Should You Visit Philadelphia?

Is Philadelphia worth visiting?

Philadelphia is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Philadelphia is a large and diverse city that has a strong history from the founding days of the United States. It is home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and many other sights related to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the American Revolution. There are also many museums, markets, restaurants, and neighborhoods that are unique and fun to explore. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Lonely Planet's Best Places to Travel in 2024.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reasons to Visit Philadelphia

Museums
The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Theatre Productions
There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Food
It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Nightlife
The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Music
The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Shopping
With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Historical Sights
The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Christmas Markets
The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Authenticity
Philadelphia has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Philadelphia worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather in Philadelphia is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (86°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

The peak season for travel is summer in Philadelphia, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual. Summer is a popular time to visit Philadelphia.

The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife.

Is Philadelphia worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Philadelphia. Even though Philadelphia is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (56°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and spend time at the museums. Also, you'll be able to browse through the Christmas markets, discover the big city activities, and listen to some live music.

Is Philadelphia worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Philadelphia. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals. Philadelphia lights up in the winter around Christmas time.

The weather in Philadelphia can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -1°C (30°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the theatre, and the cuisine. Also, you can experience the historic old town, the nightlife, the live music, and the big city activities.

Is Philadelphia worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Philadelphia, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Philadelphia is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you can admire the historic sights, listen to some live music, and enjoy an evening out.

Related

What is Philadelphia most famous for?

Philadelphia is most famous for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. People visit this impressive city for its great museums. It's also known for theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, and shopping. And many travelers come for the historical sights and christmas markets, as well. It is often described as diverse, historic, and cultural.

What is the most famous sight in Philadelphia?

The most popular sight in Philadelphia is The Liberty Bell. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Philadelphia on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Liberty Bell and other attractions here.

How touristy is Philadelphia? Is it a popular city to visit?

Philadelphia is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Its Always Sunny Shared Walking Tour of South Philly: $39
• Philadelphia Italian Market Walking Tour: $35
• Welcome to Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour: $180
• Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour in Philadelphia: $34
• Small-Group Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Public Walking Tour: $40
• Small-Group Public Walking Tour Exploring Philadelphia's Gilded Age to Now: $45
• Philadelphia Movie and Television Sites Private Walking Tour: $70
• Discovering Colonial Philadelphia Private Walking Tour: $250

How long should I spend in Philadelphia?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Philadelphia is two to three days. Since Philadelphia has a variety of activities such as museums, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Philadelphia? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Philadelphia?.