made which include our signature dish, lobster ravioli; fresh seafood, veal, chicken, lamb, pork and filet mignon round out the menu; desserts are made in-house and amazing – don’t forget to leave room. The Bistro Bar features wines by the glass, wine flights, craft cocktails, beer and live piano on Friday and Saturday nights.

Buddakan (modern Asian)

While the magnificent, 10-foot-tall Buddha is likely the first thing to catch your eye, it’s the Modern Asian cuisine that will leave a lasting impression. Beloved dishes like edamame dumplings, char siu pork buns and Kobe beef satay share menu space with ambitious entrees that marry daring influences from East, West and beyond. Whether you’re craving a cutting-edge Asian-influenced cocktail, a bento box lunch or a full dinner seated at our dramatic communal table, let Buddakan help you escape across the globe — if only for an evening.

The Continental Mid-town (eclectic diner)

Whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, swinging in a basket chair on the jet-set mezzanine or taking in the night on the airy rooftop patio, it’s a total reprieve from the expected. The mouth-watering menu features bold and eclectic flavors, from signature jumbo lump crab pad thai and Szechuan shoestring fries to playful spins like cheesesteak spring rolls and French onion soup dumplings. Expertly mixed pop and retro cocktails ensure there’s something for everyone to sip on, no matter the occasion

Mixto Restaurante (Cuban/Latina American/Caribbean)

Mixto’s cuisine is a mixture of Cuban, Latin American, and Caribbean flavors. We are known for our traditional dishes such as Paella, Argentine Churrasco and Rotisserie Pernil. We are also known for our large portions. The atmosphere of Mixto is warm and traditional, which represents our Latin American culture. We invite you to join us soon and enjoy a true and memorable experience.

The Franklin Fountain (ice cream)

The Franklin Fountain aims to serve an experience steeped in ideals, drizzled with drollery, and sprinkled with the forgotten flavors of the American past.