There are so many important Philadelphia landmarks that it’s hard to narrow them down to a list of the most iconic places in the City of Brotherly Love. Here is my attempt – the 12 places that every true Philadelphian will recognize immediately. How many have you visited?
- Boathouse Row
Flickr / Richard Owens The Schuylkill River is one of the most popular places on the East Coast for crew teams to row, and the cluster of boathouses along the eastern bank proudly help preserve that tradition. Boathouse Row is quite a sight at night!
- Independence Hall
Flickr / Xiquinho Silva This is where it all started… our country, I mean. As Philadelphians, we don’t take for granted that the founding of America happened right in our own backyard.
- Eastern State Penitentiary
Flickr / R’yleh Imaging This haunted, creepy prison is available to tour during the day, or after dark (in October). It’s hard to mistake the castle-like watch towers, and we all know immediately where we are if we see them in the distance.
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Flickr / Kaitlin Walking down South Street will show you impressive murals, but none are as impressive as the gigantic installation at the Magic Gardens.
- The Franklin Institute
Flickr / Jpellgen The enormous pillars of the Franklin Institute were the best sight to see when we were kids - it meant we got to run through the giant heart!
- The Love Statue
Flickr / Irene Lee The LOVE statue might be the most iconic statue in a city full of street art! Of course, it’s not on display right now while LOVE Park undergoes some updates, but it should be back soon!
- One & Two Liberty Place
Flickr / Henk Sijgers Our signature skyscrapers - they’re a gorgeous color that reflects the sky.
- City Hall
Flickr / Henk Sijgers I think City Hall might just be the most photographed building in Philadelphia. The impressive architecture of the world’s largest masonry building never gets old, and of course, our boy Billy Penn watches over our sports teams from the very top.
- 30th Street Station
Flickr / Tyler Sprague If you’re not sprinting for your train, you might notice how gorgeous 30th Street Station’s interior is, and the imposing exterior only gives half a clue as to how gigantic this landmark train station really is.
- The Singing Fountain
Flickr / Peter Miller There could be no discussion of Philadelphia landmarks if we didn’t bring up the singing fountain! No, you’re not going crazy if you hear Sinatra songs while you walk down Passyunk - that’s just how we do it here in South Philly.
- Reading Terminal Market
Flickr / SCSmith4 Any Philadelphian can get you to Reading Terminal Market by following their nose. This foodie heaven might be the best food market in the world.
- The Art Museum (and its steps!)
Flickr / Peter Miller Admit it - we’ve all run up the steps like Rocky Balboa.
One more Philadelphia landmark that’s worth mentioning is the tall ship down at Penn’s Landing: The Moshulu. Did you know that it’s actually the only Tall Ship Restaurant in the world? Have you dined there? Read more about it right here: The Philadelphia Restaurant That’s One Of The Most Unique In America.
Flickr / Richard Owens
The Schuylkill River is one of the most popular places on the East Coast for crew teams to row, and the cluster of boathouses along the eastern bank proudly help preserve that tradition. Boathouse Row is quite a sight at night!
Flickr / Xiquinho Silva
This is where it all started… our country, I mean. As Philadelphians, we don’t take for granted that the founding of America happened right in our own backyard.
Flickr / R’yleh Imaging
This haunted, creepy prison is available to tour during the day, or after dark (in October). It’s hard to mistake the castle-like watch towers, and we all know immediately where we are if we see them in the distance.
Flickr / Kaitlin
Walking down South Street will show you impressive murals, but none are as impressive as the gigantic installation at the Magic Gardens.
Flickr / Jpellgen
The enormous pillars of the Franklin Institute were the best sight to see when we were kids - it meant we got to run through the giant heart!
Flickr / Irene Lee
The LOVE statue might be the most iconic statue in a city full of street art! Of course, it’s not on display right now while LOVE Park undergoes some updates, but it should be back soon!
Flickr / Henk Sijgers
Our signature skyscrapers - they’re a gorgeous color that reflects the sky.
Flickr / Henk Sijgers
I think City Hall might just be the most photographed building in Philadelphia. The impressive architecture of the world’s largest masonry building never gets old, and of course, our boy Billy Penn watches over our sports teams from the very top.
Flickr / Tyler Sprague
If you’re not sprinting for your train, you might notice how gorgeous 30th Street Station’s interior is, and the imposing exterior only gives half a clue as to how gigantic this landmark train station really is.
Flickr / Peter Miller
There could be no discussion of Philadelphia landmarks if we didn’t bring up the singing fountain! No, you’re not going crazy if you hear Sinatra songs while you walk down Passyunk - that’s just how we do it here in South Philly.
Flickr / SCSmith4
Any Philadelphian can get you to Reading Terminal Market by following their nose. This foodie heaven might be the best food market in the world.
Admit it - we’ve all run up the steps like Rocky Balboa.
We’d love to see your photos of Philly’s iconic landmarks! Share them on the Only In Philadelphia Facebook page or on Instagram (@onlyinphiladelphia) for a chance to see your photos featured!
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