Philadelphia is well known as the birthplace of America and for its world-class museums. In addition to these, the Philadelphia area has a wealth of “hidden treasures” – places that may not be included on the usual must-sees. Wander off the beaten path to see some of the city’s more unusual attractions. It will be well worth the trip!

Atwater Kent Museum – Philadelphia’s history museum tells the Philadelphia story through lively exhibits and programs. The museum also houses a collection of artist Norman Rockwell’s illustrations from the famous covers of the Saturday Evening Post magazine, which captures the lifestyle of America from 1916 to 1963.

City Hall Tower – Get a birds-eye view of the city atop the tallest masonry structure in America. Take the elevator more than 500 feet above the street to the enclosed observation deck under the 37-foot bronze statue of Philadelphia’s founder, William Penn.

Eastern State Penitentiary – Visitors can tour this now-abandoned prison, which housed some of America’s most famous criminals, including Al Capone.

Italian Market – This colorful corner of South Philadelphia is the world’s largest outdoor market dating back 125 years. It features a variety of imported and domestic foods and products.

Masonic Temple – Visitors can take a guided tour through this architectural masterpiece, which contains seven magnificent halls representing the finest examples of architectural styles including Gothic, Egyptian and Italian Renaissance.

Mike’s Famous Roadside Rest – Experience the culture and flavors of roadside America at the world’s first Harley-Davidson dealership, restaurant and museum under one roof, just 40 minutes from Philadelphia.

Mütter Museum – This unique museum is dedicated to preserving pathological anatomy. However, the museum earned its reputation from its bizarre collection. Guests can visit the Eye Wall of Shame, a display of wax eyeballs that depicts a wide assortment of eye injuries, or discover a human skull collection.

National Liberty Museum – A new “home for heroes” on the liberty trail celebrates America’s ideals of freedom by honoring more than 350 outstanding individuals of all ethnic backgrounds. Seven galleries of exhibits, interactive displays, videos and art include Dale Chihuly’s 20-foot glass “Flame of Liberty,” a White House china display and much more.

Reading Terminal Market – Enjoy a genuine Philadelphia cheesesteak or “shoo-fly” pie from the Amish of Lancaster County at this 100-year-old farmers market featuring a variety of ethnic and local foods.

Rosenbach Museum and Library – This 19th-century townhouse, with art collections and world-renowned holdings of rare books and manuscripts, displays original artwork by author/illustrator Maurice Sendak and the manuscript of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

University of Pennsylvania’s Institute of Contemporary Art – Philadelphia’s premier contemporary art museum exhibits exciting new artists. Exhibits change every six to eight weeks.

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology – An extensive collection features exhibits from Alaska and the American Southwest in addition to African, Egyptian, Mayan, Asian, Roman and Polynesian galleries.


Philadelphia was recently designated by Destinations magazine as “one of the hottest up and coming destinations for groups,” and ranked as one the top 10 motorcoach destinations of the past decade” by Byways magazine.