Philadelphia locals know their city offers way more than just cheesesteaks and history books. From hidden cobblestone streets to world-class art collections, the City of Brotherly Love delivers unforgettable experiences that guidebooks often miss. Whether you’re craving authentic local eats or stunning waterfront views, these insider picks will help you explore Philly like someone who actually lives here.
1. See Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (start early)
Smart visitors beat the crowds by arriving right when Independence Hall opens for tours. Walking through the Assembly Room where America’s founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence feels surreal—you’re literally standing where history happened.
After your timed tour, stroll over to the Liberty Bell Center, which requires no tickets but does have airport-style security. The iconic cracked bell sits in a modern pavilion with perfect views of Independence Hall behind it.
Pro tip from locals: grab breakfast nearby at High Street on Market before your tour starts.
2. Stroll Old City to Elfreth’s Alley
Cobblestone streets transport you back centuries as you wander the charming blocks between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Old City’s historic buildings house trendy restaurants, galleries, and boutiques that locals love browsing on weekends.
Don’t miss Elfreth’s Alley, America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street. These tiny colonial houses from the 1720s still have people living in them today. The narrow alley stays open for walking year-round, though the small museum operates seasonally.
Locals recommend visiting during December when residents decorate their historic homes with period-appropriate holiday decorations for a magical evening stroll.
3. Eat your way through Reading Terminal Market
This 1890s indoor food paradise houses over 80 merchants selling everything from Pennsylvania Dutch treats to international cuisine. Locals come here for lunch meetings, weekend breakfast dates, and rainy-day food adventures under one massive historic roof.
The market’s eclectic mix includes Amish farmers selling fresh produce, artisan cheese makers, and family-run restaurants that have operated here for decades. You’ll find authentic flavors from around the world alongside Philadelphia classics.
Check their website before visiting since holiday schedules can vary, and bring cash—some vendors still prefer it over cards.
4. Order a roast pork sandwich like a local
Forget what tourists think they know—Philadelphia locals actually prefer roast pork sandwiches over cheesesteaks. The perfect combination features tender, slow-roasted pork topped with sharp provolone cheese and garlicky sautéed greens on a crusty Italian roll.
John’s Roast Pork in South Philadelphia serves the gold standard version that locals drive across town for. Inside Reading Terminal Market, DiNic’s offers another legendary option that’s easier to reach by public transit.
Order yours “wit” (with greens) and prepare for flavors that will completely change your understanding of Philadelphia’s food scene.
5. Run (or walk) the Rocky Steps and snap the statue
Every day, locals watch tourists recreate Rocky Balboa’s famous training run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Whether you sprint up dramatically or take your time, the view from the top showcases the Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretching toward City Hall.
The bronze Rocky statue at the bottom makes for perfect photo opportunities, though locals know the real reward is the museum’s incredible art collection inside. Many visitors focus only on the statue and miss world-class exhibits upstairs.
Early morning visits offer fewer crowds and better lighting for photos, plus you’ll avoid competing with wedding parties and fitness groups.
6. Tour Eastern State Penitentiary
America’s most notorious abandoned prison offers a haunting glimpse into criminal justice history. Crumbling cell blocks where Al Capone once lived now host an incredible audio tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi, whose Brooklyn accent perfectly matches the gritty atmosphere.
The revolutionary “solitary system” practiced here influenced prison design worldwide, though locals know the real draw is exploring decaying buildings where nature slowly reclaims man-made structures. Photography enthusiasts love the dramatic lighting filtering through broken skylights.
Special exhibitions change seasonally, and Halloween brings elaborate haunted attractions that locals attend annually for spine-tingling entertainment.
7. Book a Mural Arts tour
Philadelphia earned its nickname “Mural Capital of the World” through nearly 4,000 public artworks covering buildings throughout every neighborhood. Local artists transform blank walls into stunning community stories that reflect each area’s unique character and history.
Guided walking tours run year-round, while popular trolley tours resume in September 2025 after seasonal breaks. Knowledgeable guides share stories behind each mural, including community involvement and artistic techniques that bring neighborhoods together through collaborative creativity.
Locals recommend different tours for different interests—some focus on specific neighborhoods, others highlight particular themes like social justice or cultural heritage.
8. Walk the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk and see Boathouse Row at night
The elevated boardwalk stretching from Locust to South Street provides stunning skyline views while floating above the Schuylkill River. Locals jog, bike, and stroll here year-round, especially during golden hour when the city glows across the water.
After sunset, Boathouse Row transforms into a magical light display thanks to programmable LED systems that change colors for holidays and special events. The historic rowing clubs dating back to the 1800s become Instagram-worthy backdrops reflected in dark water.
Weekday evenings offer peaceful walks with fewer crowds, while weekends bring families and couples enjoying picnics along the waterfront.
9. Get lost in Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic wonderland covers every surface imaginable with broken mirrors, ceramic pieces, and found objects creating an otherworldly outdoor gallery. Local art lovers consider this South Street attraction essential viewing for understanding Philadelphia’s creative spirit.
Timed entry tickets frequently sell out, especially on weekends when couples and families explore the labyrinthine passages together. The indoor galleries showcase Zagar’s process and philosophy behind transforming urban spaces through community art projects.
Reserve tickets online well in advance, and wear comfortable shoes for navigating uneven mosaic surfaces that create stunning photo opportunities around every corner.
10. Hang out at Spruce Street Harbor Park (summer)
This seasonal waterfront oasis transforms a former parking lot into Philadelphia’s favorite summer hangout spot. Colorful hammocks sway between trees while floating gardens and twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere that locals cherish from late May through September.
Food trucks and pop-up vendors serve everything from craft cocktails to local snacks, though many visitors bring picnics to enjoy on the grass. The park stays open late, making it perfect for sunset dates and evening gatherings with friends.
Locals arrive early on weekends to claim prime hammock spots, or visit weekday evenings for a more relaxed vibe along the Delaware River.
11. Explore the Barnes Foundation on the Parkway
Art enthusiasts worldwide pilgrimage to see one of the planet’s greatest Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. Dr. Albert Barnes’s unique installation philosophy groups paintings by visual relationships rather than traditional chronological arrangements.
The modern building on Benjamin Franklin Parkway houses over 180 Renoirs and 69 Cézannes in galleries designed to replicate Barnes’s original vision. Locals know to check special exhibition schedules alongside the permanent collection.
Advance ticket purchases are recommended, especially for weekend visits, and photography policies vary by gallery, so ask staff about current restrictions before your visit.
12. Shop and snack through the Italian Market (South 9th Street)
America’s oldest continuously operating outdoor market stretches along South 9th Street, where Italian immigrant families established shops over a century ago. Today’s mix includes traditional Italian delis alongside Mexican taquerías, Vietnamese restaurants, and modern cafés reflecting the neighborhood’s evolving character.
Local families still shop here for Sunday dinner ingredients—fresh mozzarella, imported olive oil, and homemade pasta from multigenerational businesses. The outdoor produce stands operate year-round, while specialty shops offer everything from aged cheeses to handmade chocolates.
Come hungry and plan to walk several blocks sampling different vendors’ offerings while soaking up authentic neighborhood atmosphere.
