I had no idea how special this experience was until I finally took the tour, and wow it completely…read morechanged the way I see the city. Id noticed the murals before just passing by, but seeing them as part of a curated journey gives everything so much more meaning. The guide helped point out details I never would've caught on my own, and it added a whole new layer of appreciation. The artwork is powerful, full of emotion, and spread across the city in a way that makes the whole place feel like an open-air gallery. It celebrates the personality of the neighborhoods and captures stories that stay with you long after you're done. What really stood out to me was how much heart is behind each piece. You can feel the intention, the humor, the honesty, and the love woven into every message along the route. It turns a familiar ride into something unexpectedly uplifting. I left feeling inspired and genuinely connected to the city in a new way. Highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see a different, more meaningful side of Philly.

I love this. They had an initiative in the early 2000s to have graffiti art just work on art…read moreprojects as part of their community service. I believe this project is part of that circle was to have about 2OOO murals up by the mid-late OOs. By the time that happened they were way more than enough it's always nice to see free art as welll.

What a fun thing to do! We didn't know what to expect and want to say we all really enjoyed the…read moreexperience! Admission was reasonable and enjoyed the self-guided part while waiting for the next tram departure time. There was everything you could imagine - except one thing! A TELEX MACHINE (which I used to operate). When I asked the staff if they had one none of them even knew what I was talking about (early 20's)! We took the tram tour and really enjoyed it. The tram moved at a nice pace so you could really take in everything. So much to see - everywhere. It was a really fun way to spend a few hours on a rainy day! But I urge you to visit rain or shine!

It's like an I-Spy book came to life! This collection is massive but I really appreciate how well…read moreorganized and categorized it is. It makes it easier for the eye to take in. The tram car goes at a super slow speed so you have time to take everything in. The tour is guided by a pre-recorded audio track but sometimes the driver will provide information as well. The museum also has a small walkable area to explore. There's also popcorn, candy, and drinks to purchase. Some of the items are truly impressive and there's definitely plenty for everyone to point out and find and enjoy. Highly recommend this fun attraction.

Came here for a 52 Firsts event during Spring Fest and it ended up being such a fun day. There was…read morea lot going on without feeling overwhelming. Live energy, little activity tables, and a small plant sale that was honestly very tempting. One of the coolest things I learned is that they have what's believed to be the oldest ginkgo tree in both North and South America. That alone made the visit feel a little special. I spent some time walking the trails and made my way around the water too. It's really pretty back there. Lots of flowers in bloom, open space, and quieter areas if you want a break from the crowd. I definitely liked the more shaded, tree-heavy sections the most. Some of the booths were set up fully in the sun and it got a bit intense after a while, so having those cooler, shaded areas made a big difference. Staff were very helpful and the trails are clearly marked, which made it easy to just wander without worrying about getting lost. Only downside is the location can be a little tricky to get to, especially if you're not driving. But once you're there, it's absolutely worth it. Overall just a really enjoyable, laid-back outdoor spot with a lot to explore. I'd come back, especially for another event.

Had a few hours before my flight and was looking for something to do. I came across this garden…read moreand it was beautiful. Well maintained and relaxing. Plenty of trails and benches. The flowers were gorgeous. You get a nice view of the city from the boat dock and parking area. I spent a few hours here. Great if you're solo or with people.

They have birds, and as well, crabs. We came here on a date. Also, there are shells. There are many…read morethings to look at at this establishment. Tapeworms on exhibit!

This is such a fascinating place on many levels. I can't remember how I stumbled upon this (maybe…read moreAtlas Obscura), but I'm glad that I made the effort to search it out. Even some people who have lived in Philly most of their lives have not been here, let alone heard of it! This museum is in a now largely lower-middle class neighborhood, but don't let that deter you from experiencing this gem. Housed in an historic, wooden building, complete with creaky floors and stairs, this is the real deal...a throwback to a different era, unchanged in a hundred plus years, and the intent is for it to remain so. Inside, the main draw is the natural history collection upstairs, in original wood and glass cases, which were made especially for this collection. The signage, as ancient as the collection and the building, is handwritten, in ink now faded, and in a case or two, reflects the name known at that time, but since changed. Here you'll find minerals, shells, skeletons, taxidermied animals, insects, some charts, and for the children (or children at heart), scavenger hunt sheets. Downstairs, on the way to the restrooms, you'll see the fabulous, expansive, original, all wood lecture hall. (I would love to hear anything there!) A small gift shop with some unusual items rounds out the experience. Here, I found a very realistic plastic pangolin (my one souvenir from Philly!). I spent at least 2 hours here, but I'm a natural history nerd, and talked to one of the employees a bit to learn more about the place and its mission.

I think this place is a great place for kids, but I think most of the exhibits are geared towards…read morekids who can read. I thought my child would be able to partake in the exhibits either way, but she was not a reading age yet. So many of the exhibits were above her head. The best thing about the institute were the live classes and demonstrations. The live dissection of a cow eye was amazing. They also had a combustion show (think cool fire colors) and that was excellent. I did one of the planetarium shows and it was a little bit dry, even for an adult. Personally if the child can't read yet, I would say you may not get much out of it, but still a great place.

My family, in laws' family, and I visited here last week what's the plan to get a family Max…read moremembership and enjoy the institution art for a good long day and it was an extremely happy time for all. Needless to say, we got through less than the 3rd inside of the whole day's time. This large and famed institution has a lot to review and I hope to help your family to make an informed choice about ticket types and visiting. Ticketing is easy whether or not you did anything online, with obvious easy signage in the secondary Hall after the famed Ben Franklin Statue Hall. Welcome staff and generally all staff are so helpful and knowledgeable. We decided on the Family Max membership because it includes ATSC membership including admission to 300 other science centers, many of the same caliber and fame, also because many of them will be at our travel destinations for the next year. Membership is entirely online with barcodes and online ticketing reservations (which ironically generates even more barcodes, one per attendee) so it is extremely easy to use, especially more so if you have good IT fluency and a good record-keeping system. I did not use the parking deck, which membership discounts are $10 off the $25 fare each day, but access from any point in the city and by any type of transit is very easy. The building is famous, easy to find and hard to miss. Frontage is right on Logan Square and extremely easy to find and orient oneself. Specialitly entrances such as accessibility, ramps and group entrances are very easy to find. Special events at pavilions have their own entrances. The Halls and exhibitions are overwhelmingly many and a large with tons of displays and booths to occupy all humans of all ages for dozens of hours. We join their membership not only because we aren't too far away but because it would take so many visits to well appreciate the breath and death of this institution. Although I last came as a grade school student, I can see clearly why the parents then and now consider this a worthwhile trip. The included science shows (usually four different ones daily with a few repeats within each day) are excellent examples of this commitment to education and sturdy science. At a time when so much misinformation and alternative science prevail profitably, it is comforting and necessary that this this ideal cause continues. Lastly, the overall venue is just excellent with so many types of science represented as to sate the curiosities of any child in any domain. Great food is just blocks away, notable is that Chinatown is straight down Race Street, and great views from most windows ease the usual concerns of parents about logistics and interest both.

So cool! We did the audio tour & there was so much to learn and listen to. All very fascinating.read more

Well known prison that housed Al Capone and many other "famous" criminals. Working in a women's…read moreprison myself, I had to come visit a grand scale prison as such. Call me crazy... We came for the "summer night" tour, which wasn't what was expected as it seemed to be the same as a day tour. We definitely needed longer than 3 hours to explore the whole prison in its full capacity, as this place is HUGE. Definitely an eerie vibe with a lot to learn.

Worth the stop as it's always free admission. Admittedly I did not do my research and was unaware…read morehow small the space is. It's two rooms with rotating exhibitions. No permanent gallery. The current exhibition on Shaker furniture was interesting, but I can see how it's not for everyone. I appreciate what they're doing at the ICA, I just wish there was a bigger permanent collection on display. Shoutout to Juno the welcoming cat.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia - ICA is a…read morelaunchpad for contemporary art and ideas. ICA is on site at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania. We stopped by on our visit to the University of Pennsylvania to specifically see the Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies We didn't think we would spend as much time as we did here, and I loved both of the exhibits. There are two gallery spaces, the first one held "Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard", with the curator and several artist being from Texas. I'm not sure I loved it because there was a Texas connection and also Baltimore screen art, but I really enjoyed art from a yard perspective. Fun contemporary art and a Koons piece. The second story held the second exhibit: Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies. She's a Ukrainian artist, and I really thought it was going to be something different but it was a really cool exhibit. I have never seen carpet and space used this way before and her art evoked both fear and whimsy and awe. I love this museum and the fact that it's really quaint - obviously the experience you're going to have here depends on what exhibits are showing, but I had a great time here overall. It's completely free so if you're ever by the University of Pennsylvania, I highly recommend you stop by.

The center city tour was great! Sandi was great!! We've been center city locals for five years and…read morewe wanted to learn about the murals around us. We hit a bunch of murals in 1.5 hours, and some of them I'd never seen! 10/10 tour service. 10/10 selection of tours. Reasonable cost for the tour. We'll be doing more!

Among other things, Philadelphia is a city of public art. I could not help but spot sculptures and…read morestatues here and there, but it was this particular mural - six stories tall - that really drove it home. There have been plans for an office/mixed use tower in the parking lot that faces this mural but for now, we have the opportunity to take it in entirely. Wow, there's some detail here and a story. If you're passing near, I suggest you stop and check this one out near 150 North Broad Street. [Review 18311 overall - 603 in Pennsylvania - 1833 of 2022.]

Cute library with several different spaces. I enjoyed the civic center and relaxed there for an…read morehour just reading.

Y'all, this place has Charles Dickens' actual writing desk…read more We entered this beautiful building, mouths agape in wonder. One of the security guards told us to head straight up to the 3rd floor -- he compared it to a small museum full of rare things. Intrigued, we took his advice. So glad we did! We happened upon the free guided tour of the Rare Book Department, and spent the next hour happily being shown treasures such as books with special bindings, books with gold leaf, the taxidermied raven named Grip which inspired Edgar Allan Poe's famous work, and yes, Charles Dickens' desk, complete with his scratched-on initials. Later, we came across a giant shoe in one of the reading rooms. This place is fantastically magical. Love the Free Library of Philadelphia.