Philadelphia Tourist Attractions

Even before William Penn founded the city and built his estate in Bucks County, Native Americans and Swedish colonists recognized the region as an attractive place for trade and settlement.

Here Americans defended their liberty, achieved technological success, and forged the ideals of the American Dream. Today's visitor can enjoy the legacy from more than three centuries of political, economic, social, and cultural achievements — all within the Philadelphia area.

Arch Street Friends Meeting House

William Penn himself would have likely felt at home in this large symmetrical meeting house, which hasn’t changed much since 1804. Today, men and women meet together in the unadorned West Room, a large meeting room with balconies and benches, originally designed for the conduct of women’s business. Men met on the other side of the house in the East Room, which now contains dioramas and a slide show about William Penn’s life.

320 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106 
(215) 627-2667
http://www.archstreetfriends.org

Arden Theatre Company

The Arden’s great stories have ranged from lively reinterpretations of classic works by William Shakespeare, Stephen Sondheim and Tennessee Williams, to the work of contemporary playwrights such as Michael Hollinger and Bruce Graham, whose productions have been among the company’s 22 world premieres.

40 N. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-1122
http://www.ardentheatre.org

Buddakan

A towering gilded statue of the Buddha generates elegant calm in this 175-seat, Pan Asian restaurant with sleek, modern decor.

325 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-9440
http://www.buddakan.com

Carpenters' Hall

Before the Constitution, before the Declaration of Independence, there was the First Continental Congress. In 1774, delegates from 12 colonies (Georgia abstained), gathered at Carpenters’ Hall and voted to support a trade embargo against England, one of the first unified acts of defiance against the King. That alone would justify Carpenters’ Hall’s fame.

320 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-0167
http://www.carpentershall.org

Congress Hall

The nation’s fledgling legislature occupied the former County Court House, a two-story brick Georgian structure that characterized Congress’ roles. The House of Representatives on the first floor (Lower House) looks as it did for John Adams’ inauguration in 1797-spare and unadorned, with desks for 106 representatives from 16 states.

6th and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
http://www.nps.gov/inde

Elfreth’s Alley

Butchers. Bakers. Candlestick-makers. Named for blacksmith and property-owner Jeremiah Elfreth, Elfreth’s Alley was home to the 18th century artisans and trades-people who were the backbone of colonial Philadelphia. Three hundred years later, the houses on this itty-bitty, cobblestone street are still hot properties.

126 Elfreth’s Alley
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-0560
http://www.elfrethsalley.org

Fireman’s Hall

Nestled in the narrow streets of Philadelphia’s historic district, Fireman’s Hall is dedicated to the art and science of firefighting through the last three centuries. Displays of firefighting equipment illustrate how firemen control blazes; mock-ups of recreation areas, dressing rooms and a chief’s room show how firefighters have passed the hours between fighting blazes.

147 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-1438
http://www.mfrconsultants.com/pfd/museum.shtml

Franklin Court

Inventor. Scientist. Publisher. Diplomat. Statesman. The life and accomplishments of America’s favorite Renaissance man are celebrated in a museum complex tucked behind the city’s busy streets. A steel frame structure, nicknamed the “ghost house,” rises up from the ground, outlining the shape and dimensions of Franklin’s home.

318 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 965-2305
http://www.nps.gov/index

Lights of Liberty

At dusk, you’ll don lightweight headsets and follow a costumed guide through cobblestoned streets where hand-painted images, some up to five stories high, are projected onto Independence Hall, Carpenter’s Hall and other historic buildings.

600 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(877) GO 2-1776
http://www.lightsofliberty.org

National Constitution Center

The 160,000-square-foot National Constitution Center explores and explains this amazing document through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. In the star-shaped Kimmel Theater, powerful music, a live actor and 360 degrees multi-media images tell the story of We the People.

525 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 409-6700
http://www.constitutioncenter.org

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

This 1840s brownstone by architect John Notman, a National Historical Landmark, boasts one of Philadelphia's finest 19th century interiors, and a research collection dedicated to architecture and interior design. Tours of the restored reading rooms are available by appointment, as is research in the collections of books, architectural drawings, photographs, and manuscripts representing the work of more than 2,000 American architects and firms.

219 S. Sixth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-2688
http://www.philaathenaeum.org

The Atwater Kent Museum

The Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia, located just around the corner from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, has been an exciting gateway into Philadelphia History for nearly 70 years. See hundreds of priceless objects on display, include the wampum belt that the Lenni Lenape Indians gave to William Penn in 1682.

15 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 685-4830
http://www.philadelphiahistory.org