Spa Hotels in Philadelphia, PA

Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, is a highly-trafficked, world-renowned destination for its rich history, wealth of museums and historical landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed), and other American Revolutionary sites. With attractions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Sylvester Stallone ran up its steps in the film "Rocky," and as the meeting place for the nation’s Founding Fathers, Philadelphia has no shortage of culture to uncover. And as the country's first World Heritage City and the birthplace of the United States, well-preserved history lies around each corner of this great city. Tour town from best Philadelphia spa hotels and resorts and be prepared to be amazed!

First things first: food. While touring this food capital, you can’t skip the chance to try Philadelphia’s most famous dish, the Philly cheesesteak. Made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll, this sandwich will tantalize the taste buds with its rich flavor and warm, melty embrace. Other classics you can expect to find on the menu include a roast pork sandwich, the hoagie (a sandwich stuffed with fresh meats, cheeses, and veggies), plus Philly soft pretzels, scrapple, and tomato pie. And before you head home to one of the top Philadelphia spa hotels, stroll the streets in search of something smooth to wet your whistle from one of the city’s awaiting cocktail bars or late-night bistros.

For a little local fare, head down to the Reading Terminal Market off 12th and Arch Streets in Center City Philadelphia. Here, you’ll enter an enclosed public farmer's market offering diverse foods, housewares, and local specialties since 1892.

Spend a full day museum hopping from the city’s various arts and cultural museums. Start with The Philadelphia Museum of Art, an art museum originally chartered in 1876 for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The main museum building was completed in 1928 and displays collections containing over 240,000 objects—including European, American, and Asian works. Here, you’ll also find jaw-dropping sculptures, paintings, photographs, prints, drawings, and even armor!

Next, pop over to The Franklin Institute, a fantastic science museum and the center of science education and research in Philadelphia. The museum received its namesake from famed American scientist Benjamin Franklin, and it houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute is one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the country and a great place to bring the little ones for a day of exploration while staying at Philadelphia spa resorts!

Get wild with the kids during a trip to the zoo! Resting on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, The Philadelphia Zoo was the first actual zoo in the United States and boasts a rich history. Originally chartered on March 21, 1859, its opening was delayed by the Civil War until July 1, 1874. With an original admission price of just 25 cents, the zoo opened with 1,000 animals, some of which were brought over from safari on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution, which had yet to build the National Zoo. At 42 acres and home to 1,300 animals (many rare and endangered), this special sanctuary also offers a children's petting zoo, a paddleboat lake, a rainforest-themed carousel, a ropes course, and many interactive and educational exhibits. It’s a must-see when staying at the best spa resorts in Philadelphia.

Have a beautiful stay in Philadelphia, and don't forget to check out our spa hotels nearby in Washington DC, Herndon, and Chicago.