Often referred to as the “Birthplace of America” for its pivotal role in the founding and early history of the United States, Philadelphia is one of the most visited cities of the country. It’s also full of historical landmarks and cultural attractions that you simply have to see if you’re planning a visit. From visiting the earliest American institutions to discovering some not-so-famous places, like the world’s largest pizza museum and the country’s first cult site, here’s a look at the ultimate Philadelphia bucket list.
1. See the Dream Garden in the Curtis Center
First up, the breathtaking mosaic masterpiece located in the lobby of the Curtis Center. Created by Maxfield Parrish in collaboration with renowned glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1915, the Dream Garden is a large glass mural made up of over 100,000 pieces of hand-blown glass. With more than 260 color tones, the mosaic depicts a dreamlike landscape with lush foliage and a tranquil pond, as they’re illuminated by an ethereal light. It is absolutely beautiful and definitely one of our top choices to add to the ultimate Philadelphia bucket list.
📍 601 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
2. Channel your inner Rocky
By now, whoever sets foot in Philly has to run the Rocky Steps and recreate the triumphant pose from the iconic 1976 movie, maybe even shout out “Adrian!“. And it’s a classic for a reason. Not only are you reliving a legendary scene from a beloved movie, but you also have to finish the 72 steps so it’s not as easy as it sounds. The statue provides a perfect photo opportunity and certainly, if you want to broaden your horizons, take the extra steps and see the exhibitions of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
📍 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
3. Be enveloped by thousands of candles as 15,000 fish swim around you
Attending a Candlelight concert at an aquarium is both one of our top essential things to do in Philly, and an experience of a lifetime. Erm, how often do you get to listen to iconic compositions and songs recreated in the classical form as over 15,000 animals swim and float around you? Taking place at Adventure Aquarium, home to some of the most fascinating water creatures in the world, including Pacific blacktips and Little Blue penguins, these tributes by candlelight are unique live music shows that cannot be missed.
🎫 Get your tickets to these classical tributes here.
4. Spend Halloween at America’s most historic prison
The organizers of the Halloween Festival of the fascinating and sobering Eastern State Penitentiary have used the location’s eerie past to throw some extra creepy parties and host an annual, spine-chilling festival during spooky season.
The former prison that operated from 1829 to 1971, housed a few notorious inmates like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, so you have that little piece of information to guide you through your visit. Book historic tours, bury down your sorrows at themed bars and lounges, or catch chilling live performances; whatever gets you through your stay.
📍 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
5. Discover the earliest American institutions
If you go to Philadelphia and don’t tap into your inner Nicolas Cage from National Treasure, I don’t know what you’re doing with your life. An absolute must is going to Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed. And while you’re at it, don’t forget its next-door neighbor, the cracked Liberty Bell.
Still, exploring Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and seeing the exteriors of the First Bank of the United States don’t fall too far behind.
📍 Various locations across the city
See also: Visit one of the oldest presidential residences in the United States
6. Have a slice of glory at the world’s first pizza museum
Pizza Brain is a restaurant/museum, housing the world’s largest collection of pizza memorabilia and pizza-related items, certified by Guinness. Situated in Kensington, this pizza joint offers amazing pies prepared with fresh and mostly locally-sourced produce, such as the Lucy Waggle, a sweet and savory pizza that features pine nut, date, prosciutto, fresh thyme arugula, grana Padano and balsamic drizzle. Yum!
See our favorite pizza spots in Philly here.
📍 2313 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125
7. Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Another amazing activity you should add to your Philly bucket list is a “sado” or “chanoyu” at the tranquil Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. Although the 17th century-style Japanese house is widely recognized for its cultural events, including Japanese classes, art exhibitions and school programs, traditional tea ceremonies at Shofuso are a unique way to gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rituals and aesthetics.
During the tea ceremony demonstrations, you can learn more about this tradition through local branches of the Urasenke and Omotesenke tea schools. Located on West Fairmount Park, now you can uncover the precise movements, utensils used and the importance of mindfulness and respect when it comes to tea-making.
📍 Lansdowne Dr &, Horticultural Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19131
8. Visit some of the oldest residential houses in America
Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest residential streets in America, boasting Georgian and Federal-style buildings once owned by tradesmen, glassblowers, blacksmiths and shipwrights. And every Elfreth’s Alley Day, residents of one of the oldest residential streets in the country open their homes to the public so that locals and tourists alike can take a peek into these Old City architectural and historic gems.
📍 Elfreth’s Alley
9. Hike to the site of the first cult of America
You read that right! Not too many people know that the Cave of Kelpius, named after German Pietist leader Johannes Kelpius, was the place where the religious leader and his followers awaited doomsday back in 1694. Along with the Society of the Woman in the Wilderness, they practiced celibacy, astronomy and mysticism in the cave, seeking signs of the end of times.
Spoiler alert, the end of the world didn’t come in the 17th century. However, nowadays the cave has become a popular hiking spot. Start your hike at Valley Green, an entry point in Wissahickon Valley Park, and follow the White Trail north along Wissahickon Creek.
📍 Hermit Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19128
10. Have an authentic cheesesteak
Surprise surprise, the Philly cheesesteak in our Philadelphia bucket list! Made with thinly-sliced steak, melted cheese and grilled onions, an authentic cheesesteak is an iconic dish and cultural tradition in the city. So, it goes without saying that you have to add it to your Philadelphia bucket list.
Check out these spots to avoid the tourist crowds and get the real deal.
📍 Various locations across Philly
11. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the oldest candy store in America
Walking into any candy store has a magical quality because you immediately get a whiff of the enticing aromas wafting through the air. But stepping into Shane Confectionery feels like you’ve entered the candy wonderland from The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus because this place truly is stuck in time.
Shane Confectionery is a testament to Philly’s strategic position for trade and therefore, long tradition of confectionery, dating back to the 18th century. Today, it’s the oldest, operating candy store and confectionery in America, currently owned by the Berley Brothers. Some of their most popular flavors include chocolate covered marshmallow boxes, dark chocolate candied orange peels, peanut pralines, and many more.
📍 110 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
12. Spot Philly Elmo in the streets
If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to catch Philly Elmo, aka Drumline Elmo, near a march, an Eagles game or any big event in the city. He’s always there to spread joy and love and when you’re able to see him dancing in the streets of Philly, you immediately get a positivity boost. What’s more, some people say that when you finally spot him, that’s when you know you’re a true Philadelphian!
And voilà! These are the most essential activities and experiences that should be on your Philadelphia bucket list, especially if you’ve never been to the City of Brotherly Love. So, make sure to scratch them off the list on your next visit.