Best of every attraction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

South St

This is one of the awesomest places to shop in Philly, in my opinion! Down on the earlier-numbered intersections of the streets (say, between 3rd and 15th), you can find a ton of chain and independent stores, lots with awesomely priced goods. You can buy anything from arts and craft items, to CDs, to shoes, to jewelry, and so on! The best place to get pierced in Philly is also around this area--Infinite Body Piercing, around 4th and South Streets. Lots of restaurants are mixed in this area, as well.

This definitely isn't your suburban mall, though, so you might not want to shop around in the middle of winter or summer, though it's definitely possible!

The Franklin Institute

Ok, so this is kind of a kid's attraction--great if you have children. A lot of the permanent attractions are geared towards kids, but they also have temporary exhibits that appeal to all ages, not to mention an Imax theatre, which is fun for everyone! This is definitely something you'll want to check out while you're there, even just to see what's up inside at the moment.

Edgar Allan Poe Historic Site

You know what I love about this attraction? It's FREE! It's also low-key; you can walk around by yourself and see what one of Edgar Allan Poe's houses was like. It's a little creepy inside, but not as creepy as it may seem, being associated with one of the creepiest storytellers and poets, after all. However, it is your typical old urban house--it's small inside! So if you're in a big group, or it seems crowded from outside, you may want to skip this one.

Independence National Historical Park: Independence Hall Presev Fund

The original capitol of the US! This place offers guided tours by actors in period costume, so you can get a glimpse of what things were like back then. This may be another attraction that's better for kids, but hey, the atmosphere is interesting, too.

Gallery at Market East: Management Office

This is another cool shopping spot in Philadelphia, and it's right by the Greyhound bus station and the subway stations if you're trying to kill some time before your trip back. Unlike the South Street shops, this is all inside, so more like your typical mall--but a pretty cool mall! It has some awesome shops you won't find in smaller cities, and some outlets as well. Check out the stores at http://www.galleryatmarketeast.com

Washington Square

Ok, so there's not much in this place, it's a nice simple park to relax in, and contains the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier. Come here during the summer and you can also catch some funny glimpses--people sprawling out on the grass trying to get a tan! This area is between some of the other historic attractions I've mentioned (and others around Philly) and South Street. There are also some tours that start around this area, I believe.

Independence National Historical Park

This is the place where the Liberty Bell is stored, of course! And like Washington Square, it's within similar distances of other historic spots and shopping sites I've mentioned.

Franklin Mint

I haven't been here in years, but I remember this place being so awesome! You can take a tour of the mint, and there is a shop that has tons of interesting, unique and funny money items. I'd say this place is pretty fun for all ages!

Independence Mall State Park

This place is interesting, too--most notably it has a huge food court if you're with a group--but here is where I tell you to be wary.

Shopping sites like this that are geared towards tourists are really more of a rip off than going to smaller independent stores around Philly, or going to the Gallery or some similar place. And, even though it's a huge city and there are a lot of tourist shops, not all places take credit cards! So be prepared with some cash, and be careful when you buy.