Things to Do in Philadelphia
50 curated spots from Philadelphia itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Philadelphia Museum of Art & Rocky Steps
Walk or bus up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, climb the famous Rocky Steps for skyline views, then explore the vast art collections inside if you like.
2h 30m · $25 (museum admission, steps are free)
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Seasonal waterfront park with hammocks, trees, floating barges, and colorful lights; stroll along the boardwalk and relax by the river.
2h · Free (food and games extra)
Dilworth Park & LOVE Park
Relax in the tree-lined plaza by City Hall with fountains and seasonal plantings, then walk a few minutes to the LOVE sculpture in JFK Plaza.
1h · Free
Liberty Bell Center
Visit the iconic cracked bell, with exhibits about its symbolism and role in abolition and civil rights movements.
45m · Free
Museum of the American Revolution
Interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts from the Revolutionary War, including George Washington’s tent; good mix of multimedia and objects.
2h · $21-24 adults, $13-16 children
Schuylkill River Trail & Boardwalk
Walk or bike along the tree‑lined riverfront path with city skyline views; kids can run, scooter, or just watch boats and birds along the water.
1h 30m · Free
Spruce Street Harbor Park (Seasonal)
In the mid-to-late afternoon, stroll 10–15 minutes from Old City down to the Delaware riverfront and relax at Spruce Street Harbor Park, where you can sit on benches or hammocks, enjoy river views, and people-watch; if it’s off-season, the same walk still gives you a quiet, breezy riverside break.
1h 30m · Free (food/drinks extra if you choose to buy)
The Franklin Institute
Interactive science museum with a giant walk-through heart, space exhibits, and rotating special shows.
2h 30m · $25-35
Cherry Street Pier & Delaware Riverfront
Explore the reimagined warehouse pier with artist studios, rotating exhibitions, and river views framed by industrial beams and greenery.
1h 30m · Free
Dilworth Park & City Hall
Relax around the fountains and trees of Dilworth Park with views of Philadelphia’s ornate City Hall; in warmer months there are chairs, shade, and occasional pop-up events.
1h · Free
Elfreth’s Alley & Old City Free Explore
After the tour, slowly wander Elfreth’s Alley, nearby brick lanes, and small courtyards; look for ivy-covered walls, overhanging trees, and little gardens tucked behind iron gates.
2h · Free
Franklin Square
Historic green square with a playground, carousel, and mini-golf; lots of trees and open lawns where kids can run around while adults rest on benches.
1h · Park Free; rides/mini-golf ~$5-12
Independence Hall (Interior Tour)
Take the official National Park Service tour inside the building where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed.
1h · Free (timed ticket may have small fee)
LOVE Park (JFK Plaza)
Visit the iconic LOVE sculpture, stroll through the small but leafy plaza, and take classic couple photos with the fountain and city backdrop.
30m · Free
Penn’s Landing & Spruce Street Harbor Park
Walk the riverfront, relax in colorful hammocks among floating gardens, and enjoy the lit-up trees and boardwalk; open-air and especially atmospheric at dusk.
1h 30m · Free (rides/games extra)
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Immersive indoor-outdoor mosaic art maze built from tiles, mirrors, and found objects—full of patterns, hidden faces, and color that kids can explore slowly.
1h 30m · $10-15
Reading Terminal Market
One of the oldest indoor markets in the US; browse fresh produce, bakeries, and food counters while focusing on clearly halal-friendly or vegetarian stands like Kamal’s and LUHV Vegan Deli.
1h 30m · Free to enter
9th Street Italian Market Wander
Browse the market blocks, enjoy the neighborhood energy, and look for produce stands, murals, and local food culture without over-scheduling.
1h 30m · Free
Barnes Foundation
Unique art collection with Impressionist and modern masterpieces arranged in dense, salon-style rooms looking out onto gardens.
2h 30m · $25-30
Bartram’s Garden
America’s oldest surviving botanic garden, with meadows, river access, and wooded paths that feel surprisingly wild for being inside the city.
2h · Free (house tour extra)
Belmont Plateau Sunset Viewpoint
Open grassy hilltop with a backdrop of trees and a sweeping skyline view—popular for sunsets and picnics.
1h 30m · Free
Ben Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walk (Sunset/Night)
Walk partway out on the pedestrian path for big-sky river views, city lights, and a breezy, elevated vantage point.
1h · Free
Benjamin Franklin Parkway Free Explore
Walk the tree-lined boulevard from Logan Square fountains toward the Art Museum, spotting flags, green spaces, and occasional outdoor exhibits.
1h 30m · Free
Benjamin Franklin Parkway Stroll & Love Park
Walk the tree-lined boulevard past fountains toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stop at Love Park for the famous LOVE sculpture, and let kids enjoy the splash-friendly fountain area in warm weather.
1h · Free
Boathouse Row & Schuylkill River Trail
Stroll along the riverside trail past the historic rowing clubs, leafy trees, and open lawns; in the evening the boathouses light up beautifully.
1h 30m · Free
Center City Free-Explore & Souvenir Time
After lunch, wander the blocks between City Hall and Rittenhouse, ducking into small bookstores, local boutiques, or simply exploring the tree-lined cross streets. Use this as flexible time for any last-minute photos, coffee stops, or spontaneous finds.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Cherry Street Pier
Explore the converted industrial pier with artist studios, murals, greenery in containers, and views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the open-air end of the pier.
1h · Free
Cherry Street Pier & Waterfront Walk
Converted pier with art studios, events, and plant-filled seating areas; walk along the riverfront to enjoy views and breeze.
1h · Free
Christ Church & Elfreth’s Alley Free Explore
Visit the grounds of Christ Church and stroll Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the US.
1h 30m · Free (donations appreciated)
Cira Green Rooftop Park
Elevated park with grass, plantings, and panoramic skyline views of Center City—reached by elevator from street level.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Saad’s Halal Restaurant
Popular, fully halal Middle Eastern spot; enjoy chicken tawook, cheesesteaks made with halal meat, shawarma, and falafel.
1h · $12-20 per person
Al-Sham Restaurant
Informal Middle Eastern spot where you can order shawarma, mixed grill, falafel, and hummus; stick to the clearly labeled halal chicken and beef dishes and vegetarian plates (no pork is served).
45m · $15-25 per person
Paprica Grill
Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant with a warm, wood-and-plant filled interior; stick to the halal-friendly beef and chicken kebabs, mixed grill platters, lentil soup, and vegetarian meze (confirm halal meat with staff, but they are known for catering to halal diners).
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Desi Chaat House
Casual spot with fully halal Indian street food like pani puri, bhel puri, samosa chaat, and halal chicken wraps.
45m · $10-18 per person
Desi Village
North Indian/Pakistani restaurant with lush green banquettes and hanging plants; go for chicken karahi, lamb curry, dal makhani, and naan (they advertise halal meats—ask to confirm and avoid any alcohol-based sauces).
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
New Delhi Indian Restaurant
Indian restaurant that offers many vegetarian dishes and often notes halal chicken and lamb—confirm halal status with staff and focus on veg and clearly halal-labeled options.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Kilimandjaro Restaurant
Senegalese restaurant known for flavorful stews and grilled dishes; they advertise halal meats—confirm with staff and try yassa chicken, grilled fish, or vegetarian sides.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Makkah Market
Look for halal grilled chicken, shawarma, or falafel-style options; keep lunch simple and casual so you can stay in the neighborhood afterward.
45m · $12-20 per person
Malelani Café
Cozy café with Middle Eastern–inspired dishes; stick to vegetarian options like hummus plates, falafel, salads, and egg dishes (veg items are halal-friendly).
1h · $12-20 per person
Manakeesh Cafe Bakery
Lebanese cafe with a fully halal kitchen; try cheese or za’atar manakeesh, grilled chicken platters, and fresh juices.
1h · $12-20 per person
Saad's Halal Restaurant
Casual, no-frills halal spot with big portions; order the chicken shawarma sandwich, falafel platter, or mixed grill (all halal).
1h · $12-20 per person
Suraya
Choose mezze, grilled seafood, or clearly halal-friendly chicken and lamb dishes if confirmed on arrival; the lush garden-like setting is ideal for a romantic night out.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian restaurant where you can easily eat halal by choosing vegetarian combos like misir wot (lentils), gomen (greens), and shiro on injera.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Ali Baba Restaurant
Cozy Middle Eastern spot with dark woods and greenery; order lamb kabobs, chicken kebabs, hummus, and tabbouleh (meats are halal—confirm when ordering, avoid alcohol).
1h · $18-30 per person
Alyan’s Restaurant
Casual Middle Eastern spot with a leafy, slightly bohemian feel near South Street. Go for the falafel platter, hummus, baba ganoush, or grilled vegetarian wraps; for meat, choose chicken kebab or shawarma and confirm it is halal (they are known for halal-friendly options) and ask for no alcohol or pork in preparation.
1h · $15-30 per person
Amma's South Indian Cuisine
Order dosa, idli, and vegetarian breakfast dishes; these halal-safe options are easy, flavorful, and light enough for a morning of walking.
1h · $15-25 per person
Bistro La Minette
Choose the steak frites or seafood specials and ask for clearly halal-friendly vegetarian sides if needed; the cozy, candlelit setting works beautifully for a romantic first night.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Café Lift
Industrial-chic brunch café with greenery; choose vegetarian or seafood dishes like lemon-ricotta pancakes, veggie omelets, and smoked salmon plates, verifying no alcohol in sauces.
1h · $15-25 per person
Café Walnut
Cozy, plant-accented café just off Walnut Street; order a vegetarian omelet, avocado toast, or a veggie breakfast sandwich and pair with coffee or tea. Confirm no alcohol or pork in your dish and request vegetarian-only preparation to stay comfortably halal.
1h · $15-25 per person
Desi Village Restaurant
Pakistani/Indian restaurant with halal meat indicated; go for chicken karahi, lamb curry, or vegetarian dals and palak paneer along with fresh naan.
1h 15m · $20-30 per personMore on Philadelphia
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