6 Wildly Popular Destinations In Philly That Are Actually Tourist Traps

Rocky Balboa. "It's Always Sunny." The Liberty Bell and Whiz-drenched cheesesteaks. Philadelphia is an iconic city, the original seat of the nation, and a cultural force that has gifted us delicious, no-frills soul food and enduring on-screen media. But when a city reaches icon status, tourists usually follow – and when tourists arrive, so, too, do tourist traps. So while Philly is an undeniably great city for travelers, you might want to think twice before visiting some of its most popular destinations.

First, it's important to define what falls under the definition of "tourist trap," because it covers a spectrum. Broadly speaking, these are places that attract, exploit, and/or nickel and dime tourists, usually while failing to meet expectations. Other hallmarks include overcrowding and long lines, tacky gift shops and souvenir stalls, and the noticeable absence of anyone local. If you're unsure what to make of an attraction or experience before you go, there are telltale signs a tourist spot won't be worth the hype.

Some of Philly's best-known attractions are considered tourist traps, often because they suffer as a result of their own popularity. We've narrowed down six spots that are actually tourist magnets, using a mix of local testimony, visitor reviews, news reports, and online forums. Granted, the Rocky Steps and the Liberty Bell are synonymous with the City of Brotherly Love, but locals will often caution visitors about going there. Similarly, the Betsy Ross House, Pat's and Geno's steakhouses, and Rivers Casino often fail to live up to their reputations. These places are not necessarily without their merits, and you may decide that braving crowds or burning a hole in your wallet are risks that are worth the rewards. But at the very least, it's a good idea to temper your anticipation.

A common refrain in articles, forums, and YouTube videos about overrated experiences in Philadelphia is that Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are more popular than they are special. Pat's is regarded as the birthplace of the modern Philly cheesesteak and was featured in the original "Rocky" film. Rival shop Geno's, located across the street, has also been featured on TV shows and cooking segments. Locals, however, bemoan the long lines and photo-snapping tourist crowds in both restaurants, and claim that independent cheesesteak shops in quieter neighborhoods often serve better food.

The Liberty Bell is a symbol of Philadelphia, epitomizing the city's rich history and famed for a crack running down its exterior. It hangs in a light-drenched room in the Liberty Bell Center with the magnificent Independence Hall rising in the background. That might sound appealing, but to get within touching distance, you'll have to wait in line (sometimes for quite a while), even though, as many observers have pointed out, you can see it from the other side of the window on Chestnut Street, 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you've seen the Rocky films, you'll know the 72 stone steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Colloquially known as the "Rocky Steps," and topped with a statue of the fictional boxer, they are among the best free things to do in Philly. However, as one of Philadelphia's most popular spots, visitors arrive daily to (literally) follow in Rocky's footsteps and run to the top for a photo — so don't expect to be up there alone. Moreover, because tourists are so drawn to the statue, they may skip the actual museum behind it.

Rivers Casino, on the east side of town, overlooking the Delaware River, earned the ignominious title of "Pennsylvania's most boring tourist trap." A casino hardly feels like a fitting aside when visiting one of America's great cultural centers, but Rivers remains popular, undergoing significant expansion in the past decade. It has also won awards for best casino in the city. If you're feeling lucky, perhaps think again. Yelp reviewers complain of poor service, watered-down drinks, a grim atmosphere, and lack of cleanliness. Tripadvisor reviews are also poor: Rivers Casino scores 2.6 across more than 300 ratings.

In theory, the Betsy Ross House is a significant Philly landmark and a vital stop on any history tour of the city. As the home of the woman who supposedly stitched the first star-spangled banner, it's stocked with artifacts, furniture, utensils, and documents that bring 18th-century America to life. But there's skepticism around the veracity of the Betsy Ross story. Ross may never have lived in this house, probably didn't make the first American flag, and isn't buried in the grave by the courtyard. Which does make you wonder what the fuss is about.

It's good advice anywhere, but especially in Philly: Major streets are basically tourist traps. They might not have been designed as such, but first-time visitors are often drawn to them because they help with orientation, are close to transit stations, and are usually filled with people and things that feel familiar, like brand stores and restaurant chains. In Philly, thoroughfares you don't want to get trapped in include Broad, Market, Walnut, Chestnut, and Main. Your journey may be more enriching if you explore the city's backroads and handsome suburban main streets, like Iseminger and parts of South Smedley.