Philadelphia is one of those cities that somehow manages to be historic, gritty, artistic, and delicious all at the same time. It’s the birthplace of American independence, home to legendary food, packed with museums and quirky attractions, and full of neighborhoods that feel like movie sets. Spend even a day wandering the streets and you’ll realize quickly that Philly has a personality all its own. When Carie had a conference there, we found all the things we love in the City of Brotherly Love.
If you’re planning a trip—or just looking for reasons to add Philly to your travel list—here are 13 things to love about Philadelphia.
1. The Liberty Bell: America’s Most Famous Crack
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without seeing the Liberty Bell, arguably the most iconic symbol of American freedom. Located in Independence National Historical Park, the bell has been ringing through American history since the 1700s. Its famous crack only adds to the legend. The inscription around the bell reads: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” It’s simple, powerful, and a reminder that the American experiment started right here in Philadelphia. Pro tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.
2. The Love Statue
One of Philadelphia’s most photographed landmarks is the LOVE sculpture in John F. Kennedy Plaza. Created by artist Robert Indiana, the giant red letters spelling “LOVE” have become a symbol of the city. And certainly reinforce the whole “City of Brotherly Love” thing. Visitors line up all day long to take photos in front of it. It’s simple, iconic, and perfectly Instagram-ready.
3. Cheesesteaks (Duh, Obviously)
Let’s address the delicious elephant in the room. Philadelphia cheesesteaks are not just a sandwich—they’re practically a civic identity. Thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll combine into one of the most satisfying street foods in America. When I’ve visited before I’ve made it a must-eat. Is it touristy? Yes, deliciously so. The classic debate usually comes down to Pat’s vs. Geno’s, two famous cheesesteak spots that sit across the street from each other in South Philly. But locals will happily argue that the best cheesesteak might be somewhere else entirely. I’m not sure you can go wrong. Just eat one (or two) already.
4. Ben Franklin’s Grave (Bring Pennies)
Benjamin Franklin helped shape America—and in Philadelphia you can visit his final resting place at Christ Church Burial Ground. There’s a fun tradition here: visitors toss pennies onto Franklin’s grave for good luck. Why pennies? Because Franklin famously said: “A penny saved is a penny earned.” The result is a shimmering pile of copper coins covering the grave year-round.
5. The Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Even if you’ve never been to Philadelphia, you’ve probably seen the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the movie Rocky. Visitors from around the world run up the famous staircase, raise their arms triumphantly, and take photos with the Rocky statue nearby. Yes, I did it. How can you not? It’s cheesy (like a good cheesesteak). It’s touristy. And it’s also ridiculously fun. Plus, the view of the Philadelphia skyline from the top is spectacular.
6. Historic Streets Frozen in Time
Philadelphia is one of the few American cities where you can literally walk through the 1700s. Streets like Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, are lined with tiny colonial homes and brick sidewalks. It’s quiet, charming, and feels a world away from the bustling modern city just a few blocks away. History isn’t behind glass here—it’s part of the neighborhood.
7. Philadelphia Museum of Illusions
Looking for something playful and mind-bending? The Philadelphia Museum of Illusions is full of rooms and exhibits that mess with your perception. Think tilted rooms, optical illusions, impossible perspectives, and mind tricks that make you question gravity itself. We loved it and spent longer there than we imagined we would. It’s a fantastic stop if you’re traveling with kids—or if you just enjoy messing with your brain a little. And yes, it’s extremely photo-friendly.
8. Philadelphia Ghost Tours
We admit it. We’re gaga for ghosts. We try to hit up a ghost/history tour every place we visit. And Philadelphia might be the most haunted historic city in America. With centuries of battles, revolutions, and mysterious events, the city has accumulated its fair share of ghost stories. Nighttime Philadelphia ghost tours wind through cobblestone streets and dark alleyways while guides tell stories of haunted buildings, restless spirits, and strange sightings. Even if you’re not a believer, the atmosphere alone makes for a memorable evening. For example, while we were in the ominous shadow of Constitution Hall, hearing about the countless bodies buried there from centuries ago, a rat ran across the feet of one of our fellow tour guests, causing him to shriek even louder than if he’d seen a ghost.
9. The Betsy Ross House
According to American legend, Betsy Ross sewed the very first American flag in a small brick house in Philadelphia. Visitors can walk through the historic home, explore colonial-era rooms, and learn about Ross’s life as a working upholsterer and craftswoman. Whether the legend is perfectly accurate or not, the site remains one of the most beloved stops in Philadelphia’s historic district. Plus, it’s tucked into a charming little alleyway that feels like stepping back into the 1700s. We were actually startled by young woman role playing Betsy Ross in one of the rooms, sitting there sewing. She stayed in character the whole time, with period clothes and language completing the illusion. Looks like that theater degree is paying off after all.
10. South Street: Philly’s Weird, Wild, Wonderful Side
If historic Philadelphia shows you the city’s founding fathers, South Street shows you its free-spirited personality. Stretching across several lively blocks, South Street is famous for its mix of street art, vintage shops, funky boutiques, live music venues, and late-night food spots. The atmosphere is part carnival, part counterculture, and completely Philadelphia. And if you’re hungry, you’ll find everything from cheesesteaks and pizza to late-night snacks that taste even better after wandering the neon-lit street. The vibe here is colorful, slightly chaotic, and endlessly entertaining.
11. Magic Gardens: Philly’s Wildest Art Experience
I’m glad I Googled this place before we arrived, because it was a must-see and I’m glad we didn’t miss it! Located within the South Street neighborhood is Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, one of the most unique art environments in the United States. Artist Isaiah Zagar transformed an entire property into a maze of mosaic walls made from tiles, mirrors, bottles, bicycle wheels, and found objects. Walking through it feels like stepping into a colorful dream. Photos and video don’t do it justice. You just have to wander it and feel the endless hours of focus and creativity that went into this immersive experience. Every wall, staircase, and corner is covered in intricate patterns and stories. It’s funky, creative, and completely unforgettable.
12. Eastern State Penitentiary: The Creepiest Prison in America
Ok, this one got us. If you love history with a little chill down your spine, Eastern State Penitentiary is a must-see. Opened in 1829, it was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. Its design—radial cell blocks spreading out from a central tower—was revolutionary and copied by prisons around the globe. Today the massive stone complex sits partially in ruins, which only adds to the eerie atmosphere. Famous inmates included Al Capone, whose cell has been restored to show how luxuriously he lived while incarcerated. The prison is also famous for Halloween haunted events and rumored paranormal activity. We visited in late October during the day, and there was a kid’s trick or treat throughout the prison’s haunted halls. It was quite a site seeing SpongeBob and Patrick in this castle of corrections.
13. A City Where History and Creativity Collide
Perhaps the best thing about Philadelphia is how effortlessly it blends historic significance with modern creativity. Within just a few blocks you can go from:
- Revolutionary War landmarks
- World-class museums
- funky street art
- cutting-edge restaurants
- historic taverns
Few cities manage to mix the old and new quite like Philadelphia. It’s a place where the past isn’t dusty—it’s alive, weird, delicious, and endlessly fascinating.
