A First-Timer's Guide To Philadelphia, Iconic Sites & Bites Give Visitors An Experience That’s Distinctly Philly

Credit: Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

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While Philadelphia offers a variety of authentic and top-notch attractions, exploring this vibrant city takes some planning—especially for first-time visitors. With so much to see, do and taste, it’s challenging for a novice to know where to begin in the country’s first World Heritage City. From the historic Liberty Bell to the deliciously indulgent cheesesteak, here’s a look at Philly 101:

Historical Hotspots:

• Independence Hall – While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall has particular significance to the development of the nation. In this building in 1776, the Founding Fathers came together to sign the Declaration of Independence. Eleven years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park, and guided tours are available to visitors year-round. Free, timed tickets are required and can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center at 6^th and Market Streets. Tours usually fill up before noon, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly. Visitors must enter a security checkpoint at 5^th and Chestnut streets prior to tour. 520 Chestnut Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde  
• Liberty Bell – Moved to its current location across from Independence Hall in 2003, the Bell was cast in 1753 in Philadelphia to adorn the State House. Originally used to call the Pennsylvania Assembly to meetings, it was later adopted by abolitionists, suffragists and Civil Rights advocates, and many use it as their symbol today. After almost a century of constant use, the Bell cracked while tolling for George Washington’s birthday in 1846. Visitors can tour the Liberty Bell Center year-round. 526 Market Street, (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde  
• Valley Forge – In the winter of 1777-1778, Valley Forge was the encampment headquarters of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, a national park on this site honors the sacrifice and strength of those who helped secure freedom for the United States. Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a variety of programming throughout the year, including ranger programs, guided tours and living history demonstrations. 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, nps.gov/vafo

Arts Appreciation:

• Philadelphia Museum of Art and the “Rocky Steps” – The Philadelphia Museum of Art was forever immortalized in the classic Rocky film franchise. While the “Rocky Steps” draw a slew of visitors who want to reenact Stallone’s on-screen training regimen, the museum is even more impressive inside. The astounding art collection, spanning more than 2,000 years, comprises various media, including sculpture, paintings, textiles, arms and armor, photography, prints and drawings. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
• Barnes Foundation – While its Philadelphia home opened in May 2012, the Barnes Foundation dates back to 1922 when Albert Barnes established it to promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. The Barnes boasts the world’s most important collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, as well as Old Master works, Native American jewelry, antiquities and African sculpture. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org 
• Mural Arts Program – In Philadelphia, every wall is a potential blank canvas, and stunning murals adorn building exteriors all over the city. Begun in 1984 as an anti-graffiti initiative, the renowned City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program uses art to ignite change in communities to transform public spaces and individual lives. To date, the program has produced nearly 4,000 murals. Interested visitors can view several of these works on a variety of walking, trolley, subway and Segway tours. Private tours and interactive options are available for groups. Most tours leave from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Hamilton Building. 128 N. Broad Street, (215) 925-3633, muralarts.org  
• The Philadelphia Orchestra – As one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, The Philadelphia Orchestra maintains a rich tradition of the highest level of artistic quality. Today, Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the group, whose main season runs from September through May. The Orchestra performs in venues around the world, but its main home is the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 1 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, philorch.org
• Curtis Institute of Music – Founded in 1924, the Curtis Institute of Music educates and trains gifted performers to attain careers in the arts. Musicians of all ages and backgrounds travel from around the world to attend this prestigious school. Students perform solo and chamber works most Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings during the school year as part of the free recital series. 1726 Locust Street, (215) 893-5261, curtis.edu/studentrecitals

Signature Sites:

• Boathouse Row – This National Historic Landmark consists of 10 charming boathouses that sit on the banks of the Schuylkill River. These structures have been associated with rowing since the 19^th century, and the boat clubs that occupy them have produced many Olympic champions. At night, the glittering lights that frame the buildings on Boathouse Row make for idyllic scenery as they reflect off of the river’s surface. 1 Boathouse Row, boathouserow.org  
• City Hall – Located at the intersection of Market and Broad Streets, City Hall has been Philadelphia’s government headquarters for more than 100 years, and it’s the largest municipal building in the country. For a bird’s-eye view of the city, visitors head tothe observation deck, which sits just below the 37’ bronze statue of William Penn that tops the building’s clock tower. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday, and visitors can take either a four-person tower tour that leaves every 15 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. or a 12:30 p.m. two-hour public tour that highlights the art, architecture, the tower and history of the building. Tickets are sold first come first served. Reservations can be made on the day of the tour. Broad & Market Streets, (215) 686-2840, phila.gov/virtualch

Green Scene:

• Fairmount Park – Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, a  2,050-acre gem scattered throughout the city, offers more than 50 miles of designated trails, 43 sculptures, two outdoor performing arts centers, the Philadelphia Zoo, Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens, historic mansions, the Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, renowned museums and many extraordinary landscapes. myphillypark.org/explore/map
• Longwood Gardens – This mega gardenattracts visitors from around the globe to its 1,077 acres filled with 20 outdoor gardens, 20 indoor gardens, 11,000 different types of plants, spectacular fountains and picturesque meadows and woodlands. The horticultural haven also hosts 400 events each year, including flower shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, children’s activities, concerts and musical theater. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000,longwoodgardens.org

Delicious Dishes:

• Philly Cheesesteaks – The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. These savory sandwiches consist of chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and a choice of cheeses and/or fried onions on a hoagie roll. Those in the know know to order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich may never end, but for an iconic Philly experience, locals visit the corner of South 9^th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses. Geno’s, 1219 S. 9^th Street, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com;Pat’s, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546, patskingofsteaks.com
• Soft Pretzels – Always delicious, the Philly soft pretzel is a staple of any local’s diet. These chewy, salty treats buck the traditional pretzel shape and instead take the form of a figure eight. Often enjoyed with yellow mustard, Philly soft pretzels are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime in between and are commonly purchased from street vendors.
• BYOBs – Short for “bring your own bottle,” BYOB restaurants pack the city’s culinary landscape. Customers are invited to provide their own alcohol to accompany their meals at these eateries, which range from high-end establishments to local neighborhood haunts.
• Reading Terminal Market – This indoor foodie paradise is a one-stop shop for everything from local produce and meats to artisanal cheeses and desserts. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy meals from more than 30 restaurants. While the market is open seven days a week, the Amish vendors, a huge draw for visitors and locals, sell their goods Tuesday through Saturday. 12^th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org
• South 9^th StreetItalian Market – Dating back to the 1880s, the South 9^th Street Italian Market is the nation’s oldest, continuous outdoor market. The iconic curb stands line South 9^th Street, showcasing fresh fruit and vegetables from fourth- and fifth-generation merchants. While Italian immigrants originally dominated this shopping district, many of today’s vendors hail from all parts of the world. S. 9^th Street between Wharton & Fitzwater Streets, italianmarketphilly.org

Exciting Events:

• Mummers Parade – A beloved Philadelphia New Year’s Day tradition, the Mummers Parade is best described as the city’s version of Mardi Gras. The oldest folk parade in the country, some say that the festivities can be traced back to 400 B.C. The first city-sanctioned Mummers Parade took place on January 1, 1901. Clubs throughout the city work on their costumes and routines all year long and compete for prizes in categories, including the String Band Division, Fancy Brigades, Comics and Wenches. mummers.com
• PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – Every March, the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show transforms the Pennsylvania Convention Center into an awe-inspiring landscape of plants and floral design. The largest flower show in the United States, the PHS production dates back more than 186 years. Over the course of nine days, gardening enthusiasts enjoy flower-arranging competitions, demonstrations, special events and a massive indoor marketplace. theflowershow.com
• Philly Sports – The Philly Phanatic is far from the only diehard sports fan in this city. Whether they’re rooting for the Phillies (baseball), Eagles (football), Flyers (hockey), 76ers (basketball) or the Union (soccer), residents here take immense pride in their local teams. Most home games are played just a few miles from Center City in a sports complex that includes the Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Union play home matches at PPL Park in nearby Chester County. When a local team wins a championship, a massive parade takes place on Broad Street.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.