What to Do in Philadelphia Between FIFA World Cup 26™ Matches

Each of the six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches in Philadelphia will only last for around two hours, which means you’ll have plenty of downtime to discover one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S.

With so many unique neighborhoods and a mile-long list of attractions and experiences, there is so much to see and do in Philly. Read on for an insider’s guide to making the most of your time in the best host city for the 2026 tournament.

Essential Philly Experiences to Put at the Top of Your List

Stroll America’s Most Historic Square Mile

Head to 5th Street and N Chestnut Street for a chance to see where some of the most significant moments in the birth of America happened. In the Old City neighborhood, you can tour where the Declaration of Independence was signed (Independence Hall), what citizens heard when they first heard it read aloud (the Liberty Bell), where the first Continental Congress convened (Carpenters’ Hall), where the country’s first two presidents lived before the White House was finished (The President’s House Site) and much more. There’s a lot to see, but it won’t cost you much: Most of these iconic landmarks are free or have a nominal fee such as the $1 advance reservation fee for Independence Hall.

Explore the Barnes Foundation

If you’re traveling from Europe for the tournament, you’ll feel right at home. According to the MICHELIN Green Guide, Philadelphia is the “Frenchest American city.” That Parisian influence is on full display at the Barnes Foundation, the home of the largest collection of Renoir paintings in the world. To inspire your own sense of creativity, head across the tree-lined and Champs-Élysées-inspired Benjamin Franklin Parkway to Calder Gardens, a recently-opened cultural destination dedicated to the art of famed Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder. The surrounding gardens feature more than 250 varieties of plants.

Climb the Rocky Steps

Before your trip to Philadelphia, put the 1976 Sylvester Stallone classic Rocky on your must-watch list. When you’re here, put on your own prize-fighting gear and climb the 72 steps to the east entrance of the Philadelphia Art Museum. When you’re at the top, head in to one of the nation’s largest art museums and explore a breathtaking collection that spans 2,000 years including masterpieces from American, European, and Asian artists, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, and a life-sized Japanese tea house.

Take the City Hall Tower Tour

The view from the Rocky Steps is great, but it pales in comparison to the view from the top of City Hall in the middle of the city center. At 548 feet above ground, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Slots are available Monday to Friday and can be pre-booked, so it’s best to arrange your tickets in advance to beat the World Cup crowds. When you’re done, head to the ground floor and walk over to McGillin’s Old Ale House and raise a toast to history: the bar, opened in 1860, is the oldest continually operating bar in the city. (It’s also a great spot to watch other World Cup matches.)

Snap a Selfie in LOVE Park

Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture appears in plenty of places around the U.S., but it feels most at home in a place known as the City of Brotherly Love. Head to John F. Kennedy Plaza, a.k.a. LOVE Park — just steps away from City Hall — to commemorate your trip.

Award-Winning Flavors from Around the World

Where can you find the best version of the classic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich? While we can’t declare an official winner for who makes the most delicious medley of ribeye, cheese, and onions on a hoagie roll, we recommend beginning your taste test at Geno’s, Pat’s or Jim’s South Street. Then, head over to MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-rated cheesesteak restaurants: Del Rossi’s, Angelo’s Pizzeria and Dalessandro’s.

However, Philadelphia’s dining scene serves much more than the city’s classic cheesesteak. The city is home to a diverse population that speaks more than 40 languages and showcases flavor profiles from around the world. Narrowing your search for dinner can be tough, so start with these spots to get a taste of some of the city’s top culinary innovators.

For a meal you will never forget

Philadelphia is home to more than 30 MICHELIN-recognized restaurants including three MICHELIN One-Star destinations: Provenance, home to a French and Korean-influenced tasting menu; Friday Saturday Sunday, where you’ll find a laid-back New American tasting menu; and Her Place Supper Club, which offers an Italian and French-inspired tasting menu. Start your search for reservations as early as possible, as tables will fill up fast during the World Cup.

For top-notch dining in a middle-of-everything location

If you’re spending most of your time exploring Center City, you won’t have to look far for a table that pairs our one-of-a-kind local hospitality with international appeal. Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, Dizengoff, serves up Mediterranean classics like fresh-baked pita and Turkish skirt steaks, while My Loup — a Michelin-recommended destination — offers French fare with a classic cocktail menu. For the “best bread in Philadelphia” (and the entire East Coast, according to Bon Appétit), head to High Street.

Local Tip: Many smaller, independent restaurants across Philadelphia do not have liquor licenses and instead allow you to bring your own alcohol (BYOB). While beer, wine and canned cocktails can be purchased at various local grocery or convenience stores, more extensive wine choices and spirits must be bought at state-run Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations. Be sure to check your restaurant’s policy ahead of time so you can pick up your favorite beverages before your reservation.

Looking for more award-winning restaurants? Check out the new and award-winning restaurants in Philadelphia.

For a chance to explore more of the city

Head to South Philly or Fishtown for a Puebla-style cemita sandwich at El Chingon, named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in America by The New York Times and one of Philly’s best BYOB restaurants. For an omakase experience, pick between Queen Village’s Royal Sushi & Izakaya and Fishtown’s Hiroki. On North Broad, Honeysuckle’s four-course tasting menu celebrates the flavors and stories of the African diaspora. You’ll be in one of Philly’s unique neighborhoods, but your taste buds will be on a globetrotting journey.

For options that will please everyone in your group

If you’re traveling with a big group of friends for the World Cup or just want a quick meal, Reading Terminal Market — a historic food hall with over 80 vendors — is the destination that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. Vegan dishes, American soul food, Jewish deli specialties, French crepes, delicious doughnuts, soft pretzel creations, and even Georgian cuisine — this Center City institution has it all.

Your Dining Guide: Make Your Reservations at Philly’s Best Restaurants.

More Games, Celebrations and Special Events During the World Cup

FIFA Fan Festival™

Open during the entire span of the FIFA World Cup 26™ tournament, Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival™ will be a must-visit destination and a continuous celebration of community, culture, music, and sport. Located in the scenic Lemon Hill area of scenic East Fairmount Park, the Fan Festival is free and open to the public, but be sure to reserve your spot. On match days, fans can expect watch parties, food and beverage offerings, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable activations, while non-match days will offer ticketed concert experiences. Check out our FIFA Fan Festival™ guide for details on how to get there, what to bring, and what else to expect.

Baseball at the Bank

Lincoln Financial Field won’t be the only place where fans are cheering this summer; Citizens Bank Park — home to the Philadelphia Phillies — will be packed with baseball fans, too. Depending on the timing of your trip, you may be able to catch a matchup against the Miami Marlins (June 15 — 17), New York Mets (June 18, 20, and 21) or the Pittsburgh Pirates (June 29—July 2). No matter when you’re here, you’ll be part of one of the loudest crowds in Major League Baseball. And tickets will likely cost much less than those World Cup matches.

After the World Cup matches in Philadelphia are over, do not miss the opportunity to experience Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week in Philadelphia that starts just a week after July 4. From July 11-14, Philadelphia will be the epicenter of the baseball world as it hosts the Capital One All-Star Village, the HBCU Swingman Classic, the 2026 MLB Draft, the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the All-Star Game, and other must-see baseball events.

Celebrate the United States’ 250th Birthday

Celebrate the United States’ 250^th Birthday: The nation turns 250 years old in 2026, and as the place where American freedom was born, Philadelphia will be home to some of the country’s biggest celebrations. The 16-day Wawa Welcome America Festival starting on Juneteenth (June 19^th) features free concerts, block parties, a patriotic parade, family-friendly events and fireworks. The free Semiquincentennial ends with , the One Philly: Unity Concert for America, featuring superstars Christina Aguilera and Seal, along with Philadelphia’s own Will Smith, Kathy Sledge, Jill Scott and The Roots. Throughout the year, 52 Weeks of Firsts  honors Philadelphia’s role in some of the biggest groundbreaking moments in the nation’s history including the first U.S. Army (June 13), the first LGBTQ+ demonstration (June 20), the first paper mill (June 27) and the first bank (July 4).

Visitor Guide: Celebrate the United States’ 250th Anniversary in Philadelphia

Join the largest African American Street Festival

Head to South Philadelphia before the game on June 14 to be part of ODUNDE, a gathering of 500,000 people honoring African American music, food, jewelry and art. The festival is free and is a long-running tradition, dating back to 1975 along South Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. The 2026 concert is headlined by R&B legends Bel Biv Devoe.

Bask in the glow of the Chinese Lantern Festival

Head to Franklin Square for a dazzling evening display of about 40 installations that depict scenes ranging from magical forests to underwater escapes. This year’s Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival runs from June 4 through mid-August, and the theme will honor America’s 250th birthday and the countries competing in Philadelphia for the World Cup with the soccer-inspired Tunnel of Champions.

Cruise the Delaware River in style with friends

Climb aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia for the Global Soccer Fan Cruise Series, a high-energy ride along the scenic Delaware River. Four sailings will depart from Penn’s Landing in the heart of Philly’s historic district, featuring live DJs, indoor and outdoor views of the city skyline, and unlimited food and beverage alongside fellow international fans. Catch cruises on June 13, June 18, June 21, and July 2 with tickets available for purchase here.

Limited-Time Landmark Exhibitions

During the World Cup, the city will also welcome some major educational exhibits that will send you home with a deeper understanding of American culture and history, including:

The Universal Theme Parks Exhibition

How are rollercoasters built? What’s the secret behind bringing movies like How to Train Your Dragon and Jurassic World to life? Find out at The Franklin Institute, which is hosting the world-premiere of the Universal Theme Parks Exhibition. The 18,000-square-foot experience offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the magic that shapes the company’s theme parks in Florida and California.

The Declaration’s Journey

The Declaration of Independence may be most recognized for its impact on America, but this exhibit, hosted at the Museum of the American Revolution, offers a look at its significance in shaping other movements around the world. More than 120 artifacts, including a military uniform and drum owned by Mexican revolutionary Vicente Guerrero, a printing press from Chile and an LGBTQ+ Pride flag, reframe the declaration in a new light.

A Nation of Artists

With a collection of more than 1,000 pieces that span three centuries, this exhibit is so big that it needs two venues. Explore works — some of which have never been publicly displayed — from iconic American artists alongside creative pioneers from underrepresented communities at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Looking for more exhibitions? Check out the top exhibitions in Philadelphia, on display now.