If you choose to spend time in Philadelphia before the wedding weekend, there are lots of things to do! The below recommendations come from the Lonely Planet Travel Guide.

Re-create Rocky & find inspiration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is the city’s biggest cultural draw, home to more than 240,000 works of art from countries and cultures around the world. This impressive museum is made up of the main building, the Rodin Museum, the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building, and Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove Park Houses, which cover more than 1 million sq ft. The hours will fly by as you try to explore it all, from East Asian art and European sculpture to contemporary art and photography.

The museum’s 72 “Rocky Steps” were made famous by actor Sylvester Stallone in the movie Rocky. Tap into your inner boxer and race to the top – don’t worry, you won’t be the only one doing it.

Logan Fountain

If you're close to the museum, you can stroll down Benjamin Franklin Parkway toward City Hall. As you walk, you'll come across a lovely art deco fountain, designed by sculptor Alexander Calder. This is a particularly special place as it is the location where Andrew proposed to Anna!

Take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square

This historic neighborhood is lovely for a stroll and features great dining options. If you have extra time in Philadelphia before or after the wedding weekend this is also a great neighborhood to stay in, and it's on your way to the next recommended destination....

See the Liberty Bell and get a history lesson at Independence Hall

Whether or not you're a history buff, you have to check out the red-brick, Georgian-style structure of Independence Hall. As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence (hence the name) and the US Constitution, there’s no denying the importance of this landmark.

Take a guided tour or watch live reenactments of the signing of the Declaration. If you’re visiting in summer, look for one of the storytelling benches just outside, where Historic Philadelphia’s storytellers give you a quick history lesson as part of the Once Upon A Nation program. Independence Hall sits on a 45-acre National Historic Park, which is also home to the Liberty Bell and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.

Planning tip: Independence Hall is free to visit, but you still need to secure a ticket ahead of time, which has a $1 handling fee. Tours are also limited, so book tickets in advance.

Grab lunch at Reading Terminal Market and Philly’s Italian Market

Smell freshly baked cakes and breads from Beiler's Bakery, munch on Creole flavors from Beck's Cajun Cafe and sip locally roasted coffee at Old City Coffee – it’s all possible while wandering Reading Terminal Market, which offers an extensive variety of cuisines from more than 80 merchants.

Detour: Just over a mile from Reading Terminal Market is the Italian Market along South 9th Street. Celebrating its 120th year in 2024, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in the United States and showcases Philly’s strong Italian immigrant roots. Don’t miss iconic spots like Di Bruno Bros. for cheese, Isgro Pastries for delicious cannoli or DiNic’s Roast Pork and Beef for a roast pork sandwich. And don’t forget to bring cash, as some merchants are cash-only at both Reading Terminal and the Italian Market.

Explore science at The Franklin Institute

Named after one of Philadelphia’s most famous residents, Benjamin Franklin, the Franklin Institute is a tribute to his curiosity and innovation. From technology to space and physics, the museum’s hands-on displays encourage exploration and discovery, just as Franklin did in his experiments.

Stitch together history at the Betsy Ross House

Discover the life of Betsy Ross, the woman said to have stitched the very first American flag, at her former home, now an interactive museum. The 18th-century Betsy Ross House is filled with period furnishings and live reenactors showcasing Betsy’s pivotal role in the nation’s history.

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