The Top 8 Most Popular Attractions in Philadelphia, PA
1) Independence National Historical Park: Independence National Historical Park is a 55-acre park located in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City. The park is home to many of the most important historical sites in Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell. Visitors can take guided tours of the park and learn about the founding of the United States. Other notable attractions within the park include Congress Hall, Franklin Court, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
2) Philadelphia Museum of Art: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country and features over 240,000 works of art from around the world. The museum's collection includes European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as a significant collection of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern art. The museum is perhaps most famous for its "Rocky Steps," which were featured in the movie Rocky.
3) Reading Terminal Market: Reading Terminal Market is an indoor public market that has been in operation since 1893. The market offers a wide range of food options, from fresh produce and meats to baked goods and ethnic cuisine. Some of the most popular vendors include Beiler's Bakery, DiNic's Roast Pork, and the Original Turkey. The market is also home to several specialty shops, including the Pennsylvania General Store and the Dutch Eating Place.
4) Franklin Institute: The Franklin Institute is a science museum that offers interactive exhibits on a variety of topics, including space exploration, electricity, and biology. The museum is also home to the Tuttleman IMAX Theater, which features a variety of science-related films on a giant screen. Other notable attractions within the museum include the Fels Planetarium, the Giant Heart exhibit, and the Your Brain exhibit.
5) Eastern State Penitentiary: Eastern State Penitentiary is a former prison, now a National Historic Landmark, that operated from 1829 to 1971. The prison housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the prison and learn about the history of the American prison system. Some of the most popular attractions within the prison include Al Capone's Cell, Death Row, and the synagogue.
6) Philadelphia Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, including many endangered species. The zoo offers a variety of exhibits, including Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, and the Reptile and Amphibian House. The zoo is also home to several special events throughout the year, including ZooBoo in October and Winter at the Zoo in December.
7) Philadelphia City Hall: Philadelphia City Hall is a historic building located in the heart of Center City. The building was completed in 1901 and is one of the largest municipal buildings in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and see its many works of art and historical artifacts, including the William Penn statue that sits atop the building.
8) Rittenhouse Square: Rittenhouse Square is a public park located in the heart of Philadelphia's Center City neighborhood. The park offers a peaceful respite from the busy streets of Philadelphia and features a variety of trees and flowers, as well as several fountains and sculptures. The park is also home to several special events throughout the year, including the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show in June and the Christmas Tree Lighting in December.
