Philadelphia has plenty of things to do for everyone from art lovers to beer lovers. (Though we're unaware of any museums that allow you to bring your own beer.) We've listed a few of the major tourist sites and museums, as well as a couple of restaurants that we like, below. These sites also provide tourist information:
You may also be interested in the Philadelphia Pass which allows you to purchase admission to a number of sites at once for a discount. This is generally only a good deal if you are planning to visit several of the sites it includes per day.
Most of the attractions we've listed here are within walking distance of Center City. SEPTA provides bus and trolley service to further sites. Philadelphia Phlash services major sites.
The Liberty Bell (map) was used at the Pennsylvania State House starting in 1751. During the American revolution it cowardly fled the city (the British wanted to use it to make musket balls, thereby damaging the future tourist industry). It rose to fame during the 1800s through use as an icon for a variety of causes.
Admission is free, but you must pass through a metal detector. Lines are typically short.
Independence Hall is located near the Liberty Bell, on Chestnut Street (map). Admission is by guided tour, starting at 9 AM. Same-day tickets are free as of 8:30 AM; you can purchase advance tickets for $1.50 each. More information is available from the National Park Service and Wikipedia.
This early American prison served as a model for many prisons built throughout Europe and the US. Its radial design allows a single guard to monitor many prisons. The audio tour narrated by Steve Buschemi explains how the prison shifted from using solitary confinement to a more crowded situation where prisoners had communal meals and exercise. The prison was in use from 1829 to 1971, hosing prisoners such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton.
While Eastern State saw tourists throughout its history, its now open daily from 10am with the last entry at 4pm. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students. The prison is located at Fairmont Ave. and 22nd St, about five blocks from the Art Museum. (map website)
The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year! It was America's first zoo, and with 42 acres still has plenty of animals to keep your interest for an afternoon.
The zoo is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm. It's located at 3400 Girard Ave (map). By public transit, take the Broad Street Line (orange on the maps) from City Hall station north to Girard Station. Then take the #15 trolley line west to the zoo. Admission is $18, with some exhibits an extra charge.
This science museum features exhibits of interest to people of all ages, though many of them are designed for younger children. One of particular interest is an oversize model of the human heart that one can walk or crawl through. At the time of our wedding, the museum will feature a special exhibit on Cleopatra. Tickets for this exhibition can be reserved here.
The museum is located at 222 N 20th St (map. Admission is $14.75 for adults, $13.75 for students and $12 for children. IMAX movies and 3D shows are extra. (website)
Besides the stairs featured in the Rocky movies, the
Philadelphia Museum of Art has
an extensive collection of modern and contemporary American Art. The
textile collection is one of the largest in the country. For those of
you interested in presidential dining, this is the home to a
collection of china used by presidents from Washington to Reagan.
At the time of our wedding, the museum will feature a special
exhibit entitled
Art in Revolutionary Philadelphia.
Other notable works here include:
The museum is located at the opposite end of the Ben Franklin Parkway from Center City (map). This is about a 1 1/2 mile walk from City Hall. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 32 or 38 which depart from right in front of the Courtyard and stop at the museum.
The museum is open from 10
a.m. to 5 p.m., but stays open until 8:45 p.m. on Friday. Closed
Mondays. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for students.
The Rodin Museum is located about 1 mile away from City Hall, on the Ben Franklin Parkway (map). You can take either of the two buses mentioned above to 22nd street, if you prefer not to walk.
The Rodin museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday. Suggested admission is $5. A tour is given at 1:30 p.m. every Sunday and every other Saturday. (At the time of this writing, the tour will be given on October 2nd.) Their website is available here.