Pennsylvania

Travel Guide
West End-Elliott Overlook Park which includes landscape views, a city and night scenes
Some of America’s most iconic historical monuments are located in the fascinating cities of Pennsylvania, a state that also offers stunning woodland scenery.

Multicultural and multifaceted Pennsylvania is the home of two of the finest cities in northeastern America. Spend days hopping between galleries and museums of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh or simply visit to admire the stunning architecture in each city. Leave the cities behind, however, to discover famous battlefields, charming towns and outdoor adventure.

Pennsylvania is known as the “Keystone State” as it was an economic and political focal point in the formation of the new country. Explore the State Museum of Pennsylvania to learn about the state’s role in the colonial era and during the industrial revolution. Visit the town of Gettysburg to learn about the state’s continued importance in the Civil War.

Discover more local history and culture in the grand city of Philadelphia. Here you can learn about the formation of America by visiting the Liberty Bell, the National Constitution Center and Independence Hall. Encounter masterpieces from around the world in the the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest museums of its kind in America.

Creative Pittsburgh is equally appealing and is the home of the Carnegie Museums, a multi-site attraction encompassing science, art and natural history. Join crowds of locals at Heinz Field to watch a football match for an unmissable Pittsburgh experience.

Explore Allegheny National Forest, an alluring swath of woodland in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Ride mountain bikes across the rugged terrain or amble along walking trails. Don’t miss the Kinzua Sky Walk, an old railway bridge that stands at over 300 feet (90 meters) above the forest.

Sample the delicious produce of Pennsylvania’s numerous vineyards. Join the Bucks County Wine Trail north of Philadelphia or the Mason-Dixon Wine Trail in south-central for numerous wineries that offer tours and tasting sessions.

Both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have airports that serve most of the country. Come at any season of the year. Foliage tours make fall a particularly popular time to enjoy the scenery. Winter comes with snow sports while spring and summer promise warm days for outdoor activities.

Where to stay in Pennsylvania

Liberty Bell Center featuring heritage architecture, a monument and a city

Center City

4.5/5(6,262 area reviews)

Boasting a dense downtown area, Center City offers a plethora of restaurants, bars, and cultural institutions like Kimmel Center and Academy of Music. Explore Penn's Landing, Old City, or the medical Mütter Museum, and enjoy convenient transport options.

Center City
Downtown Pittsburgh which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Downtown Pittsburgh

4.5/5(2,251 area reviews)

Discover the urban downtown center, home to historic sites like Point State Park and the Cultural District. Enjoy diverse shopping options and easy access to public transportation, including the "T" light rail and bus networks.

Downtown Pittsburgh
Bella Vista which includes street scenes and markets

South Philadelphia

3/5(488 area reviews)

Discover Columbus Commons for shopping, indulge in cheesesteaks at Geno's or Pat's, and catch a game at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Explore the American Swedish Historical Museum or unwind at revitalized Passyunk Avenue's cafes and bars.

South Philadelphia
North Shore showing a river or creek, a bridge and a city

North Shore

4.5/5(567 area reviews)

Heinz Field, PNC Park, and The Andy Warhol Museum await in this vibrant area, connected to Downtown Pittsburgh by the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges. Enjoy easy access to two light rail stations.

North Shore
Fairmount Park which includes skyline, a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture

West Philadelphia

4/5(329 area reviews)

Home to universities like University of Pennsylvania and Drexel, this area boasts cultural venues such as Mann Music Center and Bushfire Theater. Explore Lancaster Avenue's shops and restaurants, or visit the historic Philadelphia Zoo.

West Philadelphia
Eastern State Penitentiary featuring interior views

North Philadelphia

4/5(66 area reviews)

North Philadelphia is a destination travelers like for its historic sites, and you might hop aboard the metro at North Philadelphia BSL Station or Allegheny Station to explore sights like The Liacouras Center.

North Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is $142 per night from May 12 to May 13
$142
$165 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,427 reviews)
"Came in town for conference. Check in was fast and efficient. The room was small but clean. During check out had the opportunity to meet Dermot. Super warm and welcoming. He was extremely help with getting me a parking voucher and recommending breakfast in the area. Definitely a gem at CQ. Can’t ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
The price is $161 per night from May 27 to May 28
$161
$209 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy breakfast, WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,467 reviews)
"Check in was quick and the room was great. If stayed at Sonesta previously and will be returning again for my next trip to Philadelphia."

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
193 Resort Drive, Tannersville, PA
The price is $188 per night from May 8 to May 9
$188
$247 total
includes taxes & fees
May 8 - May 9
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Tannersville. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and 4 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,540 reviews)
"The property charged me $600 dollars incorrectly and said it was Expedia when i psid Expedia for the trip prior to traveling. After a 30 minute phone call and three untrained staff members a manager admitted it was there error. They gave me some game cards to the arcade. After that stress on a vacation ..."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln Financial ...
8/10 Very Good! (214 reviews)
"Close to airport. Nice refrigerator. Good value."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
4 out of 5
699 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"Just wish thwy had parking"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Mint House at The Divine Lorraine Hotel
Sonder The Witherspoon
Sonder The Witherspoon
3.5 out of 5
130 South Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy concierge services, a flat-screen TV, and digital TV. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (982 reviews)
Clean but missing a couple things
"This was a great alternative to a hotel, in a very good Center City location. The place was clean and mostly well-appointed, but they need better blackout shades in the bedroom and somewhere to put your clothes that isn’t the floor—a shelf or two in the huge closet."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Sonder The Witherspoon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Pennsylvania