Philadelphia City Hall

The 26 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

"City Hall isn’t the tallest building in Philadelphia, but it’s still hard to miss it when you're walking around Center City. Look up and you’ll see William Penn, 548 feet above the ground, looking out over the city he designed. The views of the building—the largest municipal building in the United States—are impressive, but don’t simply stroll past. Dilworth Park, which hosts an annual Christmas market, a seasonal ice skating rink, and free summertime fitness classes, is on its doorstep. City Hall helps make the case that outside of Washington D.C., Philadelphia is the best city in the U.S. for travelers interested in American history and government." - Regan Stephens, Devra Ferst

City Hall — Landmark Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"What’s this place all about? City Hall isn’t the tallest building in Philadelphia, but it’s still hard to miss it when you're walking around Center City. Look up and you’ll see William Penn, 548 feet above the ground, looking out over the city he designed. The views of the building—the largest municipal building in the United States—are impressive, but don’t simply stroll past. Dilworth Park, which hosts an annual Christmas market , a seasonal ice skating rink, and free summertime fitness classes, is on its doorstep. What’s it like being there? City Hall is home to more than the city government. It’s also a transit hub with a large train station beneath it, so expect to see a mix of tourists and locals bustling about, particularly during rush hour. Is there a guide involved? Visitors can wander around the exterior and the courtyard of City Hall without a guide, but those looking to check out the lavish interior rooms or the tower need to sign up for a tour. Who comes here? Outside of Washington D.C. , Philadelphia is arguably the best city in the U.S. for travelers interested in American history and government. There are a lot of attractions competing for their attention. But City Hall is unique. Unlike other sites like the Liberty Ball and Independence Hall, City Hall brings history into the present. Did it meet expectations? Even if you just walk past City Hall, you’ll be impressed." - Devra Ferst

"Panoramic views from City Hall tower Philadelphia’s City Hall is the largest and tallest city hall in the US, and for locals, the midpoint for all things Center City. Designed by architect John McArthur, Jr., it was completed in 1901 and originally designed to be the world's tallest building, an honor that it held only briefly. There are over 250 ornamental marble statues decorating the exterior of the building, and it is topped off by a bronze statue of the city's founder, William Penn, created by sculptor Alexander Milne Calder. (Trivia: The statue is 37 feet tall and weighs 53,348 pounds, and once wore a super-sized Phillies baseball cap; then some years later was dressed in a giant Flyers jersey.) Underneath the William Penn statue is a tower with an observation deck that offers incredible 360 degree views of the city (and the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers, and New Jersey, and beyond!). This view, toward the southeast, captures the iconic PNB Building. Visitors can purchase timed tickets for the observation deck from the City Hall Visitor Center, Room 121 (east of the central courtyard)."