Attractions in Philadelphia

A wealth of cultural riches can be found in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas, including restored historical homes, botanical gardens, the United States' first zoo and three centuries worth of architectural masterpieces. The city is filled with museums, cultural centers and performing arts venues, as well as numerous locations celebrating Philadelphia's rich heritage and modern style.

National Constitution Center
111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia PA, 19106
+1 (215) 923-0004
This superb museum opened on July 4, 2004, within sight of Independence Hall, where the United States Constitution, the world's oldest (not including U.S. state constitutions), was signed in 1787. It presents the history of the American Constitution as well as exploring its legacy. If this description seems a bit broad, that's deliberate, as the aptly named "Center" isn't simply a museum in the conventional sense of the word but rather an interactive facility that hosts talks, scholars, and activities, as well as literally taking its show on the road.
 
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA
+1 (215) 235-7469
Perhaps Philadelphia's greatest landmark (no mean feat in a city with so many), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) entered the consciousness of non-art lovers everywhere with its starring role as a backdrop to the "Rocky" movies. While the neo-classical hulk at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the views it affords south to the skyscrapers of Center City and west over the Schuykill are justly iconic, even greater beauty is located inside the museum itself.
 
Independence Hall
500 Chestnut St, Philadelphia PA
+1 (215) 597-8974
Both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the United States Constitution (1787) were signed in this attractive Georgian building, constructed between 1732 and 1756 as Pennsylvania's State House. Philadelphia was the intellectual and commercial center of the American Colonies.
 
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 West Girard Ave (34th and Girard avenues), Philadelphia PA
+1 (215) 243-1100
America's First Zoo was opened to the public on July 1, 1874. This has been a favorite attraction in Philadelphia ever since. The animals are at home in their specially designed habitats. Everyone was wonderful about answering any questions that arose throughout your visit. The focus of the zoo is to conserve and protect animals that are threathened in their natural enviroment. Their exhibits really made you stop and think about man's impact on these wonderful creatures. Be sure to set aside a day to spend here and you will be very pleased you did.
 
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art
118 North Broad St, Philadelphia PA, 19107
+1 (215) 972-7600
Part of the charm of visiting the Academy is the building itself. Designed by Frank Furness and George Hewitt, the present building has housed the collection since 1876. This is not just an art museum, it is a school of art whose students apply by portfolio and are accepted into an art program affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania.
 
City Hall
Broad and Market streets, Philadelphia , 19107
+1 (215) 686 1776
Built in the French Second Empire style, it was designed to be the tallest building in the world. Unfortunately the 30 years it took to construct it allowed two building to be built taller, the Eiffel Tower and the Washington Monument. It did remain the tallest occupied building in the world until 1908. From the ground to the top of William Penn's hat it measures 548 feet. It wasn't until 1987 that a building in Philadelphia was constructed taller than the Town Hall and all the buildings that are taller are built so that William Penn can't see them. This statue of William Penn is the tallest statue on any building in the world.