Rooftop sun deck with skyline views at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club in Philadelphia

Anniversary Edition: The 30 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

This year, The Rittenhouse Hotel celebrates 30 years in Philadelphia. First opened to guests in 1989, our elegant property has made quite a name for itself over the past three decades. To mark this momentous occasion, we’re offering special packages, events around the property, and a program to give back to the community. See what’s going on during our 30th anniversary celebration.

We’re also sharing our love for our city, and like the iridescent color traits of a pearl — the traditional 30th anniversary gemstone — Philadelphia’s luminous colors change when seen from different angles. For our 30th, we’ve picked out the 30 best ways to see the city, so you can enjoy it from all angles. From the famously historic to the tried and true to the very new, here are our picks for the 30 best things to do in Philadelphia.

Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

Don’t have time to read all 30 recommendations? No problem. Here’s our top ten best things to do in Philadelphia.

  1. Reading Terminal Market. Eat your way through one of America’s oldest, largest markets. Things have only improved since the market opened in 1893. Head here for baked goods, cheese, ethnic groceries, produce, and speciality foods all under one roof.
  2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art. One of the largest art museums in the world, The Philadelphia Museum of Art sits on a hill overlooking the city. Don’t miss a special focus on the works of Auguste Rodin.
  3. Rocky Steps. Head up the Rocky Steps on your way into The Philadelphia Museum of Art. These steps were made famous in the 1976 film “Rocky” when Sylvester Stallone runs up the steps to the film’s theme music as part of his training.
  4. Independence Hall. Within these Georgian walls, America was born. See the UNESCO World Heritage Site where our founding fathers debated and signed the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
  5. Liberty Bell. See the enduring, iconic symbol of American independence, located in the Liberty Bell Center, in Independence National Historical Park.
  6. One Liberty Observation Deck. Take in sweeping views of the City of Brotherly Love from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place.
  7. The Rail Park. New York has The High Line, and Philadelphia has The Rail Park. The elevated railroad viaduct, dating back to 1893, has been transformed into a quarter-mile stretch of urban greenspace.
  8. City Hall. Tour one of the grandest buildings in all of Philadelphia, and the world’s tallest structure without a steel frame.
  9. Museum of the American Revolution. Learn how it all began in the city that served as the headquarters of the founding of America.
  10. Eastern State Penitentiary. America’s most historic prison is now closed, but open for tours. See where notorious lawbreakers “Slick Willie” Sutton and “Scarface” Al Capone were held behind bars.

Best Museums in Philadelphia

  1. Barnes Museum
  2. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
  3. Franklin Institute
  4. Rosenbach Museum & Library
  5. Rodin Museum

Best Parks in Philadelphia

  1. Fairmount Park
  2. Wissahickon Valley Park
  3. Schuylkill Banks
  4. Shofuso Japanese House & Garden
  5. Bartram’s Garden

Best Historic Sites in Philadelphia

  1. Masonic Temple
  2. Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
  3. Elfreth’s Alley
  4. 30th Street Station
  5. United States Mint

Best Squares in Philadelphia

  1. Franklin Square
  2. Rittenhouse Square
  3. Logan Square

Best Restaurants in Philadelphia

  1. Lacroix
  2. Scarpetta

Celebrate 30 years with us at The Rittenhouse Hotel.

On our website, you’ll always find the best rate to reserve your stay in Rittenhouse Square.

Posted on by Rittenhouse Hotel