Best Museums in Philadelphia

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
best museums in Philadelphia

Museums are some of the best things about visiting a new place or country. Not only can they give you an insight into the history of the area, but they can also surprise you with unexpected delights. Philadelphia is no different, with a wide breadth of museums covering a multitude of exciting subjects, from the American Revolution to dinosaurs.

So, if you're visiting Philadelphia, you'll want to know which are the best museums in the city! But doing your own research can be dull and time-consuming; we get it. That's why we've put together this guide to the best museums in Philadelphia. No research necessary. Now, sit back, and read about our top recommendations you should absolutely add to your itinerary!

Including:

  • Museum of the American Revolution
  • Franklin Institute Science Museum
  • Academy of Natural Science
  • African American Museum
  • Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial
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Image courtesy of EQRoy/Shutterstock

Museum of the American Revolution

Philadelphia was one of the cities at the heart of the American Revolution that sent those pesky red coats sailing across the Atlantic with their tails firmly between their legs. So it's no surprise you'll find a museum dedicated to the War of Independence in the city!

Explore all the political, social, and complicated history of the era, thanks to an unrivaled collection of Revolutionary artifacts. You'll find authentic rifles and pistols, documents and personal items, military outfits, and items that tell the personal stories of those involved.

Starting from the 1760s, you'll follow the collection in chronological form from the earliest rumblings of the Revolution through to the final victory, and learn how events shaped the America we know and love today. See George Washington's war tent, stand beneath a faithful recreation of Boston's Liberty Tree, and much more. Easily one of the best museums in Philadelphia, and one you absolutely must visit!

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Franklin Institute Science Museum

If the crackle of electricity gets you giddy, then you likely know the name Benjamin Franklin. Widely regarded as the first person to harness lightning and electricity, he was one of the most lauded scientists of his era. So, of course, there's a museum named after him. And what a museum it is.

The Franklin Institute is brimming with scientific oddities, wonders, and everything else that will satisfy young and old minds alike. Ever wanted to journey through a two-story heart like Dennis Quaid? Want to sit atop a 350-ton steam locomotive? Wondered what it feels like to become part of an electrical circuit? You can do all that and much more within this brilliant museum!

You can even explore the life and times of the man himself, thanks to a brilliant collection of memorabilia and artifacts from Franklin's time on Earth. So, if you're curious about the world of science in the past, present, and future, go check it out.

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Image courtesy of Fotos593/Shutterstock

Academy of Natural Science

Now, let's switch gears from the fantastical world of science to the magical world of the past. Explore millions of years of history, and the many giant species that once walked the Earth, at the Academy of Natural Science.

Step into Dinosaur Hall and see skeletons of more than 30 species, including Avaceratops, Chasmosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, and more! Take a walk through the Butterflies exhibit and see dozens of beautiful species fluttering right around your head. Then, suit up and put on your goggles at the Big Dig, a little paleontologist's dream world where they can dig around for hidden behemoths and brush off their bones.

If you're bringing the little ones on vacation to Philadelphia, they'll love it.

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African American Museum

Let's swap ancient history for something more modern. If you're interested in learning about the history and culture of African Americans throughout the history of the United States, then head to the African American Museum and immerse yourself in some fascinating exhibits!

You'll have plenty of content to chew on, including in-depth explorations of the Civil Rights movement, arts, politics, family life, and many other topics. You'll also learn about the African Diaspora, the African Americans of Philadelphia, and issues important to the African American community today.

You'll find clothing from influential black artists and spokespeople, from Oprah Winfrey's iconic red suit to the late, great Nichelle Nichols' Lieutenant Uhura's Star Trek uniform. You'll also find artifacts from the dark period of segregation in the early to mid-20th century, including posters, protest banners, and leaflets. And, on a brighter note, you'll also explore the world of black music and how it changed the course of the music industry. Costumes like James Brown's iconic black jumpsuit are accompanied by instruments, records, and other memorabilia.

Easily one of the best museums in Philadelphia; put it on your itinerary right now!

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Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial

For the military fans out there, the thought of exploring the US's most decorated warship might send shivers down your spine. Well, prepare your spines with veritable glee because you can visit the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial and do just that.

The USS New Jersey served during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and even through the 1980s, so it's been around the block a bit. If you'd like to know more, take a self-guided tour around the vessel and explore what life was like onboard the ship, thanks to complete access to crew quarters, the mess hall, and other areas shared by generations of sailors. Then, head to the command center, where life-or-death decisions were determined, and explore the captain's quarters. You can even enter the massive gun turrets and see the kind of gear the gunners had to deal with!

On top of all that, you'll find plenty of history adorning the walls, including sailor's artifacts, uniforms, eating and living utensils, and much, much more. An eye-opening look into the life of a sailor and this well-decorated vessel, it's a worthwhile trip for any history buff with even a passing interest in the US military.

And that's our list of the best museums in Philadelphia! Looking for more Philly fun on your vacation? Check out all the city's best bits with Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see as much of the city as you like at your own pace.

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Thanksgiving in Philadelphia

Will your Thanksgiving plans find you in Philadelphia this year? Whether Philly is your home base, or you’re visiting family or friends for the holiday, you probably already have some ideas for the meal itself. However, if you’re entertaining out-of-town guests, or just trying to keep the kids occupied during their time off from school, you may be in search of some Thanksgiving-friendly things to do this time of year. Many of these Philly Thanksgiving events are a kickoff to festivals, events, and activities that lead into the holiday season, too, so we hope this article is of help for longer-term planning as well. We’ve put together a few of our favorite fall activities and seasonal things to do in November. Check our ideas below: Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade Christmas at Peddler’s Village Winter at Dilworth Park Franklin Square Holiday Festival Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market A Longwood Christmas Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade While it’s less famous than its New York City or Chicago cousins, the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest of its kind in the country. It proceeds down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, bursting with colorful floats, massive balloons, and performers from all across the state. And it wouldn’t be a Thanksgiving parade without the appearance of the Man himself at the end!   Christmas at Peddler’s Village November – December Encompassing the kick-off to the Christmas season on one end, and the official Christmas Celebration at the other end, this seasonal event series at Peddler’s Village is a local tradition. Located about an hour from Center City Philadelphia in New Hope, PA, this charming historic town boasts more than 60 specialty shops that are ideal for holiday shopping. Their festive decorations are practically unparalleled, too—a truly inspiring start to the holiday season.   Winter at Dilworth Park November - February This Center City locale is a popular site for holiday festivities, offering up everything from an ice rink (opening usually early November) to an inside garden space in Dilworth Park called Winter Garden. You’ll also find an abundance of glittering holiday lights here, with vendors offering hot cocoa and apple cider, and all that welcomes you into the Christmas season. Dilworth Park also hosts many events throughout the year including fall and winter markets, concerts, and even an Oktoberfest event, should you be visiting before Thanksgiving.   Franklin Square Holiday Festival Mid-November – Late December Another bastion of holiday cheer with its glittering lights, glamorous decorations, and cheerful music, Franklin Square is one of the top places in the city to celebrate the oncoming season. During the week of Thanksgiving, they usually host Thanksgiving craft-making events for kids, while after the focus is on Christmas. You can enjoy family-friendly activities throughout, such as a carousel, miniature train, mini-golf course, and more. And don’t forget the enchanting lights show that runs each day beginning at 4.30PM.   Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market November – January Also located in Dilworth Park, this expansive holiday market features nearly 50 different artists and artisans selling their beautiful handcrafted wares. You can find everything from unique gifts to specialty holiday foods. Admission to the market is free, but you’re sure going to want to set aside some money for the presents you’ll be purchasing. It’s right across the street from the Christmas Village, a German-style marketplace which is held in LOVE Park.   A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens November – January Longwood Gardens is an inspiring sight year ‘round, but there’s just something about the acres of poinsettias, Christmas trees, and winter flowers that populate their Conservatory during the holiday season that makes it truly special. Outdoors, you’ll also find a cozy, blazing fire pit accompanied by thousands of twinkling lights on nearby trees. This season typically kicks off on Thanksgiving Day, but they’ve added a week this year to give everyone more time to enjoy the magic that is a Longwood Christmas. BlueCross RiverRink Winterfest Late November – Early March This holiday tradition is one of Philadelphia’s most beloved things to do on Thanksgiving weekend. This time of year, it’s typically cold enough to begin ice-skating, and families love to bring their kids to burn off a little bit of that Thanksgiving meal at the RiverRink. Winterfest is a seasonal extravaganza, with everything from fire pits and an ice rink to indoor arcades and a chalet-like lodge nestled in a picturesque winter landscape.   Other Things to do in November in Philadelphia Skip the cooking and eat out! Many restaurants serve special meals for the holiday and you won’t have to do the dishes. Register for a Turkey Trot – Philly loves running and you’re sure to find a race to suit your mileage. Or, run/spectate the Philadelphia Marathon (November) Volunteer a food bank or shelter. There are many serving Thanksgiving dinners to the less fortunate. Indulge your rural side and enjoy a hayride or some apple-picking outside the city. Explore the local arts scene at CraftNOW Philadelphia, held at various locations throughout the city in November (select dates, November – December). Take in a flick at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (November). Explore American heritage! From the Betsey Ross House to the Liberty Bell, you can learn more about American history during November—a good field trip season, too. Save on November Activities in Philadelphia Planning to explore a few of these ideas for your family during Thanksgiving break? Grab a Go Philadelphia pass to save up to 45% on tickets to top November activities. After all, the December holidays are rapidly approaching and you’ll want to save where you can now! So, what are you waiting for? Grab a Philadelphia pass and get exploring! Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
free things to do in philadelphia see the liberty bell
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Free Things to do in Philadelphia

Hello! How are you? Well, we hope. Why don't you sit down and take a load off, so we can talk about free stuff. Nothing is quite as sweet as paying nothing to do fun stuff, is it? That's why you're here, isn't it? So if you're visiting the fine city of Philadelphia, you'll be wanting the low down on all the best free things to do in the city, right? Right this way, please. We've curated this brilliant list just for you. So, without further ado, here are the very best free things to do in Philadelphia! Including: The Liberty Bell Independence National Historical Park Independence Visitor Center The 'Rocky' Steps Science History Museum and more! Ring the Bell Let's start with one of Philadelphia's most famous artifacts. This here's a revolutionary town, thanks to the city's role in the War of Independence. In the past, The Liberty Bell stood for America's secession from the United Kingdom. Basically, Brexit before it was cool. It was one of many bells that rang out on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today, its cracked facade stands as a reminder of America's triumph. And, thankfully, for those of you working to a budget, you can go and see the metal ringer free of charge! Alongside said bell, you can also see documents and images that explore the bell's history and its role in the formation of America. However, given its popularity, you may have to line up to see it up close. But what's a little waiting when a special selfie is prime for the taking? Deck the halls with Independence Running with the Independence theme, let's talk about one of Philadelphia's best green spaces. Not only is it free, but it stands for freedom too. Does it get much more American than that? We think not. We're talking about Independence National Historical Park, where, among the greenery, you'll find the famous Independence Hall. For the uncultured among you, that's where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed! But getting into the Hall will cost money, so let's instead focus on the free goodies you'll find around the park! For starters, it's a park, so expect plenty of trees, wildlife, and green spaces to stretch out for a relaxing picnic or just to read a book. It's also where you'll find the Liberty Bell, so it ticks a box off your historical itinerary. And even though Independence Hall does require a small fee to get to the touristy stuff, you're free to explore Old City Hall and Congress Hall, which you'll find in the Independence Hall's complex. A free summary Visiting Philadelphia from out of town and want to get the lay of the land? Of course you do, traveler. How else will you know where to buy your convoluted coffee orders? Well, look no further than the Independence Visitor Center. Right in Independence National Historical Park, you'll find this grandly inviting building. Inside, you'll get a free comprehensive orientation to the local culture, the city's history, the best shopping areas, and where to eat. All of that courtesy of the fantastic staff you'll find manning the trenches. So, if you want a head start on your trip, go check it out. And you'll be pleased to know that the whole thing is 100% freebies. Adrian! Boxing fans and cinema fans rejoice! Philadelphia is known for many historical things, but it's also the playground for celluloid's most famous haymaker. That's right, Philly was the setting and stomping ground of one Rocky Balboa, and it was also the scene of one of the most famous training montages of all time. That's right, cinephile, you too can ascend the steps that Rocky so famously ascended, turn back to look upon your victory, and raise your arms in glory. Just as he did. For bonus points, hire a photographer to capture your moment of utter dominance, or simply drag a friend or partner along to begrudgingly snap a pic. Then, head right back down and snap another pic with a statue of the man himself. No, not Stallone, but a statue of Rocky stands tall at the foot of the stairs. Commissioned for the third Rocky move, the bronze Adonis now keeps watch over the area like a shiny golem. And best of all, it's totally free. Take that, money! Science but free Yes, even scientific discoveries can be discovered for free in sweet Philly. That's all thanks to the Science History Museum, an interactive collection of hundreds of years of scientific progress, successes, and failures. Inside, you'll find nearly half a millennia of artifacts, information, and exhibits about breakthroughs in the scientific community and how they benefited both the people of Earth and the planet itself. Of course, not all discoveries are intentional, which is why you'll find some of the biggest surprises are the discoveries made entirely on accident. Alongside a slew of permanent exhibits, you'll also have the chance to see seasonal content about different parts of scientific history. Definitely one of the best free things to do in Philadelphia. Fund-free fire fun Speaking of free museums, if you want to know more about the history of firefighting in the US, go check out the Fireman's Hall Museum. There, you'll find plenty of old firefighting gear, from old-timey fire wagons (yes, they're actual wagons), to hundred-year-old hats, hoses, and ladders. Kids can even try on some of the gear, if firetrucks are still the most exciting thing they've ever seen. On a more somber note, you can check out the museum's tribute to first responders during 9/11, as well as displays about the heroes. It's well worth a visit if you have a passing interest in history, firefighting, or both. And here ends our list of the best free things to do in Philadelphia! Looking for money-sapping entertainment to tackle between the free stuff? See all of Philly's best bits with Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city at your own pace.
Dom Bewley
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia
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