Philadelphia, PA (January 2024) — There is always something new and exciting to see or do in Philadelphia, no matter the time of year. In fact, three of the travel industry's three of travel's most prestigious publications — Lonely Planet, Time Out and AFAR Magazine — have said Philadelphia needs to be on everyone's travel list for 2024.

 

The respected Michelin family of travel guides gave Philadelphia its seal of approval by publishing the city's first Green Guide in 2023, making Philadelphia only the eighth American city to receive one. Michelin raved that Philadelphia is a “city packed with art, history, and a cultural effervescence few people expect.”

For those convinced to add Philadelphia to their 2024 travel plans, here are the top 24 experiences to have in the City of Brotherly Love in 2024.

 

1. Check out “Wondrous Space” - a new permanent exhibit at The Franklin Institute 

The Franklin Institute, in partnership with Boeing, opened its newest core exhibit, an entirely new future-focused “Wondrous Space” exhibit, dedicated to space exploration. The upgrade cost about $8.5 million dollars. Thanks to a generous gift of $3 million dollars by Boeing, the funds enabled the museum to transform its pre-existing exhibit into an immersive two-story gallery dedicated to space exploration. The museum's previous space exhibit was expanded by about 7,000 square feet, which is almost three times its previous size. The groundbreaking "Wondrous Space" is the first of six reimagined exhibits coming to The Franklin Institute for its 200th anniversary in 2024. 

 

2. Make a pitstop at the Philadelphia Auto Show (January 13-21, 2024) 

Rev your engines. The Philadelphia Auto Show, organized and produced by the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia, is one of the largest auto shows in the United States. At the show, hundreds of vehicles showcasing the latest models and trends will be on display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It is also the largest consumer event held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center each year, drawing more than 250,000 guests. More than 700 vehicles ranging from pre-production models to classics (plus some Hollywood icons) will be on display January 13-21, 2024.

 

3. Attend the Philadelphia Flower Show (March 2-10, 2024)

The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation's largest and longest-running horticultural event, featuring acres of dazzling floral displays and gardens by the world's premier floral and landscape designers, with a new theme each year. The 2024 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will mark the event's 195th year. It will be held March 2-10, 2024 with “United by Flowers” as its theme. Organizers say the theme is a celebration of “the colorful community that comes together to share in their love of gardening, flowers, and plants, and the impact they make on our lives all year round.”

In addition to its usual impressive floral displays, the 2024 show will also feature the world's largest houseplant and indoor plant competition. Both expert and amateur horticulturalists are encouraged to enter their displays which will be judged by experts from around the world. PHS is also introducing a new pricing structure to offer more flexibility.

4. Experience WrestleMania 40 (April 6-7, 2024)

Philadelphia will be “The Grandest Stage of Them All” as the city welcomes WrestleMania 40. A week-long celebration of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will take over Philadelphia, with the main event at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7, 2024. With a sports fanbase as passionate as Philadelphia's joining forces with WWE's worldwide following, hosting WrestleMania® 40 is a match made in heaven.

Philadelphia will host six major events at three venues over five days during WrestleMania® week. Friday Night SmackDown®, the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony®, and Monday Night Raw® will be held at Wells Fargo Center, plus massive fan events scheduled at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. WWE will also host multiple community outreach events, including hospital visits and Be a STAR® bullying prevention rallies to give back to the region.

5. Explore Longwood Gardens in the Countryside of Philadelphia

Take a trip out to Philadelphia's Countryside and explore Longwood Gardens, one of the most inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful gardens in the United States. Open year round, Longwood Gardens hosts seasonal exhibits, highlighting different types of foliage. Winter Wonder (January 20 – March 24, 2024) showcases the beauty that blooms during the winter, then leads guests into a warm, colorful oasis inside of their Conservatory. During Spring Blooms (March 30 – May 5, 2024), breathe in fresh air while savoring the spring blossoms. Guests can frolic in the greens and enjoy the Festival of Fountains (May 9 – September 29, 2024) all summer long. During autumn, the Chrysanthemum Festival (October – November) celebrates fall's favorite flower amidst breathtaking foliage. At the end of the year, A Longwood Christmas (November – January) uses plants to bring the spirit of the holidays to life.

6. See why the Philadelphia region is America's Garden Capital 

The Philadelphia region has more gardens in close proximity than anywhere else on the continent, with 37 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes all located within 30 miles of the city. Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum, a 50-acre riverside estate and National Historic Landmark located just north of Philadelphia, delights visitors with a Greek Revival mansion, formal gardens, and native woodlands. Known as both an architectural and horticultural gem, the ancestral home of the Biddle family offers access to pristine and fragrant formal gardens. Located just a short drive from downtown Philadelphia, Chanticleer will open for the season on March 27, 2024 inviting guests to explore the beautiful, 35-acre grounds through November 3, 2024. Adventure awaits at Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania with family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and building activities in the arboretum's Fairy Woods, offered all year round. Special events each season at the arboretum include the Scarecrow Walk in the fall and the Holiday Garden Railway in the winter.

 

7. Cheer on annual sporting events in a great American sports city 

From classic river races to historic relays, discover Philadelphia's signature annual sporting events. In addition to ten professional sports teams, there are nearly 100 collegiate institutions and many more sports organizations that bring exciting events to the city throughout the year. In 2024 alone, Philadelphia will host championship events and can't miss historic matches. At the Penn Relays (April 25-27, 2024), watch high school, college and masters-level track stars as well as Olympic athletes compete in the oldest and largest track and field competition in the U.S. at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The city also hosts several rowing events throughout the spring and summer every year. For over 200 years, the Schuylkill River has hosted some of the nation's more prominent rowing events. Rowing traditions run deep as spectators gather on weekends along the banks. The river is home to rowing events such as the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta featuring 1,000 boats racing.

 

8. Dine at award-winning restaurants all year-round, experience during Restaurant Week 

Savor the newest menus of Philadelphia's acclaimed dining scene. Discover the 2023 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurant Friday Saturday Sunday, an intimate cocktail and dining experience found in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. With a specialized and experienced staff, visitors can indulge in an eight-course tasting menu with a menu of luxury and seasonally inspired cocktails. Philadelphia's Ellen Yin – the force behind exquisite dining concepts like a.kitchen, Fork and High Street Philly – took home the 2023 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur. Then there's Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon – head chef and owner of Thai restaurant Kalaya — who won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

 Treat your taste buds during Restaurant Week. The appetizing event returns each season in Center City with nearly 60 eateries offering prix fixe lunches and dinners. Other Philadelphia neighborhoods offer their own version of the event throughout the year, such as East Passyunk Avenue, Manayunk, and Northern Liberties, featuring the newest restaurants and many of the city's essential eats. 

 

9. Celebrate Pride in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection 

Philadelphia is home to one of the country's oldest and largest LGBTQ+ communities, with many LGBTQ+ events and experiences hosted in the city throughout the year. Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community comes together for a series of celebrations, parades, and demonstrations spanning from Philadelphia's Gayborhood to Penn's Landing along the Delaware River. These events take place during International Gay Pride Month in June, and include the Equality Forum, Philadelphia Black Pride Celebration, and Philly Pride 365. 

The Philadelphia Pride March and Festival is an annual festival featuring live musical performances and a Pride Walk. Pride 365: A Program of Galaei invites everyone to participate in one of the single largest outdoor celebrations in Philadelphia. A variety of vendors will be stationed throughout Philadelphia's Gayborhood, selling art, jewelry, and gifts during the event. Pride is also a time for the community to support local LGBTQ+ owned businesses. After partying at the festival or taking part in the Pride Walk, pop in a store to shop or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. Many of Philadelphia's bars, restaurants, clubs, and attractions host special events or offer special menus during Pride Month.

Pride celebrations in Philadelphia aren't limited to June. OURfest – dedicated and inspired by National Coming Out Day – takes place during the first weekend in October. The weekend-long celebration includes the OURfest National Coming Out Parade, which features a 200-foot rainbow flag, floats, displays, and live entertainment. Following the parade, the OURfest National Coming Out Festival and Resource Fair take over Philadelphia's Gayborhood. The event includes hundreds of vendors, artists, restaurants, food trucks, and community organizations.

10. Stroll America's “Most Historic Square Mile”

A trip to Philadelphia isn't complete without visiting some of America's most historically significant sites at Independence National Historical Park. America's “most historic square mile” features essential spots including Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted – and the Liberty Bell, the iconic symbol of freedom. Explore interactive exhibits that tell the story of the U.S Constitution at the National Constitution Center. Carpenters' Hall was the host of the First Continental Congress and houses colonial artifacts, including a display of chairs used by the Founding Fathers during that fateful session. The Second National Bank of the United States displays a collection of over 150 18th and 19th century political leaders, military officers, explorers and scientists.

11. Visit iconic Philadelphia landmarks

Capture a memorable moment with a selfie in front of the iconic LOVE Statue in LOVE Park. Indulge in Philadelphia culinary scene by savoring iconic delights like a classic cheesesteak from Reading Terminal Market. Dating back to 1893 and housed in a National Historic Landmark building, Reading Terminal Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S. With more than 80 merchants, including dozens of restaurants, the market is a must-see for visitors looking to sample a taste of Philadelphia.

 

12. Channel your inner Rocky Balboa 

Channel your inner Rocky and conquer the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, just as the underdog boxer did in the film. Then, strike a pose and take a picture next to the Rocky Statue. Stop at The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation's Parkway Outpost's Rocky Shop to pick up exclusive Rocky gear and souvenirs. Crafted in partnership with the legendary Sly Stallone Shop, the souvenirs that are available at the Parkway Outpost aren't available anywhere else in the city.

 

13. Visit renowned museums and other attractions

Philadelphia is home to museums and attractions dedicated to art, science, history, and almost everything in between 

The city is where you'll find world-renowned art museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation. Home to one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside of Paris, the Rodin Museum is dedicated to the artist's work. “The Thinker” sits in front of the museum greeting guests as they enter the museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the first and oldest art museum and art school in the nation is home to an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century American art.  

The Fabric Workshop and Museum, located just steps from the historic Reading Terminal Market, is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum dedicated to encouraging artists at all stages of their careers to experiment with new materials and new media. The Please Touch Museum encourages learning through play. Visitors can explore a variety of rotating and permanent exhibits. 

The Museum of Illusions Philadelphia in Old City invites guests to be immersed in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Combining entertainment with education, the museum allows guests to explore and interact with the exhibits while learning the mechanics behind each illusion. America's first zoo – the Philadelphia Zoo – is where guests of all ages can learn about the nearly 1,300 animals that live there. Across the river, the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden waterfront has the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast.

 

14. Say “Cheers” to Philly Beer Week (May 31 – June 9, 2024 

Celebrate all things beer at Philly Beer Week, said to be the largest celebration of beer in the United States. The week is a perfect opportunity to sip suds with your buds in the City of Brotherly Love, where brewers have been crafting beer for more than 300 years. The 10-day festival includes beer tastings and pairings, competitions, and of course, plenty of happy hours at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Don't miss the Opening Tap event that kicks off the week, traditionally featuring brewers from around the Philadelphia region.

 

15. Marvel at massive light and lantern displays during the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 

Immerse yourself in a field of culture and light in Philadelphia's Franklin Square for the Chinese Lantern Festival. Set to light up the night once again near Independence Mall and Chinatown and fil the space with massive handmade lantern displays in celebration of Chinese cultural traditions and drawing crowds of visitors from all over the world. Dozens of displays consisting of thousands of individual lanterns will cover the grounds, illuminated by tens-of-thousands of LED lights. Guests can also enjoy performances by dancers, martial artists, contortionists, and other acts, as well as live demonstrations and artwork for purchase by Chinese folk artists.

 

16. Explore the Delaware River Waterfront 

The Delaware River Waterfront is a vibrant destination for any outdoor recreational, cultural, and commercial activity. SeaPhilly provides intimate boat rides for groups up to six, touring the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. Take a date on a sunset cruise or go on an exhibition where you'll explore swimming coves and seek out wildlife. Host an event on the dock where guests can eat and drink while going out on the cruiser in groups. During the summer, visit Spruce Street Harbor Park, where you can enjoy the fresh breeze of the river with a cold beer. The park hosts beer gardens and food trucks and is decorated with colorful hammocks, floating gardens, and beautiful trees adorned in technicolored lights. Open during the summertime months, it's the perfect spot to make memories. See Philadelphia from a new perspective on a Ferry Tour. Set sail on the river for cruiser events like restaurant tastings, musical performances, and premier happy hours.

 

17. Wish America a “Happy Birthday” at Wawa Welcome America

 

There's no better place to celebrate America's independence than the city where it happened. Wawa Welcome America is an annual festival celebrating Juneteenth and the 4th of July across Philadelphia. Through Philadelphia's neighborhoods, events and free museum days take place to bring Philadelphians together. The festivities conclude with a massive concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where previous headliners include Jason Derulo, Pitbull, and The Roots. 

 

18. Explore the city on two wheels during the Philly Bike Ride

 

Each October, the Philly Bike Ride invites cyclists of all skill levels to cruise through 20 miles of car-free streets. The closed-course route takes bicyclists from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and back, past popular attractions. The ride ends with a festival featuring music, food and activities. Visitors without their own bike can rent one through Indego, Philadelphia's popular bike share program.

 

19. Fall in love with Philadelphia in the fall 

Philadelphia's autumn calendar is always full of festive events and activities. Enjoy the crisp cool air while exploring the city, whether it's enjoying Halloween-themed activities or attending annual seasonal events, there is always something fun to do.

Spooky Fall Fun

For spooky fun, there's Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary. America's most historic prison and the world's first true penitentiary transforms annually during select evenings September through November. This festival-style event features different attractions spread throughout the historic cellblocks. Enjoy spine-chilling haunted houses and mazes, themed bars and lounges, and live performances. For a ghostly good time, check out Spooky Twilight Tours at Betsy Ross House. Visitors can navigate the 18th-century former home of the patriotic seamstress and learn more about Philadelphia's macabre past. Discover the eerie past of Philadelphia's most historic sites on a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. These candlelit walking tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you through the historic streets at night.

Admire Fall Foliage

Philadelphia is home to many visually stunning places where you can admire the fall foliage. Embrace the cooler temperatures in Fairmount Park, one of the largest city-owned urban park systems in the world, or the historic Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a replica of a traditional 17th-century Japanese home. Then head to the Horticulture Center, where you can explore the vast outdoors or learn more in the center's greenhouse. Or venture to Morris Arboretum & Gardens a nearly 100-acre property home to some of the city's oldest and rarest trees.

Attend Seasonal Events

Get some fresh air while getting into the fall spirit by attending one of Philadelphia's seasonal events. Head to the city's historic district for Old City Fest. The annual event highlights the neighborhood's premiere arts community by showcasing local designers, restaurants, retailers, galleries, and theaters. Oktoberfest is hosted each year by Brauhaus Schmitz, an authentic German restaurant on South Street. Enjoy live entertainment, German food, and plenty of bier.

20. Immerse yourself in Philadelphia's famed sports culture

The passion of Philadelphia sports fans is unrivaled. When you're in town, head to the stadium to catch a game with the most energized fan base in all of sports. Or visit one of the city's best sports bars to cheer and celebrate like a local. No matter which team you watch, no fandom matches that of a Philadelphian. Celebrating Philadelphia sports is always in season. Root for the Philadelphia Phillies the city's Major League Baseball team. Cheer on the city's beloved National Football League team, the Philadelphia Eagles. Do the same for the Philadelphia 76ers (National Basketball Association team) and the Philadelphia Flyers (National Hockey League). The Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer) are also a popular team to watch.

21. Explore the “Mural Capital of the World”

See Philadelphia's neighborhoods and learn their stories through the lens of community-based public art with a Mural Arts Philadelphia tour. Take a self-guided tour of the “Mural Capital of the World” or join one of several guide-led tours, available by foot, trolley, train or Segway. Mural Arts Philadelphia engages communities in up to 100 public art projects each year, adding to a collection of more than 4,400 murals currently on view throughout the city. The program is always adding new murals. Each year, Mural Arts Philadelphia honors Mural Arts Month (October) with community events, panel discussions, artist spotlights, and most notably mural dedications.

22. See a live show and support the city's performing arts organizations

Philadelphia houses some of the most renowned performing arts venues in the nation, from the Walnut Street Theatre, the oldest theatre in America to the innovative Kimmel Cultural Campus. With so many outstanding showrooms, guests are bound to find an excellent performance on any given night in 2024. The Kimmel Cultural Campus has a Broadway series every year. Or see a local company such as Opera Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Orchestra, or Philadelphia Ballet perform. Be sure to check each organization's website for dates and showtimes for their 2024-205 seasons.

23. Embrace the winter season in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to events, activities, and attractions that rejuvenate the city during the colder months. Dilworth Park is home to popular winter attractions, including the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, The Cabin, and Wintergarden on the Greenfield Lawn. Historic Franklin Square transforms into a whimsical winter destination every year. Take a spin around the park's charming carousel or marvel at the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show. Head to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest to relax by a fire, sip hot cocoa, and ice skate beside the Delaware River. The waterfront's Lodge offers a heated space with cozy cabins where you can enjoy seasonal food and drinks from local vendors.

24. Celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia

Kick off the holiday season with the annual Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade – the longest-running Thanksgiving Day Parade in the nation. The city also boasts one of the largest Christmas markets in the country with its Christmas Village in LOVE Park. Continue your holiday shopping spree at the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Don't miss other beloved attractions such as the Macy's Christmas Light Show and Macy's Dickens' Village. Head to America's first zoo for LumiNature at Philadelphia Zoo. More than a million lights create dozens of illuminating, animal-themed displays that are spread throughout the grounds. Celebrate Hanukkah with a traditional menorah lighting ceremony at the Betsy Ross House. The community event includes traditional treats like latkes and jelly donuts, with children receiving small gifts. Celebrate Kwanzaa at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP). AAMP hosts a series of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, interactive workshops, and community discussions that recognize and honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Ring in the new year with spectacular fireworks over the Delaware River, then enjoy the colorful costumes and elaborate performances at the Mummers Parade, held annually on New Year's Day (January 1).

To begin planning your Philadelphia adventure, visit DiscoverPHL.com.

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About the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB's work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of overseas leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit DiscoverPHL.com.