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Things to Do in Philadelphia

Things to Do in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Philadelphia's parks and waterways present opportunities for active exploration.

Hiking & Water Sports

Hiking & Trekking

Fairmount Park offers trails of from easy to intermediate difficulty. Wissahickon Valley Park, part of Fairmount Park, has more rugged trails for hiking and mountain biking, from paved paths to rocky ascents.

Water Sports

Kayaking and canoeing rentals are available on the Schuylkill River (Kayaking Tours via GetYourGuide). Rowing is centered at Boathouse Row.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers; a Pennsylvania fishing license is necessary.

Cycling & Wildlife

  • Cycling Routes: Schuylkill River Trail, a paved, easy, multi-use trail, perfect for cycling.
  • Mountain Biking: Forbidden Drive (Wissahickon Valley Park) is a popular gravel path, with specialized mountain biking trails.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Birdwatching at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, a city wildlife refuge.
  • Adventure Sports: No specific adrenaline sports within immediate city limits. Nearby state parks have rock climbing or zip-lining (day trip).

Outdoor Fun

  • Scenic walks along the river
  • Biking city trails
  • Kayaking unique perspectives
  • Birdwatching at the refuge

Trail Access

  • Fairmount Park trails for all levels
  • Wissahickon Valley for rugged hikes
  • Schuylkill River Trail for paved paths
  • Mountain biking specific routes

Beyond City Limits

  • State parks for rock climbing
  • Zip-lining opportunities nearby
  • White-water rafting day trips
  • Camping in surrounding areas

Safety First

Always check local weather conditions and trail status before heading out for outdoor activities. Carry water and inform someone of your plans, especially for longer hikes or water sports.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Philadelphia's rich the social fabric through interactive experiences.

Workshops & Performances

  • Art Workshops: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fleisher Art Memorial, and independent studios offer art workshops.
  • Cooking Classes: Specific culinary schools or restaurants occasionally offer classes on local or international dishes.
  • Cultural Performances: Kimmel Center, Miller Theater, Forrest Theatre host Broadway, classical music, and ballet.
  • Traditional Ceremonies: Cultural centers and ethnic organizations host performances and events during holidays.

Community & Festivals

Mural Arts Tours

These tours connect visitors with community art projects, offering insights into the city's extensive mural program.

Language Learning

Various language schools offer courses; good for extended stays to learn a new language.

Cultural Festivals

Penn Relays, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Puerto Rican Day Parade, Odunde Festival, and the unique Mummers Parade.

Wellness & Spa

Luxury hotel spas (A Luxury hotel chain Spa, The Rittenhouse Spa) and independent day spas offer massages, facials, and other treatments.

Yoga & Retreats

Yoga studios across the city offer drop-in classes. Full retreats are typically found outside the city in tranquil settings.

Beaches & Pools

Many hotels offer indoor/outdoor pools. Public pools are seasonal. Closest ocean beaches (NJ Shore) are a 1-1.5 hour drive away.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Philadelphia gets busy after dark with diverse entertainment options.

Live Music & Theater

  • Live Music: The Fillmore, World Cafe Live, Union Transfer, Johnny Brenda's, Underground Arts, Chris' Jazz Cafe for varied genres.
  • Theater & Performance: Kimmel Center (Phila. Orchestra, Broadway, opera, ballet), Miller & Forrest Theaters (touring Broadway), Walnut Street & Arden Theatre Companies (local productions).
  • Bar Districts: Old City, Rittenhouse, Fishtown, South Street, and the Gayborhood each offer distinct bar scenes.
  • Pub Crawls: Ghost tours sometimes include historic pubs, combining history with nightlife.

Clubs & Late Night

Nightclubs & Dancing

Old City features numerous bars with dance floors and a bustling environment, especially on weekends. Fishtown and Kensington offer trendy bars plus lounges, a lot with DJs.

Late-Night Entertainment

Rivers Casino Philadelphia offers gaming, dining, and entertainment. Several modern bowling alleys present late-night fun. Classic diners like Melrose Diner offer food into the late hours.

Variety of Scenes

From sophisticated lounges to energetic dance clubs, Philadelphia contains a range of options for evening enjoyment.

Shopping & Markets

Traditional Markets

Reading Terminal Market, a historic indoor market, offers food, crafts, and specialty items. The Italian Market (9th Street), an outdoor market, provides fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and ethnic specialties.

Artisan & Luxury Shopping

Old City, Chestnut Hill, and Manayunk appear independent boutiques and craft shops selling unique crafts and local artwork. Walnut Street (Rittenhouse) hosts high-end boutiques and luxury brands. King of Prussia Mall, outside the city, is one of the largest malls in the U.S.

Souvenirs & Ethics

Look for "Philly" themed apparel, miniature Liberty Bells, cheesesteak-themed items, Tastykakes, and local craft beer. Support local and independent businesses. Know the customs rules for items purchased in the U.S.

Local Insights & Tips

Maximizing Activities

  • Check Event Calendars: Local event listings highlight festivals, concerts, and seasonal activities.
  • Book Tours in Advance: Popular food and historical tours, especially through GetYourGuide, can fill quickly.
  • Plan Outdoor Routes: For hiking or cycling, check trail conditions and challenge ratings beforehand.
  • Engage with Locals: Ask residents for their favorite hidden gems or dining spots.

Practical Nightlife Tips

Transportation at Night

Utilize ride-sharing services or licensed taxis after dark. Public transit services reduce frequency late at night.

ID Always Ready

Carry valid identification; most bars and nightspots strictly check IDs at entry.

Dress Code Awareness

Some upscale bars or nightclubs may have a dress code; check their websites if you plan to visit a specific venue.

Explore Diverse Districts

Each neighborhood offers a distinct vibe, from historic Old City to trendy Fishtown; plan your activities based on location.

Seasonal Activities

Summer brings outdoor festivals and water ice; fall offers foliage views and harvest events. Align your trip with sights that are open seasonally.

Capture the Moments

From historic alleys to murals, Philadelphia has countless photo opportunities. Share your experiences with unique visual stories.

Stay Aware

While generally safe, exercise caution in less populated areas after dark. Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings.

Activity Planning Summary

A concise overview to arrange your engaging Philadelphia trip.

Adventures Await

  • Schuylkill River kayaking offers city views.
  • Miles of cycling trails across scenic parks.
  • Explore Fairmount Park's diverse hiking paths.
  • Birdwatching at John Heinz A Protected Area for wildlife.

Cultural Delights

Mural Art Tours

Engage with Philadelphia's extensive public art scene.

Workshops

Participate in art or culinary lessons for a hands-on experience.

Festivals

Experience cultural celebrations throughout the year.

Shopping Excursions

  • Browse Reading Terminal Market for special items.
  • Discover artisan crafts in Old City.
  • Explore luxury brands on Walnut Street.
  • Find local souvenirs and Tastykakes.

Nightlife & Entertainment

  • Catch live music at numerous venues.
  • Enjoy theater productions at Kimmel Center.
  • Explore diverse bar districts.
  • Experience late-night dining options.

Relaxation Spots

  • Indulge in spa treatments.
  • Join a yoga class for tranquility.
  • Enjoy hotel pools for a revitalizing break.
  • Seek calm periods in public parks.

Affiliate Resources for Experiences

Activities & Tours
  • Discover and book various experiences and tours via GetYourGuide.
  • Explore city sightseeing tours, food tours, and museum passes.
  • Find guided walks and specialized interest tours.
Outdoor & Active
  • Book kayaking or other water activities on the Schuylkill River.
  • Find bike rentals or guided guided cycling trips for city trails.
  • Look for excursions to nearby state parks for hiking or adventure.

Final Recommendation

To fully appreciate Philadelphia, consider blending its historical sites with modern cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. This approach provides a well-rounded and memorable visit.

Philadelphia Trip Summary

Top Experiences

  • Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
  • Try a classic Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich.
  • Explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Barnes Foundation.
  • Walk or bike the Schuylkill River Trail.

Practical Advice

  • Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance.
  • Utilize public transportation; many areas are walkable.
  • Explore diverse neighborhoods for unique dining and shopping.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly after dark.