The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

New Year's Eve in Philadelphia

By Stuart Bak

Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve parties are the stuff of legend. If you’re already picturing skies aflame with more pyrotechnics than a Katy Perry concert, you’re not far wrong. This historic city really lays on the light shows, with firework displays taking place throughout the evening and parties of all stripes – from thrilling live music in dive bars to black-tie balls – ringing in the New Year across the city. Spending the whole of New Year’s Eve in Philly? We’ve put together a short guide to how you might while away the hours leading up to the midnight celebrations, including all the best parties as well as must-see Philly attractions including the Independence National Historical Park and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Morning: Immerse in Philly’s Rich History

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You just can’t visit Philadelphia and not also spend time at the Independence National Historical Park while you’re there. This absolute treasure trove of American history is basically the nation’s entire origin story. Independence Hall, a polished red-brick Georgian confection complete with central bell tower and steeple is the stately venue where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution. You can feel the full weight of history on a tour that takes in the grand Assembly Room and adjacent Liberty Bell Center; home, of course, to that iconic symbol of American independence – there’s surely no better way to ‘ring’ in the New Year (sorry).

Explore the hushed chambers of the Congress Hall and learn about the major historic events – including the inauguration for George Washington's second term – that took place here. The President’s House carries on Washington’s story and explores the history of slavery in early American history, revealing the stories of enslaved people who served Washington throughout his presidency. The park’s cobbled lanes invite gentle, contemplative strolls, and rangers are on hand to provide further insights into the area’s past.

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Appetite for Philly history well and truly whetted, you might also want to explore nearby landmark attractions including the Benjamin Franklin Museum, a mind-bending deep-dive into the inventions and writings of one of America’s most celebrated Founding Fathers. And, as you’re already in the heart of Philadelphia's old city, why not also pop your head into Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States, and Betsy Ross House, said to be where the very first American flag was created.

Afternoon: Art and Aquariums

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All that history is sure to have given you a whopping great appetite. And a whopping great appetite demands a whopping great lunch. So, while in Philly, do as the Philadelphians do. You can get your gnashers round a classic Philly cheesesteak in just about any diner worth its salt here, but hit up Chubby’s, Larry’s or Joe’s Steak + Soda House for some of the most authentic in town: cheese-oozing subs crammed with tender fried steak and onions, sure to provide sustenance for the rest of the afternoon’s sightseeing.

To wit: onwards to the mighty Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can live out your childhood dream of running up the 72 steps made famous in the Rocky movie. Heck, you can even grab a selfie beside a statue of the fictional boxer before heading inside. And, boy, do some knockout pieces await you there. We’re talking Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Monet’s Water Lily Pool, and Picasso’s Three Musicians, alongside dozens more international heavyweights of modern and contemporary art, as well as an extensive collection of Asian and medieval European art and artifacts.

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Or, for something completely different, you could head out of town to the awesome Adventure Aquarium, where 15 zones of interactive animal fun await. There are sharks by the boatload here, including a rare great hammerhead, as well as giant sea turtles, stingrays and all the usual seafaring suspects. But that’s not all. Adventure Aquarium just happens to be the only aquarium on the planet with resident hippos (Genny and Button, since you’re asking). You can also meet a colony of teeny-tiny little blue penguins, the smallest species in the world at around a foot tall.

Alternatively, keep your dancing feet ship-shape for the long evening ahead and do your post-lunch sightseeing from the comfort of a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Sure, the whole point of these is that you can get on and off for a closer peek at all the big Philly attractions (the clue’s in the name, Columbo) but, hey, it’s New Year’s Eve, and no-one will think any less of you for conserving energy by simply enjoying the 90-minute narrated loop without setting foot off the coach once.

Evening: Ain’t no Party Like a Philly Party

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Philadelphia’s New Year’s Eve celebrations kick off in earnest around 6PM when the first volley of fireworks are launched along the Delaware River waterfront. Synchronized music booms out across the city as eyes turn skywards for the technicolor extravaganza, and there are plenty of places to nab yourself a good view. Arm yourself with a blanket and flask of hot chocolate to hit up some of the best free seats in the house: Penn’s Landing, Camden Waterfront and Race Street Pier for the win. This ‘matinee’ show allows young families to join the fun, and is repeated at midnight for the grown-ups, once the kids are safely tucked up in bed.

Most of the city’s ticketed New Year’s Eve events also run dual parties around the two firework displays. These include the Independence Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest (try saying that after your second mulled wine) – the city’s most popular holiday wonderland – which counts firepits, log cabins, hot food and drinks, festive trees festooned with fairy lights, a Ferris wheel and a whopping great ice-skating rink among its many attractions.

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Other options include Cherry Street Pier and Liberty Point, where the early evening parties include fun activities like mural-making and live ice-sculpting demonstrations for the kids (don’t worry: adults can join in too!). All events include epic dance parties and most also come with one free drink (hot chocolate or a cocktail, depending on the time of day, or age of partygoer). By the morning after the night before you’re sure to be left with happy, hazy memories and little doubt that Philadelphia’s New Year party scene is a force to be reckoned with. Full disclaimer: you’ll probably have a sore head too, but Philadelphia’s excellent glut of laid back brunch spots and colorful New Year’s Day Mummers Parade will soon sort you out.

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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
best museums in Philadelphia
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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 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! 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. 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. 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! 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
What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia
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What to do on Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia

Over 60% of Americans have family who have served in the armed forces. That is an astronomical figure. It's no wonder, then, that Memorial Day is such a big deal here. A day when we all remember those who gave their lives for our country, Memorial Day gives ordinary folk like you and me a chance to show our gratitude to them. And if you're in Philadelphia, you might wonder what to do on Memorial Day weekend? In this guide, we'll cover all the best events and experiences, as well as other fun things to get up to in the days before and after Memorial Day. Including: Philadelphia's History with Memorial Day Philadelphia's Memorial Day Parade The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall Special exhibits at the Museum of the American Revolution and more! Context is Key But what does Memorial Day mean to the city of Philadelphia? Well, over a century before the name and date were set in stone, a group of women in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. This very local act of kindness inspired a nationwide celebration, which was then termed Decoration Day (which became Memorial Day back in 1971). So, in a way, you can say that Philadelphians created Memorial Day! Of course, the city itself has seen its share of battles. It played a key role in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. As such, the city already contains myriad buildings and icons to commemorate both wars, so Memorial Day means a lot to the people that call Philly home. Now you know Philadelphia's Memorial Day history, let's talk about what to do in the city on the big day. Join the Memorial Day Parade Philadelphia's Memorial Day parade draws huge crowds every year. Held on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, viewers will see marching bands, military units, and veteran floats make the trip from the parade's starting point to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Once there, the Memorial Day ceremony takes place. The ceremony includes speeches, the laying of wreaths, and a minute's silence to commemorate the fallen. Notable people from the community and the city are often tasked with the speeches and wreath laying, helping those present to truly cherish what the people who serve do for this country. Remember those we lost at the Museum of the American Revolution The Museum of the American Revolution is one of the best museums in Philadelphia. Anyone curious about the country's history should visit when in Philly. However, on Memorial Day, the museum's permanent installations are joined by special exhibits dedicated to service people throughout our history. It's a great place to spend some time this Memorial Day! Even the little ones can get in on the celebrations as the museum offers some hands-on activities, including card-making and rosette-building. Veterans also get in free all weekend, which is a thoughtful nod from this powerhouse of a museum! See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall A stop-off in Philadelphia almost demands you see two of the city's biggest landmarks - the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. And, given their significance to both American History and war, if you're wondering what to do on Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia, you could do a lot worse than giving them both a visit! The well-known Liberty Bell is a clear symbol of American independence. You'll find the cracked bell in Independence National Historical Park. And, though it's surrounded by protective glass, you can still get up close and take some pictures. Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed, so it holds enormous significance for both Philadelphia and the United States as a whole. Take a guided tour of both and see them all in one fell swoop! Take a walk in Fairmount Park Spanning over 2000 acres, Fairmount Park is one of the largest city parks in the United States. So if you need a break from the city or just want to sit somewhere quiet to contemplate what people have sacrificed, it's the perfect place to reflect. Or, if you want to pay your respects by putting your body through the wringer, Fairmount Park also offers a number of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. You'll find plenty of people hiking, biking, and fishing around the park. While you're in town, check out The Franklin Institute Another attraction well worth checking out over the Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. Arguably one of the best science museums in America, it's sure to spark curiosity and wonder in even the most skeptical of minds. Alongside the museum's myriad of amazing permanent installations, this year, you should check out Disney100: The Exhibition. The museum's temporary exhibit gives visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the mega-corporation created some of its most recognizable characters, how it built the worlds you know and love, and covers everything from Toy Story to Star Wars. If you're even a passing fan of any Disney franchise, it's worth the price of admission. Grab a drink - you've earned it And after all that, you might need to sit down and have a drink - proverbially pour one out for those lost, but perhaps down your throat, not on the floor. Philly's bar scene is well-known throughout the country, but why not try some places off the beaten path? We're talking secret bars - the best kind of bars. Cocktail lovers can either make their way to the back of a barbershop to get half-cut at the Blind Barber, or slip into the back of a laundromat and enter a speakeasy at Hop Sing Laundromat in Chinatown. Each has a drinks menu that will hit the spot, but ordering off-menu is a-okay. So, if you were wondering what to do on Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia, now you know! If you're staying in town for a few days and want to fill out your itinerary with fun, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Philly's best bits at one low price.
Dom Bewley

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