Philadelphia holidays

You’ll find endless things to do on your Philadelphia holiday, thanks to the cities historical must-see sites. See the age-old houses on Elfreth’s Alley – some of which date back to the early 1700s – and hop between museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Drop into to the Philadelphia Museum of Arts and see its triumphant Rocky steps. And gaze across the city from the observation deck in One Liberty Place.

Take a wander from City Hall, past the famous LOVE sculpture in John F. Kennedy Park to its AMOR reflection at the grand Logan Square. Or lose yourself among the city’s many lush parks and zoos. Or stroll along the Delaware River Waterfront, before grabbing a bite to eat at Reading Terminal Market.

No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a visit to Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can walk the halls which housed the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the U.S. Constitution, and see its symbolic icon, the Liberty Bell.

Just a short distance away, the Betsy Ross House – where Betsy is said to have sewn the first American flag – is another must-see. Philadelphia’s history doesn’t end there, either. Immerse yourself in the past by walking down Elfreth’s Alley, or pay your respects at Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Alternatively, for something a little different, why not visit the spine-tingling Eastern State Penitentiary? Now a museum, this was once the world’s most notorious prison, home to criminals such as Al Capone and bank robber William "Slick Willie" Sutton.

A “blooming culinary destination” with a “scene as vibrant as ever” is how Philadelphia has been described by America’s most high-profile commentators – so you certainly won’t go hungry in this incredible food-focused city.

From passion projects of acclaimed chefs, to the fresh and colourful produce of Reading Terminal Market, every point on the food scale is at its best in Philadelphia. You can treat your taste buds to morsels from street vendors, BYOB boutiques, and a choice of Michelin-starred restaurants. Dine al fresco in the sun on the sidewalk. And, naturally, sampling a traditional Philly cheesesteak is a must-do during your trip.

Philadelphia thaws and blooms in spring, making March to May the most beautiful time to walk through the city’s green and historic streets. June brings summer temperatures approaching 30°C – and the crowds come with it. But summer also brings lots of festivals and attractions, which create a buzzing atmosphere. Why not plan your Philadelphia holiday to coincide with the big celebrations for Pride Month, or the Fourth of July?

In autumn, the changing colours of the leaves and earlier nightfall brings a romantic feel to Philadelphia. But you’ll need to pack some cosy clothes, as temperatures fall quickly through October and November. And at the coldest time of year, between December and February, temperatures can drop below freezing.