Philadelphia! More Attractions and Museums to Enjoy!
Updated: Oct 5
More Attractions in Philadelphia
We've previously written about what to do in Philadelphia for first time visitors who had only two days to visit. And we've shared tips on what to do in the summertime outdoors. We've even taken more than a shallow dive into Cheesesteaks. If you've done all that and still want to see more attractions, Philadelphia has so much more to offer, including Eastern State Penitentiary, Museum of the American Revolution, and the Mütter Museum. Here we offer you some brief information about each, with links where you can learn much more.
For a unique and slightly eerie experience, visit the Mutter Museum to discover fascinating medical oddities and artifacts. From anatomical specimens to historical medical instruments, this museum provides a glimpse into the world of healthcare throughout the centuries. We visited on September 7, 2026, and spent about an hour and twenty minutes there. Beyond the well known Soap Lady and the wall of preserved skulls from the Hyrtl Collection, originally assembled at the University of Vienna, we saw a Grimm fairy tales exhibit, a look at the four humors theory that shaped European medicine through the early 1800s, historical medical advertising, pregnancy and childbirth through the centuries, and organs and skin conditions displayed alongside their related diseases. There were also rotating exhibits on art therapy, the 1976 Legionnaires' disease outbreak, and the history of medicine in Philadelphia specifically. Some other examples of what you may see among their collection include a microscope slide if Albert Einstein's brain tissue, hippo ear canal bones, and so much more. If this is your thing, buying tickets in advance online is a must, especially on the weekends, because this is a popular place to visit.
Exterior entrance of the Mütter Museum Welcome sign at the entrance of the Mütter Museum's main exhibit Gallery guide map of the Mütter Museum Mütter Museum Skull Display Mütter Museum Photo Display Vintage medical advertisement on display at the Mütter Museum
Visiting the Mütter Museum
A typical visit will take around an hour and a half. Ours ran closer to an hour and twenty minutes, though it would be easy to spend longer. You should plan more time if this sort of thing intrigues you. Some people love it so much, they keep going back. It's right in Center City. When you finish there, if you have time, walk several blocks west to 30th Street Station. It is a beautiful, grand train station that has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. It's been serving travelers since 1933. Just walk in and have a look. The ceilings and walls are remarkable, and you can take a break on one of the benches and take it all in. And, who doesn't like air conditioned spaces on a hot summer day!
After our recent visit to the Mütter Museum we were heading to the Eastern State Penitentiary. Since it was on our way we ducked into the Rodin Museum for a quick look at The Kiss and the other sculptures there, more on that visit is in our guide for first time visitors.
History buffs will enjoy a tour of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary. Once a notorious prison that housed famous criminals like Al Capone, today it stands as a museum offering insights into the penal system of the past. According to their website, "when Eastern State opened more than 180 years ago, it changed the world. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. The building itself was an architectural wonder; it had running water and central heat before the White House, and attracted visitors from around the globe." (https://www.easternstate.org/research/history-eastern-state, retrieved 7/28/2024)
Ornate iron gate detail at Eastern State Penitentiary Google Maps satellite view of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic photo display at Eastern State Penitentiary showing Al Capone being escorted by guards View through the Al Capone cell gate at Eastern State Penitentiary
Visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary
During your visit you'll learn about prison riots, an escape tunnel, hauntings, and much more. When we visited it turned out to be far more interesting than we expected, and remarkably well organized. It starts with the theory behind the place itself, the idea that solitary reflection, not punishment, was the path to rehabilitation. Every early cell was built for one inmate, with its own skylight and private outdoor exercise yard. The cellblocks radiate out from a central hub in a wheel and spoke layout, and recordings of actual former inmates play throughout the tour.
Al Capone's cell is here too, he received noticeably better treatment than other inmates, and there's a good story behind how the prison snuck him out to avoid the press. We walked the whole site before finally finding a guide stationed in the hub who could point us to it. There's also a thoughtful exhibit on incarceration in America more broadly, looking at how race and economic circumstance correlate with likelihood of conviction, and a striking outdoor installation behind the cellblocks that charts the growth of the American prison population over time.
Plan to spend two hours here. Starting in late September, they have Halloween Nights, when they have five haunted houses, historic tours, themed bars and lounges, live performances, and more. Click the link to learn more. If you're looking for a bite to eat nearby, Jack's Firehouse, a popular spot for BBQ and traditional southern food right across the street in a converted 1900s firehouse, is a great choice. The staff were friendly, and a pint of Guinness with a smoked pork sandwich and fries was exactly the right way to decompress after taking it all in.
We closed out that day with a visit to the Ben Franklin Museum, more on that one in our guide for first time visitors.
Dive into American history at the Museum of the American Revolution. This interactive museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that bring the country's revolutionary past to life, offering a fascinating learning experience for visitors. This museum is great for families, with various activities and exhibits to keep young and old visitors engaged. We visited on Sunday, September 13, 2026, after attending a service at Christ Church that morning. The museum has more depth than you'd expect walking in, even if you already know the broad strokes of the Revolution. Downstairs there's a small exhibit aimed at kids, covering everyday life in 1770s Philadelphia, including ceramic artifacts excavated from a chamber pot found during the museum's own construction. The main exhibit upstairs is considerably more expansive than it looks from outside, covering everything from the Hessian or other] soldiers who fought alongside the British, to the liberty trees each town used as a gathering point, to the role Black soldiers played in the fight for independence and what emancipation meant in that context. One section on the Marblehead Regiment, a rough and tumble group of mariners who played a critical role at key moments in the war, stood out in particular (we've visited Marblehead countless times over the years and even have a favorite Aunt who once served as a tour guide there). You'll get to see many cool artifacts, including George Washington’s war tent, which was used during the Valley Forge encampment in 1777-78, and a recreation of the first Liberty Tree.
Museum of the American Revolution exhibit panel on 1770s Philadelphia sanitation Ceramic artifacts from an excavated chamber pot on display at the Museum of the American Revolution Life-size figures in period dress at the Museum of the American Revolution Diorama at the Museum of the American Revolution depicting Revolutionary War soldiers in combat
Visiting, the Museum of the American Revolution
According to their website, most visitors spend about two hours here (we agree and some may need more time). The museum is located just a short distance from iconic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Its address is 101 S. 3rd Street, in the heart of the historic district of Philadelphia. The website also provides loads of information on getting there and what not to miss while there. Get your tickets online at their site.
FAQ
How long should I plan for each of these?
Budget about ninety minutes for the Mütter Museum, two hours for Eastern State Penitentiary, and two hours for the Museum of the American Revolution. All three reward a slower pace if you have it.
Is Eastern State Penitentiary worth visiting if I'm not a history buff?
Yes. The audio recordings of former inmates and the hub-and-spoke cellblock layout make it engaging even without a deep interest in prison history going in.
Where should I eat near these attractions?
Jack's Firehouse, directly across from Eastern State Penitentiary, is a solid pub-style option for a break between stops.
To wrap up, Philly has so much to offer. You will always find something new every time you visit. These are just a few of them. We'll share more in future posts.
Are you planning a visit to Philly? What are you planning to see and do?
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