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

Historical Things to do in Philadelphia

By Dom Bewley

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!
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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?)

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Getting Around Philadelphia
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Getting Around Philadelphia - the Best Ways to Travel

So, you've planned your vacation to Philadelphia. Maybe its rich history has drawn you to it like a moth to flame. Or, maybe you simply want to see its vibrant spirit up close. Whatever your reason, you'll want to know about getting around Philadelphia, right? Read on, and discover our picks for the best ways to get around the city. Including: Is it easy to get around the city? Can you ditch the vehicle and explore on foot? Is it safe to walk the streets at night? Cycling in Philadelphia Is Philly PHLASH the way to go? and more! Is getting around Philadelphia easy? Yes! Thanks to SEPTA, or the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, it's relatively cheap and easy to get around the city in a pinch. But there are plenty of other ways to traverse Philly. So, let's talk about them all! Is getting around Philadelphia on foot possible? Indeed it is. In fact, it's one of the top 5 most walkable cities in America! Why is that? Well, it's because the city was designed that way. Architect William Penn, whose name you'll find adorning many buildings, street signs, and areas of the city, is responsible for its simple 25-block grid design. The city center sits between two rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware. And, to make it even easier to understand, north-to-south streets are numbered, and east-to-west streets are named after trees found in the region. Keen-eyed observers will also spot many 'Walk Philadelphia' signs all around the city. These aren't simply requests or suggestions; they pinpoint places where walking is the preferred mode of transport! You'll even find Community Street Representatives - or CSRs - wandering the streets. They'll be happy to answer any questions you have or direct you to points of interest close by. They'll even administer first aid or radio the authorities in a pinch. Heroes, one and all! Is getting around Philadelphia on foot safe at night? Yes, Philadelphia is safe to walk around during its vibrant evenings. Like any other city, just be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close as you navigate its many amazing bars, restaurants, and other night festivities! Getting around Philadelphia by bike If you're a fan of the two-wheeled wonders, you're in luck. Philadelphia is one of the most bike-friendly big cities in America. Cyclists will find dedicated bike lanes on city streets and miles of bike-specific trails. If you don't fancy lugging your bicycle all the way to Philly for your vacation, simply hire one. You'll find thousands of rental bikes throughout the city, and it's easy to hire one for an hour, a day, or even a week. So no excuses, get on your bike, and stay active while you explore! Getting around Philadelphia in a PHLASH Looking to see all of Philly's biggest landmarks in one fell swoop? Introducing the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop, your one-stop shop for all things Philadelphia. This amazing bus service is not only cheap, but it conveniently stops by all of the best bits in the city. Looking to see the likes of Penn's Landing, Independence Mall, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Philadelphia Zoo? Philly PLASH. Image courtesy of Tippman98x/Shutterstock If you're looking to see other attractions, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Eastern State Penitentiary, and Betsy Ross' House, try a hop-on, hop-off bus tour instead! Stay on the bus to see them all, or hop off to get a closer look and catch the next bus when you're done. It's one of the easiest ways to get around the city while making the most of Philly's fantastic landmarks! Getting around Philadelphia with a pass If you've modern sensibilities and feel like paying for travel tickets with money is for old-timers, why not pick up a pass? They're the cool, trendy way to get about cities these days. As far as Philly is concerned, you've got a few choices. Let's explore them. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Key SEPTA keys are cards you can load up with cash to bypass buying tickets and tokens. Utilizing 'state-of-the-art' chip technology, they allow you to tap in and out of turnstiles or on buses to catch a ride. You can put what you want on them or load them up with set amounts. Want to travel for the week? Select Weekly TransPass at a kiosk and load up the exact amount you need for your seven days of splendor. There are other options, of course, including monthly and even daily denominations. Independence Pass The Independence Pass allows unlimited travel on SEPTA buses, trams, trains, and subways. These are best if you're traveling for a single day, and you can even get a family of five deal for a decent discount. Getting around Philadelphia by train Whether above ground or beneath the surface, trains are a great way to cover large distances in the shortest amount of time. Philly is loaded with options, so take a look at this interactive map to see which works for you. But if you want to know more about them, let's do it. Regional Rail Lines These above-ground trains will get you from the furthest reaches of the city into the center, with multiple lines intersecting at various points. For instance, if you're flying into Philly, you can get the Airport Line right into 30th Street Station. Subway Lines There are three subway lines that connect the northwestern, northern, and northeastern districts of the city. They're called the Market-Frankford Line (blue), the Broad Street Line (orange), and Norristown (purple). The Market-Frankford line is especially useful, as it will take you right through the city's central areas, where Philadelphia's main attractions are focused. Tram Lines Depicted in green on the transport map, the tram is the slowest way to get around the city. However, being overground and running through the city itself, it gives you the chance to sightsee as you go. They also run out to the southwestern corner of the city, if you're staying further from the center. And that's everything you need to know about getting around Philadelphia and the best ways to travel the city! Now you know how to get about, you might want to know what to do while you're there. Thankfully, Go City has you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the city at your own pace.
Dom Bewley
best things to do in Fishtown Philadelphia
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The Best Things to do in Fishtown Philadelphia

There are three inevitabilities in life; death, taxes, and gentrification. For the sake of levity, let's focus on the third one. No city is safe from the artsy, techy glow-up gentrification brings these days. Just look at Fishtown. Once Philly's industrial hub, this long-abandoned neighborhood has become the haunting ground of hipster millennials and their unique brand of entertainment. Craft beers, pop-up markets, and art installations are in, and you should be too. Fishtown demands a visit, and thanks to our tips on the best things to do, you'll know what to try on your Philadelphia vacation! Including Fishtown's top craft joints The best eats in the neighborhood Get artsy Lounge in Penn Treaty Park Get thrifty at the local shops Fishtown's best watering holes If you're looking for historical experiences or classicly touristy things to do in Fishtown, then you're probably in the wrong part of Philadelphia. Instead, Fishtown is known for its gentrified offerings. Take the bar scene, for example. It's great. So great that you should tour the neighborhood's best watering holes! But where to begin? Well, the first stop on your bar crawl should be Johnny Brenda's. This cozy spot has a great beer selection and an intimate setting that's perfect for enjoying a few drinks with friends. Next up is Frankford Hall, a German beer garden that's perfect for spending a sunny afternoon drinking outdoors. There's also plenty of food to soak up all the refreshments, including pretzels, sausages, and burgers. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, head to Fishtown Tavern. This local favorite has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up classic American pub fare. Finally, no bar crawl in Fishtown would be complete without a stop at Kraftwork. This industrial-chic spot has a large selection of craft beer and a menu that features locally sourced ingredients. Then, drink a load of water and go to bed. You'll thank us in the morning. Fishtown's best restaurants With all those inebriation opportunities, you'll need to line the ol' stomach with some sweet sustenance. Thankfully for you, Fishtown has plenty of eating opportunities, and it would be irresponsible to miss out on them, so check out our recommendations. Numero uno on our list is Suraya. Its middle eastern delights will water the mouth and trigger the happy bits in your brain. Do yourself a favor and grab some fatteh and kafta kebab before your journey to Fishtown's boozy underworld begins. If you're in the mood for something a little more upscale, then be sure to check out Kensington Quarters. This farm-to-table restaurant is known for its excellent steak and seafood dishes. The roasted chicken is our pick for a standout dish, especially when paired with one of their delightful wines. Or, if you be needing a hit of sweet, sweet pizza, try Pizzeria Beddia. This no-frills pizzeria is all about the pizza, and they make some of the best pies in town. The menu may be limited, but each choice yearns to be tasted. Simply yearns. And finally, if you crave the sweet embrace of Philly's classic cheesesteak, head to the humbly delightful Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop. Generous portions, great service, and juicy steaks covered in cheese and wrapped in bread await you. Explore the neighborhood's brilliant street art As soon as you enter Fishtown, you'll realize that the neighborhood itself has become the canvas for its residents. Trashcans, air-con units, fire hydrants, and other typical urban sights have been given a rather atypical glow-up thanks to the artsy crowd that calls Fishtown home. But the best bits are the myriad murals you'll find adorned on walls across the district. Some of these are DIY jobs, but many were actually commissioned by the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, which supports local artists and helps them get their work into the public eye. The Front Street Walls display, for instance, is a rotating roster of street art you can find throughout the year. If you've an eye for street art, or just self-expression in general, be sure to check it all out. Park your buns and pay homage to William Penn Need to take a load off and want to admire some amazing views of the Ben Franklin Bridge while doing so? Head to Penn Treaty Park, and get among all the green! Built on the site of William Penn's treaty with the Native Americans, this delightful spot offers you acres of space to stretch out and relax, a place to let your furry friends loose, and even fishing spots on the Delaware, if Deadliest Catch is up your alley. You can also see a statue of the park's namesake if you want to add a little history to your park visit. Bring a boozy picnic and toast to the big man himself. Even Penn would agree it's one of the best things to do in Fishtown on your Philadelphia vacation! Bargain hunt at the local thrift stores What would an artsy, gentrified neighborhood be without its fair share of thrift shops? Nothing. It would cease to exist, pulled into the chasm of oblivion where even light fears to tread. For our final tip of the best things to do in Fishtown Philadelphia, we're talking thrift stores. So, if you're in the market for some rare goodies, golden oldies, or hipster attire, check out our recommendations! The Dumpster Diver is a goldmine for those who love a good bargain. They sell items donated by local businesses and residents, which gives the place a lovely sustainable vibe. Everything from clothes to furniture to electronics can be found here, and it's all priced incredibly cheaply. Fishtown Second-Hand is run by a local non-profit organization, and all of the proceeds go towards supporting their programs. More brilliant schemes! They sell a wide variety of items, including clothes, furniture, books, and more. The Philly Free Store is exactly what it sounds like - a store where everything is free. They accept donations of gently used items and then make them available to the public at no charge. This is a great place to find unique treasures. Magnifique, non? And those were our picks of the best things to do in Fishtown Philadelphia! Keen to explore the other delights Philly has to offer? With Go City, you can choose All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, and see the city at your own pace. So what's stopping you?
Dom Bewley
chinatown's friendship gate in philadelphia
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Things to do in Chinatown Philadelphia

Delve into the history of Philadelphia's Chinatown, experience the sights and smells of its markets and create some unforgettable memories using our guide for inspo!
Dom Bewley

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