Where are some fun places to go or things to do in downtown Philadelphia?

Question

Good places to eat, attractions?

Answer 1

The other day me, my best friend & her family went on the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship and had a great time. It takes you on the Delaware riverfront and you get an amazing view of the city all while you eat a really good dinner! I definilty reccomend trying it.

Answer 2

-Historic Philadelphia

-Walnut street district for shopping / restaurants

-Old city Phila for dining / night entertainment

-All the museum phila has to offer

Answer 3

Everything you could possible want to know about what to do - I use thisweekinphilly.  Restaurants, theatre, music... just about anything.  Trust me on this, it's the easiest more user-friendly place.  Anytime I'm ready to hit the weekend...  

Answer 4

You could tour Historic Philadelphia, go to Chinatown which is pretty near, or go to the Gallery.  There's also some museums like the Art Museum, Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences.  The Central Library is also in the area.

Answer 5

Start at the Liberty Bell. Park rangers are there to interpret the Bell for you. [Free — allow 30 minutes]

Go south a half block and visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were born. Adjoining it on the right is Congress Hall where the upper and lower houses of Congress first convened (in the upper and lower floors) , and on its left is Old City Hall, home to the Supreme Court when Philadelphia was the nation's capital. Park rangers are there to answer all your questions. [Free, but requires ticket from Visitor Center — allow 1-1/2 hours]

Walk east along Chestnut Street about 1-1/2 blocks to Carpenters' Hall, where John Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, and other delegates formed the First Continental Congress in 1774 — where it all began! Plus, pick up a souvenir of your visit to Philadelphia here. The Carpenters' Company has docents (tour guides) for you. [Free — allow 1/2 hour]

Time for lunch! Go north one block to the Bourse where you will find several restaurants surrounding a court with ample tables. [Not free]

Next stop is the Betsy Ross House. Go north on Fifth one and a half blocks and take a right on Arch Street. Stop briefly at the corner and pay tribute at Benjamin Franklin's grave site then continue two blocks to the shrine to the American flag [Betsy Ross House asks for a voluntary contribution — allow 1/2 hour]

The last stop depends on you.

If you have children, then return to Fifth and across from Ben Franklin's grave is the United States Mint where you can watch coins being minted on weekdays [free — allow 1 hour]

Otherwise, continue east one block, then left on Second Street to visit Elfreth's Alley, the longest continually inhabited street in the original 13 Colonies. [Museum is $1 for adults; 50c for children over 4; free for school groups and children 4 and under — allow 1 hour to see the street and visit the museum]

Eating

Best Ice Cream in Historic Philadelphia...

Franklin Fountain at 116 Market Street, above Front St., 215-627-1899

2 Street Grill 613 S. 2nd Street, 215-627-4864

Adrianne's Bistro 530 South Street, 215-829-9620

Alaska Ice Cream Front & Chestnut Sts., 215-592-8800

Alouette 334 Bainbridge St., 215-629-1126

Alyans 603 S. 4th St., 215-922-3553

Anthony's Philadelphia Old City Pub 226 Market Street, 215-922-1954

Archway Sandwich Shop 53 North 8th Street, 215-923-6106

Artful Dodger Beef & Ale House 400-402 S. 2nd Street, 215-922-7880

Au Bon Pain 201 Market Street, 215-922-8942

Au Fin Palais 120 Market Street, 215-629-9610

Azalea at the Omni 4th & Arch Streets, 215-931-4260

Backstage 614 S. 4th Street, 215-627-9887

Bar B Que House 222 Market Street, 215-922-7223

Barrys Restaurant 215 Chestnut Street, 215-629-0150

Bassett's Original Turkey Gallery Food Court, 9th & Market Streets, 215-574-1690

Beach Club 945 N. Columbus Blvd. Pier 42, 215-829-1900

Benjamin's at the Holiday Inn Independence Mall 4th & Arch Streets, 215-923-8660

Benny's Place 435 Chestnut Street, 215-574-3663

Bistro Below 510 Walnut Street, 215-440-3888

Bistro Romano 120 Lombard Street, 215-925-8880

Blue Moon Jazz Club & Restaurant 4th Street (in Bourse Bldg), 215-413-2272

Bourse Food Court 11 S. 5th Street, 215-625-0300

Brasil's 112 Chestnut Street, 215-413-1700

Answer 6

Are you truly going downtown.  Then there wouldn't be much to do.

If you're going to Center City, which many tourists and new residents to the area think is downtown, then there is a lot to do.

Start at the Art Museum, walk through the heart at the Franklin Institute, visit the Constitution Center, shop on Walnut Street and then party on South Street.  Hit up the huge Dave and Buster's along the river just south of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Then when you're done, go downtown and have a cheesesteak at Geno's or Pat's (personally prefer Geno's).

Answer 7

All of these places offer something that is fun to do.  They are mostly located in Center City Philly.

Independence - Carpenter's Hall

Liberty Bell

Philadelphia Museum of Art

City Hall

Reading Terminal Market - Fun and Food

Christ Church

Betsy Ross House

Penn's Landing

Elfreth's Alley

China Town - Fun and Food

Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Eastern State Penitentary

South Street - Fun and Food

Franklin Institute

United States Mint

Rodin Museum

National Constitution Center

Olde City - Fun and Food

Philadelphia Zoological Garden

Mutter Museum

Boathouse Row

Rittenhouse Square - Fun and Food