As the ‘birthplace of the United States’ and the nation’s first World Heritage City, coupled with the city’s ‘kinetic energy,’ travel guide Lonely Planet has recognised Philadelphia as one of the best cities in the world to travel in 2024.

Philadelphia has been named one among the top travel destinations in Lonely Planet’s 2024 ‘Best in Travel’ rankings. 

According to a press statement by the city’s official tourism agency Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB), Philadelphia is one of the top 10 cities on the list of 50 places globally. The travel guide has named Philadelphia, which is Pennsylvania’s largest city, under five major categories, including top countries, regions, cities, sustainable travel destinations and best value location. 

Lonely Planet cited Philadelphia’s role as the ‘birthplace of the United States’ and the nation’s first World Heritage City, blending with the city’s ‘kinetic energy,’ museums and eateries as key factors. 

PCVB says that Philadelphia is one of only two US cities included on the list of cities to visit in 2024, coming in at number five, behind only Kenyan-capital Nairobi, French-capital Paris, Canadian city of Montreal, and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mostar. Kansas City in Montana is the only other US city on the list, ranked 10th. 

“There’s no doubt about it: Philadelphia has momentum, both nationally and internationally, and for both group meetings and leisure travel. People want to come here, eat in our restaurants, visit our museums, see our public art, and soak up the history and culture of this amazing city. We’re seeing this momentum in our visitor numbers, in the new international routes coming to Philadelphia International Airport, and in accolades like this one. We are confident about carrying this momentum on through to 2026 and beyond,” says Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

According to the list, sites including DiBruno Brothers and South Philly Barbacoa in the historic Italian Market, the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, Bassett’s Ice Cream in the Reading Terminal Market and Zahav, Michael Solomonov’s multiple-award-winning Society Hill restaurant are all must visits in the city. 

PCVB adds that in May, the globally recognised travel authority Michelin published its very first Philadelphia destination guide, highlighting the city’s top leisure travel experiences. In June, Philadelphia chefs and restaurants won four major categories in the 2023 James Beard Awards. 

The statement adds that Philadelphia’s restaurants and food markets have continued to garner top spots in national ‘best of’ lists published by publications including Food and Wine, the New York Times and the Washington Post. In addition, USA Today readers voted Philadelphia the ‘Most Walkable City’ in America and the ‘Best City for Street Art’ for 2023.