It’s no secret or surprise that a city as grand and sprawling as Philadelphia offers a wealth of authentic, first-class experiences.
This vibrant city and region is home to so many museums, tourist attractions, historic buildings, parks, markets and family-friendly activities that it’s hard to decide where to start.
What would you choose?
Dinosaurs (Academy of Natural Sciences) or daylilies (Longwood Gardens)? Vincent van Gogh (Barnes Foundation) or counts (Sesame Place)? Revolutionary history (Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell) or outdoor fun (Wissahickon Valley Park and Fairmont Park)?
Below, we’ve rounded up the many attractions and museums that make Greater Philadelphia a fantastic place to explore, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here your whole life.
Pro tip: The most convenient way to access many of these attractions is to ride the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop, which operates seasonally and offers affordable per-ride tickets in addition to one- and two-day passes.
Of course, a comprehensive list of all the museums and attractions in Philadelphia would list hundreds of attractions, but if you want to discover more off-the-beaten-path spots, check out our guide to Greater Philadelphia’s hidden gems.
Note: This article is organized by location.