Summary
- Philadelphia's Amtrak station, 30th Street Station, is a bustling transportation hub that offers travelers free WiFi and a variety of things to do in between connections.
- Must-see attractions near 30th Street Station include the Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial, Schuylkill River Park, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Mütter Museum.
- Other nearby attractions worth visiting include the Barnes Foundation, the Rocky Statue, the Franklin Institute, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and Rittenhouse Square Park.
Philadelphia is one of the most diverse and livable cities in the United States that offer a lot of opportunities for future travelers. It is known for its rich and diverse culture, vibrant life, endless attractions, traditional and modern art, and great restaurants. Fortunately, Amtrak has made it easy, affordable, and convenient to access this city for decades. Travelers can skip slow buses or potentially expensive flights and take a ride along the routes that pass through the monumental Philadelphia Amtrak Station.
Officially known as William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, this Amtrak station has earned a reputation as one of the busiest intermodal centers and transportation landmarks. It is open 24 hours and has Free WiFi, allowing travelers to keep themselves entertained while at the station. Free WiFi is also offered onboard Amtrak trains, which is one of the important things travelers need to know about Amtrak.
There aren't a huge ton of the best Amtrak routes passing through 30th Street Station, but that doesn't mean it's not a fun stop to explore; for those with some time to spare in between their connections, there are many things to do at Philadelphia's Amtrak station.
10 Salute The Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial
Philadelphia has many monuments honoring people who made sacrifices during wars, but a few stand out. The Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial is a must-see monument that commemorates the sacrifice made by 1,307 railroad employees who died during World War II.
This bronze sculpture portrays the Angel of the Resurrection, Archangel Michael, lifting a fallen soldier. It is on the station’s main concourse and blends harmoniously with the columns that form a stunning backdrop.
- Weight: 10 ½ tons
- Height: 39 foot
9 Explore Schuylkill River Park
The Schuylkill River Park is a beautiful city park in Philly with everything passengers need to get away from the bustling station and urban landscapes in between their travels.
One can relax on the grass fields or stretch their legs hiking the Schuylkill River Trail. The scenic, multi-use 10- to 12-foot wide paved trail along Schuylkill River offers plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and scenic overlooks for those who want to take in spectacular waterfront views.
There are also several loop trails and small trail networks in the park. In the fall, it is thrilling to walk under canopies of reds, yellows, and reds, while the community garden is ablaze with beauty in spring when the flowers bloom.
- Length: 75 miles
- Distance from the Station: 0.6 miles (12-minute walk)
8 Visit The University Of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant universities in the United States. Some would say parts of its grounds are worthy of a place among the most beautiful campuses in the US, but only those who visit can truly say for sure - and it has a lot to offer.
About a 10-minute walk from 30th Street Station, travelers can come here to explore the lovely Gothic buildings. There are several iconic structures, including the green College Hall, the ornate Venetian Gothic Fisher Fine Arts Library, and Quadrangle Dormitories. Don't miss Penn Park, the University Museum, and the famous Philadelphia Zoo.
- Highlights: Gothic architecture, University Museum, Penn Park
- Address: Philadelphia, PA 19104
7 Admire The Beauty Of 30th Street Station
Philadephia's 30th Street Station is not just historic. Its beauty is a sight to behold. Travelers can admire its stunning neoclassical exterior, which gives way to the ultra-spacious Concourse.
Visitors are wowed by the station's gilded columns, soaring 95-foot ceiling, unique light fixtures, and art deco windows. Cameras are allowed inside the station so one can capture the station's antique architecture.
Commercial photography equipment is not allowed inside the station. Travelers should also be careful taking photos of secure areas as it can arouse suspicion.
6 Explore The Mütter Museum
Situated about 8 minutes from the 30th Street Station, the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia is one of the weirdest attractions in Philadelphia to see. It is a unique history museum dedicated to medical oddities. Discover displays of provocative items, including anatomical specimens and models.
Not for the faint of heart, visitors have a chance to see petrified body parts and all manners of real medical anomalies in the flesh. Some displays visitors should not miss include the death cast of Chang and Eng, the famous Siamese twins, and Albert Einstein’s brain. Although it is not for squeamish folks, the museum offers an experience like no other, helping visitors appreciate the beauty and fascination of the human body.
- Open hours: Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 6 to 17, and free for kids below 5
5 Visit The Barnes Foundation
Visiting the Barnes Foundation is one of the top things to do in Philadelphia. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks, including 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, and other spectacular artworks. Arranged in a collage-style grouping, the exhibits are sure to captivate everyone, from art enthusiasts to casual tourists.
- Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Hours: Thursday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Budget-friendly tip: The Barnes Foundation offers free admission every first Sunday of every month, along with family-friendly entertainment.
4 Take A Photo With The Rocky Statue
Just a 14-minute walk from 30th Street Station, travelers will find the iconic Rocky Statue, one of the most popular attractions in Philadelphia. People come here to snap a picture with this larger-than-life bronze sculpture. Of course, posing with the Rocky Status and running up the “Rocky Steps” is one of the things visitors should not leave Philadelphia without doing.
After a photo session, visitors can run the "Rocky Steps" to recreate the scene from the legendary movie. Running up the steps is free and treats visitors to breathtaking panoramas of the Philadelphia skyline.
- Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Kelly Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130
3 Check Out The Franklin Institute
Founded in honor of Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is a leading science museum in the US and one of the historic reasons to visit Philadelphia. Walking into the museum's rotunda, visitors are wowed by the 20-foot-tall statue designed to honor the Founding Father. Taking photos with the granite statue is allowed.
The museum is both an educational and cultural resource that helps visitors connect with science and technology in creative ways. Some luring highlights not to miss include the SportsZone and high-tech Your Brain exhibit.
- Address: 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Open hours: Monday-Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Tickets: $25 for adults and $21 for kids from 3 to 11 years.
2 Visit The Cathedral Basilica Of Saints Peter And Paul
Want to see the only church in the United States built in Roman-Corinthian architectural style? While riding the Amtrak train through 30th Street Station, visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which is also the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania.
Walk into the sacred building to discover various shrines, altars, statues, and art. Visitors can get a brochure for a self-guided tour or enjoy a guided tour.
- Address: 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
1 Experience The Serenity Of Rittenhouse Square Park
Rittenhouse Square is a relaxing spot like no other. After a long ride from cities like Boston and New York City to Philadelphia's Amtrak station, travelers can walk to this handsome tree-filled park for a picnic or to stroll amid the trees. The park is about a 16-minute walk from the station.
Visitors can also enjoy alfresco dining and drinking in the area's restaurants or go shopping. There are several sculptures to take photos with before exploring other attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.
- Things to do: Relax on the benches, sunbathe, walk around, picnic, see and take photos with statues
- Address: 18th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103