This a very unique place! It’s a must see and the perfect spot for lunch. There’s many different food options here, all of a wide variety! From raw oysters to soul food to sushi to Indian. There are a few dessert places as well. The meat market and fish market have lots of things to choose from if you plan on grabbing and preparing at home! We visited on a Saturday and it was overwhelmingly packed with people, however it is open 7 days a week, so I suggest visiting on a weekday.

Incredible space with multiple vendors, shops, and restaurants! Can’t recommend this market enough - we’ve literally told everyone about it. We are so glad we stopped in at the recommendation of our Lyft driver and we were so impressed. Coffee, Chocolate Pastries, multicultural cuisine options, and at least one or two bar / restaurants spaces. Not only was it an amazing adventure just walking the aisles, but everything was clean and the service at all the stalls was incredible. People were polite and it was easy to navigate the space! Highly recommend stopping Reading Terminal if you’re in the area!

We went on a Sunday at noon. I have to say it was busy but was still easy to get around with a toddler. We went to The Original Turkey and it was so delicious reminds me of Thanksgiving but so much better because the turkey was juicy and tender. The stuffing had so much flavor and the gravy was savory. The stuffing club was to die for. Next was dessert and we decided on Wilts!!!! Chocolate strawberries was so sweet and delicious. Strawberries by themselves were fragrant. Then Muller Chocolate Co. We got a variety of truffles and chocolate covered pretzels. As a tourist I definitely recommend these places but I do say go and look around and try things that you might fancy! There is plenty

Oh my. What an incredible place to get a true taste of Philly. From cheesesteaks and pretzels to baked goods and fresh meats and veggies - there’s something around every corner! Enjoyed a fresh pressed juice, bagels and donuts while we strolled. Bought some local libations home with us. Can’t wait to go try some more spots throughout the market

A must visit! TONS of vendors and delicious food throughout the building. Anything you could want, it’s going to be in here. I loved the neon signs and how much there was throughout. Great deals galore, and everyone was friendly and helpful if you had a question. I wish I had something like this closer to home; I would visit Philly again just to come Back here!

Our favourite place in Philly! Open everyday from 8am-6pm. If you visit Philly, this is a MUST! Gets very busy on weekends and it’s sometimes difficult to move around because of how narrow some of the aisles are. There are so many food options here, from Vegan food, cookies, doughnuts, delis, cheese and chocolate boutiques. There are washrooms here and some very limited seating.

What a cultural gem. From cheese steaks, to pastry shops, candy stores, groceries, seafood & meat markets, Amish diner, smoothies, gifts, and more. Prices range from fair to touristy. It's clean, including the restrooms, the service is kind, and the options are endless.

This is a really a lovely place to take time out, set in the middle of the bustling city you can just relax in the middle of it all surrounded by beautiful architecture and the amazing orchestra waters which is so innovative, I have never seen anything like this, it's really quite something to watch someone orchestrate the music and the waters, I could have watched for hours, I wasn't brave enough, to have a go but would have loved to, beautiful location. The water feature ended on 3rd October so I'm glad I got to see it but Dilworth park is definitely worth a visit.

Walked past/through here several times. Seemed nice, lots family and kids there who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Like any big city there were some homeless people around and some sketchy individuals but there was also a subtle police presence to where it never seemed unsafe or I felt uncomfortable. I can't skate but the skating rink looked fun for those that are into that type of thing.

Nice park in the heart of Philly! Not a lot of grass but plenty of seats to relax, eat, work, or just enjoy the vibes. There is a coffee shop but it was closed at the time. They also have good trucks, water fountains, a stage, and an entrance to the subway.

Dilworth Park or Dilworth Plaza located at 15th and JFK Blvd at City Hall. Nice relaxing area. Plenty of seating around. Water sprays on outside. Roller Skating rink. They have Ice Skating in the winter. Live music at lunchtime in the summer. Very open. Starbucks nearby. Transit close. At different times they have beer garden popups.

Center City of Philadelphia. Under the beautiful architecture of city hall, kids are welcomed to play in the sprinklers. The children were ecstatic for the reprieve from the brutal heat.

This is a fantastic place to enjoy together. This place is part of the city's history and they also host events with different themes. They have some public parking very close, however it's very expesive.

A beautiful gathering place with play-in fountain which is a skating place in the winter, the gorgeous old city hall building, and many places to sit and meet others for some time of "brotherly love"

Such a unique experience! A must see in Philly! The gardens are beautiful and there are so many great photo ops. Definitely worth going. You need to buy tickets online, and there's no option to buy at the entrance. But they give you a QR code to buy it online when you are there.

An art space made from mosaics of tiles, glass bottles, mirrors, and even bicycle wheels ✨ Every wall feels like an extension of the artist’s soul — full of freedom, imagination, and creativity. It’s truly a paradise for photography lovers! 📷💫

It took the artist over 40 years to complete this piece and it leaves you wondering if there’s anything else like this. The vast amount of pieces and artistic graphics that were collected and shaped together over the years is simply astounding. It’s definitely a great way to explore art and share with the family. Pets are also allowed!

Artsy and glassy. What more could you want? This art exhibit fits Philly so well. The art is amazing. Definitely recommend going through the outside part twice as you’ll miss things the first time. Was smaller than I thought but lots to see. Don’t miss the inside part where there’s more art and some history too. Gift shop is cute. Get tickets ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in a line or deal with that.

Gorgeous studio! Once we toured, I found his work EVERYWHERE on South Street! What incredible mind(s). Thank you for such a lovely tour! *side note* (Would not recommend for extremely young children if you are uncomfortable speaking to them about nudity and genitalia)

The artist spent 30 years in developing this location. His creativity shows. There is an interesting outdoor patio in two levels. As well as an indoor section. We took our 10 and 8 year grandchildren. They enjoyed the visit.

Wow! Worth a visit! This quote in the mosaic sums it up “I built the sanctuary to be inhabited by my ideas and my fantasies.” Everything mosaic with many atypical features throughout. Multilevel and very interesting. The scavenger hunt was fun for a while and very challenging. I recommend because it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You could spend hours looking at all the detailed elements.

Very nice riverfront park. Plenty to do in the summer months, from the small outdoor rides, roller skating, food trucks, bars and chairs to sit and watch the world go by. This is a great spot to visit and will be even better when they complete Penns Landing Park upgrade etc

Great shaded area with room for kids to run around. Hammocks are amazing. 2 hr limit on hammock use. Pop up play for kids in summer months. Places to grab food. Minimal bathroom access. Water fountains available.

The concerts are a great way to spend the evening with friends, family, partner, whomever! Hammocks are cool but normally occupied when I get there and they are a nice touch!

Good park, on Friday’s there’s live band music on summer only free. Good food and drinks and amazing places to take pictures.

It was a mid experience. It was 3 food vendors, chickie and petes, a vendor that serves drinks and a vendor that served funnel cake and other snacks. Besides that it wasnt anything going on. Maybe it was a slow day?! The band was pretty bland as well. If you want to just have a quiet place to talk with a friend near the water and get a drink, id recommend this spot for only that. Beware, it's a 30 buck parking fee so yeah. If you're looking to go on a date, I suggest going elsewhere.

Nice family friendly area, especially on good weather day. Has come a long way. Clifford Luck Visuals aka Bigdumbanimal IG/ @bigdumbanimal Portraits/ Candids/Street/ Commercial/Lifestyle

Nice park with hammocks and chairs along the Delaware river. The hammocks were locked when we arrived around 2pm on a Friday. However, someone unlocked them around 3. All of the vendors open at 4.

We had a really wonderful visit. The interpretive ranger staff are so thoughtful and knowledgeable. It is always wild to see this relatively modest place where so many of the roots of our country were planted. I love how we can both acknowledge the complicated humanity of our founders, appreciate the heart of it, and grow to do better. As someone on wheels, I also appreciated the access. The options were mostly obvious, and for the one spot a temporary ramp was needed it was up before I could blink. The whole area is thoughtful and well curated. Be careful though. I came here with my fifth grader who had just finished studying American History - and left with a full set of the foundational documents of our nation. 😳😂 You've been warned. (She has been updating me from the Bill of Rights regularly since then.)

Impressive. Fantastic space with many interesting artifacts and displays. Great combo ticket with the Museum of the American Revolution. Convenient Starbucks in the building. Interesting movie in the round got things off to a good start. Suffrage exhibit was really well done. I think my favorite thing was the room with the life size statues of the signers of the constitution.

There is so much history here. Could have spent the entire day here. It is worth taking the tour of the original House of Representatives and Senate.

Amazing Independence National Historical Park! I visited Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, and it was an amazing experience! This historic site is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. The park is home to iconic landmarks, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect spot for exploration. Highly recommend it!

You need to reserve your tour time in the visitor's center or on the National Parks App or website. It is a very informative tour with a park ranger sharing important facts during the tour.

Great learning experience. Get there early and grab a map. There’s plenty of American history to learn. Make sure you get you Philly Cheesesteak.

Between Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's grave site and the visitor center, you should plan to spend an entire day in this area. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance for any tours. All mobility levels can access these sites.

Great arena, seats were decently comfortable and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat. I think sitting on the lawn would drive me nuts, but the people out there during the Creed show didn't seem to mind at all! The drinks are super expensive and not worth the price.

This is easily one of my favorite venues in the region. My brother and I make it out to between three and seven shows here every year, and it never disappoints. The staff is always friendly, the bathrooms are impressively clean, and the pretzels are absolutely delicious. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend grabbing lawn passes—the experience is fantastic. No matter what the name on the sign is, this will always be a place I keep coming back to year after year.

Love seeing any type of concert here! Such a fun and great atmosphere. The lawn is always the best part. Enough room for a big group. Drinks and food venders always close. Little pricey for drinks but overall great experience.

Just saw Hozier here and it's my new favorite venue. They have a dedicated entrance to the pit. Easy entrance to seats and two different entrances to lawn at least. The inside area to buy food, drinks and use the restroom is air conditioned. Incredible staff. I like this place better than the Mann!! Parking is expensive so plan for that! Overall, great venue!

I've seen a handful of concerts here over the years and never had a bad experience yet. It's a large concert venue so expect to pay out the butt for everything. When the weather is nice the fact that the rear of the venue is open to the grass is really nice. That's also where you can get tickets really cheap.

Went for a Jonas Brothers concert the other day and it was definitely busier than I've EVER seen it. Food is pretty good, drinks are great (everything is very expensive but it's to be expected in a venue with no reentry. They have a TON of bars at the top of the lawn so you don't necessarily have to leave the lawn to get a drink. Bathroom lines can get a little long (there are a lot of stalls so it moves fast) but if you run to pee during a set, you might not have to wait too long. Floor was pretty wet in the stall of the women's room halfway through the show, and a lot of the soap dispensers weren't working. Getting out can take a minute with the crowds too. Traffic was really bad getting into a lot about a 10-minute walk away, but you can walk with the crowd (it's in a really horrible neighborhood of Camden!! Be careful!). Parking was $30 there, and we saw a $40 lot closer to the actual gates. Get there early to beat the traffic! We almost missed the opener! Clear backpacks (12x12x6) are allowed in and you can bring a small blanket to sit on if you have lawn seats (site says 5'x3' but I saw people with much larger blankets) and you can also rent lawn chairs too. Lawn seats are usually pretty cheap!

I've been coming to the waterfront since it was put in, however many years ago. It's a fantastic indoor/outdoor venue with seating under a pavilion if you prefer that and a giant hill outside where you can watch your concert as well. Prices of consumables are high as to be expected, but to be fair they allow a sealed water bottle to be taken in and they have refill stations free! As of August 2025 you can bring a small clear bag, hand bag etc, with you through security as well, which is fair as well so ladies just get a clear purse or whatever and you can bring in your necessities as you see fit. We saw she l AJR this last time and it was really good, even from the lawn, the screens were plenty big and you could even see the stage fairly well. We lucked out it was an absolutely gorgeous evening, but even if it rains, we saw Mumford and Sons a few years ago and they came back on after the rain, after doing half a set and for everyone who stayed they did an additional complete set!! You never know what will happen with an outside venue as this. Great job!!

Found this sweet hole in the wall Pub on Super Bowl LVII. So worth every every penny. Service was Amazing, Atmosphere was Fly Eagles Fly and the food was extremely good. I would make the food 4.75. It's just off the beating bar path and had a great time. Definitely going back if I am back in Philly for a night of FUN.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. I'm a lover of fish and chips in general and theirs did not disappoint. I'd recommend getting the regular size, after ordering the large portion I feel as if the batter ended up not crispy enough for my taste, overall cool little place.

Oh my goodness, if I could give 10 stars I would!!! Had the most wonderful time in this darling establishment! First, Taylor, the manager greeted us in the friendliest way - I know she was smiling under her mask because her eyes twinkled🙂 From the brick walls to the beautiful ceiling this place is cozy, quaint, and inviting. Three of us had the fish and chips which was so delicious. The cod tasted clean and fresh, and the "chips" were cooked just right. My daughter had the french toast that looked like it should be in a magazine, she said it was delicious. By the time we got there they were out of the Shepard's Pie, so I can't wait to go back and try it. Had a chance to chat with the chef, he was so engaging and nice!! My favorite memory from our trip to Philadelphia!!

Saw a great show here, very friendly staff. Good selection of both drinks and food, ample parking available in the area. Bathrooms very clean. The prices were pretty good, got to choose a few things from the draft list without going broke. Seating can get a little cramped during events.

The food and atmosphere are great! We loved our chicken and mushroom pie. Staff is fantastic! Would give it 5 stars but the 2nd floor and bathroom are scary.

Loved this British Pub! The food was great and it was nice to relax and dine-in here! I came here to celebrate my 22nd birthday, and it was not crowded and the atmosphere was perfect. The Scotch Egg & Shepard's Pie were so good. Definitely coming back to visit in the future! You can also watch British soccer at the bartender side.

Food was good, but it smelled like a cat's litter box when we were there. Not the most appetizing smell. I got the crab meat on toast and had a taste of my friend's deviled eggs and they were both very good.

A Delicious Post-Aquarium Stop at Bain’s Deli – Perfect for Families! After visiting the Adventure Aquarium during our family’s spring break trip to Camden, we stopped by Bain’s Deli for a late lunch, and it was the perfect way to refuel! This spot is conveniently located right by the aquarium, making it an ideal choice for families. I ordered the Dino Sandwich, which was hot, tasty, and absolutely packed with flavor. The portions were huge, so we definitely got our money’s worth. The kids loved their turkey and cheese subs, which were fresh and just the right size for them, while my wife raved about her chicken cheesesteak, saying it was one of the best she’s ever had. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff made us feel right at home with their friendly service. It was clear they take pride in their food and in making sure every customer leaves happy. Bain’s Deli is a must-visit if you’re in the area, especially after a day at the aquarium. We’ll definitely be back on our next trip to Camden!

This is the best of the best! The people are so friendly and generous to their customers. The food is true deli - fresh and delicious. We had tuna, corned beef, a Ruben, and a meatball Parm sub. All homemade and outstanding. Prices were fine for the high quality and taste. You must try this deli! It will be a great surprise.

Staff was awesome and the food was amazing!!! They closed at 4PM and we and showed up just before 4PM and bought a crew of 22 people. They fed us all extremely quickly!!!! Would highly recommend.

$9.97 total for a pastrami sandwich with a very generous meat/bread ratio and good flavor. Not a huge sandwich but perhaps two small meals. (I'd eaten very recently so I had only half anyway.)

I love this Deli!!! Tuna is superb never have to add seasoning.. However, I do get some of their egg salad, to mix in the tuna.. I have everyone in my house eating this stuff lol💯

Best service and nicest crew. The best food in town! Don’t go anywhere if you want flavor and the best sandwiches, you need to try them. I wanted to give 10 star but it let me get 5. Thank you . I will be back

Love This Deli when I come to the aquarium, he accommodates my diet, and everything is so fresh, establishment is clean

i love this place! this is my neighborhood spot--truly has some of the best bartenders in the city and a diverse clientele. i've had many, many interesting conversations here with both staff and patrons and have also met many new friends. and they serve their citywide ($5) (which they invented btw) with a PBR ($3 a can), which is the superior choice. i'm a single woman and usually go to this bar alone. whenever i've had problems with men here (happens from time to time, not the bar's fault), the bartenders have ALWAYS had my back (shout out to my girl, Kelly!!) both of the doormen do an excellent job of keeping things safe and in control inside the bar too. the food from their restaurant next door is exactly what you need after a night of drinking, and the events B&B holds are the shit. they have the best karaoke night in the city, and the drag night is absolutely worth checking out. the live music and dj's also never disappoint. and during football season, they have the games on (go birds!) it's a classic dive bar, maybe one of THE dives in the city. a MUST visit for any dedicated PBR-head. 10/10. oh! and also the bathrooms are clean!!!! what more could you want?? ps. it's cash only but there is an atm inside

A truly special and magical place that still exists. I hope it lasts forever. One of the beacons that keeps Philly unique. Looks like more tavern from the outside. Has these awesome musical notes bike locks. Live music. Incredible beer and shot specials. Crazy cool interior. Awesome bartenders and patrons. Protect this place at all costs.

Awesome spot. The jazz band was great, and service was fast and friendly. $3 PBRs hit the spot. Cash only, but they have an ATM inside.

This place is a must! Great vibes, divey setting, and don't forget to order the city wide special (PBR & shot of Jack Daniels) for $5!! We will definitely be back to this watering hole!

So much fun. A real good atmosphere and size. Seating at the bar or at tables. The times I've gone there's been live music, which has been awesome. I also see a DJ Booth set up. Good drinks. Good vibes.

Cool old school vibe, cheap drinks, great service and amazing music. A jazz band was playing when I went and the were fantastic. A PBR and a shot for $5. A great value that’s hard to beat. If live music and affordable drinks are your thing it’s definitely worth a trip.

Great bar devoted to Pabst blue ribbon 🎀.an excellent bar with good service,great vibe , and a great band. My buddy JoJo and I drank some citywide specials and jammed to Cyber funk. A versatile band who really killed it with some Bill withers jams

This is a must visit when in Philadelphia. Gorgeous museum filled with inspiring artifacts. There are so much to see , and you can get lost inside, since it was our first time here, it took us a while to figure it out how to exit the exhibits. We had a great time inside the museum , spent hours inside the museum enjoyed everything we saw, only wished we had more time to spend here. Tickets pricing are reasonable with military enter for free at certain times. Friendly and attentive staff. Great location. Can arrive on one of the city bus tours as well.

I haven't been to the museum since I was in 8th grade. The experience of the museum inside was great. No complaints. But upon entering and purchasing my admission ticket, I had tapped my card. On the screen that faced me, it read "approved". But the lady behind the ticket counter told me it was "declined". I thought that was odd considering my side said it wasn't. And she insisted that it was declined. So I tapped my card several more times and then finally on the 4th time it was approved. I found it weird but continued my visit into the museum. As I was getting ready to leave, I checked my bank statement through my app and right there it said I was charged twice for my admission. 2 charges for $30. So I stopped at the ticket counter on my way out and they denied me any kind of help with returning my money, even though I showed them right there On my phone that they had charged me twice for one admission. They told me basically they can't do anything about it and that my bank statement wasn't proof enough basically. And then told me to contact my bank because it wasn't their problem. I thought it was rude and inconsiderate, when they were the ones who charged me twice and the proof was right in front of them. I walked away and immediately called my bank. Thank God they are amazing and saw what the museum did and were able to stop it as a duplicate charge. I really don't know what their (museum staff) problem was or why they were rude about it as if I was not being truthful. Even though I showed them right there, that they charged me twice. So I would pay attention to your bank statements when purchasing your admission tickets. Other than that, the museum is a beautiful place to visit and the rest of the staff throughout the museum was friendly and extremely helpful and pleasant to deal with. So I will give 4 stars for the rest of my experience. 😊

Climbing up the grand staircase felt like stepping into an ancient Roman temple! ⛪️ The museum’s interior is full of brilliant design details — even the elevator has a striking, unforgettable look. ✨ Behind it, the Phillips Fountain offers a perfect view of City Hall, making it a great photo spot! 📸 You can also find Monet’s Sunflowers here 🌻 — and learn about the meaning behind the Chinese phrase “Five Blessings Arrive at the Door” (五福臨門), symbolizing happiness, longevity, health, virtue, and peace. 🍀

This museum offers art from many periods that are nothing short of exquisite! There are four floors of exhibits. I recommend to start at the third floor and work your way down. There are stairs and elevators for those who are handicapped. The third floor offers armor, European Art from the Medieval period to roughly 1850 as well as Asian Art. Not only are art pieces displayed, but also parts of buildings to showcase the artful architecture of Europe and Asia. The second floor includes contemporary European and American artworks. Paintings, sculptures, and displays make up most of the floor, each demonstrating the variety of creativity the modern mind can produce. The first floor encompasses the special exhibit and American Art up to the early nineteenth century with and emphasis on Pennsylvania art and furniture. The gift shops are also on this floor, featuring exceptional books, prints, magnets, stickers, and other souvenirs one may take home with them. The ground floor includes some African and Asian artwork from a special exhibit of artistic clothing. The security people did not make you feel uncomfortable (in fact, many were welcoming). Overall, this is a museum that one has to check out if they are in the Philadelphia area. Be prepared to spend four hours there at least if you like looking at every single item!

Fantastic museum with an impressive collection. Third floor Asian and Medieval portions with restored portals, Japanese village, cloister courtyard are simply amazing - a treat for kids and adults alike. Convenient parking across the street.

One of the best museums I've experienced in the states! It's very big, nice, clean, and a lot of collections that you might want to see desperately! And they offer 15$ per adult every Friday night with DJ/ music stuff. Although I think the event is not necessary, however, it's very good to see a museum try to attract different areas of people to come in again to appreciate the pure beauty of arts!

The museum is large and features a wide range of art—Andy Warhol photos, modern and classical pieces, armor displays, religious sculptures and paintings, walk-through exhibits, and much more. A major highlight is the famous Rocky steps at the east side entrance—definitely a must-see!

Very cool place. Full of cool things to keep us adults and my daughter intrigued. The Eatery was a nice way to break up the day and grab some food. Parking garage was easy to use too.

Best museum ever! It's so educational! My two favorite exhibits of the museum were the live show and the heart! I was so amazed by the heart exhibit that I went three times! The love shows that the guy did the liquor, and the air was so cool. I learned that nitrogen can exist in three states: liquid, solid, and gas, and the sheep heart dissection was fascinating. I thoroughly enjoy myself in the museum. Please take your kids to it and read all the signs and interact with the exhibit!

The best museums are the ones like Franklin! It is structurally appealing to look at from the outside, and it looks great. The tickets are the usual price for an attraction like this and are discounted for kids. It's one of the most interactive museums I've ever been to. There were so many different exhibits to see and things to do, so I couldn't do it all in a few hours. Would 100% recommend for a rainy day or overall activity to spend with or without kids. I believe the sports section is temporary, but that was my personal favorite!

Love this place. Very cool for kids and adults. The one downside is the parking ticket situation. If you're a member, you have to bring the parking ticket inside to the customer service desk for validation in order to get the discount. It would be more convenient to self validate at the parking kiosk using your membership card/number. If you forget you ticket you have to go into the parking lot and the all the way back into the building to get it validated. Very inconvenient for big families with lots of small children. If you forget your ticket your out $25. There should be a work around for when members lose their tickets. Also, note, we went on a Wednesday. Lots of school trips. This is helpful if you have small children who might get trampled in the shuffle of big kids.

I grew up with the Franklin Institute—memberships, school field trips, invention camp, even a 50th birthday party. Now, I bring my own kids and share in the same joy of hands-on, engaged learning. We love the iconic walk-through heart and the massive train you can actually board and explore. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits that invite kids (and adults) to hands on tinker, and discover. The rotating special exhibits are always top-notch, and the permanent ones continue to hold their value over time. On our most recent visit, we stumbled into the planetarium—what a treat. The 15–20 minute constellation show was a great new experience, and my kids gave it a big thumbs up. Highly recommend this best in class museum. We’ll keep coming back—forever and ever.

I picked up a Philadelphia City Pass earlier this year, and by August we finally decided to cash it in. Three outings crammed into nine days: because why pace yourself when you can binge museums like they’re a Netflix series? First stop was the Franklin Institute, a place I hadn’t visited since childhood. Back then it felt like a temple of science and wonder. As an adult, it still has its magic, but it’s more of a mixed bag: part awe, part “well, that could certainly use some WD-40.” The day started off smooth. The City Pass check-in was easy, and the whole place never felt oppressively crowded. We could take our time at exhibits without standing in lines or being elbowed aside. And the good stuff was genuinely good: that massive steam locomotive in the collection hall is still jaw-dropping, the revamped optical illusions section is both playful and a little disorienting, and the “Your Brain” exhibit was hands-down the star of the day. It managed to be both engaging and eerie—the neuron model in particular was mesmerizing, glowing webs of activity that looked like they’d been lifted from the Upside Down. The kids were hypnotized; pulling them away from it felt like trying to separate a teenager from Wi-Fi. The iconic walk-through heart is still around, a bit dated but endearing in a “retro science fair” sort of way. Even the cafeteria pulled off a minor miracle with fruit, whole-grain snacks, and prices that didn’t require selling a kidney. The building itself, though, might outshine everything else. Between the soaring dome, the columns, the tucked-away crown molding, and the ceilings painted like quiet treasures, it’s a place where you almost forget you’re there to look at exhibits because the walls themselves are art. But let’s not romanticize it too much. The parking garage was cramped, overpriced, and about as relaxing as driving through a car wash with your windows down. Once inside, the museum’s layout was a mess. Poor signage, confusing hallways—it would’ve been easy to miss entire sections if we weren’t deliberately combing through. And let’s talk about security—or rather, the lack of it. No bag checks, no real staff presence, just the feeling that you could wander around unmonitored forever. Efficient, yes, but also unnerving. And the interactive exhibits? A letdown. Too many broken or outdated to the point of embarrassment. Nothing ruins the energy of discovery like hammering on a button only to watch it sputter out a dim, apologetic light. A lot of these things desperately need tuning, updating, or straight-up replacing. The “special exhibit” was the final insult: some “wonders of the body” deal that cost $20 extra. It looked as thrilling as reading medical pamphlets in a waiting room. I couldn’t help but compare it to when I was a kid and the Institute was showcasing Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs—life-size, in-your-face, unforgettable. Once you’ve seen animatronic T-Rexes roar down at you, a hallway of anatomy posters just doesn’t cut it. So we saved our money. And while I was happy to linger, read, and soak up information, I could see the attention spans of kids wearing thin. For every moment of excitement, there were two where the pace slowed to plaque-reading mode…and not every child is built for that kind of grind. All told, the Franklin Institute is still a worthwhile stop. It has genuine moments of awe, especially in its architecture and a handful of exhibits that really land. But the cracks show: broken equipment, lack of staff, and a general sense of being behind the times. It feels like a place leaning on nostalgia and reputation instead of being fully polished for the present. A few updates, working buttons, and maybe a return to bold, thrilling special exhibits would restore the magic. Until then, it’s a mix of marvels and missed opportunities, equal parts temple of science and cautionary tale in museum maintenance.

The Franklin Institute was very fun and engaging. We didn’t have as much time as we would have liked and didn’t get to see anything in the planetarium but the rest of the place was great. The sports area was fun, a few things were broken unfortunately. But overall we had a great time would be awesome for kids from like 5+ I’d guess. Our baby seemed to enjoy tho as well. We used a go city pass for entry that went really smooth.

“[good] soul food is like a big hug” — That’s exactly how we felt while eating their fried fish and fried chicken today. Perfectly seasoned and fresh food. Wife and i debate on whether we like the entree or the sides better. Was recommended the yams and it was 11/10 worth it. Greens had some heat, but none of the bitterness. Don’t even need to question the mac and cheese or the green beans. Full of flavor in every bite. Stumbled upon this place as we’re exploring the fairmount area, and so glad we did. The workers were super helpful from ordering to getting sauces as we left. Definitely will come back when in the area!

They have the best soul food I've had n Philly so far. There are two women who greeted us when we walked in.The place smells really good and they have menus all over. The portions are great and the food was made in front of us. I got cornbread and carrit cake onghe side to my macaroni and cheese with chicken and waffles. The food was perfect. Would definitely go back again.

So many feathers on my 4 wings I thought I would fly away... OMG cleanliness goes for meats even plucking large feathers call me old fashioned, but I am use to how Grandma did things ... Aside from the birds feathers flavor wise is cool!!! Check them out again... I wanna give 3stars but I'll do 4star today. Please do better

It was gross. I ordered teriyaki turkey wings. They were dry and didn't taste like teriyaki at all. Also had yams that was flavorless. Lacked the sweetness and was dry. Like I don't know if the keep the food under a heat lamp. But the turkey wings was chewy, tough and dry. Seem like the cabbage was the best part. I'd never gonna go back there again. 1 and done for me.

The Mac was good greens too salty the turkey wing was good potatoe salad I didn’t like it and I’ll never buy it again

Excellent food! Great customer service! Authentic soul food full of flavor! The red velvet pancakes, fried fish, omeletes, shrimp & grits, and home fries/potatoes were a part of our brunch menu and everybody left happy! I've used them several times and they have never disappointed! I will be back again and again and again! Great choice if you are in Philadelphia looking for good food at a good price!

I’m going to start off by saying the girl that took my order had no customer service skills at all! I bought 2 platters from here, and a side of potato salad. The first platter was mac & cheese, string beans, and fried chicken wings which was good, I really enjoyed the garlic string beans very juicy. The second platter was mac & cheese collard greens and two extra small pieces of fried fish! The potato salad was nasty, the skin was kept on a lot of the potatoes, it also had a strong vinegar taste to it! Just potatoes, mayonnaise, and vinegar I couldn’t believe it.

Went today and shocked at how a small now was very small compared to say 20 years ago. 2 kids and one adult water ice with tax was $12. Seemed steep. It was delicious I had cherry and the service was friendly and quick. The lady in front took forever but that wasn’t there fault. I was able to pull up and make a quick stop on south street since it was daytime however normally not an option

Delicious creamy and not too sweet custard. Made me happy

I came at 8:30 and girl was whipping down the machine and she said they close at 8 so she turned me away and a bunch of other customers when they close at 9

How am I standing in window some lady gets served like 5-6 buckets of water ice at 10:50am. when I get to window she says they are not open yet? on a day that is 87 degrees!?????

Excellent service to costumer . Ice cream and ice flavor so good

Ok location, the employees there were friendly enough. But we had to wait for cheese pretzels & they still almost ran out but luckily we got the last two. Definitely not my favorite location

I don't know what the heck happened but my family of 6 threw out our entire order. Custard fine but all flavors of water ice were utterly tasteless. Been to Rita's dozens of times in many other locations first bad experience.