As one of the host cities for soccer's biggest global tournament, the City of Brotherly Love is welcoming fans from every corner of the world, and the city has more than enough to keep visitors busy between matches.
From running the steps of a legendary museum to hunting down the perfect cheesesteak, the fun things to do in Philadelphia go far beyond the stadium. Whether you're here for a single game or planning to extend your stay and explore, this guide covers the highlights to add to your itinerary.
Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Must-Sees for Soccer Fans
When visitors ask what tourists should not miss in Philadelphia, a handful of places come up every time, all of them worth the trip.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a cornerstone of any Philadelphia sightseeing itinerary, housing one of the most significant art collections in North America. Before stepping inside, most visitors make their way to the 72 stone steps out front, better known as the Rocky Steps, and take a moment at the top to soak in the sweeping view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Just down the road, The Franklin Institute brings interactive science to life in a way that resonates with visitors of all ages. The giant walk-through heart is a classic for a reason, and the rotating exhibits offer something fresh no matter when you visit.
Rounding out this stretch of the Parkway, the Academy of Natural Sciences — the oldest natural history museum in the country — makes for an absorbing few hours, especially for families. Together, these three institutions form a cultural corridor that could anchor an entire afternoon of Philadelphia sightseeing.
The Museum of the American Revolution adds another layer to Old City’s historical significance, bringing the nation’s founding to life through immersive exhibits and remarkable artifacts, including George Washington’s field tent. Located just steps from Independence Hall, it offers a clear, engaging look at the people and events that shaped the country.
Across the Delaware River, the Battleship New Jersey offers a hands-on look at a different era of American history. Docked along the Camden waterfront, this massive, highly decorated vessel invites visitors to explore its decks, living quarters, and gun turrets while taking in sweeping views of the Philadelphia skyline.
The Best Food and Local Flavors Near Fan Zones
Some of the most memorable fun things to do in Philadelphia involve nothing more than showing up hungry. Reading Terminal Market has been feeding the city since 1893, and its sprawling indoor stalls represent one of the most satisfying food experiences in any American city.
Authentic cheesesteaks are plentiful here, but so are Amish vendors selling fresh-baked soft pretzels, whoopie pies, and hearty comfort food that has no equivalent elsewhere in Philadelphia.
When the match-day atmosphere spills into the evening, South Street is the place to be. This long, eclectic strip of restaurants, bars, and independent shops has served as a neighborhood gathering point for decades. It's the kind of stretch where you can grab a no-frills sandwich from a counter window, follow it with something from a local bakery, and end the night at a spot that's been there since before you were born.
There are no national chains worth seeking out here — the best eating on South Street comes from places with roots in the neighborhood itself.
Walking Through History Between Matches in Old City
Old City is where the city's nearly three hundred years of history becomes something you can stand next to and touch. For international fans experiencing this corner of American history for the first time, the neighborhood offers a backdrop that feels genuinely significant.
The Liberty Bell is one of those landmarks that is always worth the trip. Housed in a glass-walled pavilion that frames a view of Independence Hall behind it, the bell is both accessible and affecting in person.
Independence Hall itself is where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed, a meaningful destination for visitors from around the world who are here, in part, because of the country those documents helped create.
The National Constitution Center, also in Old City, goes deeper into the American democratic story through immersive exhibits and hands-on interactives. For global guests curious about the history of the nation hosting soccer's biggest event, it's one of the most illuminating stops in all of Philadelphia.
Unforgettable Attractions in the City of Brotherly Love
Eastern State Penitentiary is unlike anything else in the city. Once the most expensive prison ever built, its Gothic stone fortress exterior gives way to crumbling cellblocks that have become a destination in their own right. Self-guided audio tours walk visitors through the deteriorating halls, telling stories of famous inmates and the long history of American penal reform.
Adventure Aquarium, located just across the river on the Camden waterfront, offers an engaging break from traditional sightseeing with up-close encounters with marine life from around the world. Highlights include walk-through shark tunnels, playful penguin exhibits, and hands-on touch tanks that make it especially appealing for families.
The Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in the country, blends history with innovation across its thoughtfully designed habitats. Its Zoo360 system of overhead trails allows animals like big cats and primates to roam above visitors, creating a dynamic experience that goes far beyond a typical zoo visit.
For a convenient overview of the city, Big Bus Tours provides a flexible way to see Philadelphia’s major landmarks without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets. The open-top buses cover key areas including the Parkway, Old City, and the waterfront, allowing visitors to hop on and off as they explore at their own pace.
How To Maximize Your Philadelphia Soccer Trip Experience
With packed days, limited downtime between matches, and a city this large to navigate, smart planning makes a real difference. Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets are built for travelers in exactly this situation, offering access to the city's top attractions at significant savings compared to purchasing admission at each door individually.
Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets streamline the experience of moving through a must-see list without constantly calculating costs at every stop. For fans flying in from abroad or arriving from another host city, that kind of ease matters.
There's a full city's worth of cool things to do in Philly waiting beyond the stadium, and Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets make it easier to reach more of them in less time.
Families traveling with younger visitors will find the city especially welcoming. From The Franklin Institute's hands-on galleries to the outdoor spaces of Old City, Philadelphia is genuinely kid-friendly from end to end. For a deeper look at family-friendly options, our guide to the top things to do in Philadelphia with kids covers everything you need to plan a great trip.
The tournament may be the reason you're here, but Philadelphia will be the reason you come back. Start planning your visit and explore Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets.