Advertisement

Best Sellers - Things To Do in Philadelphia

Looking for the most popular things to do in Philadelphia? This list is based on real booking data, so you’re seeing what actual travelers have reserved the most. Philly’s top picks often include tours around Old City’s historic spots, food excursions in Fishtown, and visits to museums in Center City. These are the excursions and experiences people go for regularly, not just what sounds good on paper.

Many best sellers tend to be seasonal. For example, spring and fall draw more outdoor walking tours along the Schuylkill River Trail or through Fairmount Park, while winter favorite activities might focus on museums and indoor tastings in Rittenhouse. A tip from living here: if you see a popular activity during weekends, try booking a weekday spot for a quieter experience and fewer crowds.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Local tip on booking timing

One thing I’ve noticed living here is that many popular Philadelphia tours fill up quickly on weekends or during special events like the Philadelphia Flower Show or summer festivals. If you’re flexible, try aiming to book weekday slots or early morning tours. For example, walking tours in Old City or river cruises are generally less packed before noon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. This way, you get more space to enjoy without feeling rushed. Also, if you’re interested in food tours, consider hitting places like South Philly on a weekday afternoon when the streets are quiet but vendors remain open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Philadelphia's best-selling activities.

Historic walking tours around Old City and food tours in neighborhoods like Fishtown tend to be the most booked. Museum visits, especially to the Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum of Art, also rank high.

If you’re visiting during spring or fall, book a few weeks in advance since the weather draws more visitors. For winter or off-season trips, there’s usually more availability closer to your date.

Many popular Philly experiences, like the Please Touch Museum or the Franklin Institute, are family-friendly. Check age recommendations on specific tours or experiences before booking.

Yes, food tours and tasting experiences in neighborhoods like South Philly and Fishtown regularly top booking charts. Philly cheesesteak tastings often appear in these popular choices.

Popular activities can definitely fill up on weekends and holidays, especially in summer. Booking ahead and choosing weekday or early morning times can help avoid crowds.

Outdoor tours are most popular in spring through fall when the weather is nicer. Winter bookings for outdoor activities drop, while indoor tours and museum visits pick up.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (350 places) If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia, taking a city tour is a great way to get the lay of the land without feeling like you’re just rushing through. You can walk where Ben Franklin once did or bike along the Schuylkill River, and each tour has its own vibe depending on what you’re into. My personal favorite?… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (326 places) If you’re headed to Philadelphia with kids, you’re in for a treat. The city has a ton of spots where the little ones can run wild and adults can chill. The Franklin Institute is a classic, not just because of the giant heart in the lobby but also because kids actually get to play and experiment with science hands-on… Explore
Cultural Tours (258 places) If you want to peel back the layers of Philadelphia beyond Liberty Bell selfies and cheesesteaks, cultural tours are the way to go. Philly’s got this incredible mix of history and arts that feels alive, not just in museums but on the streets, in music venues, and even in old neighborhoods like Fishtown or Germantown… Explore
Heritage Sites (258 places) Philadelphia’s heritage sites aren’t just old buildings , they’re stories you can touch. Take Independence Hall, for example. It’s where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and penned, and standing in the very room where those moments happened still sends a shiver down the spine. If you… Explore
Historical Landmarks (256 places) If you’re planning to walk through Philadelphia’s historical landmarks, you’re about to step right into America’s story. There’s something special about standing where the Declaration of Independence was debated, right inside Independence Hall. And if you wander past the usual crowds, you might find yourself lingering… Explore
Attractions & Tickets (254 places) If you’ve got a few days in Philadelphia, you’ll want to line up some tickets before you show up, especially for the big spots like the Liberty Bell Center or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The city gets busy, especially on weekends and during the summer festivals. And here’s a little local tip , the Franklin… Explore
Tastings (208) • Guided Walks (206) • Private Tours (146) • Day Trips (136) •

Top Things To Do in Philadelphia

See All →

Top Things To Do in Philadelphia

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide AtlantaMy Guide ChicagoMy Guide Miami

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again