Top 20 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania

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  • Penn Museumtop_1
    󰺂7.3
    10.98
    Philadelphia>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Mesopotamian clay tablets collection
    󱨜VR: Ancient civilization life scenes
    󱨠50% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    This museum, founded and operated by the University of Pennsylvania, requires a ticket. Since it's not very popular, the ticket revenue likely only partially covers operating costs. It's easily accessible by subway or bus, with the subway about a ten-minute walk away. There's a small garden with a fountain at the entrance. Walk past the garden and into the museum lobby, where the front desk staff scans your ticket before you enter. The Egyptian section on the left is undergoing renovations, and some Egyptian artifacts have been moved to the second floor. The right-hand hall on the first floor begins with the Sumerian civilization of the Mesopotamian region, detailing various artifacts and kingdoms. The domed center hall on the second floor displays artifacts from Asia, particularly China, including two reliefs of the Six Horses from the Zhaoling Mausoleum in Xianyang. Seeing artifacts from my hometown from such a distance is truly moving. The left-hand hall on the second floor features ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. The collection is extensive and densely displayed. The museum itself is small, but its detailed presentation of various ancient civilizations is well worth a visit.

  • Independence National Historical Parktop_2
    󰺂6.3
    Philadelphia.Old City>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Visit Declaration of Independence Exhibit
    󰋄Red Brick Tower & Clock
    4.1/5
    palettes_nypalettes_ny

    I feel that the attractions in downtown Philadelphia are really excellent. The historic sites near the Liberty Bell are under the unified management of National Park. Opposite the Liberty Bell is a large visitor center where you can consult Philadelphia's travel guide. The staff and volunteers here are also very enthusiastic to help give travel advice and answer consultation questions. There is also a small souvenir shop here, where you can buy refrigerator magnets, notebooks, postcards and other related Philadelphia souvenirs. There are also exhibition explanations in the visitor center. Although it is relatively miniature compared to the museum, it still does not affect the number of tourists here. If you come by car, there is a parking lot in the basement of the Independence Hall Visitor Center for everyone to park. Although parking in the city center of Philadelphia is not very convenient and parking spaces are not easy to find, it is recommended that everyone park in the underground parking lot of the visitor center. If you come during the peak season, you need to apply for the ticket to the Independence Hall at the visitor center first, but I don’t know if it is because of the epidemic. You don’t need to take a ticket when you come, you can go directly to visit.

  • Liberty Belltop_3
    󰺂6.3
    Philadelphia.Old City>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    360° view of Liberty Bell
    Liberty Bell info in 11 languages
    4.3/5
    palettes_nypalettes_ny

    Needless to say, the fame of the Liberty Bell is so great that it feels like it can be a must-visit place in Philadelphia, just like the Independence Palace. It seems that every time I come to Philadelphia, I will repeat the ritual of checking in. The two are very close, just walk across the road. The exhibition hall is open to the public for free, and there is no need to buy tickets. The Independence Palace needs to be booked in advance on the official website, with a ticket booking fee of 1 yuan. The Liberty Bell has an independent exhibition hall for visiting, and the entrance requires security check. You can visit it up close and walk to the Liberty Bell. It was previously possible to circle 360 ​​degrees, but this time it was only open 180 degrees, and the other half was blocked, but the advantage is that you can unlock a Liberty Bell with no one in the background. The Liberty Bell was originally in the palace of the Independence Palace, and then it was displayed in the memorial hall on the lawn because the bell body cracked. This time, the display stand at the visitor center was also empty. Another knowledge point was that cracks first appeared when it was transported to Philadelphia in 1752, and then after several repairs, there were still cracks, so they gave up repairing it. And it was this bell that rang on July 4, 1776. The Liberty Bell has also been relocated several times. Although the locations of each relocation were not far away, people were still worried that there would be more serious cracks. They also installed a micro-variable displacement sensor on the bell that can test the movement of one millionth of a meter to test whether it is suitable for relocation. Every visit seems to unlock different little knowledge points, which is probably one of the pleasures of traveling.

  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
    4
    󰺂6.2
    Philadelphia>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Philly views & sunset
    󰀆Run the iconic Rocky steps
    󱨠34% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    poohwubearpoohwubear

    Philadelphia was once the capital of the United States, so there is plenty of history, museums, monuments, and sites around the city. The Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts a nice array of exhibits. I visited on a Friday evening after work because museum admission is free Friday evenings (pay what you wish). I did pay for parking at their garage, which was only $5.

  • Philadelphia City Hall
    5
    󰺂6.0
    Philadelphia.Market East>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Statue & architectural blend
    167m tower for city views
    4.3/5
    Mushfiqur Rahman ChowdhuryMushfiqur Rahman Chowdhury

    Lots of iconic buildings and landmarks across both sides of the street. You can visit the place in the 100 US$ bill as well, like the final image below.

  • Independence Hall
    6
    󰺂5.7
    Philadelphia.Old City>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Engaging guide & historical tales
    Liberty Bell & early American history
    4.3/5
    WB2021WB2021

    A great piece of US history. You can easily spend a very informative afternoon roaming its halls and learning more about the declaration of independence.

  • Old City
    7
    󰺂5.5
    Philadelphia.Old City>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Pennsylvania
    Highlights:
    󱨜18th-century architecture & museum
    18th-century American-style halls
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    __赛____赛__

    Philadelphia is a very charming American city. Unlike New York, which is messy and glamorous, this city has a profound heritage. The old city is very charming, and the public security is very good. It is safer to go out at night.

  • Hershey's Chocolate World
    8
    󰺂5.0
    16.32
    Hershey>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Pennsylvania
    Highlights:
    󰀆Chocolate-themed townscape throughout
    󱓊55-foot chocolate kiss-shaped tower
    󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    BinmomoBinmomo

    There are some paid projects suitable for children. You can ride a small car to see the chocolate making process for free. The chocolates sold there are of various varieties, at good prices, and are tax-free.

  • US Steel Tower
    9
    󰺂4.7
    Pittsburgh.Downtown Pittsburgh>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Panoramic city & surrounding views
    󰋄57th-floor panoramic Pittsburgh view
    4.8/5
    TravellerbychoiceTravellerbychoice

    A majestic tower in Pittsburgh that defines the city. It stands tall and magnificent in its glory.

  • Longwood Gardens
    10
    󰺂4.4
    East Marlborough Township>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStep into Longwood Gardens' Christmas season and explore a dazzling jewel-toned wonderland | Nov 21, 2025-Jan 11, 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Pennsylvania
    Highlights:
    󱓊Regular art shows & concerts
    󰀆Spectacular fountain show & feast
    󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    谌默默谌默默

    It was originally the private garden of the Pierce brothers, and was later bought by DuPont. You need to buy a ticket to enter, but the scenery inside is definitely worth the price. In addition to various precious flowers and plants, there is also a large musical fountain, and various plants are regularly taken care of. It was summer when I went there, and the trees were all green. I especially want to go back in the fall to see it.

Best things to do in Pennsylvania (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Pennsylvania? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Pennsylvania offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Pennsylvania

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Pennsylvania experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Penn Museum

• Philadelphia | >100 km from downtown

• : Mesopotamian clay tablets collection,VR: Ancient civilization life scenes

Independence National Historical Park

• Philadelphia.Old City | >100 km from downtown

• : Visit Declaration of Independence Exhibit,Red Brick Tower & Clock

Liberty Bell

• Philadelphia.Old City | >100 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Liberty Bell,Liberty Bell info in 11 languages

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Pennsylvania

If you want to explore attractions just outside Pennsylvania, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Pennsylvania, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Pennsylvania special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Pennsylvania

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Pennsylvania

Ready to explore the best of Pennsylvania? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Pennsylvania?
These are all Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania:Penn Museum, Independence National Historical Park, Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia City Hall
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania include:Penn Museum:4.5, Independence National Historical Park:4.1, Liberty Bell:4.3, Philadelphia Museum of Art:4.6, Philadelphia City Hall:4.3
At what locations in Pennsylvania can Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania be found?
The Best Things to Do in Pennsylvania are mainly located in:Penn Museum:Philadelphia, Independence National Historical Park:Philadelphia, Liberty Bell:Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art:Philadelphia, Philadelphia City Hall:Philadelphia
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