Choose from 77 Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania
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Arch Street Meeting House
Philadelphia is home to the largest Quaker Friends Meeting House in the world—the Arch Street Meeting House. It's also the city's oldest.
William Penn, founder of Philadelphia and a Quaker, set aside land at the corner of Arch Street and 4th Street in the city center in 1701 for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The land was originally used for Quaker burials, and in 1803 the first parts of the current Meeting House were built. The Arch Street Friends Meeting House has been in continuous use since it was first built.
The Arch Street Meeting House is the site of Monthly Meetings and Yearly Meetings, and it's also open to visitors as a National Historic Landmark. One section of the building features dioramas of William Penn's life, as well as the 18th century diary of a local Quaker.
Practical Info
Tours of the meeting house are offered by prior arrangement Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-4pm, and a $2 donation per person is appreciated.
Address: Arch Street and 4th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
Admission: $2 donation
From $ 19
Elfreth's Alley
Dating to 1702, this cobblestone lane in Old City between North 2nd Street & North Front Street, between Arch & Race Streets , is billed as, “Our nation’s oldest street.” Named for an 18th-century blacksmith who lived and worked here, this block-long wander features Federal and Georgian-style brick buildings that once served as shops and houses for a variety of Philadelphia tradesmen: glassblowers, pewter smiths, furniture makers, shipwrights and more.
By the early 20th century, the character of the surrounding neighborhood had turned into a seedy waterfront, a decidedly undesirable spot for tourists. By the mid-1930s, the Alley was threatened with demolition, but was saved by a neighborhood association; now a National Historic Landmark, it remains one of the city’s most rare examples of 18th-century architecture.
While the street itself is essentially a living museum, houses No. 124-126 actually comprise a small museum that details daily life in the Alley’s heyday. Residents of modern-day Elfreth’s Alley open their doors to the public twice a year for holiday celebrations: mid-December’s Christmas-themed “Deck the Alley” and the Alley’s own “Fete Day” in early June.
Address: 126 Elfreths Alley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: April-Dec: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12pm-5pm. Jan-March: Thurs-Sun 11am-5pm
From $ 25
Duquesne Incline
There are a few ways to get up to Mount Washington from Pittsburgh, but Duquesne Incline is perhaps the most classic. In service from 1877, the historic cable cars, in their original wood, remain in operation. Along with the Monongahela Incline, it is the oldest continuous funicular in the world.
Inclined at 30 feet and traveling from downtown Pittsburgh’s South Side to the top of Mount Washington, it’s where panoramic views and the city’s most upscale neighborhood await. Though once powered by steam and built for cargo, it now mostly carries passengers up to the scenic overlook with a view of Pittsburg’s “Golden Triangle” of rivers.
There is also a museum that allows for a glimpse at the interior of the incline as it operates. At the top of the hill is a museum dedicated both to the history of Pittsburgh and inclines located all over the world. The view from Mount Washington has been called one of the most beautiful vistas in America.
Practical Info
The Duquesne Incline is open 365 days a year. It operates Monday through Saturday from 5:30 am to 12:45 am, and Sundays and Holidays from 7 am to 12:45 am. Parking is available across the street from the lower station at 1197 West Carson Street. A one-way ticket costs $2.50 for adults and $1.25 for children. Both cash and Port Authority tickets are accepted for payment.
Address: 1997 West Carson St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30am-12:45am, Sundays and Holidays 7am-12:45am
Admission: Adults: $2.50; Children: $1.25
From $ 75
Benjamin Franklin's Grave
The final resting place of American founding father Benjamin Franklin can be found in the northwest corner of the Christ Church Burial Ground, which houses the graves of many other prominent Philadelphians and founding fathers, including four other signatories to the Declaration of Independence. Franklin’s grave is shared with his wife Deborah, and the simple stone merely says their names and the year 1790, the date of his death. The actual Christ Church is about three blocks to the east, a five-minute walk, and it’s also an important piece of American history, as the first Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S., and the worshipping place of many people who help establish the nation.
Practical Info
Christ Church Burial Ground sits at the heart of Philadelphia’s historical center, just minutes from the Liberty Bell and across the street from the U.S. Mint. The Burial Ground is open from March to November, depending on weather, and the hours are 10 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, and noon to 4 pm on Sundays.
Address: 20 N American St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Admission: Children: $1; Adults: $2
From $ 32
Eastern State Penitentiary
At the time of its construction in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary was the most expensive public structure ever built, housing notorious criminals such as gangster boss Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton. No longer a functioning prison, the structure is now open to the public as a National Historic Landmark.
The Basics
Explore the vaulted stone halls and learn about the prison’s Enlightenment-inspired efforts to reform inmates rather than merely punish them—a system that was eventually abandoned to create solitary confinement and Death Row blocks. Audio guides provide insight into prison history, while docent-led tours cover off-limits areas such as the guard towers.
Many Philadelphia city tours include a visit to Eastern State Penitentiary, including private excursions and hop-on hop-off tours. A Philadelphia Pass provides entrance to the historic site along with other attractions such as the Academy of Natural Science and Betsy Ross House. It’s also possible to visit the prison as part of a day trip from New Haven, Connecticut.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Since the site is nearly 200 years old, some sections are not ADA compliant.
- Equipment for "The Voices of Eastern State" audio tour includes special features for those with sight, hearing, and mobility impairments.
- The building does not have climate control, so be prepared with appropriate seasonal clothing.
How to Get There
Located in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, Eastern State Penitentiary is accessible by SEPTA bus routes 48, 43, 33, 32, and 7. Street parking is available nearby and there is a paid lot adjacent to the prison. Guided city tours and hop-on hop-off bus routes allow you to bypass the hassle of navigation and parking.
When to Get There
Eastern State is open year-round. Around Halloween, the prison remakes itself into a terrifying haunted attraction—definitely not suitable for kids. From December to March, special Winter Adventure Tours cover the indoor and outdoor areas of the complex and are given in lieu of regular tour programming.
Exploring Philadelphia’s Fairmount Neighborhood
The section of Fairmount Avenue facing the prison gates is lined with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques—the perfect place to enjoy lunch or a stroll through the neighborhood. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is just a 4-block walk from the prison.
Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19130, USA
From $ 32
Betsy Ross House
George Washington supposedly asked Betsy Ross to stitch the first-ever American flag. The seamstress is said to have created the Stars and Stripes in 1776. Today, visitors can explore the 18th-century house where Betsy Ross purportedly lived, examine artifacts from her life, and even meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator.
The Basics
Step back in time on a tour of the Betsy Ross House, dating all the way back to the 1740s, in Philadelphia’s Historic District. Explore the house’s narrow rooms, see 18th-century mementos, and learn more about the life of the famed seamstress on a self-guided or audio tour. Most visits to Betsy Ross House are combined with stops at other Revolutionary War–era landmarks in the vicinity.
Tours that call on the Betsy Ross House are often of the walking variety but you can also visit as part of a Segway excursion or as a stop on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Betsy Ross House is the perfect destination for history buffs eager to learn more about Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War era.
- Visitors with mobility issues can access the ground floor and courtyard, but won’t be able to navigate the narrow staircases and upper floors.
- A ground-floor restroom and map of the house are available.
- Kids can meet a costumed Betsy Ross impersonator, learn how she stitched the flag, and listen to a special audio guide narrated in her voice.
- Pick up Philadelphia souvenirs at the Betsy Ross House’s gift shop.
How to Get There
Betsy Ross House is conveniently located on Arch Street, a short stroll from Independence National Historical Park and many of the city’s museums. If you’re driving, parking is available nearby at the Autopark at Independence Mall or National Constitution Center. There are also ample public transportation options, including SEPTA Regional Rail, the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line, PATCO, and numerous SEPTA or New Jersey Transit buses.
When to Get There
Betsy Ross House is open daily year-round, but closes on Mondays in the winter months. It’s a popular Philadelphia destination all-year long, but the summer months are particularly busy, when it hosts Flag Day celebrations on July 14, storytelling sessions, and First Friday outdoor movie screenings.
Other Historic Philadelphia Landmarks
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Betsy Ross House is also close to a number of other important landmarks from United States history. Combine a visit to the house with a trip to the Liberty Bell, a tour of Independence Hall, or a visit to the National Constitution Center. All are just within a few minutes' walk of each other and can be combined into a full-day American history tour.
Address: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Avenue of the Arts
The Avenue of the Arts is a swath of central Philadelphia where most of the city’s major performing arts venues are located, and the name Avenue of the Arts was designated in the early 1990s. This 4.5-mile-long stretch of Broad Street is the perfect place for a highbrow night on the town. You can catch a show at the recently opened Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Philadelphia Orchestra. Visit America’s oldest art school, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Or see the Pennsylvania Ballet at the historic Academy of Music, the oldest opera house in the country. There’s also plenty of fine-dining and upscale nightlife nearby to create a full and fun evening rubbing shoulders with Philadelphia’s finest.
Practical Info
The Avenue of the Arts is located to the north and south of city hall, and it’s a 15-minute walk or an 8-minute metro ride from the Independence Mall area.
Address: Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, USA 19107, USA
From $ 55
Ben Franklin National Memorial
Philadelphia’s larger-than-life memorial to Benjamin Franklin sits on a white marble pedestal in the rotunda of The Franklin Institute. Crafted between 1906 and 1911, the 20-foot-high (6-meter-high) statue is the centerpiece of the famed Memorial Hall. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about Philadelphia’s favorite founding father.
The Basics
Modeled after the pantheon in Rome, The Franklin Institute’s rotunda measures 82 feet (25 meters) in length, width, and height. The statue of Benjamin Franklin sits in the center, under a self-supporting domed ceiling and surrounded by decorative marble columns and pilasters. It was designated the official national memorial to Benjamin Franklin in 1972.
Visit the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial independently or as part of a Philadelphia sightseeing tour. Guests can enjoy a short multimedia show about Franklin’s role as a statesman, civic leader, writer, inventor, and scientist.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is a must-see for history buffs.
- No admission fee is required to visit the memorial.
- Don’t miss the multimedia show that plays throughout the day.
- The memorial is accessible to wheelchairs, and offers restrooms and parking.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach the Franklin Institute, located at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour or by public transport—SEPTA bus routes 32, 33, 38, and the Philly Phlash stop within easy walking distance of the memorial.
When to Get There
The Benjamin Franklin National Memorial is open at all times during The Franklin Institute’s general museum hours, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. The memorial is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
The Franklin Institute
At The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, visitors can learn about Benjamin Franklin’s life and see his most significant scientific discoveries. This kid-friendly interactive science museum has exhibits on virtual reality, augmented reality, climate change, outer space, the human brain, and more. There’s also a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and escape-room games.
Address: 222 N 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 56
Carpenters' Hall
Carpenters’ Hall is an important structure, both historically and architecturally speaking. Built for and still owned by America’s oldest craft guild, the site was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks in 1970. The guild was founded in 1724 and opened its first meeting location her on Chestnut Street, just a few hundred feet from Benjamin Franklin’s home.
The site has welcomed a number of dignitaries throughout its history, including President Václav Havel from the Czech Republic, U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger and King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden. In addition to the important meetings held here, the structure itself is worthy of a mention. It’s a beautiful example of Georgian architecture, represented by the building’s usage of Flemish bond brick pattern, cupola and windows.
Practical Info
Carpenters’ Hall is open Tuesday through Sunday from March to December, and from Wednesday to Sunday in January and February. Daily hours are 10am until 4pm.
Address: 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 19
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul
Set on the east corner of Logan Circle, this elegant 1864 cathedral is the largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and the largest brownstone structure in Philadelphia. Built at the height of anti-Catholic fervor in the city, the unusually high windows of this Roman-Corinthian church were designed to discourage stone-throwing and other acts of vandalism.
Prominent local architect Napoleon LeBrun designed the 2,000-seat basilica and its Palladian facade, and interior frescoes were painted by Constantino Brumidi, an artist famous for his work in the U.S. Capitol Building. The crypt beneath the main altar contains the remains of Philadelphia’s bishops and archbishops, the first of whom died in 1810.
Address: 1723 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am–4pm; Sat 9am-5:15pm; Sun 8am–6:30pm
From $ 32
Academy of Music
Philadelphia is home to plenty of old-school American history, and the roots of its local music scene run deep, too. Travelers in search of an elegant establishment showcasing some of the best international talent will find it all at the Academy of Music.
This unassuming building in the heart of Philadelphia is actually the nation’s oldest continually operational opera house. Its stunning interior houses a 5,000-pound chandelier and is modeled after Milan’s La Scala Opera House. In addition to being a destination for travelers seeking live, classical entertainment, the Academy of Music is a worthy stop for history buffs as well. The National Historic Landmark is the site where President Ulysses S. Grant was nominated for his second term and it’s the site where Martha Graham first performed “The Rite of Spring”. Visitors who arrive during the month of January can watch the Philadelphia Orchestra perform their anniversary concert, which has occurred each year for more than a century.
Practical Info
The Academy of Music is located at 240 S Broad Street near the 12-13th and Locust station. One-hour tours are available by reservation and every Christmas the Pennsylvania Ballet performs the Nutcracker here.
Address: 240 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
Admission: Ticket prices vary
From $ 32
Christ Church
Known as “America’s Church,” this 1744 city landmark was the first Protestant Episcopal congregation, the post-Revolution version of a Royalist, Anglican church founded in 1695. Early parishioners included George Washington and Betsy Ross, and its cemetery hosts the remains of several signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin.
One of the most-visited sites in Philadelphia, the church is chock full of historic objects, including communion silver commissioned by England’s Queen Anne and mahogany cabinetry by some of the city’s most renowned woodworkers. Topped by a 200-foot-tall steeple, it was once the tallest building in America.
Practical Info
Located at Arch Street between 4th and 5th Streets, the burial ground is
closed in January and February, but guided tours are available (weather
permitting) in December from 12-4 p.m. by advanced reservation
(215-922-1695; $3 for adults, $1 for children). Hours are
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
Address: 20 N American Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 1-5pm
From $ 19
African American Museum in Philadelphia
This popular museum showcases the unique stories and works of African Americans and the African Diaspora. In addition to creative and dynamic contemporary art, the African American Museum in Philadelphia is home to artifacts from the Civil Rights movement, the Negro baseball league and more.
Travelers who venture to this iconic Philadelphia institution will find a sampling of some of the 500,000 negatives and photographs donated by Jack T. Franklin that highlight the key moments of the Civil Rights Movement, include the march in Selma. The Civic Center collection highlights approximately 400 African artifacts that highlight the craftsmanship and traditions Africa is known for.
Visitors can explore the comprehensive and expansive museum on its own, or enjoy it in conjunction with other nearby attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and Constitution Center.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 701 Arch Street at the corner of 7th Street, near the National Constitution Center.
Address: 701 Arch Street, Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA
Hours: Thursday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm
Admission: $14 for adults, $10 for students and children ages 4 to 12
From $ 32
Drexel University
Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthon J. Drexel, Drexel University is a private research university with three campuses in Philadelphia, as well as another one in Sacramento. It is most famous for offering cooperative education program and is regularly ranked as one of the top co-op programs in the United States. The university is also known for its impressive online efforts.
In terms of tourist attractions, Drexel University is home to the Academy of Natural Sciences (which hosts a sought-after and complete Tyrannosaurus rex fossil), as well as the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery. The university is also regularly referenced to in popular culture, such as in General Hospital and All My Children. Additionally, nearby Drexel Park offers fantastic views of downtown Philadelphia.
Practical Info
Drexel University is located at 3141 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. It can be reached by car and by public transit (Phlash Trolleys and SEPTA bus routes 32, 33 and 48). Entry to the Academy of Natural Sciences costs $15.95 per adult and $13.95 per children. The Academy is open from 10am to 4:30pm between Monday and Friday and between 10am and 5pm on weekends and holidays.
Address: 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 45
30th Street Station
Built between 1929 and 1933, this incredible eight-story structure designed by Alfred Shaw was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Its massive halls, Art Deco interior and 71-foot-tall Corinthian columns have made it an iconic piece or architecture in the City of Brotherly Love. Unlike most North American terminals, trains arrive at 30th Street Station from all directions: north, south, east and west.
Visitors can surely catch a train from this Philadelphia travel hub, but recent additions of public art, like a giant relief titled “The Spirit of Transportation” or a sculpture of an angel raising a dead soldier to the sky crafted by Walker Hancock, makes this terminal worthy of a visit even if you don’t have a train ticket in hand.
Practical Info
The station is a hub for SEPTA and Amtrak travel located at 2955 Market Street. More than four million travelers make their way through the halls of this iconic transportation landmark each year.
Address: 30th & Market Sts., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19104, USA
From $ 32
Delaware River
In American history, the Delaware River is best known for the brave crossing made by George Washington around Trenton, NJ, when he directed a surprise attack during the Revolutionary War. However, today the Delaware River is home to a vibrant modern waterfront as it winds past Philadelphia, where locals and visitors alike can find great food, music, shopping and summer festivals. Among the many attractions along the riverfront, you can explore Olympia, the country’s oldest floating steel warship, at the Independence Seaport Museum, head to Morgan’s Pier to enjoy craft beer and live music overlooking the river, and climb aboard the RiverLink Ferry to explore the city from the water.
Practical Info
The Delaware River is the eastern border of both the state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia, with Camden, NJ, on the opposite side from Philly. The Independence Seaport Museum is a 12-minute walk from Independence Hall, and Morgan’s Pier is just north along the waterfront from the museum.
Address: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 14
Antique Row
While visiting one of America’s most historic cities, take an opportunity to shop for unique and collectible antiques along Philadelphia’s Antique Row. The heart of this downtown district is a stretch of Pine Street from Ninth and Eleventh streets, where collectors can find shops packed with colonial-era wares and hard-to-find antique furniture. You can stop in at M. Finkel & Daughter to find needlework and silk embroideries from the 17th century. Visit Chelsea Plating Company to peruse expertly restored sterling silver table settings. Or get lost as you browse the eclectic offerings at Blendo, which offers everything from knick-knacks to priceless jewelry, making it the perfect spot to find souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.
Practical Info
Antique Row is located in downtown Philadelphia just south of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and it’s a short 12-minute walk from popular sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Address: Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
From $ 32
Congress Hall
Immediately following the American Revolutionary War, Philadelphia was declared the original capital city of the United States, and Congress Hall served as the first U.S. Capitol Building. It hosted the United States Congress until May 1800, when political focus shifted to Washington, D.C.
When used as the home of Congress, the House of Representatives met on the first floor, and the Senate met upstairs. The second floor is the more elaborate of the two, with a hand-loomed carpet bearing seals of the original colonies, and oil portraits of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette bequeathed by the French government to a newly liberated America.
The presidential inaugurations of Washington and Adam were held here, as were ceremonies establishing the First Bank of the United States and the ratification of Jay’s Treaty with England. The latter, named for then Chief Justice John Jay, ended the American Revolution and created ten years of peaceful trade between the Crown and the Colonies.
Beautifully restored to its original Colonial condition, Congress Hall is free to visit on a first-come, first-served basis. Only small groups are allowed in at any one time, so be prepared for a short wait.
Address: 6th and Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106, USA
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
From $ 19
Cullari Vineyards and Winery
Cullari Vineyards is the first and only winery in the Hersey, Pennsylvania area. Run by a couple with Italian heritage, the wines are made with respect to traditional practices. Grapes used in production include Native American (present pre-Colombus), French-American hybrid, and vinifera.
Fitting with the area, one of Cullari's most popular wines is an award-winning Coco Nostra chocolate wine. This winery is one of very few in Pennsylvania to produce zinfandel, which is its single largest varietal. In total , Cullari makes more than 30 varietals including dry, sweet and semi-sweet, so there is something to suit every taste.
The vineyards are set against the rolling hills between Lancaster and Harrisburg, while the cozy tasting room offers sips of some of the winery's most unique wines, which are only available in store.
Practical Info
Located just outside of central Hershey, get to the winery by taking Route 422 East (Chocolate Ave) one mile past the Hershey Chocolate factory. Though there is no entry fee, there is a small tasting fee of $5. Visitors are free to bring in their own food and snacks.
Address: 1251 East Chocolate Avenue, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA
Hours: Wed-Fri from 1-6pm, Saturday from 11am-6pm, and Sun 12-5pm
Admission: Tastings $5-$10
From $ 117
Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia is a city that’s home to both art and history. Few places showcase the connection between the two like the Barnes Foundation. This world-class museum houses a large collection of Modern paintings and Post-Impressionist masterpieces from artists like Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso.
Travelers can wander the galleries filled with iconic works and tour the collection of smaller rooms that are reflective of the original Barnes estate. The museum also offers travelers easy access to the nearby park and the city’s waterfront, which is the perfect place for an evening skyline stroll.
Practical Info
The Barnes Foundation is located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. It is closed Tuesdays. Admission is $22 for adults on weekdays and $25 on weekends. The first Sunday of every month is free to visitors. The foundation has extended hours, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Travelers can take the SEPTA or the 7, 32, 33, 38 or 48 bus routes.
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA 19130, USA
Hours: Open 10am-5pm Wed-Mon
Admission: Weekdays: $22; Weekends: $25
From $ 32