A Philadelphia First Timer's Guide

A Philadelphia First Timer's Guide

Philadelphia offers a rich tapestry of experiences for history buffs, art enthusiasts, foodies, and much more.

From the Rocky Steps to the Liberty Bell, there are some things you must see in Philadelphia. Here’s how to make the most out of a first-time visit.

Discover Historic Philadelphia

Start in the heart of American history by exploring “America’s Most Historic Square Mile.” Visit Independence Hall, where America’s Founders signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Just a short walk away is the Liberty Bell Center, home to the iconic symbol of freedom. Don’t miss the President’s House Site and Carpenters’ Hall for more revolutionary history.

Explore Philadelphia’s Art Scene

Philadelphia, known as the “Mural Capital of the World,” boasts over 4,000 murals, sculptures, and mosaics, making it the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. Over the last 40 years, the organization behind these murals, Mural Arts Philadelphia, has turned the city into a canvas and is always adding new works. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after Paris’s Champs-Élysées, serves as the city’s artistic red carpet. The Parkway features must-see museums like the Rodin Museum and the Barnes Foundation, home to the world’s largest collection of Renoir paintings. In 2025, Calder Gardens will open, celebrating the works of sculptor Alexander Calder.

Run the Rocky Steps

Channel your inner Rocky Balboa by running up the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Inside the museum, find world-renowned art collections spanning over 2,000 years. Then snap a photo with the iconic Rocky Statue. For unique Rocky souvenirs, check out the adjacent Sly Stallone Shop.

Venture Throughout Center City

Explore Center City, starting with a visit to LOVE Park to capture a photo with Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture. Food lovers should head to Reading Terminal Market for a taste of Philly’s diverse culinary scene, featuring over 80 vendors. Climb to new heights with a City Hall Tower Tour for a panoramic view of the city. Then grab a bite and a brew at McGillin’s Old Ale House, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia.

Eat Like a Local

No visit is complete without indulging in the city’s culinary delights. Try a classic Philly cheesesteak from Pat’s, Geno’s, or Jim’s. Savor a Philadelphia favorite soft pretzel from Miller’s Twist or the Philly Pretzel Factory. Water ice, a beloved neighborhood treat, offers a refreshing blend of fruit flavors and shaved ice, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Photo by J. Fusco for GPTMC.

With a rich brewing history dating back to America’s founding, Philadelphia knows a thing or two about a good pint. At the end of the day raise a glass at one of Philadelphia’s storied breweries such as Yards Brewing Co or Love City Brewing Company.

The city’s food scene continues to receive high honors, with Philadelphia restaurants like My Loup named to Eater’s list of Best New Restaurants 2023. And local restaurants continue to collect James Beard Awards. Vietnam Restaurant is the Mid-Atlantic recipient of the James Beard 2024 America’s Classics Award. Vietnam Restaurant joins a decades long list of Philadelphia James Beard Award winners, including Friday Saturday Sunday, Zahav, and Monk’s Café.

Go on an Outdoor Adventure

Named the Most Walkable City in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards two years in a row, Philadelphia is easy to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood, river to river. Walk from America’s “most historic square mile” in Old City to the vibrant Delaware River waterfront to the historic Italian Market in South Philadelphia. Or travel from the Friendship Gate — the entrance to Philadelphia’s Chinatown  — to the Schuylkill River Trail. Bikers, runners, and walkers can enjoy a scenic journey throughout the city while taking in waterfront views.

The Schuylkill River Trail winds its way through Philadelphia’s downtown and into Fairmount Park. The Park is one of the world’s largest city-owned urban park systems, home to seemingly endless trails and outdoor opportunities. Philadelphia’s park system comprises 63 individual parks, more than 200 historic buildings, an impressive public art collection, and the country’s first zoo. Or venture just a few miles north to explore Wissahickon Valley, where visitors can hike, bike, run, bird-watch, and horseback ride through 50 miles of nature.

When Pennsylvania founder William Penn planned Philadelphia, he included five squares: one at each corner and one centrally located. Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, Franklin Square, Logan Square, and Dilworth Park—each with its own identity—remain vital to the city. Today, they provide the perfect mid-day respite, where travelers can unwind and lounge during their day exploring the city.

Explore our by-the-book itinerary for more must-see attractions on a first-time visit to Philadelphia.