Philadelphia

Best time to visit Philadelphia

Spring (March to May)
Spring is an ideal time to visit Philadelphia. The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The city’s parks and gardens are in full bloom, and outdoor activities and events, like the Philadelphia Flower Show, are in full swing.

Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another great season to explore Philadelphia. The weather is crisp and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C. The city’s historic sites are less crowded, and you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage in places like Fairmount Park. Fall also brings popular events like the Philadelphia Marathon and various food festivals.

Summer (June to August)
Summer in Philadelphia can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C or higher. However, this season is packed with outdoor concerts, festivals, and events like the 4th of July celebrations on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It’s a lively time to visit, but be prepared for crowds and higher accommodation prices.

Winter (December to February)
Winter is the quietest season in Philadelphia, with temperatures ranging from -1°C to 8°C. If you don’t mind the cold, you can enjoy festive holiday markets, ice skating at Dilworth Park, and fewer tourists at major attractions. Winter also offers the chance to experience the city’s indoor cultural attractions, such as museums and theatres, without the crowds.

Discover Philadelphia

The skyline of today’s modern metropolis, with its towering skyscrapers, is unrecognisable when compared to the original pilgrim town nestled between the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Inside however, Philadelphia preserves a treasure of historic places and buildings. Now the sixth largest city in the US, Philadelphia is located just 90 minutes from New York and two hours from Washington DC. Easily accessible in its own right and perfect as part of a driving or rail tour, the city offers an unrivalled vignette of American history.

Many of the best-known and loved historic attractions are centred in the 12-block area of Independence National Historic Park – an urban park encompassing well-preserved 18th century structures which were critical in the American Revolution. Here you can learn about where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted, debated and adopted. The jewel in this historic trove is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Independence Hall – the place where the Declaration itself was signed. Next door hangs a symbol of the American ideal of freedom, inscribed with the words, “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land”. The Liberty Bell was sounded when the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and although a crack in its brass body means it can ring no more, it can be viewed and photographed.

Interspersed throughout its historic and patriotic centre, Philadelphia houses centres of ballet and theatre, art and orchestra, and Museum Mile, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. After a day of exploring, relax in the largest city-owned urban park system in the world, or indulge in some world-class cuisine from celebrity-chefs to BYOB restaurants among the city’s 3000 eateries.

Things to do in Philadelphia

Independence Hall
Just west of the Delaware River, this unadorned brick building is the most important historic structure in the Independence National Historic Park. This is the site where in 1775, delegates of the Second Continental Congress convened in the Assembly Room to discuss the issue of independence from Britain. In 1776, after weeks of debate and drafting, the Declaration of Independence was signed here, and Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and George Washington were immortalised in history as the Founding Fathers. The US Constitution was drafted in this same room in 1787. Independence Hall is open daily year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The Liberty Bell
The iconic brass bell which once hung in the tower of Independence Hall has now been proudly placed in the nearby Liberty Bell Center. As it rang out on the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it became a worldwide symbol of freedom.

Betsy Ross House
Old City is just north of Independence National Park and this once bustling Colonial waterfront district is now brimming with restaurants, studios, galleries, and of course, restored historic buildings. A must-see is the Betsy Ross House. By long-cherished legend, the Quaker seamstress who once lived here is credited with making the first American flag. Visit her brick, gable-roofed home to see where she sat and stitched the Stars and Stripes.

Things to do in Philadelphia

The Barnes Foundation
Whether you’re a lover of art or not, you cannot fail to be impressed by the magnificent Barnes Foundation. Previously located outside the city, it moved to its downtown location in 2012 and sits in 4 ½ acres of pretty landscaped gardens. It boasts one of the world’s largest collections of French impressionist and post-impressionist art with an impressive collection of paintings from famous artists including Renoir, Matisse and Picasso.

Rocky Steps
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the site of the famous stairs which Rocky Balboa pounded up in the enduring film series. The Rocky statue depicting the loveable underdog in a winners pose stands at the bottom of the steps. Run up to the top for incredible views over the city – and to see if you can do it faster than Rocky!

Top tips for Philadelphia holidays

• Getting around
  Once you arrive at the airport, it’s only a 25-minute ride by SEPTA mass transit or a 15 minute taxi ride to the city. The city is easily navigable thanks to its simple grid system. Get around using the SEPTA bus, trolley, and subway system or PHLASH, Philly’s transportation loop that takes you to the most popular attractions. If you are visiting lots of places in one day or travelling as a group or family, it may be better value to buy a travel ticket for SEPTA for unlimited one-day travel.
  
• Shopping
  Shoppers will love Philly’s tax-free shopping on all clothes and shoes and its array of malls, department stalls and unique shops. Rittenhouse Row is home to the high-end designer boutiques, while Philadelphia Premium Outlets is the destination to head to for a bargain. Located approximately 45 minutes west of the city, The King of Prussia Mall is one of the largest in the US with over 450 shops and an endless choice of eateries.
  
• Dining and nightlife
  Philadelphia has over 2,500 restaurants, 250 outdoor cafes and 200 BYOB eateries. Visitors and locals alike are spoilt for choice. Head to the downtown neighbourhoods for award-winning chefs and to bustling Reading Market for artisan cheeses, pastries and for a famous Philly cheesesteak. Philly is also one of the best beer-drinking cities with historic brewpubs and beer festivals on offer.

Top tips for Philadelphia holidays

• Walk the city
  Exploring the city by foot is easy– look back at the city’s history as you stroll down Elfreth’s Alley, an historic street in the old city neighbourhood that dates back to the early 1700’s. The street is home to 32 red-brick houses and a museum. The city is also home to many colourful murals and Fairmount Park, which sweeps across 9,000 acres, from City Hall up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, along the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Valley into the suburbs. It boasts more than 215 miles of recreational trails which are perfect for a cycle or stroll along the waterfront.
  
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
  This landmark building houses a superlative permanent collection. Ranging from 15th century illuminated manuscripts right up to modern sculpture, the exhibits here are an art-lover’s dream. Enduring favourites are the full-scale, medieval cloister courtyard and fountain on the second floor, as well as the French gothic chapel and a pillared temple from India. Temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art are constantly on offer to supplement the main collection.