We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Destinations USA Pennsylvania Philadelphia This U.S. Destination Is the Country’s First UNESCO World Heritage City Discover the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do with this highly curated Philadelphia travel guide. By Kaye Toal Kaye Toal Kaye Toal is a writer with over a decade of experience in penning essays and cultural criticism. She’s currently the creative strategist at Reddit and was previously the senior manager of branded content at Buzzfeed. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 30, 2023 In This Article View All In This Article Best Hotels Things to Do Best Shopping Best Restaurants Best Time to Visit How to Get There Neighborhoods to Know How to Get Around Photo: rabbit75_ist/Getty Images With its rich history and a food scene that just keeps getting better, a trip to Philadelphia can be a real treat. It's the nation's first UNESCO World Heritage City (because both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed here) and is the perfect destination for anyone enthusiastic about the birth of the United States. Stop by Independence National Historic Park to learn all you can about the country's founding, and wear your red, white, and blue with pride on Independence Day at the Wawa Welcome America Festival, the largest July 4 celebration in the county. Foodies can stop by South Philly Barbacoa for delicious slow-cooked lamb or pop into Vedge, a restaurant that works "magic with vegetables," according to Cara Schneider Bongiorno, the founder of Philly History Pops Ups and former media relations director at Visit Philadelphia. Those looking to take their own ingredients home will love the 9th Street Italian Market, which sells everything from artisanal cheeses to pastries. When you visit Philadelphia, you're visiting a city that feels gravid with its history in a way that some equally storied cities don't quite manage. There's a lot about the city of brotherly (and sisterly) love to, well, love. Best Hotels Four Seasons Philadelphia at Comcast Center One of Travel + Leisure's best new hotels in 2020, the Four Seasons Philadelphia brings modernity to this historic city. Home to fine-dining options from award-winning chefs, an infinity-edge pool on the 57th floor, and "luxe accents, from dazzling arrangements by celebrity florist Jeff Leatham to the sparkling spa, whose walls are embedded with healing crystals," as T+L previously reported, this hotel is one of the most luxurious stays in the area. Schneider Bongiorno told T+L that "the glass elevator up to the sky-high lobby is a total thrill. (But, look the other way if you don't like that kind of thrill.)" The Rittenhouse A luxurious hotel alongside Rittenhouse Square, The Rittenhouse combines timeless luxury with modern amenities in a sophisticated balance. Family friendly and centrally located, the hotel is a classic luxury experience from decor to amenities. "Drink in the stately old vibe of Rittenhouse Square in the Library Bar, tucked away in the far side of the lobby," Schneider Bongiorno added. Lokal Hotel Fishtown Heidis Bridge/Courtesy of The Lokal If you're looking for an experience that isn't quite as rote as a standard hotel, consider Lokal Hotel, an apartment hotel comprised of six thoughtfully curated studio suites. With an excellent location and a true home-away-from-home feel, this Fishtown favorite is in high demand during the height of tourist season. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia A few streets over is Hotel Monaco's sister, Hotel Palomar, an equally gorgeous but somewhat more serene stay. If Hotel Monaco is color and texture, Hotel Palomar is muted and calm, a true oasis away from the bustling Center City. Hotel Suites at the Touraine The Touraine is actually a historical landmark apartment building, and prospective residents jostle for the opportunity to move in permanently any time there is an opening. Lucky for us, The Touraine has several "travel apartments," gorgeously decorated suites that can be rented for short-term stays by visitors. Things to Do Independence National Historical Park This park contains the Liberty Bell and rubs shoulders with Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The park itself has played host to suffragettes, civil rights leaders, and more, gathering to protest for expanded rights and liberty for all. Cara Schneider Bongiorno recommends that tourists pick the tour or park location that they find most interesting, but to "listen with the mindset of how radical the founding of the United States was when there wasn't a country in the world that chose to let the people govern." Barnes Foundation Bruce Yuanyue Bi/Getty Images A museum with a stunning collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and more. On display is also a selection of Native American arts and textiles, African sculpture and arts, and an arboretum replete with rare plants. Philadelphia Museum of Art The Philadelphia Museum of Art is, most importantly, home to the "Rocky steps" — the staircase Rocky Balboa ran up in his self-titled film. (You can run up them, too, and don't forget to take a picture at the top.) In addition to that unbeatable cultural icon, the Philadelphia Museum of Art features works by Mary Cassatt, Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt, and many more. Eastern State Penitentiary Built in the Gothic architectural style, this decommissioned prison once housed Al Capone and is allegedly one of the most haunted places in America. These days, Eastern State Penitentiary is a nonprofit dedicated to educating and exploring the history of American criminal justice reform. The Penitentiary offers regular tours and exhibits and, around Halloween, partially transforms into a haunted house. Philadelphia Zoo Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is devoted to conservation and education through experiences with animals. With more than 1,300 animals, it's easy to spend an entire day here, enjoying the company of giraffes, rhinos, chimpanzees, and more. Schneider Bongiorno recommends guests "look up and watch for animals as they wander through the overhead trail system." Read More: 25 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia, According to a Local Best Shopping Reading Terminal Market Reading Terminal Market is one of America's oldest and largest markets, continuously operating since 1893 and home not only to specialty and grocery shops but bars and restaurants. Here, you'll find not only fresh ingredients but the tools to make a delicious meal: kitchenware, linens, cookbooks, and more. Reading Terminal Market has "so much food to choose from. It's the ultimate place to get a taste of Philly as a tourist," said Kurt Evans, chef, activist, partner of CYL Hospitality Group, and founder of EMI Dinner and Everybody Eats. "Whenever I go, [I visit] Ma Lessie's Chicken & Waffles and get the fried fish and cabbage." 9th Street Italian Market Getty Images This 100-year-old community space has a rich history of immigrant families, and part of its mission is to continue to foster and build the community that first began over a century ago. When you shop here — and shop here you should, for fresh and delicious cheeses, baked goods, flowers, seafood, vintage finds, and everything else you can think of — you're part of a century-old tradition. Jeweler's Row Established in 1851, Jeweler's Row is historically specific to, well, jewelry, but has branched out a bit in recent years to include swanky restaurants and salons. While it's a perfect place to find a one of a kind gem (literally) for yourself or as a gift, Jeweler's Row is fun to explore even if jewelry isn't on your shopping list. Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books This beloved Philadelphia institution lives by the motto "Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee." and lives up to all three of those promises. With a fun and eclectic event schedule, a thoughtfully curated selection of books, and a seriously delicious cafe, Uncle Bobbie's should be top of the list for any visitor with a love of books, coffee, or cool people. Best Restaurants Zahav Zahav, named an outstanding restaurant by the James Beard Foundation in 2019 and labeled as the best restaurant in America by T+L that same year, is Israel-born chef Michael Solomonov's first restaurant in Philadelphia (he now owns nine). Guests are treated to a five-course prix-fixe menu, which includes delicious breads and mezzes, a choice of entrée (try the famous pomegranate lamb shoulder), and ends with dessert. The meal costs $75 per person, and you will need to make reservations well in advance. JG Skyhigh Lounge If the $200 prix-fixe menu at Jean Georges Philadelphia isn't for you, head upstairs to the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Philadelphia where you'll find the JG Skyhigh Lounge. The lounge is Jean-Georges Vongerichten's first a la carte restaurant in Philadelphia and offers snacks and small plates. Sip on a cocktail, like a lychee raspberry bellini, at the bar, and soak in the incredible view. Suraya Suraya is a Lebanese eatery with a cult following in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. If you don't have your heart set on something specific, definitely go for the tasting menu — at $75 for two people, it's a great option to taste an abundance of what Suraya has to offer. "Don't miss the Lebanese chai latte made with salep, or orchid powder, and topped with pistachios and rose petals," T+L editors have previously recommended. "It's exactly the right amount of sweet and, devastatingly, impossible to replicate at home." Laser Wolf Laser Wolf is one of the best Middle Eastern meals in all of Pennsylvania, and the three-course prix-fixe menu is a must-try (prices start at $37). Also created by chef Michael Solomonov, Laser Wolf's best dishes are its traditional ones, like savory kebabs, whole branzino on the grill, and braised short ribs. "This is how people in Israel actually eat," Andrew Henshaw, the executive chef of Laser Wolf, previously told T+L, "It's like the pub in England or the diner in America." They are known for their excellent cocktail pairings, too. Vedge Luscious, seasonal vegan and vegetarian dishes are given the star treatment at this former mansion. Come ready for fresh vegetables, house-made pickles, and a shifting menu that gives you a unique experience with every visit. South Philly Barbacoa One word: tacos. South Philly Barbacoa is a roaming pop-up that appears in cities nationwide, but lives in Philadelphia full-time. Their pop-ups elsewhere sell out almost immediately, and there is almost always a line at the Philly location, but it's worth it. "The unusual hours for chef and activist Cristina Martinez's South Philly Barbacoa (open Saturdays and Sundays, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout, and Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout) are due to the time it takes to slow-roast the lamb," Schneider Bongiorno said. Kurt Evans also gave a glowing review of the lamb, and said that the dish itself is "worth a trip to Philly" for. Cash only. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May when temperatures are mild and crowds are small. Spring brings many fun events to the city, including the Philadelphia Flower Show, the U.S.'s largest flower show that takes place every March, and the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, where you can celebrate Japanese culture through food and music every April. If you're comfortable with higher temperatures and larger crowds, you can visit in the summer to experience the city's Pride March and Festival, Juneteenth Festival, and the Wawa Welcome America Festival, the largest July 4 celebration in the county. If you can brave the winter chill, you can enjoy the city's many holiday decorations and events. "The Christmas Village in Philadelphia is probably the closest you can get to an authentic German Christmas market in the U.S.," T+L contributor Skye Sherman said previously. "Enjoy thousands of twinkling lights and the heartwarming scent of waffles, gingerbread, and bratwurst in the air — best washed down with a cup of hot mulled wine." Read More: The Best Times to Visit Philadelphia for Fun Events, Fewer Crowds, and Beautiful Weather How to Get There You can fly into Philadelphia International Airport from over 140 different destinations and on every major U.S. airline. Once you arrive, hop on the SEPTA Airport Rail Line — it'll take you north to Center City and beyond, depending on where you need to be. If you're visiting from the Northeast, you can opt to take the train to the city instead of flying in — Amtrak offers two lines that run through Philadelphia, the Keystone Service route, which runs from New York to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the Acela route, which runs from Boston to D.C. Neighborhoods to Know Center City: Center City could be considered the main hub of Philadelphia in the way that Times Square is the most iconic area of New York. It's home to some of the city's most iconic attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Barnes Foundation, Independence Hall, and Franklin Institute — as well as some of Philadelphia's top hotels. "Numbered streets run north to south and tree or named streets run east to west." Cara Schneider Bongiorno says, "The river trails on each side (scenic Schuylkill on the West; bustling Delaware on the East) are worth a walk or run as well." Logan Square: Center City is broken up into smaller neighborhoods, and Logan Square is one of these. Home to the Barnes Foundation and the Franklin Institute, Logan Square is also where you'll find the iconic LOVE sculpture — if you're going to Philadelphia, a selfie with this sculpture is the ultimate in gotta-do-it cheesy-fun tourist experiences. Rittenhouse Square: Located within Center City, Rittenhouse Square is one of Philadelphia's most fashionable neighborhoods. If your interest is in chic shopping and high-profile restaurants, make your way to this beautiful, idyllic enclave of Philadelphia's bustling heart. Walnut Street, the heart of the neighborhood, features art galleries, fashion boutiques, and spas. Cara Schneider Bongiorno recommends tourists "stroll through or people watch from the sidewalk cafés on 18th Street." Fishtown: Fishtown is by far the coolest of Philadelphia's many neighborhoods. Formerly a working-class neighborhood home to — you guessed it – sailors and fishermen, Fishtown has become an enclave of creative, youthful energy. Trends in fashion, art, and food start here, and this is the place to be for the trendiest bars, restaurants, and nightlife. "Notice the decorative fish everywhere," Cara Schneider Bongiorno says. How to Get Around Transit in Philadelphia is maintained by SEPTA, which runs trains, buses, and trolleys. These are all paid for either through SEPTA's Travel Wallet program and a SEPTA Key card, or with cash in hand. You can reload your card at one of the many SEPTA kiosks, which accepts cash, credit, debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. SEPTA is in the process of a five-year transportation revitalization program called SEPTA Forward. With this program, the transit company hopes to create a unified and equitable transit network. Download the SEPTA app for on-the-go access to schedule information, fare options, and more. Trains: Philly's rapid transit system combines subway lines, buses, and trolleys to get you where you need to go. The subways run out of two major lines, the Broad Street Line and Market-Frankfort Line. Together, these lines are quite comprehensive, making Philly a highly navigable city. Buses: What you can't reach by subway, you can probably reach by bus — the lines are connected through SEPTA, and you can easily transfer from one mode to the other. SEPTA is constructing a new transit hub on Ridge Avenue to help with wait times and congestion. Trolleys: Of course, the trackless trolleys are the most fun way to travel around Philly, just for the sheer novelty. They are also connected through SEPTA, making for easy transfer. Taxis: Taxis are abundant in Philadelphia and can be hailed from most main streets. Car service: Lyft and Uber are available in Philadelphia, and independently owned car services are also available — the most popular is Philly Black Car.