Philly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, a science nerd, or just really, really love food – you won’t have a problem finding a favorite place in Philadelphia. For a quick guide to the best places in our city, check out these 15 incredible attractions. Along the way, you’re sure to find something that leaves you absolutely speechless.
- Fairmont Park
Flickr / Susan Fairmont Park is our city’s largest park, and you’ll find everything from walking and cycling paths to scenic views and even a Japanese garden.Address: Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19119
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Flickr / Kevin Burkett It’s hard to explain the incredible, overwhelming experience of visiting the Magic Gardens for the first time. This unforgettable public art installation is the life’s work of Isaiah Zagar, and anyone could spend hours walking through this one of a kid spot. Read more about the Magic Gardens here.Address: 1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
- The Barnes Arboretum
Facebook / Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation The Barnes Arboretum is the living collection of the Barnes Foundation, and strolling these grounds will transplant you to a place far, far away from the busy city life. You’ll have to wait until it opens for the season in May to explore the 12-acre green space, which bursts with more than 2,500 varieties of rare plants, some dating back to the early 1900s.Address: 300 N Latches Ln., Merion Station, PA 19066
- Wissahickon Park
Flickr / Pauline Rosenberg Wissahickon Park’s hiking trails are the best in the area. You’ll find miles and miles of trails to explore, scenic overlooks, wooden bridges, a covered bridge, waterfalls, historic statues hiding the hills, and more. Read more about Wissahickon Park here.Address: Valley Green Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19128
- Reading Terminal Market
Flickr / scsmith4 Reading Terminal Market is proof that heaven is, in fact, on earth. With everything from fresh produce, fresh bacon, BBQ, and sandwich stands that are renowned throughout the country, Reading Terminal is one of the man-made wonders of the world. Is your mouth watering yet? If not, it will be after reading our recent article here. Address: 51 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
- The BioPond
Facebook / James Kaskey Memorial Park - The BioPond The BioPond is one of Philadelphia’s best kept secrets. Hidden in between two historic buildings, you’ll find a garden and park that hosts a variety of rare plant and animal life. The BioPond itself is at the center of this urban conservation project, and it is worth a visit any time of year. Read more about The BioPond here.Address: 38th Street and Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- City Hall
Facebook / Philadelphia City Hall Tours Visiting City Hall is like stepping back in time. This enormous masonry building is the largest of its kind, and it truly is a labyrinth worth exploring. Take an official tour, hang out in the center by the performance stages, enjoy the park right out front, or head to the top for a once of a kind view.Address: 1 Penn Square, Rm. 121, Philadelphia, PA 1910
- Elfreth’s Alley
Flickr / Scott D. The oldest street in America is right here in Philadelphia’s Old City, and it is packed with history and beauty. Visit during the holidays to see a spectacular show of decorations and to tour the historic homes. Read more about Elfreth’s Alley here.
- The Franklin Institute
Flickr / Walld Mahfoudh The Franklin Institute is the most entertaining and educational museum in Philadelphia. Visit during the day with kids (or even as adults - yes, it is still fun to run through the heart!) or check out their fascinating Science After Hours programs.Address: 222 N 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Bartram’s Garden
Flickr / Rain0975 Bartram’s Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the world! It’s a favorite spot for artists to observe nature, a great spot to picnic, and an oasis for those looking for a break from the busy city. Read more about Bartram’s Garden here.Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
- Penn’s Landing
Facebook / Penn’s Landing Head down to the Waterfront to explore all that Penn’s Landing has to offer. From live music to the RiverRink, pop up parks to mouthwatering food trucks, there’s no better place to enjoy the essence of Philadelphia life.
- The Mütter Museum
Facebook / Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia Confession: I still can’t walk through the Mütter Museum without feeling a little creeped out. However, if you love odd things, medical history, and science, you’ll feel right at home here, and this might just become your new favorite place in Philly. Read more about the Mütter Museum here. Address: 19 S 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Boathouse Row
Flickr / jwalter522 Visit our landmark rowing clubs, or just observe them from the other side of the river. The historic center of rowing in Philadelphia has been working to improve river infrastructure and preserve the Schuylkill that has become so important to the City of Brotherly Love.Address: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Eastern State Penitentiary
Flickr / Jorge Quinteros There’s no question that Eastern State is haunted, so grab your bravest friends and visit for a tour. Even when their Halloween attraction “Terror Behind the Walls” is closed for the season, a daytime tour will teach you so much about Philadelphia’s history and the notable inmates (like Al Capone) that spent their days locked up in these experimental cells. Read more about Eastern State Penitentiary here.Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
- One Liberty Observation Deck
Facebook / One Liberty Observation Deck Sometimes, you just want to see it all. The best view in Philadelphia is from the top of One Liberty Place, and you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the city. See if you can spot your favorite place in Philly from the top!Address: 1650 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
What’s your favorite place in Philly? Where do you go to just feel at home with the City of Brotherly Love? Tell us in the comments – and don’t forget to share your photos on the Only In Philadelphia Facebook page or on Instagram using #onlyinphiladelphia for a chance to see them featured!
Flickr / Susan
Fairmont Park is our city’s largest park, and you’ll find everything from walking and cycling paths to scenic views and even a Japanese garden.Address: Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Flickr / Kevin Burkett
It’s hard to explain the incredible, overwhelming experience of visiting the Magic Gardens for the first time. This unforgettable public art installation is the life’s work of Isaiah Zagar, and anyone could spend hours walking through this one of a kid spot. Read more about the Magic Gardens here.Address: 1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147
Facebook / Arboretum of the Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Arboretum is the living collection of the Barnes Foundation, and strolling these grounds will transplant you to a place far, far away from the busy city life. You’ll have to wait until it opens for the season in May to explore the 12-acre green space, which bursts with more than 2,500 varieties of rare plants, some dating back to the early 1900s.Address: 300 N Latches Ln., Merion Station, PA 19066
Flickr / Pauline Rosenberg
Wissahickon Park’s hiking trails are the best in the area. You’ll find miles and miles of trails to explore, scenic overlooks, wooden bridges, a covered bridge, waterfalls, historic statues hiding the hills, and more. Read more about Wissahickon Park here.Address: Valley Green Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19128
Flickr / scsmith4
Reading Terminal Market is proof that heaven is, in fact, on earth. With everything from fresh produce, fresh bacon, BBQ, and sandwich stands that are renowned throughout the country, Reading Terminal is one of the man-made wonders of the world. Is your mouth watering yet? If not, it will be after reading our recent article here. Address: 51 N 12th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Facebook / James Kaskey Memorial Park - The BioPond
The BioPond is one of Philadelphia’s best kept secrets. Hidden in between two historic buildings, you’ll find a garden and park that hosts a variety of rare plant and animal life. The BioPond itself is at the center of this urban conservation project, and it is worth a visit any time of year. Read more about The BioPond here.Address: 38th Street and Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Facebook / Philadelphia City Hall Tours
Visiting City Hall is like stepping back in time. This enormous masonry building is the largest of its kind, and it truly is a labyrinth worth exploring. Take an official tour, hang out in the center by the performance stages, enjoy the park right out front, or head to the top for a once of a kind view.Address: 1 Penn Square, Rm. 121, Philadelphia, PA 1910
Flickr / Scott D.
The oldest street in America is right here in Philadelphia’s Old City, and it is packed with history and beauty. Visit during the holidays to see a spectacular show of decorations and to tour the historic homes. Read more about Elfreth’s Alley here.
Flickr / Walld Mahfoudh
The Franklin Institute is the most entertaining and educational museum in Philadelphia. Visit during the day with kids (or even as adults - yes, it is still fun to run through the heart!) or check out their fascinating Science After Hours programs.Address: 222 N 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Flickr / Rain0975
Bartram’s Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the world! It’s a favorite spot for artists to observe nature, a great spot to picnic, and an oasis for those looking for a break from the busy city. Read more about Bartram’s Garden here.Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Facebook / Penn’s Landing
Head down to the Waterfront to explore all that Penn’s Landing has to offer. From live music to the RiverRink, pop up parks to mouthwatering food trucks, there’s no better place to enjoy the essence of Philadelphia life.
Facebook / Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
Confession: I still can’t walk through the Mütter Museum without feeling a little creeped out. However, if you love odd things, medical history, and science, you’ll feel right at home here, and this might just become your new favorite place in Philly. Read more about the Mütter Museum here. Address: 19 S 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
Flickr / jwalter522
Visit our landmark rowing clubs, or just observe them from the other side of the river. The historic center of rowing in Philadelphia has been working to improve river infrastructure and preserve the Schuylkill that has become so important to the City of Brotherly Love.Address: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Flickr / Jorge Quinteros
There’s no question that Eastern State is haunted, so grab your bravest friends and visit for a tour. Even when their Halloween attraction “Terror Behind the Walls” is closed for the season, a daytime tour will teach you so much about Philadelphia’s history and the notable inmates (like Al Capone) that spent their days locked up in these experimental cells. Read more about Eastern State Penitentiary here.Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Facebook / One Liberty Observation Deck
Sometimes, you just want to see it all. The best view in Philadelphia is from the top of One Liberty Place, and you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the city. See if you can spot your favorite place in Philly from the top!Address: 1650 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
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Address: 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA 19130
