Seven Fun Things To Do In Philadelphia

September 24, 2023January 17, 2024

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If you are looking for the best and most fun things to do in Philadelphia, I have got some great suggestions for you!

I stopped by Philadelphia on a recent roadtrip in America and was taken by surprise by its charm! The feeling of the city was completely different from any other American city I came to visit during my stay. To me, the old part of the city reminded me of Europe with its beautiful, historic buildings and charming parks around every corner. And even the modern areas of the city center had a romantic and appealing atmosphere!

If you are thinking of visiting this beautiful city, take a look at the seven fun things to do in Philadelphia below.

Join A Free Historical Walking Tour

My top recommondation for anyone visiting Philadelphia is to do a walking tour of the old, historical part of the city. Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of America, since it played a a significant role in America’s declaration of independence. For this reason, the city is associated with many important hirostical figures, including George Washington, William Penn and Benjamin Franklin – just to name a few. You can literally FEEL the history that has happened.

Cost: Free (pay what you can)

We went on the Independence Mall Free Walking Tour with Free Tours By Foot. Our guide was the most enjoyable, and managed to present the historical events in an interesting and focused way, without being too heavy on the historical details. We got to see all of the major historical sights, and also got some great insider tips on where to visit, when and how while in the city! They also offer tours of other parts of Philadelphia, if you prefer something different from the historical sights.

Show off your rollerskating skills

The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink is a hidden gem at the outskirts of the old part of Philadelphia. Placed right by the seafront, this small area offers everything from roller skating ti boardwalk games and entertainment. It also has a a great atmosphere and cozy seating areas for drinks and snacks! Why not throw on some rollerskates and skate around to the music, before sitting down for a cold drink and enjoying the views by the seafront?

Where: 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia

Cost: Free entry – 15 USD for skating and rollerskate rental

Go on a hunt for the best philly cheese steaks

You can’t say Philadelphia without thinking of Philly Cheese Steaks. One of the things I love most about travelling is trying some of the local specialities – especially if the local cuisine happens to be a rich cheesy, meat sandwich!

There are many opinions on where to get the best Philly Cheesesteake in Philadelphia. Why not make an activity out of it by trying and rating different Philly Cheese Steaks during your stay in the city? At the end, you can declare the winner with a (very) full stomach!

Where: We managed to try two Philly Cheesesteaks while in the city – one at Sonny’s Famous Steaks in the old town, and one at the Reading Terminal Market. The first was recommended by our local guide and definitely my strongest recommondation out of the ones we tried!

run up of the rocky Steps (and say hello to rocky)

Besides the role it has played in American history, Philadelphia is famous for a special scene in Rocky III, where he runs up the stairs in front of Philadelphia Museum of Art during his training. For many, this iconic scene has become a symbol that underdogs can rise and become winners through hard work and determination.

A fun thing to do in Philadelphia, is to see (and potentially join) the many people sprinting up the stairs in an attempt to recreate the scene. The top of the stairs offers a great view of the park in front and the city as a whole. And don’t forget to give a nod to the giant Rocky Statue before you leave!

Cost: Free

Where: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia

eat your way through reading terminal market

Another thing I recommend for your stay in Philadelphia, is to visit the Reading Terminal Market. Inside the old train station is a giant food hall and farmers market filled with fresh produce, souvenirs and food options. The market is one of the oldest in America, and definitely worth a visit! If you can’t agree with your travel companions on what to eat – or if you cannot decide yourself – why not buy a bunch of different stuff to share?

go for a round of minigolf by the seafront

Another fun thing to do in Philadelphia is to play a round or two of minigolf by the seafront! We visited the minigolf located at the RiverRink, which is an old and very standard minigolf course we mostly had to ourselves. However, as we were leaving the place, we realized that there was a much bigger, more modern (and way more busy) minigolf course placed right next to the Riverrink. Wether you prefer an old-fashioned, peaceful round of minigolf or a colorful course with pumping music, Philadelphia has the minigolf offers for you!

Where: At the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink

Cost: 6 USD per person for the one located within the RiverRink. (I have a feeling the newer might be more expensive, but have a look!)

Feast on the best mexican food

My last recommondation for fun things to do in Philadelphia, is to feast on some of the most delicious Mexican Food at Las Bugambilias. We randomly stumbled upon this place and was pleasently surprised by the quality and taste of the food we got! Also, we happened to be there on Margarita Monday, which unavoidably called for discounted drinks and good times.

Where: Las Bugambilias – 15 S 3rd St., Philadelphia