One of five original squares planned by city founder William Penn in the late 17th century, and the most prestigious, this square was named after David Rittenhouse, the 18th-century astronomer, mathematician and clockmaker. It features a fine collection of bronze statues, a kids' wading pool and benches beneath shady trees.
Rittenhouse Sq
Philadelphia
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Independence National Historical Park
1.19 MILES
This L-shaped Philadelphia park, bound by 6th, 2nd, Walnut and Arch Sts, protects and honors the institutions that formed the foundation of the United…
1.24 MILES
The premier cultural institution in Philadelphia, this epic art museum would stand out even without Rocky's famous antics on the east steps. Every visitor…
0.75 MILES
Since 2012, Dr Albert C Barnes' eye-popping collection of artworks – predominantly focused on French masterpieces from the late 19th and early 20th…
1.16 MILES
The 'birthplace of American government', this modest, early 18th-century Georgian building is where delegates from the 13 colonies met to approve the…
0.72 MILES
Getting the balance just right between food shopping hub and dining destination, Reading Terminal Market opened way back in 1893 and it's been a…
0.55 MILES
Although the fortress-like exterior of this 1873 building is pretty impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took a further 15 years to complete…
0.48 MILES
Completed in 1901 following 30 years of construction, City Hall takes up a whole block, and at 548ft is the world's tallest structure without a steel…
Museum of the American Revolution
1.38 MILES
This impressive, multimedia-rich museum will have you virtually participating in the American Revolution; interactive dioramas and 3-D experiences take…
Nearby Philadelphia attractions
1. Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts
0.1 MILES
In 2017 the Philadelphia Art Alliance, housed in an impressive Gilded Age–era mansion, became part of the University of the Arts. The future direction of…
0.22 MILES
The list of famous authors in the collection here could fill a book itself: Edgar Allan Poe, James Joyce, Maurice Sendak, George Washington, Lewis Carroll…
3. One Liberty Observation Deck
0.3 MILES
One way to get a bird's-eye view of the city, especially pretty after dark, is to ride the ear-popping elevator up to this 883ft-high observation deck on…
0.36 MILES
Maintained by the College of Physicians, this unique, only-in-Philadelphia attraction is a museum dedicated to rare, odd or disturbing medical conditions…
0.38 MILES
This glass-clad 58-story tower is one of the tallest 'green' buildings in the US. It's 140ft-tall atrium lobby is the location of Humanity in Motion, a…
6. Comcast Innovation & Technology Center
0.4 MILES
This $1.5-billion, 60-story, 1121ft tower designed by Lord Norman Foster is already Philadelphia's tallest building. Though not open at the time of…
0.4 MILES
Pay attention and you'll soon see that Claes Oldenburg's oversized Corten steel sculpture is substantially more stylised than a run-of-the-mill peg you…
0.42 MILES
On the west side of City Hall this compact public area includes the Rothman Ice Rink in winter, which is replaced by a fountain with dancing water spouts…