Discovering Philadelphia: 12 Unforgettable Experiences in the City

12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

1. Visit the Independence Hall Historical Park

One of the first things I recommend you visit is the Independence Hall Historical Park, one of Philadelphia's most iconic landmarks located right in the middle of the city center. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, making it one of the most important sites in American history.

Within the historical park, you will find the famous Independence Hall, one of my favorite historical buildings in the city, with its iconic bell tower and Georgian architectural style as a centerpiece. Right at the center, you will find a spacious park surrounded by several museums and visitor centers where you can spend time.

Some of those buildings like Liberty Bell Center, where the cracked Liberty Bell is located (we will discuss more about this in the next section), Independence Visitor Center where you can find out more on things to do here, and the National Constitution Center, an interactive museum of all things related to the constitution, are definitely worth a visit, so be sure to check them out.

If you're interested in exploring the interior, you can visit between 9:00 and 10:30 AM for a walk-in, or you can book your time slot here. You can also join a walking tour around the historic park to dive deeper into Philadelphia's history, the American Revolution, and the founding fathers.

For a great photo, I highly recommend visiting at night when Independence Hall is beautifully illuminated. The park is open 24/7, but Independence Hall itself is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and tickets are just $1 per person.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia?

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Apple Hostels of Philadelphia

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Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

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Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

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2. Learn About the History of Liberty Bell

One of the most famous symbols in U.S. history, and probably in the entire free world today, is the Liberty Bell. This cracked bell, which once rang in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall), has since become a global symbol of liberty and freedom, especially after the 19th century when abolitionists adopted it in their fight against slavery.

The bell was commissioned in 1751 by the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly and was used until it cracked over time, with the final crack occurring in 1846 after a failed repair attempt. Today, the bell is safely housed inside the Liberty Bell Center. To visit the bell, however, you must pass through security similar to airport screenings, which often result in long lines.

To avoid having to queue, I highly recommend you visit the Liberty Bell first thing in the morning when the gate opens at 9 AM. There were only a few people waiting at the entrance when I was there, and the line started to form pretty quickly afterward. Once you get inside, you will be presented with several information boards illustrating the history and the importance of the bell.

You will see how the bell became the symbol of liberty and freedom across the world, as evidenced by an array of photos featuring famous figures who traveled from all corners of the globe to see it in person. At the end of the hallway, you’ll find the Liberty Bell, where you can get a pretty close look, though do not try to touch it, please!

Without a doubt, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Philadelphia, and it would be a shame to visit without seeing it in person. The Liberty Bell Center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and admission is free of charge.

3. Tour Around the Eastern State Penitentiary ♥️ Must Visit

One of my favorite attractions in Philadelphia, and perhaps the most fascinating, is the Eastern State Penitentiary. Once a revolutionary prison, it became notorious for housing some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and Willie Sutton. Here, you can tour the historic cells and learn more about the prison and the people who lived within its walls through an engaging audio tour.

Opened in 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary was one of the most influential prisons in the world, known for its innovative architectural design and its groundbreaking approach to inmate rehabilitation. It was conceived as a model for reform, emphasizing solitary confinement with the goal of fostering repentance and reflection.

The prison's unique system separated inmates entirely, isolating them in individual cells to promote introspection. In retrospect, it is probably a terrible idea as it also led to significant psychological effects and criticisms for its harshness. In the end, the system was abandoned in the early 20th Century, and the penitentiary ceased operations as a prison in 1971.

Once inside the museum, you’ll be provided with an audio guide that takes you through each cell, guiding you through the history and personal stories of those who were imprisoned there. It really paints quite a vivid picture of what life was like for the prisoners here.

The entire tour was both fascinating and gut-wrenching at times, as you witnessed how the prison deteriorated over the years due to overcrowding and its shift from rehabilitation to mere containment. This is evident in the fact that it housed some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, including Al Capone and others.

It takes about two hours to walk through the entire prison and listen to the audio guide, so be sure to set aside enough time. Out of all the museums I’ve visited, this one was by far the most fascinating and one you definitely should not miss. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Thursdays. The entrance fee is 23 USD per person for walk-ins or 21 USD if you buy tickets online here.

4. Spend hours checking out the fine art collection of Philadelphia Museum of Art 🏛️ Best Museum

Not far from the Eastern State Penitentiary, you’ll also find the Philadelphia Museum of Art, another museum you shouldn't miss in Philly. I was initially skeptical about visiting it, as I’ve seen many art museums in my lifetime, including those in Washington, D.C. and Rome, but despite all that, I found this museum to be surprisingly interesting and incredibly fun to explore.

The museum is one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the US, with an iconic building that you may recognize from another iconic landmark in Europe, the Greek Parthenon, sporting awesome classical Greek architecture. Inside, you will find a dizzying amount of works, with over 240,000 pieces spanning across 2,000 years.

The work includes masterpieces by famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, and Picasso, as well as collections from ancient civilizations, medieval art, and modern works spread throughout its extensive exhibitions. Right from the start, you’ll be completely blown away by the massive hallway, featuring a stunning golden Diana sculpture as the centerpiece, gazing down at you from the staircase.

Each wing is dedicated to a different theme of art, with one of my favorites being the South Asian art section, where entire columns from Hindu temples have been recreated inside one of the museum's many halls. In fact, what I found most fascinating about this museum is the collection of these replica temples, rooms, and even small traditional houses from different parts of the world, all somehow fit into these spaces for us to walk around in.

The museum is vast and incredibly detailed, so be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring. While you're there, be sure to visit the Rocky Steps. If you're a fan of the movie Rocky, you can recreate the iconic exercise routine of running up and down the stairs and striking the famous hands-up pose with the Philadelphia skyline in the background. There's also a Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps that you can take photos with.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM between Thursdays and Mondays. They are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. The admission fee is 30 USD per person and you can buy the ticket at the museum or from the official website here.

5. Visit the Museum of the American Revolution

Another incredibly museum you should visit in Philly is the Museum of the American Revolution located in the Old City. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of the United States' fight for independence, providing insights into the events that shaped the American Revolution.

The exhibitions are quite extensive, with a lot of reading material, so much so that the museum ticket allows unlimited access for two days after purchase, which goes to show just how much time you are expected to spend reading in here. Be sure to prepare yourself.

Some of my favorite exhibitions are "The Road to Independence", "The Darkest Hour", and "A Revolutionary War", which explore the buildup to war, its toughest moments, and its pivotal years. Another fascinating exhibition highlights the role of Native Americans in the creation of the United States, featuring stories from the tribe that allied itself with the republic.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except on Thursdays, and the entrance fee is 25 USD for walk-ins or 23 USD if you purchase the ticket online from the official website. If you are interested in learning more about the American Revolution, this museum is the place to be.

6. Admire the Beauty of Philadelphia City Hall

As you explore Philly on foot, you will come across Philadelphia City Hall, one of the most impressive structures in the city with its stunning European-style architecture that stands out from the skyscrapers of Philly's cityscape. Completed in 1901, City Hall was the tallest building in the world at the time and held the title of the largest occupied building until 1909.

The building itself is really quite a sight to behold, and you can inspect it up close, or you can spend some time hanging out in its courtyard and admire the structures surrounding it, like the Masonic Temple, the Wanamaker Building, and many more.

For a great photo spot, I highly recommend walking a little further to check out Love Park, where you can capture a clear view of City Hall surrounded by skyscrapers. There are also cafes where you can relax and unwind, making it a perfect spot to take a break from all the walking around Philly.

7. Eat Your Way Through Reading Terminal Market 🥘 Best Place to Eat

One of my favorite places to eat is Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest and largest public markets in the United States. Housed in a historic building, it has more than 80 stalls with fantastic restaurants, bakeries, and shops that you can enjoy.

From fresh produce to meats to seafood and more, you can explore the local favorites like the famous Philly cheesesteaks, Amish specialties, and renowned desserts like cannolis, without having to leave the market. There are so many things to try, I ended up coming here more than twice during my stay. It is that good, and that's coming from me, a Thai who is used to awesome street food in my own country.

Some of my favorite places to visit include Dutch Eating Place, an Amish breakfast bistro serving classic Pennsylvania Dutch breakfasts and lunches; Miller's Twist, famous for their homemade soft pretzels; and many others. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Reading Terminal Market. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

If you want to explore Philly’s diverse cuisine even further, consider going on a walking food tour, which will take you on a 2.5-hour journey through the city’s incredible food scene. You’ll have the chance to try some of the best local dishes, recommended by the locals here, while learning about the history behind them and more. If you like the sound of that, you can book the walking tour in advance here.

8. Hang out in the Evening at Spruce Street Harbor Park

For a relaxing evening stroll, visit Spruce Street Harbor Park, a beautiful waterfront park located along the banks of the Delaware River. The park is known for its picturesque view of New Jersey across the river, vibrant street food stalls, colorful hammocks, benches on a sandy beach platform, and a variety of fun attractions, including beach games, food trucks, and a lively beer garden offering local craft brews.

It is an awesome place to hang out with friends, with a pint of beer in one hand and a dish of finger food snacks in the other. The area is open from 4 PM to 10 PM on Fridays, 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. It is most active in the summer months around sunset, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

There are also some really awesome museums and attractions related to the city's maritime history like the Independence Seaport Museum where you can learn more about the history of the seaport, Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna at Independence Seaport Museum, where you can tour a real submarine, and many more so be sure to spend some time and explore the park thoroughly.

9. Stroll Along the Picturesque Elfreth's Alley Museum

Elfreth's Alley Museum is a charming little historic site and open-air museum, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the country. Originally laid out in 1702, it was home to tradespeople such as blacksmiths, shipwrights, and furniture makers who helped shape the city’s early economy.

Today, Elfreth's Alley is probably one of the most photogenic attractions in Philly, with many of its buildings still preserved in the unique Georgian and Federal architectural styles from the 18th and early 19th centuries. There are still people living in these houses, so be sure to be respectful as you walk around the alley.

The alley is open to visitors at all hours free of charge, but if you want to learn more about its history, you can also access its museum here, which is open only on weekends from 12 PM to 4 PM. The ticket is 3 USD and another 3 USD for an audio guide. You can get the ticket from the museum or buy it online here.

10. Get Weirded out by The Mütter Museum 💎 Hidden Gem

One of the most fascinating and bizarre museums you’ll ever visit is the Mütter Museum, located in the city center not too far from the 30th Street Train Station. The museum is best known for its eerie collection of over 22,000 medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and historical medical tools that were donated by Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter, a pioneering American surgeon known for his innovative use of anesthesia.

This place will either leave you speechless or completely creeped out by its wide range of exhibits, including preserved organs, skeletons, deformed body parts, and historical medical instruments. Some of the most famous items on display are President Grover Cleveland's jaw tumor, the conjoined liver of Chang and Eng Bunker (the famous Siamese twins), and a preserved slice of brain from none other than Albert Einstein.

Each organ, skeleton, and deformed body part is accompanied by the story and history of its owner and the disease that befell them, and they are all worth reading. One thing to note is that photography is prohibited inside the main collection area, where all the body parts are displayed, out of respect for the item owners’ families. Be sure to keep this in mind and remain respectful as you go through the exhibition.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except Tuesdays, and the admission fee is 20 USD per person. It is recommended to reserve your ticket online, especially if you're visiting on the weekend, as entry is limited. You can reserve your ticket here.

11. Check Out Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

If you are looking for another awesome and unique tourist attraction to visit in Philly, you might want to drop by and check out Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a multi-level art installation created by artist Isaiah Zagar that spans half a city block, and includes both indoor and outdoor spaces that you can explore.

The entire garden is designed as a labyrinth of vibrant mosaics made from a variety of materials, such as bicycle wheels, ceramic shards, mirrors, and bottles. It blends architecture and folk art to create a truly unique experience for travelers seeking something different to do here, and they have totally succeeded!

The origin of the garden dates back to the 1960s when Isaiah Zagar first began decorating South Street with his mosaics. Over the years, his work evolved into the sprawling installation that now covers half a city block. Despite facing public outcry, the site was slated for demolition in 2004 until community support poured in, helping to save the garden and turning it into a unique tourist attraction.

If you have time to spare in Philly, be sure to check out Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. The site is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM, except on Tuesdays, and the entrance fee is 15 USD per person.

12. Score some cheap secondhand books at The Book Trader

If you love old secondhand books as much as I do, you’ll want to check out the Book Trader, an independent bookstore in the heart of Old City, Philly. The moment you enter, you’ll find yourself not only surrounded by stacks of old books haphazardly arranged across shelves on two floors, but also immersed in its charming interior, cozy atmosphere, and wonderful artwork.

The best part about this bookstore is that, amidst all the stacked books, you'll come across a little pocket of cozy and quiet seating area where you can enjoy the books in solitude, free of charge. The secondhand books are very affordable with prices ranging from 2 to 5 USD, and the staff there are always friendly and welcoming. I love it.

If you're looking for a cool and cozy spot to visit when the weather isn't great, I highly recommend checking out the Book Trader. The bookstore is open from 12 PM to 11 PM daily, except Thursdays. And while you're there, don't forget to say hi to Mr. Pickle, the store's chubby and perpetually sleepy resident cat! 😂

What to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia?

1. Try the best cheesesteak at Leo's Steak Shop

A huge thanks to my friend Joe, who lives in Philly and was the one who inspired me to visit in the first place. He kept raving about cheesesteaks and promised to take me to try the best in Philly, and he absolutely delivered. He took me to Leo's Steak Shop, a local gem near Philly’s airport, and they really do serve some of the best cheesesteaks I’ve ever had.

From the generous, juicy portions of ribeye steak to the crispy hoagie rolls that are longer than my arm, if you make the trip here, you're truly in for a treat! In fact, just writing about it now is making me drool, it's that delicious!

The classic cheesesteak to order here is the Cheese Steak, and the Cheese Steak Hoagies, which cost around 13 USD for a small and 24 USD for a larger portion. They don’t have seating inside, only a few outside, so it’s best to order it to-go and maybe eat it once you're back at your hotel. They’re quite fast, but also have a lot of customers, so keep that in mind.

Leo's Steak Shop is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, so if you're looking for the best cheesesteak in town and don't mind traveling a bit, you can't go wrong here. You can easily take an Uber from Old City or catch one on your way from the airport to the city.

2. Have Coffee at Menagerie Coffee

One of my favorite cafes in Philly is Menagerie Coffee, a small cozy cafe located in the old city. The cafe is inside a beautiful brick-walled space with retro-style lighting and a homey vibe, perfect for a slow morning or a rainy day.

They serve one heck of a thick and tasty Mocha as well as pastries like the massive almond croissant I often order for breakfast. They also open quite early at 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on weekends, which is something I always appreciate as I am a morning person. So if you are looking for a nice cafe to have breakfast at in the Old City, be sure to check out Menagerie Coffee.

3. Enjoy a Light Breakfast at Passero's Coffee Roasters

If you’re spending your morning in Center City and looking for a cozy café to unwind and enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast, you’ll love Passero's Coffee Roasters, a charming and homey spot located on Chestnut Street, just a short stroll from Philly’s main shopping area.

The café attracts a steady stream of office workers from the area throughout the day, which is always a great sign when picking a good spot to eat. They offer a variety of coffee drinks and breakfast dishes to choose from. The owner was also incredibly welcoming and friendly, making me feel like I was enjoying breakfast in the comfort of a cozy home. I absolutely loved it!

If you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in Center City, Passero's Coffee Roasters is a fantastic choice. The café is open from 6:30 AM to 3 PM on weekdays and is closed on weekends.

4. Load yourself with massive traditional breakfast at Dutch Eating Place

If you’re looking to try some unique and delicious Pennsylvania-Dutch breakfast and lunch dishes in Philly, I highly recommend checking out Dutch Eating Place. This popular food stall at Reading Terminal Market lets you sit at the counter in a casual, diner-style setup and enjoy the home-cooked Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food with a generous portion, the old-school way, which I really enjoy.

The place is known for its incredible breakfast and lunch offerings, like its blueberry pancakes, apple cinnamon French toast (which is my favorite), and the Breakfast B.L.T. with eggs, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on rye bread. They get pretty busy during the day, so be sure to get there early.

The restaurant is open from 8 AM to 3 PM every day except Sundays. If you’re a fan of breakfast food, you’re going to love Dutch Eating Place. Be sure to try the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch scrapple, a fried mix of pork scraps, trimmings, cornmeal, wheat or buckwheat flour, and spices. It has a soft texture and tastes somewhat like sausage. It’s a must-try when you’re in Philly!

For more places to eat in Philly, check out:7 Awesome Places to Eat/Drink in Philadelphia

How to Get to Philadelphia?

By Plane: If you are traveling from abroad, you should be able to get to Philly via airlines like Qatar and British Airlines. There are several flights flying in and out of the city's Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) every day, so you should have no trouble finding one. For the best price, check out Skyscanner or Expedia.

By Amtrak: If you are within the Amtrak's northeast corridor, you should be able to catch the Amtrak train to Philadelphia. The Northeast Regional Trains are not the newest, but they are mostly in good functional condition, equipped with modern facilities like a plug and working WIFI. They are also not too expensive, safe, and are often on time.

I took the Amtrak all over the northeast, and the experience was surprisingly great. No hiccups at all. To get the cheapest price, be sure to book the ticket at least a few weeks in advance. You can book the Amtrak train here.

By Bus: Although affordable, buses can be a bit dodgy sometimes, but not always, so if you want to save some money, check out Flixbus.

How to Get Around Philadelphia?

By Walking: Although the attractions might seem far apart at first glance, it’s actually quite manageable to walk to all of them, thanks to Philly’s flat city center. I personally walked from Old City all the way to the Eastern State Penitentiary and back without any issues. If you’re up for it, you can try walking to all the attractions I’ve listed here, just as I did.

By Metro/Trams: If you’d prefer not to walk and the attractions you want to visit are near metro stations, you can use the city’s metro system (SEPTA) to get around. It costs about $2 per trip, and you can simply tap the machine with a credit card to enter, easy and convenient.

That said, Philly's metro system is somewhat notorious for its cleanliness and infrequent train schedules, as it is heavily underfunded. I recommend using it only when necessary. You can rely on Google Maps to input your destination, and the app will provide you with the best route to take.

By Tourist Bus: A great alternative, if you prefer not to walk, is to purchase a pass for one of the many hop-on hop-off tourist buses. These buses stop at all the major attractions in the city, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day.

The most affordable option is the Phlash Bus, which costs only 5 USD per day. However, it doesn’t run every day and is not operational during the off-season, so be sure to check the schedule before planning your trip. You can book the Phlash Bus here.

Another excellent option that runs daily and more frequently are the Big Bus and City Sightseeing Bus. Both are operated by the same company and can be used interchangeably. While they are a bit pricier than the Phlash Bus at around 35 USD, they offer more stops and include live commentary in case you like that kind of thing.

By Uber: You can also rely on Uber to get around the city if you don't mind paying a premium for it. That said, for this itinerary, you won't be needing it.

By Car: You can rent a car through DiscoverCars. However, keep in mind that parking in Philly can be both challenging and expensive. Since most destinations are not that far apart, consider this option only if you need to travel to areas not accessible by the metro and buses.

How many days to spend in Philadelphia?

I think 2 days is a good amount of time to see all the attractions I’ve mentioned here, while also giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the city without feeling rushed. You can spend the first day visiting the historical sites in the Old City while spending the next day exploring the outer city and visiting attractions like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mutter Museum, Reading Terminal Market, and more.

For a complete itinerary to Philly, check out:2 Days in Philly: A Backpacking Itinerary

What to Pack for Philadelphia?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Philadelphia, United States of America:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Philadelphia, United States of America while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northeast USA

If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
• Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
• Here's a quick guide on how to get from Dulles Airport to Washington DC Downtown: How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC.
• Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
• Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
• Looking for the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC? Check out: 8 Awesome Places to Eat in Washington DC.
• Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
• If you love food and history, Philadelphia has got you covered with their awesome museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Here are the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
• Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
• New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
• Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
• Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
• Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
• Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
• Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
• Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
• Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
• Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
• Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
• To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
• For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.