Iconic Philadelphia: Classic Guide to the Birthplace of America

We’ll start right in Center City near City Hall. From here, you can grab a bicycle at the nearby Indego bikeshare station, walk, or hop on Septa’s 38 bus line to get to most everything in this guide.

• City Hall: Center of city. Largest free-standing masonry building in the world and tallest in the city until 1986. Great for photos and backdrops. See if you can spot the statue of William Penn at the top. Access to trains and subways below-ground.

• Reading Terminal Market: Heading east on Market Street and one block north to Filbert Street takes you to the iconic Reading Terminal Market. I recommend visiting here in the morning before 11 am, as it is very busy for lunch. Instead, opt for fresh produce, breakfast pastries or sandwiches, and a coffee from the many merchants in the market as early as 8 am. Pennsylvania Dutch merchants are also here in the morning, excluding Sundays.

• Independence National Historical Park: Head east from Reading Terminal Market on either Arch or Market Streets for about five blocks to arrive at the Birthplace of America. The park features Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, a Visitors Center, and the National Constitution Center. Independence Hall reopens at the end of January 2026 after some interior preservation work concludes. You will need to purchase tickets in advance online for $1 to guarantee a timed entry to the Hall. All other sites do not require advance planning. The Liberty Bell is on display in its own building for up-close access to see it. Expect long lines, especially in summer months.

• Old City: Independence National Historical Park resides within the Old City area, but there are other things to see, including several other period buildings, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, the Museum of the American Revolution, Betsy Ross House, Christ Church, and the Washington and Franklin Square parks. You can sign up for a tour here from several companies, or just walk around on your own. Just watch your footing on the old cobblestone streets and sidewalks. You will find three cheesesteak shops worth your effort in Old City as well: Campo’s, Oh Brother, and Sonny’s. Why not try one from each place and see which one you like best? The Kimpton Monaco and Renaissance Hotels are also in this area of the city.

• Elfreth’s Alley: Very well-preserved early American street in Old City with most homes still privately inhabited today. Very cute and infinitely charming. Perhaps the most Instagrammable street in Philly.

• South Philly (Italian Market): I recommend using the Indego Bike Share or an Uber to get to the South Philly Italian Market. Famous outdoor market featuring authentic local merchants that date back generations. Rocky famously runs through this neighborhood before ultimately making it to those famous steps. Angelo’s offers arguably the best cheesesteak in the City in this neighborhood. The touristy Pat’s and Geno’s (try only if you must) also are in this neighborhood.

• Stadium Complex: If in Philly for either the World Cup events or the MLB All-Star game, then you will want to get to the South Philly Sports Complex. Easy to get to via subway from City Hall or by car from either I-76 or I-95, the complex creates one of the best sports vibes in any city in the world. Chickie’s and Pete’s, Xfinity Live and the Live Casino all offer great gameday hangouts.

• Love Park: Iconic block just northwest from City Hall with the famous Robert Indiana LOVE statue. Another classic place for photos.

• Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris, this wide, tree-lined boulevard connects City Hall and Logan Circle to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and points west. The Barnes and Rodin Museums and public sculptures dot the way. Flags from around the world adorn the street lamps. You no doubt have seen pictures of this boulevard before.

• Philadelphia Art Museum: World-famous art museum built in Greek revival architecture. Perhaps most famous for its Rocky steps and Rocky statue that face the Parkway. Iconic photo spot.

In addition to my above recommendations for cheesesteaks and the Reading Terminal Market, here are my recommendations for great restaurants in the city:

• Talula’s Garden: Locally sourced ingredients, plant-forward menu, in a charming garden-like farmhouse atmosphere. Neighboring Talula’s Daily offers tasty grab-and-go breakfast options. Old City neighborhood.

• Fork: Locally sourced farms provide the ingredients for a significant portion of the menu, helping create a truly authentic dining experience. Brunch available. Old City neighborhood.

• Urban Farmer: Farm-to-table and responsibly sourced meats in this elegant restaurant right off the Parkway in the Logan Hotel. Center City.

• Fogo de Chao: While not unique to Philadelphia, Fogo perfects the Brazilian steakhouse experience with this Center City location.

• El Vez: Laidback, upscale Mexican cuisine, and cocktails in a colorful setting. Center City.

• Parc: Classic Parisian bistro along Rittenhouse Square in Center City open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

• Harp and Crown: Trendy, upscale, and classic gastropub with a 2-lane bowling alley underneath the restaurant that can be rented out. Great late-night, sophisticated hangout. Center City.

• Cuba Libre: Relaxed Cuban-inspired restaurant and rum bar with salsa dancing late at night. Always a lively experience. Old City.

• Buddakan: Upscale Asian fusion in a lively atmosphere. Great photo op with the giant Buddha. Old City.

• Fine Dining: If looking for fine dining ($100+), I recommend Vernick at the Four Seasons (Comcast Tower) or Rittenhouse, Barclay Prime steakhouse in Rittenhouse, or Morimoto Asian and Sushi near Old City.