Area Attractions

Head to this chic neighborhood, known for its namesake park. Make sure to stop by The Rosenbach Museum & Library, which houses Lewis Carroll’s personal copy of “Alice in Wonderland.” From small boutiques and art galleries to incredible dining & entertainment, there is so much to explore in Rittenhouse Square.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to score a Golden Ticket, this is the place to be. Candytopia is an interactive museum full of fun photo ops and tasty treats. Step into this sprawling space, and experience over a dozen curated exhibits.

Visit America’s first zoo, featuring almost 1,300 animals including rare and endangered species.

If you’re spending some time in Philadelphia this winter, head to Center City to experience five different holiday attractions at Dilworth Park. Start by exploring the Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn, and take a stroll through gorgeous seasonal plantings. Then, glide over to the ice rink for a few laps before you enjoy a meal in a calming ski-chalet setting. Finally, stop by the holiday market to pick up a few gifts before taking in the stunning holiday light show.

First, spot the vaulted glass ceiling of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, home to the 2,500-seat Verizon Hall. Named for philanthropist Sidney Kimmel, it hosts regular concerts by the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a great place for visitors of all ages; escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and educational exhibits provide dynamic science lessons. It’s built around the 20-foot tall marble Benjamin Franklin Memorial.

No visit to Philadelphia is complete without dashing up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to recreate a famous film scene. Tour the museum, which includes the world’s largest collection of work from Duchamp; paintings by van Gogh and Monet; and lively artwork spanning American history.

Justly famous for its collections of impressionist and post-impressionist works, it’s a world-class art museum with a sideline in horticulture. Masterpieces by van Gogh, Picasso, Cézanne, and Renoir hang on the walls of the ultramodern building, while rare plants and Japanese maples grow in the surrounding green space.

Want to try a little bit of everything? Head to Reading Terminal Market, with an eclectic variety of cuisines in a farmers market setting. Pick up a donut at Beiler’s, artisanal cheeses from Downtown Cheese, or a Reuben sandwich from Hershel’s East Side Deli.

Don’t leave town without picking up breakfast from the city’s homegrown donut empire, Federal Donuts, which has garnered acclaim from visitors and locals alike.

Head over the Butcher and Singer for an old-world take on the 1940s Hollywood aesthetic. Serving up steaks and chops as well as other iconic dishes, travel back in time to the Golden Era for an amazing meal while you’re in town.

Enjoy traditional Italian dishes in a cozy trattoria setting at Little Nonna’s.

Independence Hall stands just behind the 2,000-pound Liberty Bell. This Georgian-style structure hosted colonial delegate debates that led to the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Don’t skip the Great Essentials exhibit, which houses surviving copies of the Declaration and Constitution.

Close out your Old City tour with a stop at the Philadelphia History Museum. Housed in a Greek Revival building dating back to 1823, the museum brings together more than 100,000 artifacts spanning the 1680s to the present.

Pay a visit to the nearby Benjamin Franklin Museum with artifacts & exhibits detailing the life of the historic figure, including a steel "ghost house."

The modern Philadelphia Mint stands in the northwest corner, featuring regular tours that lead 40 feet above the factory floor.

What was once a world-famous prison is now a haunting remembrance of America’s most notorious criminals. Take a tour of this historic prison while you’re in town.