Philadelphia skyline with fall colors

Best time to visit Philadelphia

By Karleen Stevens

Visitors to Philadelphia may be forgiven for feeling like they’re traveling through time in this former capital city, as they chart its evolution from the birthplace of the United States to the modern, cosmopolitan city it is today. No stone of history is unturned in its museums, and no corner of its streets devoid of its own work of art or world food café. You can also travel through the seasons, and it’s particularly vibrant in the summer months with its stacked schedule of outdoor festivals and events. But for those who prefer a little space, there’s plenty to enjoy in the cooler months too, with its abundance of galleries and restaurants to escape into, and of course a profusion of parks and gardens that are continually changing as the year goes by. So whether you prefer hot or cold, bustling or quiet, or are at the mercy of your schedule, you can be sure to find plenty of interest, and people ready to welcome you, in the city of brotherly love.

Summer

Image of Landmark, Liberty Bell,

Summer is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Philadelphia, but if you love warm weather, outdoor festivals and the company of other extroverts then there’s no better place to be. June is Pride month, so be sure to hop onto an LGBTQ history tour, scope out restaurants serving LGBTQ themed food to support pride-related charities or go and see one of the city’s famous drag shows.

If you find yourself in Philadelphia for the Independence Day celebrations in July, brush up on your history by visiting the National Constitution Center or the Museum of the American Revolution, or contemplate heroes from around the world at the National Liberty Museum.

Beer, folk and food festivals continue well into July and August, and although they say it’s always sunny in Philadelphia this is also when the rain is most likely to roll in. Beat the humidity by escaping to Spruce Street Harbor Park, considered to be one of the best Urban beaches in America, or escape to Longwood Gardens where the water lilies will be in full bloom and the pond’s fountains dazzling crowds with water and light displays.

Fall

Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, Cityscape, Clock Tower, Tower, Spire, Downtown, Office Building, Person, Neighborhood, Car, Road,

September is a refreshing time to be in Philadelphia, as temperatures cool, crowds disperse and the colors begin to change – so if you’re after some fiery photographs head to Independence Hall or the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where the autumnal leaves contrast against the city skylines. A month-long Fringe Festival also kicks off this month, or if you’re a fan of all things fungi, check out the annual Mushroom Festival at Kennett Square, just outside the city.

October is Halloween month and festivities abound, with German food and music taking center stage as part of several Oktoberfest celebrations. At Peddler’s Village, about 45 minutes out of town, a hundred scarecrows pop up every year, and visitors can vote for their favorite while exploring winding brick walkways and quirky restaurants.

If you’re still in Philadelphia on the third Thursday of November you’ll be able to watch the country’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, which runs from 20th Street to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Santa himself makes an appearance at the parade, which officially starts the winter holiday season.

Winter

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If you like to save money, avoid crowds and don’t mind the cold, then Philadelphia in winter could be the perfect city for you. After the Thanksgiving Parade the dark evenings are brought to life with annual traditions such as the RiverRink Winterfest, the Philadelphia Christmas Village and Christmas at the Wanamaker Building. Franklin Square lights up with Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations every year and there are light displays in almost every park and public garden.

The new year celebrations begin with a fireworks display on the Delaware River on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day locals flock into the city once again to marvel at the lavish floats and costumes of the Mummers Parade, a much-anticipated annual tradition since 1901. January is the coldest month in Philadelphia, with an average temperature of just above freezing – but it’s also the best month for snow, so snow angels are your thing you’re in the right place!

In February things begin to brighten a bit and you’ll start to see buds appearing on trees and hedges. Try wrapping up for an invigorating walking tour, then head indoors to the Aquarium or the Penn Museum to thaw out. If you’re feeling brave, liven up the dark evenings with a Dark Philly Adult Night Tour.

Spring

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Although Spring in Philadelphia is still brisk with average temperatures rising from just the mid-30s in March to the 50s in May, it’s a good time to visit before the crowds – and accommodation costs – increase in summer. There’s plenty to do in spring, as outdoor markets start popping up and street festivals – complete with outdoor skating rinks, ferris wheels and carnival games – come back to life along the river.

In April sports fans can cheer on Olympic hopefuls at the high school and collegiate Penn Relays, and in May many of the attractions that have been closed for winter begin to reopen, including the Delaware RiverLink Ferry which links the Camden and Philadelphia Waterfronts.

Nature lovers will find plenty of inspiration in spring, as pops of color begin to appear on street corners in the form of tulips and other early emerging flowers. At the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden the cherry blossoms burst into life in a profusion of pink and white petals, reassuring walkers and passers by that warmer weather is on the way.

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Summer, winter, spring or fall, you’ll find plenty to fascinate you in Philadelphia. And whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, museums or tours, you’ll see and save more with Go City.

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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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
Benjamin Franklin's grave covered in pennies, one of the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia
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Historical Things to do in Philadelphia

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This phrase, uttered by Winston Churchill in the years following the Second World War, is as true today as it was back then. America is a nation with a short yet rich history, and Philadelphia was at the center of it some three hundred years ago. It's no wonder, then, that Philadelphia is full of historical things to do and see! So, if you're in town and feeling historical, we've put together a guide to the best historical things to do in Philadelphia. These are our top picks. Including: Eastern State Penitentiary Museum of the American Revolution National Liberty Museum Christ Church Burial Ground National Constitution Center and more! Live like a criminal at Eastern State Penitentiary If you've always wondered what it feels like to 'do time', you needn't break the law to find out. After all, there's a certain sense of finality to getting locked up. Instead, head to Eastern State Penitentiary, an old prison where some of the most famous criminals in the U.S. once lived. It played a big part in modernizing the judicial system in the country, with many states now banning capital punishment. It even had running water and central heating before the White House. An astonishing fact and great news for the likes of Al Capone. Yes, the late not-so-great mobster spent 8 months in this infamous prison, and you can even visit his cell! But he's just one of the many famous names you may spot as you wander the prison. Of course, your self-guided tour will let you fill in all the blanks - the who's, the what's, and the where's - and let you go at your own pace. There's even an art installation about the prison, if you need a little distraction after all that incarceration business. If you're looking for historical things to do in Philadelphia, Eastern State Penitentiary is full of it. Feel patriotic at the Museum of the American Revolution Philly played a massive part in the American Revolution, with many of the key players living there back in the 18th century. So it's hardly surprising that a museum dedicated to the revolution and the War of Independence can be found in the city. That museum is the Museum of the American Revolution. And if you're looking for historical things to do in Philadelphia, it doesn't get much better than that. You'll explore this rich and complicated era and its connections to our world today. Thanks to a massive collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art, you'll not get a more in-depth look at the time period than right here. Go check out the massive collection for yourself and get immersed in that revolutionary spirit! Learn about liberty at the National Liberty Museum Speaking of the War of Independence, liberty is something America has strived for ever since. It's also a big deal in Philadelphia, where one of the city's most iconic sights is called the Liberty Bell. Liberty is clearly something Philadelphia celebrates, which is why you'll find the National Liberty Museum within the city's limits. Paying tribute to liberty across the globe, you'll find exhibits dedicated to heroes that fought against tyranny. Whether it's a faithful recreation of the secret floor where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, or another of the jail cell Nelson Mandela spent nearly 30 years for taking a stand against racial apartheid, you'll be moved by the countless offerings in the museum. And because it's Philadelphia, of course you'll find a copy of the Liberty Bell and information all about the Revolutionary War too. Pay your respects at Christ Church Burial Ground Given Philadelphia's importance to the war efforts against the British, you might guess that many important faces from the war lived their lives in the city. It's also where many of them were laid to rest. So why not go pay your respects at Christ Church Burial Ground? This self-guided tour will take you around all the famous remaining gravestones that still stand in the graveyard. Listen and you'll learn more about the brave men and women buried beneath your feet. In fact, it's the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most famous faces of the war, and one of the names on the Declaration of Independence. if you have any pennies handy, toss one onto his grave. It's a Philly tradition. But he's just one of the many names you'll see as you walk the yard. So keep an eye out and see who you spot. You wanted historical? It doesn't get much more historical than a graveyard. Get constitutional at the National Constitution Center After the war was won and the British were done, there was a matter of an entire country to run. Where do you begin with such a mammoth endeavor? Well, rules help, so they should come first. And that's what they did. They wrote down a load of rules which became the U.S. Constitution back in 1787. And guess where they wrote said document? That's right, Philly, baby! Don't believe us? Head down to the National Constitution Center and be proven wrong. Inside, you'll learn everything you need to know about this key moment in American history. Thanks to hundreds of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and straight-up facts, you'll learn all about the process leading up to the document's release, how it's shaped America in the 300 years since, and how it's been amended as time's gone on. And that's not all; you'll see the OG document in all its glory, as well as the original Emancipation Proclamation that Lincoln signed. Constitutional stuff! You'll even get to vote for your all-time favorite president, and take the presidential oath of office (maybe a little practice for a future career?) Do the walk of freedom on a Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour And where better to end this historical jaunt through Philly than on a literal jaunt? Follow the history of the Founding Fathers and the roads the Revolution once walked on this Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour. Learn about Philadelphia's many famous landmarks like the Liberty Bell, and enter the likes of Independence Hall. With your knowledgeable guide in tow, you're sure to learn a lot more than we could ever share. So go check it out if your feet are in a walking mood. And those were our picks of the best historical things to do in Philadelphia! Looking for some modern marvels to complement your so-far historical vacation? 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
lions at Philadelphia zoo
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Outdoor Activities in Philadelphia

Isn't being outside fun? The calming call of birdsong, the sun washing over you, and the feeling of wind blasting you in the face. Nothing quite beats it. So, if you're vacationing in Philadelphia, make the most of the sunshine at the best outdoor activities in the city. But what are they? We know doing your own research is boring, so we did it for you. You are very welcome. Here are our top tips for some great outdoor fun in Philly! Including: Philadelphia Ghost Tour Philadelphia Zoo Dark Philly Adult Night Tour Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour Christ Church Burial Ground Serious spookums on the Philadelphia Ghost Tour Let's kick your guide to the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia with some spooky shenanigans. Do you believe in ghosts? Do you think the dead walk this Earth, shuffling through dark streets and in the corners of video clips? Even if you don't, you may change your mind after this ghoulish ghost tour of Philadelphia's streets. Spirits, haunted houses, eerie graveyards, and mysterious gardens are covered on this candlelit ghost tour of Philadelphia. Each guide is a masterful storyteller, weaving terrible tales at each and every stop. You'll learn all about the darkest secrets hidden in the shadows of America's most historic and most haunted city. If you're lucky, you may even see places where real ghost sightings and hauntings have taken place! And best of all, if you are a parent, the trip is kid-friendly too. So, no reason to leave them at home or fear they'll be scarred for life. Just what you want as a parent. If you're made of stern-enough stuff, this ghastly tour is easily one of the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia! Walk and talk with the animals at Philadelphia Zoo Animals, right? Everybody loves an animal, from the cute and tiny to the large and ferocious. We love them so much we even let some sleep in our beds, so it's no surprise we love to visit the less-domesticated sort at the zoo. And, if you're in Philly, why not check out the outdoor glory of the Philadelphia Zoo? Get up close and personal with lions, gorillas, tortoises, snakes, and tons more at this state-of-the-art animal wonderland. Spread across 42 acres of space, you'll have the chance to meet over 1,300 species of rare and exotic creatures! With all that space, you can expect the residents of Philadelphia Zoo have plenty of space to stretch their legs. Which is good for them, of course, but it's also good for you. Nothing is quite as sad as a tiny zoo with mistreated animals. Little ones will love the KidZooU, despite the name, where they'll be able to pet friendlier animals and learn all about the animal kingdom as a whole. Bigger kids will appreciate the Carnivore Kingdom, which is full of the bitey critters. A top day out for all and sundry. Explore your darker side on this Dark Philly Adult Night Tour We're back with more spooky endeavors now, though you'll want to leave the children at home for this one. Because while ghosts, haunted buildings, and spooky cemeteries can be wholesome, this evening tour of Philly's seedy underbelly is far from it. Featuring vampires, pirates, sex, torture, and, yes, even ghosts (but the terrifying kind) are all part and parcel of this chilling stroll through the city's unseen history. Your trepidacious steps will take you past Independence Hall, the Library of Congress, and over twenty other sites, where unspeakable things have supposedly taken place. Well, unspoken of until now, at least. Whipping posts, gallows, the red light district, public slave auctions, you'll see all the sites of these unthinkable events. The red light district?! What would the children think?! Thankfully, aiding you on your descent into the underworld is a brave yet knowledgeable history expert who will expertly recant the city's darkest events. Together, you will peel back the layers of the city's rotten core and expose them to the world! Or, you'll simply never forget your time at one of the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia. It's up to you. Feel revolutionary on this Revolution and Founding Fathers Tour Stepping away from the ghoulish once again, let's instead focus on something more patriotic. Philadelphia was one of the key cities in the fight against the English interlopers, and on this tour, you'll have the chance to walk the Revolutionary Road, and get a deeper understanding of the Founding Fathers and what they faced. From the famous Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, you'll cover the most impactful sites of the Revolution. You'll also visit many locations linked to the Founding Fathers, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, and many more. You'll also see the house of the unknown George Washington. Not sure if you've heard of him, but he had a small hand in the War of Independence. And the whole time, your learned guide will be on hand to sprinkle secrets and lesser-known facts into your ears. You'll never look at a one-dollar bill quite the same again. See where many famous faces lay at Christ Church Burial Ground Speaking of Revolutionary legends, what about that Declaration of Independence? Such a simple sheet of paper holds such significance that Nicholas Cage is continuously keeping it out of the bad guys' hands. But what of the hands that signed it? Where are they now? Well, all of them are dead, but some of them are buried at Philly's own Christ Church burial ground. So why not go visit them, and pay your respects? Look close enough, and you'll find the burial sites of four declaration signers, including Benjamin Franklin (and his wife), Francis Hopkinson, and George Ross, as well as many other famous faces from America's earliest days as a sovereign nation. Unfortunately, natural weather erosion means that thousands of those buried there are lost to time. But they're right beneath your feet if that's comforting at all. And, while you're there, throw a penny onto Benjamin Franklin's grave for good luck. It's a tradition here in Philly. Don't think; just throw. And that was our guide to the best outdoor activities in Philadelphia! In the market for some inside fun in Philadelphia? 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

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