Top Rated Attractions in Philadelphia

A jewel of the Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell spans layers and layers of long-standing history. In 1751, William Penn asked that the new bell being cast for the Pennsylvania Statehouse be engraved with the words, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” When the bell first rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, little did it know that it was going to change the course of the country forever. It was later dubbed the 'Liberty Bell' by abolitionists, who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom for all Americans. A copper-clad, 2,080-pound (940-kilogram) icon of American independence, The Liberty Bell yet serves as a symbol of pride, inspiration and freedom.

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) can best be described as—a large, square space filled with ideas and beauty. Past shows have included retrospectives of Agnes Martin, Robert Morris, Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Paul Thek and Peter Campus. There's no permanent collection, so check ahead about the current schedule. From July 1, 2008 ICA has become free to all visitors.

Permanent displays consist of paintings, drawings, sculpture, multi media montages and photography. CFEVA acts as a collective exhibition and promotion network for local artists. The different events held here and organized by them help spread awareness about the arts. Showcasing of various artists exposes people from different media towards the talents on display. The website has a lot of additional information and is updated regularly.

The Masonic Temple is the home of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. The current building, dedicated in 1873, now houses the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. The library contains the most extensive collection of Masonic literature in America. The museum houses a diversified collection of Masonic treasures that is unequaled and international in scope. The Masons sponsor a number of youth, educational and recreational opportunities. They have been strong supporters of Little League baseball and direct a number of scholarship and grant programs.

This little hollow across from City Hall is most noteworthy for Robert Indiana's 1978 "Love" sculpture. The piece has become a popular symbol for the "City of Brotherly Love" and its image is plastered all over the city. It's 20-foot-tall appeal lies in its simplicity: The letters L, O, V, E, stacked on top of each other. During a usual lunch hour the park attracts an odd combination of Armani clad businesspeople and skateboarders who skinny-dip their modes of transport in this concrete pond. They're actually fun to watch.

The Arden Craft Shop Museum is housed in a historic building in the small art village of Arden. Exuding a quaint, rustic charm, the museum explores the rich and intriguing history of Arden. Here, visitors can walk through a variety of exhibits, which include artifacts from the villages of Arden, Ardencroft and Ardentown, along with old photographs, art pieces, the role of theater, and the overall development of the Ardens. The gift shop at the museum offers local souvenirs, gift cards, bags, and more.