Explore the Birthplace of the United States with quintessential history 

Historic Charm

Art Experiences

From world renowned cultural institutions to the largest collection of public artwork

• The Rocky Statue & Steps - One of Philadelphia’s most famous pieces of public art is a bigger-than-life boxer… literally. Originally created for Rocky III, the sculpture is now a real-life monument to the classic underdog. The Rocky statue is located at the bottom of the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the stairs leading to the East Entrance, aka “The Rocky Steps”, are run up by hundreds of people a day. 
• Philadelphia Museum of Art - The vast collections of this temple of art make it an absolute must-see on the city’s cultural circuit. Among its impressive holdings in Renaissance, American, Impressionist and Modern art, some standouts include a great Rogier van der Weyden altarpiece, a large Bathers by Cezanne, a room devoted to Philadelphia’s own Thomas Eakins, and Marcel Duchamp’s notorious mixed-media Bride Stripped Bare by her Bachelors (The Large Glass), exactly as the dada master installed it. 
• Rodin Museum - Named for one of the greatest sculptures of all time, this museum houses the largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work outside of Paris. Included in a ticket to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the museum is a worth a visit on it’s own as it showcases Rodin’s bronze castings, plaster studies, drawings, prints, letters and books, including his celebrated sculpture “The Thinker”. 
• The Barnes Foundation – This private collection of Dr. Albert C Barnes is the largest private collection of impressionist and post-impressionist artwork in the world. The artwork featured includes 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso. The 12,000-square-foot gallery preserves the scale, proportion and configuration of the original Barnes location now along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 
• Calder Gardens - Explore local Philadelphia artist, Alexander Calder's, artworks in a spectacular garden setting. Discover an oasis for introspection and connection with minimalist design. Tickets can be purchased in conjunction with the Barnes Foundation. 
• Mural Arts Philadelphia – The city’s public arts initiative has now turned into a collection of over 4,000 murals that can be found throughout Philadelphia. As you stroll the streets, make sure to look around as art can be found everywhere. If you are looking for more information, self-guided and guided tours (both public and private) are provided through Mural Arts Philadelphia.

Family Friendly

Plenty of engaging and playful activities for young minds and the whole family

• Philadelphia Zoo – The first Zoo in the U.S. and open year-round, the zoo features a tiger catwalk above pedestrian trails, a primate trail situated in the treetops, Bear Country, and a barnyard and stables for a petting zoo experience. Inside, the education center will teach kids to become champions for energy conservation and endangered animals. Plus seasonal activities include “Boo at the Zoo” and the holiday season light spectacular LumiNature. 
• Adventure Aquarium - Families can prepare for a thrill at Adventure Aquarium on the Camden, NJ Waterfront, America’s Most Touchable Aquarium. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days a year, Adventure Aquarium is a true waterfront treasure. 
• Franklin Square - One of Philadelphia’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn. The park now boasts several family-friendly attractions, including a miniature golf course, classic carousel, take out food, storytelling bench, picnic area and more. Find a beautiful lights display throughout December and the Chinese Lantern Festival during the Summer season – perfect for evenings with young kids. 
• The Franklin Institute – Named after Benjamin Franklin, this 200+ year old museum and its eminently touchable attractions explore science in multiple disciplines. Open Daily, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, highlights include the Body Odyssey, Wondrous Space, and SportsZone exhibits. 

Dining, Shopping, & Nightlife 

• Reading Terminal Market – The oldest and largest indoor farmers market in U.S. offers fresh produce, prepared meals, chocolates, gifts and much more. Pick up some fresh baked Amish goods or try a famous Philly Cheeseteak while taking in the sights, sounds and tantalising smells. Over 80 vendors are available so there are affordable food options for the whole family. 
• Local chef-driven cuisine – Award winning restaurants can be found throughout the city from talented Philadelphia chefs. Currently, three Philadelphia restaurants - Friday Saturday Sunday, Her Place Supper Club, and Provenance - hold one Michelin star and they are all worth the advanced planning to eat at them. Several others throughout the city have earned Bib Gourmand and Michelin Recommended designations. Philly is a foodie city that has much beyond cheesesteaks.   
• Shop till you drop – Tax free - Philadelphia, with that lovely, state-wide law that keeps clothing tax-free, is the perfect city to visit for a shopping break. With a wonderful mix of urban shopping districts, some of the nation’s largest retail centres and tax-free shopping on clothing and shoes, you’ll need an extra bag to bring everything home! 
• At night, Philadelphia is sizzling with activity — it’s an exciting, welcoming place to sip cocktails, hear live music and do your own thing. Philly has a diverse bar scene—there’s truly something for everyone. Live music clubs, college bars, dance clubs, dive bars, Irish Pubs, gay bars and sports bars are just a few of the drinking establishments that can be found in Philadelphia. 
  

Neighbourhoods to Overnight & Explore

Each with their own character and charm 

• City Center / Midtown Village - Home to Philadelphia’s City Hall marking the center of William Penn’s original plan for Philadelphia, this region hosts some of Philadelphia’s best restaurants and most central hotels. The Center City dining scene is diverse and happening, offering an appealing combination of American cuisine and international fare. At the end of the night consider enjoying jazz music or creative cocktails in the neighbourhood. 
• Old City & Delaware River Waterfront - As America's first business district, there's an abundance of history resting among colonial detail and cobblestone walkways.  The district is also filled with fantastic bistros, upscale clothing boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. A great place for families to stay, the historic district is home to independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell, and the National Constitution Center. Purely Pennsylvania’s favourite: Boasting more than 750,000 objects and illustrations, the African American Museum in Philadelphia is a must. 
• Rittenhouse Square - At the centre of this posh neighbourhood filled with fabulous shopping is a genteel park called Rittenhouse Square, complete with a plaza and fountains designed to resemble a Parisian park. Elegant Philadelphia restaurants frame the square. Purely Pennsylvania’s favourite: Stroll along Walnut Street for some of the world's most famous retailers, high-end boutiques, and charming outdoor cafes. 
• Parkway/Museum - The majestic Benjamin Franklin Parkway is adorned with public art and lined with flags of the world. Several hotels are located around this famous street, making it easier to visit acclaimed institutions such as The Franklin, The Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Barnes Foundation. Purely Pennsylvania’s favourite: Visit John F. Kennedy Plaza, also known as LOVE Park, to view the iconic LOVE Sculpture by Robert Indiana. 

With so much to do and see in this original U.S. capital city, plan to stay for a while -

our recommendation is at least 3 nights.