Philadelphia is a family-friendly destination that is perfect for a day trip. Guided tours aren’t necessary to access the city’s rich history, historical architecture, or great food.
If you are short on time and have limited knowledge, use our family’s list of the top five things to do in Philadelphia as an activities guide.
1. Philadelphia Art Museum
This beautiful museum is centrally located; therefore, it’s a great place to start your tour of the city. The Philadelphia Art Museum’s architecture is big and bold. Many architects collaborated to make the museum happen, and Rocky Balboa films made the museum steps famous. Rocky’s statue is found on the side of the museum, offering two photo opportunities: one atop the Rocky Steps and the other alongside the Rocky Statue. People jaunt, run, and walk up the stairs, acting as if they have defeated Goliath in tribute to the iconic moment in the film.
Once you make it to the top of the stairs, giant columns greet you. Thoughtfully designed landscaping, a fountain, and benches surround the columns. The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world, housing textiles, silverware, artwork, armor, ceramics, and furniture. Despite the medieval artwork, it’s surprising to find an Asian wing, including a Japanese tea house, Indian temple, Japanese garden, and a Chinese palace hall. The vast number of galleries span over 2,000 years. We spent several hours exploring the museum’s exterior and interior.
How much does it cost to visit the Philadelphia Art Museum?
The museum is free for children and $25 for adults. Students cost $14, and seniors cost $23. If you do nothing else in Philadelphia for one day, visiting the museum is a must. Exhibits change, so for more information, and so for more information, please visit Philadelphia Art Museum’s website.
2. Explore Love Park
Love Park is home to the famous love sculpture, offering another photo opportunity if spending one day in Philadelphia. The park is close to one of Philadelphia’s architectural gems, City Hall, where a statue of William Penn tops the building. It is the world’s largest free-standing masonry building and took 30 years to complete. Love Park’s official name is John F. Kennedy Plaza. People from many walks of life explore the park’s walking paths, making it feel like you are in the center of the action.
3. Walk the neighborhoods
Charming isn’t a word often used to describe Philly; however, many of the local neighborhoods exude urban charm. With one day in Philadelphia, we explored two of Philadelphia’s safest neighborhoods, Fishtown and Fairmount. The areas feel completely different but are full of character. Fishtown brims with young families and off-the-beaten-path restaurants, while Fairmount emits a hip urbanite vibe. It has lots of green space, art, and history. Fairmount is in close proximity to the Philadelphia Art Museum and the founding fathers’ history, but the city’s youthfulness is felt in the neighborhoods, front stoops, murals, restaurants, and helpful people walking the streets.
4. Eat a sandwich
Philadelphia is known for sandwiches and famous for cheesesteaks. It would be a disservice to your stomach if you didn’t have a cheesesteak or any of Philadelphia’s other famous sandwiches. We started our food journey with the guidance of the late chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain at Paesano’s. Unfortunately, Paesano’s is no longer open, but the city offers many great options, including Dalessandro’s Steaks and John’s Roast Pork.
When in Philadelphia, make sure to eat a famous sandwich.
5. Visit the Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell symbolizes freedom. You can listen to a short presentation on the history of how the bell gained such symbolism. Many historical American movements for women, civil rights, and abolitionists have been inspired by the cracked Liberty Bell’s inscription, “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof.” The Liberty Bell is timeless, free to visit, and faces Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. It offers an additional chance to explore the city’s historical architecture.
Philadelphia is home to many US historic sites and fabulous architecture. If you and your family get the chance to visit, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity, even if it is only for one day.
