The Libery Bell draws people from around the world to snag a photo in front of it and its dramatic backdrop: Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit year-round with no tickets required. Entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

When William Penn (the man Pennsylvania is named for who sits on top of City Hall) planned Philadelphia, he designed five squares that function as parks. Rittenhouse, the most glamorous of them all, is both a park and a catchall name for the surrounding neighborhood, which is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping and real estate. Rittenhouse Square is a beautifully designed, well maintained park. In summer, a fountain in the center functions as a gathering space.

Since Rocky’s first triumphant onscreen run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1976, travelers from around the world embark on their own trek up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air as they cherish the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city skyline. To finish off the experience, head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, originally created for Rocky III. Then, venture inside one of the country’s most magnificent art museums, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Visiting this gallery-slash-outdoor sculpture garden feels like you've stepped into the mind of Philadelphia’s beloved mosaic artist, Isaiah Zagar: His creations are beautiful, and often surreal, places. The project, which covers three city lots, is a melange of mirror fragments, tiles and found objects like bike wheels and glass bottles, combined to mesmerizing effect. A walk through the indoor and outdoor space doesn’t take long, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon activity. If you don't feel like paying the $15 entry fee, you can still peer into the garden from the South Street entrance and wander the neighborhood to spot other walls covered with Zagar’s work.

Set below a former railroad terminal, Center City’s 127-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both a dazzling tourist destination and a trusted source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for locals. The public space also provides open seating where customers can enjoy a world of cuisines from dozens of restaurants and where retail merchants are selling housewares, jewelry, linens and more.

Once made up of undeveloped piers and underutilized public spaces, the Delaware River waterfront has become one of the most activated spaces in Philadelphia in the 21st century. That’s thanks to the opening of a number of exciting attractions and parks — Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier as well as seasonal spots like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Blue Cross RiverRink and Liberty Point — and diverse and well-attended events throughout the year. Those gorgeous views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — which connects Philadelphia to New Jersey — don’t hurt, either.

When you Google where to get the best Philly cheesesteak, you'll most likely hear about Geno's or Pat's. But Philly natives will tell you otherwise. If you want an authentic Philly cheesesteak, John's Roast Pork is the place to go! Though the originator of the sandwich is unknown, this small shop in South Philly makes one of the most beloved iterations. And don't forget about their roast pork, which stacks thin slices of pork, broccoli rabe and sharp provolone on an Italian hoagie roll. A word of caution: Pay attention to how the locals ahead of you in line order—there’s little patience here for indecision.

While historical attractions abound in Philly, Independence Hall is where the nation was founded. In 1776, the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in the building’s Assembly Room. Just 11 years later, representatives from a dozen states met here to lay the framework for the U.S. Constitution. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centerpiece of Independence National Historical Park and guided tours of this bucket-list gem are available year-round. Free tours of the Hall are available via timed tickets. Learn more about how to obtain tickets in this guide to Independence Hall.

Visitors must reserve tickets online or by phone in advance for tours of Independence Hall.

Home to more than 4,000 murals, Philly is a city bursting with public art. The organization that made these murals happen: Mural Arts Philadelphia, the country’s largest public art program. Mural Arts leads educational walking tours of its creations in neighborhoods like Bella Vista, Spring Arts, Germantown and West Philly. If you’d prefer a more intimate affair, book a private tour to see the works by foot, wheels or by train.

The Philly cheesesteak is inarguably the city’s most famous food. So put your diet on hold for the day, and indulge in a hoagie roll filled with chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and your choice of cheese and/or fried onions. Those in the know order their cheesesteak with two words only: cheese selection (provolone, American or Whiz) and “wit” or “without” onions. The debate about which local spot cooks up the best sandwich won’t ever end, but for an iconic Philly experience, visit the intersection of South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, where rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks feed the masses daily, and do your very own taste test.

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris, is called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile for good reason. Some of the city’s most important cultural institutions are housed here, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and its crown jewel, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Another super-popular attraction, former prison Eastern State Penitentiary, is just a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

There’s no way around it: Philly’s dining scene is special. Travel + Leisure recently wrote that Philly “might be one of the best food cities on the East Coast,” and Philly restaurants regularly make ”best of” lists from The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler and more. Some of the latest critically acclaimed spots: Gabriella’s Vietnam in South Philly and Andiario in West Chester (America’s Best Restaurants 2022, The New York Times); Her Place Supper Club in Rittenhouse Square and Korshak Bagels in South Philly (The 50 Best New Restaurants of 2022, Bon Appétit); and South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico from chef Cristina Martínez (Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region, James Beard Awards, 2022).

No matter your bar preference, you’ll find it in Philly. The best bars here cover everything from dingy neighborhood dives to the glitz and glamour of rooftop cocktails.

Relax in a hammock or enjoy the breeze off the river at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Situated atop several floating barges, this park features plenty of seating and spaces to lounge in, food vendors and more. At night, the LED light installations glow beautifully along the Delaware River Waterfront.

Tons of breweries scattered about Philadelphia have helped the city stake its claim as a front-runner on the American craft beer scene. As such, beer lovers will find no shortage of spots to sample locally crafted suds—from tasty and inventive IPAs to lagers and so much more. Starters should check out Yards Brewing Company’s massive brewery and taproom in Northern Liberties and have the bartender pour flights from the 20-tap draught line. Philadelphia Brewing Company operates out of the oldest and largest brewing facility in Philadelphia, churning out Philly-inspired brews, such as the Pennsylvania Pale Ale, Walt Wit, and seasonal varieties like the complex ale Rowhouse Red. If you like your beers experimental, head to Old City’s 2nd Story Brewing, which boasts curious concoctions like the Fielder's Choice, a pale ale made with local honey and lemongrass.

The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to see the top Philadelphia historic attractions and cultural institutions.

Longwood Gardens, purchased by industrialist Pierre du Pont in 1906, is a little like Philadelphia’s answer to Versailles, with 1,083 acres of themed, manicured gardens. Naturally, spring and summer are the best seasons for florals, but with a Conservatory renowned for its indoor displays, this Kennett Square spot is a popular year-round destination. During the summer months, make sure to check out the Fountain Garden, when a dramatic water show set to classical music is performed several times every day.

Located in Kennett Square, about an hour drive from Center City, PA.