5 best things to do in Philadelphia
The essentials of Philadelphia with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all Philadelphia activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The Philadelphia shortlist
- Independence Hall & Liberty Bell — the timed hall tour is free; the bell is in its glass pavilion.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky steps — the run up the steps is the photo; Van Gogh and Duchamp inside.
- Reading Terminal Market — the 1893 market hall — roast pork with greens is the local order.
- Eastern State Penitentiary — the haunting ruin of the world’s first true penitentiary.
- Old City & Elfreth’s Alley — the oldest residential street in America, 1703.
Flying in, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare Philadelphia activity providers
- Klook — Philadelphia activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — Philadelphia experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Philadelphia?
Independence Hall & Liberty Bell — the timed hall tour is free; the bell is in its glass pavilion. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book Philadelphia attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in Philadelphia?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.