17 Historical Sites in Philadelphia You Need to Visit
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Narrowing down the historical sites in Philadelphia you need to visit to 17 seemed impossible. If you’re a history lover, Philadelphia is the perfect place for you! There are so many historical sites to visit in this city – from Independence Hall to the Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross’ House. And that’s just the beginning!
I found myself over the years venturing into the city more and more on a weekend getaway, especially in the fall. It started because of Preston & Steve on WMMR (my favorite morning talk-radio show) and how much they praise their city. It surprised me, a history scholar, with all of the historical sites in Philadelphia there are!
A historical site in Philadelphia captures your imagination, regardless of the era or event of interest. So if you’re looking for a little bit of history on your next vacation or day trip, be sure to check out these 17 amazing historical sites in Philadelphia!
1. Independence Hall
First is one of the most iconic historical sites in Philadelphia – and for good reason! Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed at Independence Hall. It makes it a truly important spot in American history.
As a history teacher, Independence Hall is one of my favorite places to take the students on a field trip. Also, group/student tickets can be purchased right on their website. But if you are on your own, the site is open from 9-5 daily with tours operating every 20 minutes between March and December.
Keep in mind that the museum is FREE from January and February, and if you don’t mind the weather, it is so pretty to see the area in the winter. It’s located in what is called the most historic square mile in America, making it the perfect starting point for a day full of education!
2. The Liberty Bell
Another must-see historical site in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell. This bell was rung to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It symbolizes freedom and liberty. So make sure you stop by for your obligatory pic from Independence Hall to the Consitution Center.
3. The National Constitution Center
Walk across the short and idyllic courtyard towards the National Constitution Center which is the home to so many artifacts and galleries from our nation’s supreme law of the land.
They are open to the public from Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Check out their website for some unique museum exhibits. When I went a few years ago they showcased the flag, made by Mary Pickersgill, from the War of 1812, that was still flying after the Battle of Fort McHenry, which inspired the Star-Spangled Banner!
4. The First Bank of the United States
The next stop on your jam-packed Philadelphia historical sites day can be the First Bank of the United States. Alexander Hamilton laid the framework for the country’s financial institution, and in 1791 this bank opened to cement his legacy.
The bank is closed to the public, but its a perfect Instagram shot!
5. Eastern State Penitentiary
If you are adventurous, like me, and want to take advantage of the night scene of these historical sites in Philadelphia, you will make sure you visit the Eastern State Penitentiary at night!
Especially around Halloween (September 23-November 12), this historical site in Philadelphia is the place to be! This is one of the most famous and historic prisons in the world. The fact that it is vast, empty, crumbling, and cold lend itself to its haunting charm. Just a warning, it gets intense!
I’m not going to lie, it’s creepy! And during their Halloween nights, it gets crazy. If you’d rather explore during the day, or you are traveling with children, then check it out during the day between 10 am-5 pm. In my opinion, the guided tours are the best! I love to hear about Al Capone!
Eastern State Penitentiary by Sully Montero6. The Betsy Ross House
Next up is The Betsy Ross House is a historic home located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood. It is here that Betsy Ross is believed to have sewn the first American flag.
Visitors can take tours of the house and learn more about this important figure in American history. The area around the Betsy Ross House is so cute too. Plenty of shops and restaurants you can walk to and enjoy the city.
7. Graff House
The history teacher in me geeks out with the place where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. I’m not sure why most Americans think this was done in Boston! It was in a small brick house in Philadelphia!
When you walk in, you are transported to the 1700s! The best part is, it’s free! And, it only takes about 20 minutes to tour and take your pics! It’s the perfect stop while you are sightseeing in the city!
8. City Hall
When you first drive into Center City Philly, if you aren’t awed by the majestic building of City Hall, you’re obviously not looking close enough. It is the largest Municipal Building in the country and it seems like the city was built around it.
You need to watch out for traffic here, it is not the easiest area to navigate, but I promise meandering through the streets of Philly is worth it to visit this site. Guided tours of the exterior are available and your social media feed will thank you for it.
Just make sure you get a good shot of Ben (Franklin) who is perched right on top.
9. Rittenhouse Square
Think of Central Park, a beautiful green oasis that provides a natural break from the big buildings and hardscape of city life. That is Rittenhouse Square. It is one of 5 original squares planned by the founder of Pennsylvania, William Penn.
Don’t forget to check out their various websites and Facebook pages to find out what events are being held. You can always plan accordingly to catch a food, music or vendor event. Or just hang out for a picnic and enjoy the views of the 18th-century statues and relief figures of the ancient Greeks.
10. The African American Museum
Another stop is this historic Philadelphia site was the first in the country. After the wealth of culture and learning that was presented at the AAMP, other states soon followed with their own dedicated museum to the life and work of African Americans.
Tickets to their 4 amazing exhibits can be purchased between 10 am and 5 pm, but check our their website for their upcoming promotional showings. In September 2022 they are featuring College Fest, where college students enter free on select dates and free to families on certain dates for AAMP in the Square.
11. MütterMuseum
The Mütter Museum is one of the most unique museums in Philadelphia. It houses a collection of medical oddities and specimens that are sure to fascinate and educate visitors.
This museum is perfect for group tours. It has been one of our students’ favorite places to visit for years. I recommend going with middle or high school students as some of the medical displays might be a little too intense for the youngsters.
Tip: The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays are the least crowded and perfect for your group visit.
12. Reading Terminal Market
This next option is your place to go for food! Here’s the thing though, you have to be prepared for crowds, especially if you are going during the lunch rush. Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner between 8 am and 6 pm this small historic farmers market holds some of the oldest food joints, some of which have been around since 1892!
My husband, who is a chef, personally recommends Hunger Burger, and while you may want to get a burger, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their lobster mac and cheese! Another favorite is Tommy DiNic’s pulled pork sandwich with broccoli rabe.
Don’t forget some dessert on your way out! We like, the Flying Monkey Bakery which has the “Pumpple Cake,” a seasonal delight that consists of a 2-layer cake, except each layer has a pie inside!
13. Shofuso – Japanese American Society
Talk about a gem of a historic site and one you can have for yourself on most days! Shofuso was designed by architect Junzo Yoshimura and built in Japan in 1953 using traditional Japanese materials and techniques.
Now it sits in Fairmount park and offers visitors a peaceful, tranquil historic site that includes a hill and pond garden with a tiered waterfall, a tea garden with a traditional tea house, an island, koi fish, and a courtyard garden leading to a bathhouse.
Active military can enter free with up to 5 guests! All other guests can enjoy this site rain or shine from Wednesdays to Sundays until October. Then on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm between November 5 through December 11.
14. Boathouse Row
Please drive by Boathouse Row at night. This is one of the most unique visuals the city has to offer. There are 10 historic homes banked along the Schuylkill (S-coo-Kill) River that are part of the historic rowing club called Lloyd Hall Recreation Center.
While there is no parking, the best view is on MLK Drive where you get a view of the river and the iconic houses. What makes them so pretty are the lights that outline their shape which change with holidays and seasons. They recently (March 2024) launched a new LED lights display (a 2-year multi-million dollar refurbishment)!
Pro Tip: Use a bike, or enjoy a walk along the river to get the best photos.
15. Edgar Allen Poe Museum
Additionally located only 1 mile from Independence Hall, the Edger Allen Poe Museum is where the author produced his best work. This literary pioneers’ home is open Friday through Sunday, and it’s free!
Make sure you check out the historical video on your tour that details his life with his wife and mother-in-law. While he lived in that house, he wrote The Black Cat, if you compare the basement of this home with the one in the story, you might see some similarities.
16. Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Grounds
Christ Church is one of the oldest churches in Philadelphia and has been an important part of the city’s history since its founding in 1695. Today, it remains a popular tourist destination for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
When I took a group of students, we decided to take a small walking tour of Philly and ended up in the church burial grounds. To be honest, I didn’t know what I was expecting to see. Then, low and behold who do I see? Ben, himself! Take a look at the tombs there, there are some that date back to the early 1700s.
17. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Finally, yes, those are the famous steps from the film “Rocky,” but come on! What class trip, historical city tour, or visit to Philadelphia would be complete without running up and down those steps?
What’s even more amazing is the actual art inside the museum! Take advantage of the historical and modern art collections from 10 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and open late on Fridays.
Conclusion
I’ve lived in the southern part of New Jersey my entire life. Philadelphia was always our go-to place for sporting events, concerts, and events at the convention center. I studied history in college and went on to become a history teacher for almost 20 years. In my opinion, Philadelphia gets overlooked in a lot of categories, especially with historical sites!
For example, watch the weather channel at any given hour, and you will inevitably see New York, and Washington D.C. featured. But, there is a beautiful, historic, exciting city that has a lot to offer right in between!
When considering a trip or mini vacation filled with rich history, then these 17 historical sites in Philadelphia are where you need to be.
