What can I say about the Liberty Bell? I've been to Philadelphia many times and each and every…read moretime, I have to stop to see it! It's a little bit like the Mona Lisa, were it's not as gigantic as you think when you get up close to it (the Mona Lisa is TINY in person!) But it's still as impressive as you think when you are ten feet from it (the closest you can get, I think). It's located in the Independence National Historic Park, and there is a lot to see there too - not just the Bell. You can see Declaration Hall where the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was drafted, the first meeting place of the Continental Congress, and even Benjamin Franklin's burial place. I'm sure you know that there is a TON of historical stuff to see in Philadelphia, but I would definitely recommend making one of those stops Independence Hall and specifically, the Liberty Bell!

This place is very cool! I've been wanting to visit since I saw National Treasure back in the day…read more I was worried though when I arrived and saw a long line outside the venue. However, I saw how quickly it was moving and took a chance. Fairly soon I was in through the doors and finding myself in a small museum that provided details and background about the Liberty Bell. My only complaint was the very start of this area was super congested and would do well to guide people through this area in a way where it's less crowded and people can actually get close to the infographics. Otherwise, the Liberty Bell, small as it is, was well appointed in a mostly glass room, roped off but easy to take pictures of and with, somehow. Definitely enjoyed visiting this piece of history! Oh, and it's FREE!

Wedding Wednesdays! Or, just for the Philly love at this…read morepark. Walk, chill, or check out the sites on the way to your next destination.

We live in South Jersey; super close to Philadelphia…read more Why don't we go more? IDK! My son wanted to check out the city and get the gang if driving in it. We had fun doing both on this decent weather day. Of course we had to stop by LOVE PARK. Happy people strewn about, Girl Scouts selling cookies and pups walking about :)

Philadelphia City Hall has become a must-visit for me whenever I am in the city for running events…read morelike the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run or the Philadelphia Distance Run. My trips just don't feel complete without stopping by to take in its architecture. I remember the 2022 Broad Street Run vividly, falling in love with the building's design around mile five of the course. Being near it, I must say, it has an astonishing presence. I learned that it was designed by Scottish-born architect John McArthur Jr. and Thomas Ustick Walter in the French Second Empire style, with construction spanning from 1871 to 1901. The exterior tower was completed by 1894, although the interior was not finished until 1901. At the very top stands a 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia. At 548 feet, this made it the tallest habitable building in the world from 1894 to 1908. City Hall sits on one of the five original urban park squares laid out by William Penn. Geometrically, it is the center of the other four squares within Center City--an area fittingly renamed Penn Square. If you are planning a trip to Philadelphia, I highly recommend including a walk around this iconic landmark on your itinerary, though it is bound to catch your eye unexpectedly while you are downtown. One of my favorite sculptures on the outer perimeter is of Octavius Catto, a trailblazing civil rights leader, educator, and athlete whose contributions to racial equality in 19th-century America remain profound. ~ Be obsessively grateful ~ Thomas G

The heart and center of Philly is City Hall, can't miss it. Stayed close by as always walking pass…read moreit it and last two trips realizing the short cut. If you walk under and through look at the architecture. This is where the court house is etc... All the metro lines stop here and nothing usually of interest however... Came back in June 2025 and saw in the Courtyard: The Portal which is really cool. Ah this is where the NYC Portal went!!! The Philadelphia City Hall portal connects to 3 cities: 1) Lublin, Poland , 2) Dublin, Ireland, 3) Vilnius, Lithuania. It was really cool - but you just have to wait for it to cycle through - the country flag is on the top center of the portal. This was the highlight of City Hall. Otherwise outside there is a roller rink and sometimes other attractions going on. Happened to be in town during the Club World Cup Weekend.

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence here. Man, if walls…read morecould talk. Be sure to book your tour in advance and request the last tour as you get to explore the second floor Governor's Council chamber.

Independence Hall is one of the most consequential civic buildings in the United States. The red…read morebrick Georgian structure reads as restrained and formal rather than ornate, but its significance carries most of the weight. The surrounding Independence National Historical Park frames it as part of a larger civic landscape, where open squares, pathways, and nearby historic buildings create a setting that feels intentionally preserved rather than reconstructed for spectacle. The main experience here is centered on the building itself and the rooms that shaped foundational moments in American history. I stepped inside and found the Assembly Room standing out as the focal point, where key debates over independence and constitutional design took place. The scale surprised me. It is surprisingly intimate compared to how monumental its outcomes are often perceived, which made the space feel more grounded than grand. During my visit, access was managed through a timed entry system, but the experience consistently revolved around standing in spaces directly tied to the formation of governing documents and early national decision making. The visit is structured and guided in a way that felt controlled but informative. Rangers managed the flow carefully, especially during the busy periods I encountered. Security procedures were part of the entry process. Even with portions of the interior restricted, the surrounding exhibits and nearby historic rooms helped fill in context. The overall pace was more about controlled observation than wandering, with a clear emphasis on preservation and historical interpretation rather than open exploration.

Pretty cool graveyard considering how old it is. Most of the headstone are beyond readable due to…read moreextended age, A unique place to visit with an interesting story from the guide that highlights the life of Benjamin Franklin. This is located right downtown so its easy to get to from pretty much any other touristy place, and it can also be seen clear as the sun from the hop on/hop off tour bus. It goes right by it. Mr. And Mrs. Benjamin Franklin grave is open to the public 24/7 365/366. Throw a penny for good luck! Loved everything about it. Gladly pay $5 to pay respects to a historic founding father as well as so many other patriots of the United States. An absolute treasure in the heart of Philadelphia

Not too keen on the admission pricing. But it was an interesting and old cemetary. Fascinating to…read moresee the other gravesites that were even older. Water was available for purchase too.

Solid friendship gate But I wish there was more space…read morearound to see it See its majesty Welcome all to Chinatown What a nice landmark

This Friendship Gate marks the beginning of ChinaTown in Philadelphia. The arch symbolizes a…read morecultural exchange and the friendship between Philadelphia and its' sister city of Tianjin, China. It is decorated with dragons and flowers motifs and designed with traditional Chinese architecture style from the Qing Dynasty. I was within walking distance of ChinaTown during my visit so I had the luxury of walking here almost every day. If you are further and want to take public transportation here, you can exit the SEPTA Broad-Ridge Spure exit located at 8th and Vine. It was great because the first time I stumbled upon this I was with my coworkers, so I was like YAY friendship gate! Nice team bonding moment. There is a lot of delicious food spots in the area. I wish I had more time to explore and eat. Until next time!

Small, easy, short touristy trip. Another great free thing to do in the city when you have friends…read moreor family from out of town. I live in Nolibs, so this is an easy walk from my house. Parking is plentiful nearby, too!

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, PA…read more Boomsauce Score: BS +++ (Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!) Even mid-renovation, this place hits different. Stepping into Poe's former home is like walking through the pages of Gothic literature. The art installations and that surreal raven sculpture outside? Straight out of a dream--or a fevered poem. It's eerie, poetic, and deeply moving. Though the house is currently closed for a utilities improvement project, you can still feel the weight of history pressing through the walls. Poe lived here during one of his most prolific periods, penning classics like The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart. The cellar even resembles the one described in The Black Cat, adding a deliciously creepy layer to the visit. If you're in Philly, this is a must-visit. It's not just a museum--it's a tribute to the tortured brilliance of one of America's greatest literary minds. And when renovations wrap, it'll be even more hauntingly beautiful. --- Boomsauce Scale | Rating | Meaning |---------|----------------------------------| | B | basura (trash) | | BS | basic (come on! Try harder) | | BS + | better (Yo! That's better) | | BS ++ | best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) | | BS +++ | Amazing location! now that's boomsauce! |

I had an amazing experience at The President's House in Philly. From the moment I arrived,…read moreeverything about the visit felt meaningful, informative, and well done. The site is beautifully presented and offers a powerful look into an important part of American history. The exhibits are engaging and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to learn while still feeling emotionally connected to the stories being told. I really appreciated how the history was presented in a way that was both educational and impactful. The atmosphere is calm and reflective, yet very engaging--you can take your time, read, and truly absorb the significance of the space. It's a must-see if you're visiting Philadelphia or even if you're a local looking to experience the city's history in a deeper way. Overall, it was a memorable and enriching experience, and I'm really glad I took the time to visit. Highly recommend adding The President's House to your Philly itinerary.

Visiting the President's House site in Philadelphia was unexpectedly powerful. It's just steps from…read morethe Liberty Bell, but the energy there is quieter--more reflective. At first glance, it's a series of open-air stone walls and glass panels, but as I read the stories etched into the displays, it hit me how layered the history really is. This was once home to George Washington and John Adams--but also to nine enslaved people who lived and worked there. The exhibit doesn't shy away from that fact. It honors their names, their stories, and brings humanity to a place often remembered only for power and politics. I stood for a while at the video screens, listening to voices speak the names of those enslaved here. It made the past feel personal and real in a way textbooks never could. A thoughtful, moving site that sticks with you long after you leave.

Came here for a 52 Firsts event during Spring Fest and it ended up being such a fun day. There was…read morea lot going on without feeling overwhelming. Live energy, little activity tables, and a small plant sale that was honestly very tempting. One of the coolest things I learned is that they have what's believed to be the oldest ginkgo tree in both North and South America. That alone made the visit feel a little special. I spent some time walking the trails and made my way around the water too. It's really pretty back there. Lots of flowers in bloom, open space, and quieter areas if you want a break from the crowd. I definitely liked the more shaded, tree-heavy sections the most. Some of the booths were set up fully in the sun and it got a bit intense after a while, so having those cooler, shaded areas made a big difference. Staff were very helpful and the trails are clearly marked, which made it easy to just wander without worrying about getting lost. Only downside is the location can be a little tricky to get to, especially if you're not driving. But once you're there, it's absolutely worth it. Overall just a really enjoyable, laid-back outdoor spot with a lot to explore. I'd come back, especially for another event.

Had a few hours before my flight and was looking for something to do. I came across this garden…read moreand it was beautiful. Well maintained and relaxing. Plenty of trails and benches. The flowers were gorgeous. You get a nice view of the city from the boat dock and parking area. I spent a few hours here. Great if you're solo or with people.

An amazing experience in Philidelphia that should not be missed. There's a ton to see here along…read morewith some great and informative tours. We learned a lot about one of the world's first modern prison systems and it's legacy and effects on the world. The tour guides and docents were fantastic and have a lot of knowledge and stories to share. The audio tour was great especially hearing literally from former guards and inmates it's very interesting. There is a lot to see here so plan accordingly! There is nearby street parking available and parking lots as well I'm sure. You can book tickets and experiences in advance to make sure you are able to attend. Our tour guide Sammy was especially great and had a passion for the history of this place. Definitely would visit again and must visit when here in the city!

We saw this was one of the top rated attractions in the Philly area so we visited on a Monday…read moremorning (it's closed on Tuesdays). With our reciprocal museum membership we got free admission. We opted for the self guided tour with their audio headsets. The guide is very informative and if you listened to all of the recording it is 4 hours long! We did the main tour and listed to a few extras. We were there a bit over one hour. Overall it was very interesting and we learned alot about not only this prison but life in this first of a kind place. The place is pretty creepy. It is great that a group has stepped up to save this important piece of history!