This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2015. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
If you ask anyone what to do in Philadelphia, chances are they’ll mention the Liberty Bell.
And while I did tick off the city’s most famous landmark, it was everything I discovered afterwards that completely changed my impression of Philly.
My husband and I had a whole weekend to explore, and as much as I enjoyed tracking down filming locations from National Treasure, I quickly realised there was so much more to the city than its most iconic attraction.
From colourful street art and quirky mosaics to historic markets and fascinating museums, Philadelphia turned out to be far more creative and photogenic than I ever expected. Everywhere I turned there seemed to be another mural, hidden laneway or beautiful historic building worth stopping to photograph.
If you’re looking to discover more of the city after visiting the Liberty Bell, these are my favourite things to do in Philadelphia beyond its most famous landmark.
Quick summary:
Philadelphia has far more to offer than the Liberty Bell. This guide shares my favourite places to visit beyond the city’s most famous attraction, from colourful street art and quirky mosaics to bustling food markets, historic landmarks and some of Philadelphia’s most photogenic spots.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🎨 Philadelphia Murals and Street Art Tour – Explore colourful South Philly murals before finishing at the iconic Philadelphia Magic Gardens.
🌭 Philadelphia Food Tour – Sample the iconic Reading Terminal Market while discovering local favourites and hidden food gems.
🏛️ Eastern State Penitentiary Admission – Wander one of America’s most famous historic prisons with a self-guided audio tour.
Best things to do in Philadelphia beyond the Liberty Bell
Explore the colourful Philadelphia Magic Gardens
The Philadelphia Magic Gardens stands out as one of the best things to do in Philadelphia. What was once an ugly, empty block on South Street has been beautified with mosaics by artist Isaiah Zagar. Almost every surface is covered with items that were once considered trash, now transformed into a wonderfully magical maze of colour.
I was in awe while wandering through the maze-like pathways, discovering all the little details hidden among the mosaics. There was so much to look at, including colourful tilework and mirrors to recycled bottles and bicycle wheels. It’s such a quirky and photogenic place, and unlike anywhere else I visited in Philly.
General admission costs $15 USD for adults (as of 2026), and tickets are timed and self-guided. I’d recommend booking online in advance, as tickets frequently sell out. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 11AM–6PM and is closed on Tuesdays.
If you want a more in-depth experience, consider booking a Morning Magic Tour. These 40-minute guided tours take place at 10AM on select mornings before the museum opens to the public, followed by 20 minutes to explore on your own. You’ll also get exclusive access to the fully mosaicked basement, which isn’t included with regular admission. Tickets cost $25 USD per person and must be booked in advance.
🎨 To see more of the colourful neighbourhood, you can do a Philadelphia Murals and Street Art Tour which includes a guided visit to the Magic Gardens.
Discover Philadelphia’s street art on the Mural Mile
I get rather excited about cities that are filled with street art. Philly was no exception – I was surprised at the number of colourful murals that covered the sides of seemingly unfinished buildings.
Philadelphia’s impressive street art scene actually dates back to 1984, when the city’s Anti-Graffiti Network hired artist Jane Golden to encourage graffiti writers to channel their talents into public murals. What started as an effort to tackle graffiti evolved into a citywide arts initiative that uses public art to bring communities together and revitalise neighbourhoods.
We did the self-guided walking tour of Philadelphia’s Mural Mile, which took us through the old town to see some of the best artworks. I loved how the murals added splashes of colour to otherwise ordinary buildings – it made a walk around the city feel like an art exhibition.
🎨 Discover some of Philly’s best street art on the Philadelphia Murals and Street Art Tour. You’ll learn about the artists and stories behind the colourful murals before finishing at Philadelphia Magic Gardens.
Wander along South Street in South Philly
While you’re visiting Philadelphia Magic Gardens, take some time to explore South Street and its eclectic mix of bars, shops and restaurants. This is one of Philly’s more alternative neighbourhood strips, known for its colourful storefronts, independent businesses and slightly grungy character.
I enjoyed wandering along South Street and spotting all the little pieces of street art scattered throughout the neighbourhood. You might notice that the mosaics of Magic Gardens have spread beyond the museum itself, with Isaiah Zagar’s colourful artwork decorating walls and buildings along the street.
One place worth checking out is Tattooed Mom, a quirky bar that’s covered in graffiti, stickers and colourful artwork. And as a vegetarian, I was particularly excited to find a vegan version of Philly’s famous cheesesteak on the menu – so I didn’t have to miss out on one of Philadelphia’s most iconic foods!
Step inside the historic Eastern State Penitentiary
We decided that Eastern State Penitentiary would be a good idea when we accidentally drove past it and thought it was a castle. Totally not a castle, by the way.
Built in the 19th century, Eastern State was one of the world’s most influential prisons, designed to encourage prisoners to reflect on their crimes and feel genuine remorse. Today, the imposing stone building stands partly in ruins, with crumbling cellblocks, empty guard towers and long, eerie corridors that make it a fascinating place to explore.
The Eastern State Penitentiary admission ticket includes The Voices of Eastern State audio tour, narrated by actor Steve Buscemi. The self-guided experience takes you through the prison’s abandoned cellblocks and yards, sharing stories from former inmates and guards covering everything from prison escapes to riots.
We spent a good two hours wandering down the long halls, exploring the old prison cells and seeking out Al Capone’s cell, which was surprisingly lavish compared to the rest of the penitentiary. I walked out feeling as though the tour was every bit as good as Alcatraz in San Francisco. Definitely a thumbs up!
🏛️ An Eastern State Penitentiary entry ticket includes an audio tour and self-guided walking route through the old prison complex.
Climb the famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Even if you’ve never seen the Rocky movies, you may know of the famous scene where Sylvester Stallone runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and celebrates at the top.
The museum’s grand staircase has since become one of Philadelphia’s most recognisable attractions, with visitors attempting to recreate Rocky’s triumphant run up the 72 steps. It’s quite entertaining to watch! There’s also a Rocky statue near the bottom of the steps if you want to get the obligatory photo.
Personally, I was more interested in the view from the top. The steps overlook Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with Philadelphia City Hall and the downtown skyline in the distance.
And if you have some extra time, the Philadelphia Museum of Art itself is worth considering. It houses an extensive collection of artworks from around the world, although you can enjoy the famous staircase and city views without buying a ticket.
🎨 Philadelphia Museum of Art Admission Ticket – Explore the museum’s impressive art collection after taking in the views from the famous Rocky Steps.
Eat your way around Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market is one of Philadelphia’s most famous food destinations, with a huge variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods to sandwiches and local specialities.
We visited on a Saturday around lunchtime, and the place was absolutely packed (I’d recommend visiting on a weekday if possible for a quieter experience). Even with the crowds, I enjoyed the delicious smells coming from the food stalls which made it difficult to decide what to eat, and the market’s old-fashioned character, particularly the vintage signage hanging above our heads.
If you’re not vegetarian like me, this is a great place to try a traditional Philly cheesesteak. You’ll find vendors serving the city’s famous sandwich alongside plenty of other local favourites. I ended up with a portobello burger from Hunger Burger which was rather disappointing, but there were plenty of other tempting options to choose from.
🌭 You can sample the goods from these markets on a Philadelphia Food Tour which visits 5 fabulous food spots including Reading Terminal Market.
Admire the historic buildings of Boathouse Row
Boathouse Row is one of Philadelphia’s most photogenic landmarks, with a collection of historic rowing club buildings lining the Schuylkill River. The charming 19th-century boathouses are particularly famous for their illuminated outlines, which make the waterfront look rather magical after dark.
We spotted the illuminated buildings while driving along the highway in our rental car, and I immediately wanted to pull over for a closer look. But there was nowhere to stop, and turning around wasn’t exactly straightforward, so I had to settle for admiring them through the car window.
It was a little disappointing, but even that brief glimpse was enough to make me appreciate how beautiful Boathouse Row looks at night.
If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend making a proper stop rather than hoping to catch a glimpse while driving past. The nearby Schuylkill River Trail offers views of the boathouses from across the water. You can visit during the day to admire the historic architecture, but the illuminated buildings are what make Boathouse Row particularly special after sunset.
Admire the architecture of Philadelphia City Hall
Philadelphia City Hall is easily one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Sitting at the centre of Philadelphia’s street grid, it has elaborate stonework, grand archways and an enormous clock tower. The building dates back to the late 19th century and is topped by a huge statue of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.
I was particularly taken with the ornate façade. There are so many intricate details decorating the exterior that it’s worth taking a few minutes to wander around the building and admire it from different angles.
I only admired City Hall from street level, but if you’re interested in seeing more, you can also book a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and architecture. There’s also a separate tower tour that takes visitors up for panoramic views over Philadelphia.
Is Philadelphia worth visiting?
Absolutely! Philadelphia is best known for its role in American history, particularly as the birthplace of American independence. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and is also famous for its Philly cheesesteaks, passionate sports fans and the Rocky movies.
I visited Philadelphia over a few chilly days in late December 2015, just before Christmas. At the time, I was living in New York City, and I couldn’t help noticing how many similarities there were between the two cities. Philly had the historic architecture, interesting neighbourhoods and creative energy that I loved about New York, but on a smaller, more boutique scale. I really liked it!
Despite the cold weather, we had a great time exploring. I’d arrived expecting a weekend filled with American history, but ended up discovering a city that was far more creative and interesting than I’d anticipated. Between the colourful murals, quirky mosaics, impressive architecture and fascinating museums, there was plenty to keep us busy beyond the usual tourist attractions.
The Liberty Bell might be Philadelphia’s most famous landmark, but I think it’s worth venturing beyond the historic district to discover what else the city has to offer. You might be just as pleasantly surprised as I was!
FAQs about visiting Philadelphia:
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
I’d recommend spending at least two days in Philadelphia. A weekend gives you enough time to explore the major historic landmarks, wander through colourful neighbourhoods and visit a few museums. If you’re particularly interested in American history, three days would allow for a more relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the best times to visit Philadelphia, with mild temperatures that are ideal for walking around the city. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings chilly weather and occasional snow.
Can you visit Philadelphia on a day trip from New York City?
Yes! Philadelphia is around 1.5 hours from New York City by Amtrak train, making it an easy day trip. You can see several major attractions in a day, but I’d recommend staying overnight if you want to explore beyond the historic district.
Do you need a car to get around Philadelphia?
Not necessarily! Philadelphia is a fairly walkable city, especially around Center City and the historic district, where many of the main attractions are located. For longer distances, you can use the public transport network or rideshare services. We had a rental car during our visit, but I wouldn’t say it’s essential for exploring Philly.
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