Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, trades heavily on revolutionary history but offers considerably more substance than the typical tourist-board narrative. From the iconic Liberty Bell to the grim magnificence of the Eastern State Penitentiary, the city’s appeal extends into world-class art collections and innovative food culture. These guides provide the practical logistics—including ticket prices, opening hours, and visiting tips—needed to navigate a city where competing attractions often exceed any single itinerary.
Revolutionary History and America’s Origins
Philadelphia’s Historic Attractions: An introduction to America’s past: A strategic overview of the sites that defined a nation, helping you prioritise the most significant colonial and revolutionary landmarks.
Liberty Bell Center: Visitor tips and practical information: Everything you need to know about visiting this symbol of American independence, including security logistics and the best times to avoid the crowds.
Benjamin Franklin Museum: Exploring the life of a Founding Father: A detailed review of this underground museum located in Franklin Court, paired with a guide to his resting place at Christ Church Burial Ground.
Museum of the American Revolution: What to expect: A comprehensive look at this modern museum, which uses immersive displays and original artefacts to tell the story of the conflict.
Betsy Ross House: Plan your visit to the home of the stars and stripes: Logistics for touring the 18th-century residence where the first American flag was allegedly sewn.
National Liberty Museum: A guide to Philadelphia’s glass art and heroes: A look at this specialist museum dedicated to liberty, featuring unique glass sculptures and stories of human rights pioneers.
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial: A link to Australia’s highest mountain: Discover the story of this Polish-born hero of the American Revolution and the curious reason why his name is immortalised in the Australian Alps.
Art, Science, and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Barnes Foundation: A practical guide for art lovers: How to navigate one of the world’s most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in its purpose-built Parkway home.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Visitor guide and parking tips: Plan your visit to this massive cultural landmark, including a guide to the famous ‘Rocky Steps’ and statue at the museum’s entrance.
Rodin Museum: The largest collection of Auguste Rodin works outside Paris: Logistics for visiting this elegant gallery and its tranquil sculpture garden on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Franklin Institute: A guide to Philly’s premier science museum: What to expect at this interactive science centre, from the giant walk-through heart to the Fels Planetarium.
Academy of Natural Sciences: Plan your visit: Essential information for exploring the oldest natural history museum in the Americas, including its famous dinosaur hall.
Practical guide to visiting the Penn Museum in Philadelphia: Hours, prices and tips for tackling the largest university museum in the US.
Unique Philadelphia Experiences
Eastern State Penitentiary: A visitor review of the world’s first “true” penitentiary: Why this haunting, radial prison—once home to Al Capone—is an essential stop for understanding America’s criminal justice history.
The Mütter Museum: A review of medical curiosities: A guide to visiting Philadelphia’s strangest attraction, featuring anatomical specimens and unique medical history exhibits.
Independence Seaport Museum: Exploring the Delaware River waterfront: A complete guide to the city’s maritime history, featuring the Spanish-American War cruiser USS Olympia and the WWII submarine USS Becuna.
Battleship New Jersey: A guide to the Camden waterfront: Why it is worth crossing the river to tour America’s most decorated battleship, including ticket and transport tips.
6 Great Reasons to Visit Philadelphia: A curated summary of why Philly deserves a place on any Northeast US itinerary, from the food scene to the walkable neighbourhoods.
Philadelphia road trip guides
- State parks near Philadelphia: Visitor guides to Marsh Creek State Park, Neshaminy State Park and Benjamin Rush State Park.
- Getting to Philadelphia: Guide to the Cleveland to Philadelphia drive, Columbus to Philadelphia drive, Harrisburg to Philadelphia drive and Pittsburgh to Philadelphia drive.
- Road trips from Philadelphia: The best stops on the Philadelphia to Detroit drive.