Popular Pennsylvania Vacation Cities

What to Know

Often referred to as the City of Brotherly Love, the Birthplace of American Democracy and the City of Murals, Philadelphia is rich in history and culture. Home to cobblestone streets, more than 2,700 outdoor murals, "America’s most historic square mile" and art galleries galore, Philadelphia is packed with cultural gems.

The city is laid out in a grid anchored by Washington, Franklin, Rittenhouse and Logan squares, with City Hall in the center. Just east of the grid, the Historic Waterfront District lines the shores of the Delaware River, which separates Pennsylvania from neighboring New Jersey.

In addition to the city’s historic sites and cultural attractions, many visitors come for the shopping. There’s no sales tax on clothing and shoes, which means that Center City’s 2,100 retailers offer some serious bargains.

Though the city is blessed with a diverse culinary scene, Philadelphia is most famous for its soft pretzels, TastyKakes (prepackaged sweets,) and especially Philly cheese steaks. South Philly’s across-the-street rivals Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks offer two of the city’s best sandwiches.

Where to Go

Visit several of the country’s top historic attractions at Independence National Historic Park. Among the many sites, favorites include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the U.S. Constitution was written. There’s also Christ Church, where Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington attended church. After touring the sites, refuel with meal and an ale at City Tavern, an on-site replica of the tavern frequented by the founding fathers.

Across town in the Rittenhouse Square District, stroll past Rittenhouse Row’s parade of upscale boutiques, salons, restaurants and galleries. Unwind in the grassy square, or get a culture fix at the Avenue of the Arts’ many venues for dance, theater and music. Stretching for more than 3 miles, the Avenue is home to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the elegant Academy of Music, the country’s oldest opera house.

North of Rittenhouse, the Parkway / Museum District contains even more cultural attractions, including the Franklin Institute Science Museum, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art-site of the stairway made famous in the Rocky movies. Go ahead and get your Rocky-style photo-op. This is also the gateway to Fairmont Park, 9,200-acres of green space packed with historic houses, sculptures, 100-miles of trails and the Philadelphia Zoo.

When to Go

If you want to avoid extremes in weather-hot, muggy summers and frigid, windy winters-plan to visit in the spring or fall. Autumn months offer brilliant fall color and a variety of festivals and events in rural counties surrounding the city.

October is an ideal time to see Philadelphia’s numerous outdoor murals. In addition to trolley tours, Mural Arts Month features events, lectures and gallery exhibits. If you visit anytime around Halloween, don’t miss the creepy Eastern State Penitentiary’s "Terror Behind the Walls", an 11-acre facility with a host of spooky haunted-house experiences that are consistently ranked among the country’s best.

If you decide to brave warm summer temperatures, you’ll be rewarded with free concerts all summer on the river at Penn’s Landing. Philadelphia also hosts an elaborate week-long Fourth of July celebration with live music, food, street festival, fireworks and a parade.