Philadelphia is often considered one of the US destinations you must visit if given the chance. After all, millions of tourists flock to Philadelphia each year, looking for the perfect mixture of culture and history! 

However, its popularity as a tourist destination often means that you’re spoilt for choice when choosing what to do or see during your trip. With that in mind, here are eight things you must do when visiting Philadelphia!

Book a stay in ROOST Rittenhouse

ROOST Rittenhouse, located within Rittenhouse Square, is the perfect accommodation for those looking for a luxurious place to stay in the heart of Philadelphia. With history quite literally at your doorstep and a range of amenities inside, you’d struggle to find anywhere nicer to rest your head! 

Consider renting a car

If you’re wanting to visit as many tourist hotspots as possible, as well as some sites a little further afield, renting a car will help you to make the most of your trip. It also means you don’t have to rely on (or pay for) public transport! 

Visit the Liberty Bell

Philadelphia is the US’ first heritage city, which means its home to a range of historic monuments that are well worth a visit, including the Liberty Bell. Located within the Independence National History Park, you can visit a range of other historical spots during this trip, including stopping by the US first-ever bank! 

Eat a Philly Cheesesteak

No matter what destination you have in mind when traveling, you should always try to indulge in local cuisine. In Philadelphia, this means you’ve got to eat a Philly cheesesteak (or two or three).

 In fact, don’t just pick any random place in Philly that serves these; you’re going to want to have the best cheesesteak in Philly. Think of it this way: Cheesesteaks are to Philly what pizza is too New York. You want to taste the places that truly represent why it has the reputation it has for that city, and no random hole-in-the-wall can do that!

Shop at the Reading Terminal Market

Reading terminal market is another popular tourist destination – and a foodie’s paradise! This historic indoor market first opened its doors in 1893 and is home to hundreds of vendors serving fresh, local dishes as well as tasty bites from around the world. 

Wander through the Magic Gardens

If you’re looking to soak up some culture when visiting Philadelphia, you’re in luck – it’s home to a wide range of galleries, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art. However, you should also be sure to take a wander through Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, a folk-art gallery space featuring mosaics made by artist Isaiah Zagar.  

Stop by the Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is considered to be one of America’s most celebrated museums, and it features a range of exciting and interactive exhibits. For example, there’s a planetarium on site where you can learn more about space. Right now, families are flocking to the museum to see its Disney exhibit, which is part of the company’s 100-year celebration! 

Meet the locals

You can learn a lot more about any tourist destination from chatting with those who live there than you’ll ever learn in a guidebook. What’s more, when asking locals for recommendations on things to do or see, you can uncover some of the city’s hidden gems, avoiding tourist traps altogether. This could be a great way to save money when traveling!