Top Tourist Attractions In Philadelphia Worth The Hype
The City of Brotherly Love offers something for everyone. If you're looking for a hip new restaurant, a famous landmark or a top-rated museum, Philadelphia is the place to visit. You can get there by plane, train or automobile for a day trip or a week-long vacation. Philadelphia is home to many of the best attractions, restaurants and hotels in the United States. Whether you are traveling alone, with a loved one or are bringing the entire family, this city has something you are sure to enjoy. There is even a mobile app, Philadelphia Official Visitors Guide, to help you plan your trip.
Franklin Square
200 N. 6th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 629-4026
www.franklinsquare.com
One of the Philadelphia's five original squares, Franklin Square is now a playground that offers fun activities whether you are young or old. Visitors can enjoy a round of miniature golf, take a spin on the carousel or simply relax in front what is thought to be one of the oldest fountains still standing in Philadelphia. Storytellers from Once Upon A Nation are also on hand to offer you glimpses into Philadelphia's history. After you've played your heart out, you'll want to stop at Stephen Starr's SquareBurger to enjoy a burger, fries and one of its famous milkshakes. Franklin Square holds special events and festivals throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar on the website before you visit.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org
The third largest museum in the United States, the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers visitors the chance to explore over 200 galleries and 250,000 objects in its vast collection. The Museum offers guided tours and classes for those who want to learn more about a particular collection or art in general. Visitors may also get to glimpse pieces from the Museum's collection not normally on display or works borrowed from other famous museums during any of the 25 special exhibits offered each year. After touring the Museum's galleries, guests may want to replay a scene from "Rocky" and run up the steps in front of the Museum.
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
www.fi.edu
A popular field trip destination, The Franklin Institute isn't just for kids. Adults will also enjoy the exhibits, theaters and educational programs. Currently the Institute is featuring two outstanding exhibits - "One Day in Pompeii" and "National Geographic's 50 Greatest Photographs." Those fascinated by space exploration will enjoy the movie "Space Junk" at the Institute's IMAX dome theater or any of the Fels Planetarium shows. Dare to explore the many exhibits to learn about space, anatomy and physiology, physics, electricity and more. Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Sports Challenge, with activities to test speed, strength and balance and lots of sports memorabilia. On fair days, head to the roof of the Institute to the observatory to view the moon, sun, Jupiter and even Venus or Saturn if the skies are exceptionally clear.
Related: New Addition To Franklin Institute Will Help Educate Children
Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
www.longwoodgardens.org
Garden enthusiasts will find a beautiful four-acre conservatory and 1,077 acres of outdoor gardens a short drive from Philadelphia. In addition to its year-round garden displays, Longwood offers something special every season to bring visitors back again and again. Christmas, when the gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday lights, displays and a fountain light show; is particularly spectacular. Full-service fine dining is also available, so Longwood is a great destination for romantic occasions. Since Longwood requires a timed ticket for admission, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance on the website.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org
The first chartered zoo in the United States, the Philadelphia Zoo is packed with animals in its 42-acre Victorian garden. Visitors can get up close and personal with creatures, from aardvarks to zebras and everything in between, while enjoying historic architecture and over 500 plant species. See lions and tigers and more frolicking in the Big Cat Falls - the pride of the Philadelphia Zoo. Experience the thrills of Africa while riding atop a camel, or rise above the zoo in a hot air balloon for a spectacular birds' eye view. The Zoo offers an interactive planner online or through a mobile app to help you plan your day in advance, ensuring you don't miss any of the great exhibits or attractions.
Related: A Guide To The Philadelphia Zoo
Maddie Wagner is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
