Search Sun Country Vacation Packages to Philadelphia

 

For history nuts, families with school age children, as well as lovers of the arts, Philadelphia is a city packed with an endless array of landmarks, museums, and more to amaze, engage, and entertain.

WHY GO TO PHILADELPHIA

If you love history or want to learn more specifically about U.S. history, Philadelphia is the epicenter for American history. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed here, Betsy Ross made the first flag here, Alexander Hamilton lived here, Benjamin Franklin died and was buried here, and the U.S. Capital was once located here.   And while Philly is proud of its history, it is also focused on the future with new marketplaces in renovated historic buildings, a revitalized waterfront, new skyscrapers, and new parks and trails.

WHAT TO DO

Independence Hall/Liberty Bell

Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of freedom, are both within a block of each other in the Independence National Historic Park. Both are free to visit and guided tours of Independence Hall are available.

Boathouse Row

Strolling among these 10 historic boathouses is perfectly charming. At night, view them from across the Schuylkill River to see the multi-colored lights that frame each house picture-perfectly reflected in the water.

Museums

There are more than 100 museums in and around Philadelphia, so no matter your passion, there is a museum for you. For art, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the third largest art museum in the U.S.; the Rodin Museum with the largest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside of Paris; and The Barnes Foundation with its leading collection of Impressionist art. History buffs can learn more at the Museum of the American Revolution. Science geeks should visit The Franklin Institute. Families with kids will love the Please Touch Museum, one of the best children’s museums in the U.S. And the United States Mint offers free, self-guided tours of its coin making operation. Need a break? Take a respite at one of the 12 Once Upon A Nation benches located in the Historic District. You’ll get to rest your feet and learn a bit more about American history.

Shopping

In downtown, stroll Rittenhouse Row with its line-up of national and international brands; stop by Macy’s Center City, offering great shopping in a National Historic Landmark; or venture to Century 21, a hub for affordable clothing and shoes. Other shopping areas include Old City with fashion-forward shops, Midtown for gift boutiques, and one of the largest malls in the country — the King of Prussia Mall — is out near Valley Forge. As an added benefit, there is no sales tax on clothing and shoes.