Philadelphia

Things to do for adults

Discover the historic building of the Eastern State Penitentiary which stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Learn about how when Eastern State opened more than 180 years ago, it changed the world of prisons and was copied throughout the world. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world's first true "penitentiary," a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Discover how the building itself was an architectural wonder; it had running water and central heat before the White House. Marvel at the vaulted, sky-lit cells which once held many of America's most notorious criminals, including bank robber "Slick Willie" Sutton and Al Capone. As you explore the building, listen to 'The Voices of Eastern State' audio tour which is included in your admission price. Narrated by actor Steve Buscemi (known for Boardwalk Empire, Fargo, Armageddon, and Ghost World), this rich, stereo soundscape mixes dozens of voices. Hear the stories of 3 former wardens and 25 guards and inmates which create an atmospheric tour as you stroll through Eastern State's cellblocks and yards. When you arrive, receive an MP3 player and headset that will guide you through the penitentiary complex and explain the prison's history. This audio guide contains a main audio route, plus additional stops for subjects like escapes, riots, sports, sexuality, and more. You are free to tour at your own pace and to listen to (or skip) stops based on your interests. Also discover interactive experiences, history exhibits, and a critically acclaimed series of artist installations.

Explore the origins of America on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Philadelphia. Discover the city where America’s Founding Fathers first declared independence, and ratified the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of historic landmarks including the Christ Church Burial Grounds, Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall.   Begin your tour at the Bourse Building, across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Listen to the multilingual audio commentary as you enjoy the views from the open-top deck. See the Friendship Gate in Chinatown and be amazed by the architecture of Philadelphia’s City Hall.   Hop off to explore the various museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the world's largest collection of post-impressionist art at the Barnes Foundation. Marvel at Philadelphia’s skyline and stop to enjoy a bird’s-eye view from the One Liberty Observation Deck. Pass through the charming neighborhood of Society Hill and end your tour with a drive along the banks of the Delaware River. Stops:  • The Bourse Building  • Betsy Ross House  • National Constitution Center  • Chinatown  • Reading Terminal Market  • Love Park  • Cathedral Basilica  • Logan Circle  • Rodin Museum  • Eastern State Penitentiary  • Special Events - The Perelman Building  • The Rocky Steps and Statue  • West Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boat House Row  • Civil War Memorial  • Please Touch Museum  • Philadelphia Zoo  • Franklin Institute  • Mutter Museum  • One Liberty Observation Deck  • Avenue of the Arts  • Society Hill, Antique Row  • Mother Bethel A.M.E Church  • Headhouse Square  • Vietnam & Korean War Memorials  • Penns Landing  • Museum of the American Revolution  • Christ Church  • The Liberty Bell

Discover the dramatic story of the American Revolution at one of Philadelphia’s lead attractions. Avoid the long waiting times and enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Museum of the American Revolution, then watch an introductory movie before making your own way through the exhibitions. Marvel at the museum’s vast collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art that bring history back to life. Learn about this fascinating period of time as you explore immersive galleries, engage in powerful theater experiences, and take part in interactive features. Located just steps from the famous Independence Hall, the museum serves as a portal to the region’s Revolutionary history, which sparks interest, provides context, and encourages exploration. Printed museum guides are available in English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin and Japanese, to elevate your learning experience.

Climb aboard the double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and discover the sights of Philadelphia at your own pace. Benefit from the services on an onboard guide and avail of frequent departures every day of the week. Learn the history of the city and its cultural attractions, and hear where the best places to eat and shop are along the way. Follow in the footsteps of "Rocky" and climb the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy an authentic cheesesteak or retrace the steps of the founding fathers and see where they signed the Declaration of Independence. Sit back and enjoy the 90-minute ride around Philly seeing almost 30 points of interest along the way. Sights you will see: • Independence Visitor Center (northeast corner of 5th and Market Streets) • Betsy Ross House  • U.S. Mint and Ben Franklin’s Grave  • National Constitution Center  • Chinatown (northeast corner of Arch Street at 10th Street) • Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center  • City Hall and Love Park • Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul/Sister Cities  • Barnes Foundation (21st Street and Ben Franklin Parkway)  • Rodin Museum • Eastern State Penitentiary • Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art • Philadelphia Zoo  • Please Touch Museum/Memorial Hall/Fairmount Park • Rocky Steps • Philadelphia Museum of Art • Franklin Institute/Logan Circle • The Bellevue/Rittenhouse Square • Academy of Music/Broad Street • Antiques Row (10th and Pine Street) • South Street/Headhouse Square • Vietnam Veterans Memorial • Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing/Columbus Boulevard • Penn's Landing/Waterfront • Old City/Christ Church • Museum of American Jewish History

Dive into "River Alive!", a new exhibit that describes the wildlife, science, and wonder of the Delaware River, where 5% of Americans get their drinking water. Raise the sails and discover the history of the U.S. Navy aboard the National Historic Landmark Ship Cruiser USS Olympia. Discover Philadelphia’s connection to the founding of the United States Navy. The Patriots & Pirates exhibition features curated objects never, or rarely, seen by the public, highlighting the little-told story of America’s conflict with pirates. Uncover the past with one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. With so much to explore, Independence Seaport Museum is the premier, family-friendly destination on the Penn's Landing waterfront.

Get to grips with the history of Philadelphia’s founding fathers on this urban adventure spanning from the burial ground to the bar! Led by a host of expert guides, roam the old streets of Philadelphia hearing tales of ruthless businessmen gangsters and psychopathic killers. Learn about some of Philadelphia’s more sinister residents and residences such as the Corpse Collector, the Frankfurt Slasher, and Hednik’s House of horrors. Sparsely sprinkled with national icons, tales of yellow fever, plus a visit to the graves of Ben Franklin and other founding fathers, this tour tells a tale of grit, twists, and gore as you learn about the history of Philadelphia.

Save over 50% on admission prices to Philadelphia's top attractions with a flexible sightseeing pass directly from your phone allowing convenient entry to your choice · of attraction or tour option. Select from 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 attractions and choose your own itinerary. Take advantage of the pass’ flexible start date and go at your own pace over a 30-day period. This pass is perfect for visitors who have limited time to sightsee, and for those who want to visit the must-see attractions. Experience 4 centuries of Philadelphia history. Explore the birthplace of American independence with visits to Fort Mifflin and the Betsy Ross House. Visit Benjamin Franklin’s grave at the Christ Church Burial Grounds, or see the past come to life on one of the spooky nighttime walking tours. Follow in the footsteps of Rocky, training like "the Pride of Philly" on the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Then take in the cinematic sights of Center City, Midtown Village, and South Street via the hop-on, hop-off bus service.  You will also receive discounts at local restaurants and bars, as well as retailers and entertainment venues. Eat like a local at the historic Reading Terminal Market or the 9th Street Italian Market. Or drink in the sights and the history of Philly over a cold one while you pub crawl your way through the City of Brotherly Love. Attractions: Philadelphia Zoo Eastern State Penitentiary Adventure Aquarium Betsy Ross House Franklin’s Grave at Christ Church Burial Grounds City Hall Tower Tour Fort Mifflin QVC Studio Tour Escape Game King of Prussia Scavenger Hunts Museums: Philadelphia Museum of Art National Constitution Center Museum of the American Revolution Academy of Natural Sciences African American Museum Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial National Liberty Museum Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum The Mütter Museum The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology Wharton Esherick Museum Penn Museum Bus Tours: Philadelphia Sightseeing Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Walking Tours: 76 Carriage Company — Franklin's Footsteps Walking Tour Candlelight Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Grim Philly Twilight Tours Independence Tour Philly Tour Hub Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour The Constitutional Walking Tour Sightseeing Cruise: RiverLink Ferry (operates seasonally) Bike Tours: Big Red Pedal Tours Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Hop aboard a double-decker bus and discover Philadelphia's top attractions with comfort and ease. From the top deck, admire panoramic views of the city that will leave you speechless and entertained while you soak up the history, heritage, and beauty of one of America's oldest cities. Benefit from a local guide's informative commentary as you travel around a 90-minute circuit to 28 different stops highlighting Philadelphia's 100 most popular attractions, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the US Mint. At Stop number 27, hop off and enjoy a delicious cheesesteak sandwich combo meal at one of Philadelphia's most well-loved institutions, Campo's. Sit down to your choice of sandwich, served with potato chips, water, and Philadelphia's own TastyKake and Peanut Chews.

Journey back in time to historical Philadelphia in the days of George Washington and his revolutionary collaborators. Begin at the City Hall and make your way to the historical district while exploring the catalysts to the Revolutionary War in the United States of America. At the famous Independence Hall, dive into the Declaration of Independence’s drafting, debating, and signing. From there, explore George Washington’s legacy as a politician, general, and president. This will lead you to the iconic Liberty Bell and the history behind its famous crack. Explore the lives, museums, and homes of revolutionary figures like Ben Franklin, the diplomat, Benedict Arnold, the traitor, Thomas Jefferson, future president, and Crispus Attacus, American hero. Then, continue your journey past the famous African American Museum, Franklin Square, National Constitution Center, and the Mint. At the historic Betsy Ross House, see the birthplace of the American flag, and in picturesque Elfreth’s Alley, step back into a more quaint, cobblestoned era. Finally, your tour passes George Washington’s church and fittingly concludes at the Museum of the American Revolution.

The 1.5-hour Philly By Night Double-Decker Bus Tour provides you with a different perspective of Philadelphia, with all the city’s attractions illuminated under a starry night sky. This is not a hop-on hop-off bus tour but does stop so you have the opportunity to climb the Rocky Steps at the Art Museum and take a photo of Philadelphia's sparkling skyline. Enjoy tour narration by a friendly and knowledgeable Philadelphia tour guide. Once you board the bus you’ll take in top sights including South Street, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Chinatown, the Avenue of the Arts, the Ben Franklin Parkway and the Philadelphia Art Museum.