Philadelphia

Mural-lined streets, market halls & cheesesteak corners

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Philadelphia is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include East Passyunk Singing Fountain, Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Food lovers should not miss Pats King of Steaks and Zahav. Below you will find 11 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Philadelphia at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: East Passyunk Singing Fountain and Liberty Bell
Where to stay: Old City and Rittenhouse
Local picks: 11 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Philadelphia

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Philadelphia: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Philadelphia, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Philadelphia

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Fairmount

Philadelphia Museum of Art

A world-class art museum famous for its Rocky Steps.

★ 4.7

Washington Square West (Gayborhood)

Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni’s Room

Why it matters: Giovanni’s Room opened in 1973 and is the oldest continuously running queer and feminist bookstore in the country – and since 2014 it has been owned by Philly AIDS Thrift, a nonprofit that funnels the takings straight back into HIV/AIDS prevention, care and housing across Greater Philadelphia. The 2026 grant round alone handed $404,557 to 33 local organisations, bringing the lifetime total past $5.6 million; the nonprofit bought the building in 2018, so the shop is not going anywhere. Come for the LGBTQ fiction and nonfiction – the best selection in the city – and stay for the secondhand records, clothing and oddities crammed in alongside. It sits in the heart of the Gayborhood at 12th and Pine; the monthly Philly Queer Book Club meets here at 6pm on the first Thursday.

Center City

Reading Terminal Market

★ 4.7

Old City

Revolution & The Founders History Tour

★ 4.7

Rittenhouse

The Rittenhouse

★ 4.7

$$$

Center City

U-Bahn

Hidden beneath the Brü beer hall at 1320 Chestnut Street, U-Bahn is Center City’s underground party bar, kitted out like a German subway station with a 15-foot stage, dance floor, and a row of old-school arcade games along the bar. Expect DJs most weekends, a solid list of Pennsylvania beers and locally distilled cocktails, plus bar snacks and sandwiches riffing on Philly street food. Tip: look for the unmarked stairs inside Brü — and come early on Friday and Saturday nights, since the dance floor fills fast.

Rittenhouse

Walnut Street Shopping

★ 4.5

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons Hotel

Northern Liberties

Yards Brewing Company

★ 4.5

Society Hill

Zahav

Michael Solomonovs award-winning modern Israeli restaurant.

★ 4.6

$$$

From our home city

Visiting New York City on this trip?

This guide is made by the team behind Like A Local Tours - NYC's award-winning, woman-owned food tour company. If New York is on your route, eat through it with us.

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Before you go

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Book your trip to Philadelphia

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Philadelphia travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Philadelphia?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Philadelphia at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Philadelphia?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Philadelphia guide.

What is the best time to visit Philadelphia?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Philadelphia is worth visiting year-round.